HISTORIC ANDERSON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA Subject: Civil War Veteran Interviews Version 1.0, 8-Apr-2004, H-41.txt **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn Seneca, SC, USA Golden Corner SC GenWeb County Coordinator **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Rebecca Akins at Rebecca.akins@cityofmesa.org in Apr-2004 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at kankula1@innova.net in Apr-2004 HISTORY WRITE-UP : Rebecca Akins at Rebecca.akins@cityofmesa.org in Apr-2004 Anderson Intelligencer May 26, 1914 Special issue featuring interviews with local Civil War veterans Anderson Soldiers Additional Sketches of Survivors Residing in This County Interviewed for "The Intelligencer" By The Old Country Lady W. H. ACKER - Fought in Co. E, Sixth Regiment, South Carolina Cavalry. Was in the battle of Trevillian Station, VA, June 11, 1864. Lost his right arm from the effects of a gunshot wound in this battle. Says he tried to do his best all the time and was one of the boys who didn't mind hunting things to eat. He was in the skirmish at Dorchester church, six miles east of Anderson. Capt. R. S. Cheshire was in command, with a small squad of men not more than a dozen, while the Yankees numbered a hundred or more, but bravery mastered the situation and the blue coats were soon flying from the gray coats. In the rush, one Yankee lost his sword which Mr. Acker now possesses. The "boys" say Bill Acker was hard to beat as a soldier and the county has no better citizen. J. M. COX - Served with the Sixth South Carolina Cavalry, Co. E. He was one of the young soldiers and to let him tell it, he says he didn't do a thing in the war but run. Says he killed two or three Yankees in this way. They made an effort to run him down and died in the attempt, but those who know Joe Cox say he was never the kind to run, would have been with the dozen who routed the Yankees at Dorchester Church but while sitting by the wayside in the early twilight waiting for a friend to join him, a company of Yankees filed down the road and found the young man fast asleep, made him a prisoner and marched him over across Cooley's bridge, which made one less at the Dorchester skirmish. J. S. ERSKINE -- Entered the army April 14, 1861, Fourth South Carolina Regiment, Co. J. Wounded first in the battle of Frazer's Farm. Wounded again in skirmish line in 1864 which ended his war career. Mr. Erskine was a brave old soldier and like all the other veterans would rather tell a joke or say something that will cause a laugh than to give a bloody war scene which they had rather forget. He says he was always with the boys when they "found" things. Tells when he and two others were coming into camp with a hog when they were met by their brigadier general who asked where did they get it. They answered they had bought it. At this the general sent them back with a courier to pay the man for the hog, but he was nowhere to be found. The general didn't punish them, but said they should be; not for stealing the hog but for being caught, then he good-naturedly told them to go to their quarters and enjoy the meat. J. K. CLEMENT-Entered the army 1862, Orr's Regiment, Co. K. With G. W. Cox, captain, later Dr. R. S. Cheshire served as Captain. Mr. Clement was both faithful and brave, yet he says he entered every battle with fear and trembling, but his comrades say he was a good fighter. J. T. VAUGHN - Entered the army May, 1861. Joined Hampton's Legion, Co. E. Served four years, wounded twice, but not seriously. Was granted a furlough of one month during that time. Says he can't think of anything wonderful, but the cleverness of Hob Acker who stole a pig and shared it with him. Said they had had nothing to eat for two days, and the sight of the pig is still fresh in his memory. J. G. HENDERSON -- Joined the Army at the age of 18, entered with the 22nd South Carolina Regiment, Co. C. Was at the blow-up of Petersburg. All killed in the company but nine. Then later joined Lee's Artillery. Mr. Henderson served his country faithfully for four years. J. M. BANISTER-- Entered the was January, 1863. Joining Co. E, 20th Regiment. Served two years with a boat crew at Charleston, then with the commissary department. Says upon first entering the service he found war pretty bad, but with each day times grew worse until at the close, life was very nearly unbearable. Mr. Banister says his worst experience was at Fisher's Creek where they captured many Yankees but late in the evening the enemy came