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<0 — Sa ee EmEÉStEs SS SS — ae THE POTOMAC AND RAPPAHANNOCK — loved to tell stories of the past and always began his tales by saying, “He had more recollections than he could remember.”’ He loved to boast that “Ole Muissis’ flowers was so sweet you could smell ’em a mile away—yjest as soon as you turn’d into de abenue.”’ During the War Between the States, Gay Mont, from its commanding position, narrowly escaped having a battery placed on the hill. This would have made it a target for the gunboats which shelled Port Royal and vicinity. The officers sent to place the battery desisted at the earnest entreaties of the women of the family. Two of Mr. Bernard’s daughters remained at Gay Mont with their faithful servants during the entire war, thus no doubt saving the place from destruction. General Abercrombie, the Union commander stationed in Port Royal, showed them great courtesy and kindness. Many nights these young ladies sat in a low window holding by the bridle their favorite horses, “Ariel” and ‘‘Empress, ” to prevent them from being stolen. ‘hese horses were finally taken, however, but were instantly released when the owners appeared next day at headquarters and begged their return. General Abercrombie then sent a special guard to protect Gay Mont from further interference while the Northern troops remained in the neighborhood. The Confederate ofhcers encamped around Fredericksburg— General J. E. B. Stuart and his staff among them—were frequent visitors at Gay Mont. General Stuart was very fond of a music box in the library and would often enter the house unobserved and announce his arrival by playing some familiar air. A chair much scratched by his buttons was long kept as a souvenir of his visits. Major Duncan McKin,, “the gallant Pelham,” and other officers were dining at Gay Mont the evening before the Battle of Fredericksburg, when a courier arrived summoning them to _ headquarters. So furious was the cannonading in that battle that the big bell over the kitchen and the smaller servants’ bells which hung outside the several windows, all rang while the battle was in (2371