back reinforced and took possession, leaving our men destitute. Mr. Banister's war record is very interesting, says it was fight all the times, fighting the enemy or fighting for food. Says he is thankful for the peace our country enjoys today. W. M. CAMPBELL -- Fought in White's Batalion, Co. A, Palmetto Artillery. Served the whole term of four years. Most of the time on the coast from Charleston to Savannah. Their encounter with Sherman was his worst experience. He tells a thrilling story of Riversides where his company of provost guards fired into a transport boat which was plying the river trying to land troops but their boat was soon on fire, and for some time men could escape floating around on the water. Mr. Campbell is now 74 years of age and very feeble. He is one of Belton's best citizens. R. E. CAMPBELL -- Served with Co. I, Moore's Regiment, Second SC Rifles. Mr. Campbell was wounded once. Had gone to a nearby spring and was shot by an enemy who was hidden in the underbrush. Mr. Campbell was in several severe fights. Among these was that of the Wilderness, where the undergrowth was cut heavily. They had 25 men when the fight began and the next morning only five answered the roll call for duty. Mr. Campbell thinks Jenkins one of the bravest officers ever in command and he expected the same of his men and gave the command if you see one of our men run, "shoot him down." H. P. CHAPMAN - of Toney Creek. At the age of 14 years ran away from home that he might be a "soldier" and joined Co. E., Hampton's Legion, Matt Gary's brigade. Fought in several battles and many skirmishes. Among these were Deep Bottom, Va., one on Nine Mile road near Richmond, and in an other at Fussells Mill. In this battle his comrade, Lewis Turbefield was shot down by his side. On the 4th of April, 1865, at Farmville, near Richmond, Mr. Chapman was taken prisoner and carried to Point Lookout, Maryland. He was among the 1,700 who were taken at the same time. They remained in this prison until the 4th of July. Mr. Chapman's experience in the battle of Deep Water was one of great interest. From the facing opposing army was made entirely of Negroes with white officers. Some of the officers to make the Negroes brave, had supplied them with all the whiskey they wanted. Therefore they were drunk and rushed in their attack upon the Confederates like many wide beasts and the result was they were killed by the hundreds. The battle was fought along a stream of water and when the fight had ended, the bodies of the dead Negroes had completely dammed the water course. Mr. Chapman is anxious to know the whereabouts of J. E. Winters who was also a prisoner at Point Lookout. While they were confined there, Mr. Chapman's trousers became "unmanageable" is the way he expressed it. Said when he tied them together in the front they simply pulled apart in the back and simply refused to cover his legs and Mr. Winters in the kindness of his heart made him a pair from a blanket. Mr. Winters was a tailor and Mr. Chapman says these "breeches" were tip top and he would love to see Mr. Winters and thank him again for his "blanket trousers." S. R. COBB - Joined the Light Artillery, Co. F., did duty on the coast of Edisto Island. His work was that of a lanyard puller. Mr. Cobb has such a youthful face that it is hard to realize that he is now nearing his 70th year. J. P. COX - Served in Co. G, Second Rifles. Mr. Cox's war record is one of interest not that he had many close calls, but from the fact that he has it in him to make the best of the situation and to hear him talk war, you would forget for the time all its seriousness. When asked if wounded during the struggle, he replied "You wouldn't expect a man to get shot with the good legs I had." Yes, Polk Cox found fun through it all. Even the morning after he reached home and was awakened by a Yankee pulling toes. He told him to hold up and wait until he could show his parole papers, which he did after the Yankee handed him his trousers. But in the same room was his brother Newton Cox who had no parole and when the Yankee asked for his parole he quickly replied, "It is downstairs." Then the two brothers realized they had to get busy for the yard was full of Yankees. But the Cox boys were to smart for them and as they marched down the stair steps, Polk slipped his parole into his brother's hand, so for the time they were safe. But Polk knowing they would have to show it to the crowd and all at the same time, he told his brother he had better get away which he did by slipping through the house to the back and jumping from the kitchen window, and made his escape. H. A. GRIFFIN - Entered service in Co. D, Hampton's Legion; he was one of the band and began his duty in Virginia from there to Tennessee. Was at Chicamauga during the fierce battle there where many were killed on both sides. From there to Lookout Mountain, then in a severe fight at Willis Valley, where our side was badly defeated. Then to Knoxville, Tenn., where the regiment was held in reserve. From there to Bull's Gap, Tenn. Then back to Virginia where he did picket for some time. In several battles around Richmond farther down at a tight fight at Riddle's Shop. Then back to Richmond and soon surrendered at Appomattox. J. P. MATTOX - Served in Co. C., Palmetto Sharpshooters. Mr. Mattox was in several severe fights and has promised to give an account of the Seven Day's fight which we know will be very interesting. Captain Prue Benson and Col. Sloan were in command. J. F. MITCHELL ---Entered the War in 1861. Served in Co. K, Orr's Regiment, until close of war. Was never a prisoner, but received a severe wound at the battle of Chancellorsville. He has never fully recovered from this wound. This battle was fought the 3rd of May, 1863, and Mr. Mitchell believes to have been one of the worst of the Civil War. J. D. PINSON --- Entered the army in Co. E., Hampton's Legion. Was in the war from the beginning to the end. Says he believes he was in the first battle and also the last. At Riddles' Shop Mr. Pinson happened to an accident, which came very near ending his life. In preparing to enter this fight his horse became unruly and scared, then fell back and Mr. Pinson was pinned underneath which dislocated his left hip and disabled him from service for three months. Mr. Pinson gives elsewhere the battle Sharpsburg as he saw it. LEWIS SMITH -- Served his country in Co. L, 2nd South Carolina Rifle Regiment. Was wounded once but not seriously. Thinks a hymn book in his breast pocket saved his life as the ball passed through this book and was somewhat spent. During the Fight of the Wilderness, he stood near the tree which was cut down with balls. The tree measured 18 in. through. Mr. Smith is now very feeble, and regrets so much that he cannot attend the reunion. Mr. Smith is a farmer and is one of Anderson County's best men. C. C. SMITH - of Toney Creek Volunteered in Co. H, First South Carolina Regiment. Served as guard on coast and was not in any battles, but did duty from Charleston to Fayettesville. Mr. Smith was but a youth at the time of the war but nevertheless he was a brave boy. E. T. TOLLISON ---- Entered the service at the first of 1863 in Co. E, Hampton's Legion. Says his first trying time was on the 22nd of October 1863 in Wills Valley in Tennessee near Lookout Mountain. Told of an address that night about 11 o'clock from Gen. Mart Gary, who knowing there was a hot time ahead for them, asked that all who felt they couldn't stand the racket to step to the front, but not a man moved. That night the countersign was "Jackson." Mr. Tollison says he thinks it a miracle how men escaped with their lives. He told of one battle where they fought for two hours within thirty-five yards of the enemy. Mr. Tollison has reason for believing war the worst thing on earth. In leaving for the war three brothers and two brothers-in-law accompanied him and out of the six only two returned, Mr. Tollison and one brother-in-law and this brother-in-law more dead than alive. Almost shot to pieces, and has been a helpless cripple ever since. Then, continued Mr. Tollison, the death of my three brothers killed my parents. They died with a broken heart. Mr. Tollison was in many severe battles but never wounded-only heart-sore because he was the only "boy" to come back to the old home. J. W. SIMPSON -- Began service Oct. 10, 1862, joining Co. E, Fourth South Carolina Cavalry, Butler's Brigade, Hampton's Division. Mr. Simpson was but 16 years of age, only a boy in years, but after serving until the close he had experience that few men have at an advanced age. He was seriously wounded twice. His first wound received at the battle of Beame's Station, next at the battle of Burgess Mill, where Preston Hampton lost his life. He and Mr. Simpson were near each other when young Hampton was dangerously wounded, living only thirty minutes after the fatal shot. His father, Gen. Wade Hampton, was on the right of the line at the time. A courier dashed to him with the news, "Your son is dying." The father hurried to the scene where he found his son gasping for breath, raised him up in his arms, and with tears streaming down his face, repeated again and again, "Farewell, my darling boy." The old general pressed his son to his bosom until he saw that life was extinct, then he gently laid him down and ordered the litter bearers to carry the body back to the rear at the same time Mr. Simpson was also taken to the rear. After recovering from his wounds, Mr. Simpson went to Danville, Va., from there home where he was placed in command of the provost guard on Tugaloo river where he relieved Mr. Russell who was needed so badly in Townville. Mr. Simpson remained with this guard until the close of the was. R. M. W. HALL -- Entered the service in the first of 1862 with Co. C, Sixth South Carolina Cavalry. Fought in many battles. Was at Greensboro when surrendered, but like the other old heroes says in a commanding tone, "Don't you put it down that I surrendered. I came home because Mr. Davis went home." Mr. Hall's narrative of a skirmish early one morning with a Negro brigade is both exciting and laughable. Then of another skirmish where he had to flee for his life and in his race he lost both shoes and on the same evening a heavy snow came on and he marched miles without foot-covering. Then the old soldier told of his home-coming. How his appearance was so pitiful that his mother fainted when he entered the home. J. F. MCCLESKY of Iva ---At the age of 16 joined Co. B, First South Carolina Rifles, with Capt. Bramlett in command. Most of the time was on picket duty between Charleston and Savannah. Mr. McClesky has a descriptive list which is very instructive in regard to the details of war were you to read this descriptive list you would think soldiering was a profitable occupation for it gives minutely the salary with all the demands of a soldier in regular duty. "But," said Mr. McClesky, "there is nothing to that piece of paper. I worked for nothing because of the duty that I felt in my heart I owed to my country." Yes, that descriptive list described the man and told him he would be paid for his services, but today the debt is still unpaid. G. F. BURDETT of Iva -- Began service in 1862 joining Co. F., 24th Regiment with Capt. Hill in command. Says there is nothing to say of his fighting only he was with others. Was paroled at Greensboro. Many of his company stole a march on the Yankees and made their escape without a parole. At the time he and two or three others were guarding a carload of corn and before they knew it their company had left for home. One of his friends rode his horse home which he delivered to him on his return. Mr. Burdett walked most of the way from Greensboro and says his feet were so sore he could hardly stand it. When asked if he had been wounded in the war, he gave a hearty laugh and replied "nothing but scratches. I was always in a run one way or the other after a Yankee or running away from one." His three years of service were full of a great experience and it is a great treat to his friends to hear him talk of it. SAMUEL T. MCCOULLOUGH of Iva --- Entered with the South Carolina regulars, Co. A. Had a wonderful experience with the soldiers doing duty with the ambulances and hospitals. His talk on the sufferings of the wounded and dying should be given for the benefit of the young American who has a hankering for war. Mr. McCoullough's description of the Palmetto floating battery off Charleston means a great deal. This battery was made of the trunks of palmettos locked together making a great flat which was loaded with guns. This floating battery did fine service in protecting the forts. Mr. McCoullough gives some facts that make war appear still more hideous. On incident on Sullivan's Island where four men were shot for deserting. Three of the number were brothers, but the worst came two days later. The wives of two of the men came with boxes of provisions and were told their husbands had been shot for deserting. Mr. McCoullough says the grandest sight he witnessed during the war was the firing of salutes commemorating the battle of Secessionville when thousands of 12 pound balls were playing upon the waters at one time. A.F. HANKS of Iva --Volunteered at the age of 15, joining the First S. C. Militia with D. R. Duncan, Captain and Roberts, Colonel. Later with Co. H, First S. C. Troops. Mr. Hanks says that he spent more time marching than anything else. Say war means no rest and no play, only the reward coming from duty. He feels that war is both a bad place and a sad place, nothing to be learned from it and less to be gained. J. D. MCDONALD of Iva -- Began service with the First Georgia Reserves. Was most time at Andersonville, guarding prisoners. Confined in this prison were 43,000 Yankees. At one time the Yankees came near raiding the prison and it required an effort to drive them back. Just before the surrender, they were taken to Lake City. Florida, where they were paroled. Mr. McDonald's experience with these soldiers was an interesting one. Capt. Wertz was in command, a rigid officer. He heard the Yankees say they would kill him when they regained freedom which they did. Wertz was from Switzerland. He was tried by the United States and hanged, an official murder. C. N. BRYSON of Iva -- Entered service in Co. B, Griffin's Regiment, Capt. Bramlee in command. Mr. Bryson was wounded twice, but lost only six weeks from service, as good a soldier as ever carried a gun. Mr. Bryson, like most of the old heroes, thinks his life was spared for a good purpose and he has tried to carry out this purpose. He is a good old man, lives by the sweat of the brow, and all who know him know and reverence him. J. B. HAMPTON of Iva -- Began service with Co. I, 14th Regiment, McGowan's brigade. Remained in their company till end of war. Col. J. Newton Brown was in command. Was at Appomattox when surrendered. Was paroled and started for home. His homecoming was one of severe trial. He with all the veterans agree that hardships increased as war continued. Mr. Hampton believes Petersburg the worst battle in which he fought. Says there were more killed and wounded in this battle, but says the battles of Spottsylvania and that of the Wilderness are struggles never to be forgotten by those who witnessed them. SAMUEL MCCRARY of Pendleton Served with John Martin's company, Second Battalion, S. C. Reserves. Guarded prisoners most of the time in Columbia or rather west of the city where 1,500 Yankees were confined with less than 200 men to guard them. They were kept in an old field for three months. They were all commissioned officers that we would not exchange. After this they were carried to the old asylum. At this time Mr. McCrary was sent to the hospital where he had measles and typhoid fever. He says warfare was something awful and he wonders that all the men didn't die, sick or well. It was "corn bread and molasses." When they got a little meat they ate it all at once and then had to do without for a while. Mr. McCrary says his fights were limited as he saw but few battles but agrees with all the old soldiers that he wants no more war. J. W. BALDWIN of Williamston -- Enlisted in Co. B, 13th S. C. Regiment. Served the full time. Was taken prisoner the day of Lee's surrender. Was taken to New York for the purpose of making them regulars in the U. S. Army. There were 750 men picked for this. Then began the struggle to force these prisoners to join the regiment. For weeks they were very nearly starved, the diet being only a slice of bread and a glass of water for one day's fare with Negroes for their guard. Later they were allow a bit of beef. Still later they were fed very well with Yankees for guard. About sixty prisoners joined the regulars and about the same number died. After being convinced that the others would starve before they would join, they were detained but a few weeks more then given a parole and taken to Charleston, leaving there to do the best they could, this being an awful position as they had neither money nor transportation and their clothing in such condition that the city officers forbade them to walk the streets. Mr. Baldwin sent a message to an old friend of his father's who lived there in the city, telling him of his needs. The kind man came quickly to his rescue and furnished him a nice suit of clothes, and then gave him fare home. Mr. Baldwin says tongue can never tell the tortures of a cruel war. A. A. HERBERT of Pelzer -- Joined Co. K, S. C. Regiment. In service three and a half years. With M. S. Messer as Capt. and Goodlett, colonel. Mr. Herbert was seriously wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and yet carries a minie ball in his leg received in this battle. Also lost three fingers at the Kinston, N. C., battle which he believes to be the worst fight he engaged in during the war. Mr. Herbert thinks the feelings of a soldier toward the wounded and dead are so different. A note should be made of it. If a soldier saw one of his comrades suffering he would risk his life to relieve him, but if he found one of them dead, he gave him but a glance and hastened by. No doubt this comes from the intensity of war, no time was given for reflection. Mr. Herbert gave an account of an iron clad car used by the Yankees at New Berne, N. C. It was something new and very useful for war service. The was played havoc around Newberne and Kinston, being a battle among home folks with nothing but the state line between which mattered not to the gray and blue. Mr. Herbert laughingly told of the shrewdness of a Negro spy whose smartness only caused him to lose his life. One of Manse Jolly's brothers was shot down only a step in front of Mr. Herbert, so near that in the rush he had not the time to walk around but had to step over the dead body. G. W. DAVIS of Pelzer -- Entered service in Co. E, Hampton's Legion with Wadd Hampton, colonel and as Mr. Davis says, one of the best officers in the south - one who had no fear if duty called. He saw Hampton when his horse was shot from underneath him and the next instant the general had mounted another. Mr. Davis believes the battle of Gettysburg was the worst of all the battles. This veteran served four years. J. D. HOWARD of Pelzer -- Entered the army in the 24th S. C. Regiment of Volunteers. Served four years. A prisoner once at Trevillan. Had horse shot from under him. Mr. Howard's four years of war service is full of interest. Say war means sorrow and destruction with nothing commendable. J. E. NORREL of Pelzer -- Began service with Co. A, 2nd S. C. Infantry. Served four years. Wounded one time. Was in several battles and skirmishes. Was in the siege around Petersburg which lasted about six weeks. Mr. Norrel says his four years in the war were trying-full of hardships and weakened every organ of the body and he feels that he deserves a better pension than he receives. He scarcely gets enough to pay his drug bill. H. S. LONG of Pelzer - Entered the service in Co. B, Seventh S. C. Regiment. During the four years service was in the hospital once for a short time and received three furloughs home. Served the two last years in the cavalry. Mr. Long says the cannonading at Fort Fisher, Wilmington, N. C. was the grandest sight during the war. Gunboats surrounded the place. In this battle Gen. Ripley was wounded and taken prisoner, dying in a short time in prison. L. CHILDRESS of Pelzer -- Entered the service with Co. G, Holcombe's Legion. Was in the war three years. Mr. Childress thinks the Second Battle of Manassas his worst experience. He was captured at Hanover Junction and to Point Lookout. Ninety-six of his regiment died from dysentery. P. A. JONES of Pendleton -- Entered the war new year's day, 1862. Joined Co. L, Orr's Regiment. Was in the Seven Day's Battle. Was first wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg; later wounded in battle of Riddle's Shop. Had one leg tore up with a bomb shot. Came home and could not walk for eight months without crutches. At Spottsylvania they fought breast with the other side. During the service he was in eight severe battles. Missed the Battle of Gettysburg on account of measles. Says he was never furiously mad but one time during the war and that was the time he and three others stole a bee gum, carried it three miles to camp, the heaviest bee gum he ever lifted, and after reaching the camp they invited several of the company to help them eat new honey. After knocking the head off they found the gum full of wet ashes. Told of a fright an old blind horse gave him one night while on picket duty. Says his wife sent him a suit of jeans and a box of provisions, but they failed to reach him. Says on returning from the war he possessed nothing but a wife and one child, and two crutches. Spoke of the kindness of our late townsman, Jeptha Wilson. War is a bad thing says Mr. Jones. RICHARD C. WILSON of Brushy Creek -- Joined the 20th Regiment in May;, 1862. Returned in May, 1865. In that time had one furlough of 10 days and Fleet Clinkscales who now lives near Belton was his lieutenant. Spoke of a battle on the Potomac where the opposing armies marched side by side for quite a distance. Says the bloody battles were not a gruesome as witnessing the shooting of three deserters on Sullivan's Island. Mr. Wilson regrets that he kept no diary during the war as memory fails him to tell much of his experiences. He, like many others of the old soldiers, can't be brought to tell of his bravery. He is a grand old man and has lived a temperate life. Now that he is in his 79th year, he is still hale and hearty and like his old comrades the salt of the earth. B. L. BARNETT - Began service at the first outbreak, joining Company F, Second South Carolina Rifles, remained in service three years and twenty days, had fever in Richmond, Va., and met with one wound from the effects of which he suffers today. Mr. Barnett's war trials are so very interesting that one never tires of hearing them. He tells them in such a pleasant frame of mind-but a cloud came over his face when he spoke of the battle near Spotsylvania where seven hundred men were killed on one acre of ground. J. A. BROCK --Volunteered in Company G, Second S. C. Reserves. Doing guard duty in Columbia over 1,400 prisoners, all being officers in the Northern states. The prison was part of the old Asylum. Mr. Brock was one of the boys, only 17 years of age and says they found war life tough, many of the youths dying from effects of measles. Mr. Brock says in his short term of serving he did the best he could, never drew a cent of pay, and thinks war a bad place for play or pay. Mr. Brock was an officer of his company and a favorite with his men. He is one of the best loved citizens of Anderson county. J. H. BURDINE - Entered service in Company D, Hampton's Legion, in the infantry. Was in the war from start to finish. Was a prisoner for 18 months in Rock Island, Ill. Was taken prisoner at the battle of Lookout Mountain, Tenn. Mr. Burdine's reminiscences are perfectly beautiful and could the readers realize it, coming from a dear old man who lies on a bed of affliction, they would appreciate it more. The friends of this grand old hero know without a doubt that his days are numbered. Medical skill so far has done but little good and today he lies at his home waiting for the summons. Mr. Burdine is one of the lovely old men of the army whose ranks are growing thinner as the years go by, a true Confederate soldier. He left his home and loved ones at the first call of duty with his company-there never was a truer man or a better soldier. He served his country faithfully and well to the end of the bloody struggle. He takes great delight in talking of the awful experiences, hardships, and courageous deeds of the four years he spent fighting with the boys in grey. In the struggle he was wounded but once. Mr. Burdine came out of the war a poor man, but with a determination to make the best of life, and today is an independent man. He has lived a soldier in two lines of battle, one for his country and one for his Saviour. Now as he is near the shore, he feels that all is well. R. J. BYRUM - Entered service in Company H, First South Carolina regiment with Captain T. H. Hall in command. Mr. Byrum says he was never in many battles, but was in some skirmishes. He served as wagoner. Mr. Byrum was always ready for duty of any kind. COL. L. E. CAMPBELL - First corporal of Company F, Second Rifle Regiment, Jenkin's Brigade, Field's Division, Longstreet's Corps. Col. Campbell was a brave soldier, and did a great deal of active service, he has promised to give us some of his experiences which will be read with interest. W. C. CANN - Entered the service in 1861, served three and a half years; belonged to the second South Carolina cavalry, Company H. Had but one furlough and that of 10 days only. Mr. Cann was a splendid soldier, and no doubt his feeble condition today is the result of faithful service. He like other heroes has little to say of his thrilling days, refuses to remember anything but the few joys they had while they suffered for food and for clothes. He said when he entered the war he had no thought of ever taking anything. He believed he would never be hungry enough for that, but later suffering caused him to do otherwise. He told of where he and two others found two bee gums and in going back to camp had to cross over a ravine by means of only a small log. The first men and gum came over all right but the second broke, which ended badly as the fall and the angry bees came close to killing the man. Then he told how one of his messmates lost his horse. He had gone to a garden and let himself down into a big hole of potatoes and when he came out with his potatoes, his horse was gone, the owner of the potatoes had him. But next morning they brought the horse to camp and the officers promised to punish the soldier. But the fellow who wore the gray was a strategist. He had taken the horse of one of the soldiers who was at that time dangerously ill and the fellow who had gotten the potatoes could not be found until after the farmer had gone and then he said, "Boys, we are going to have a 'tater roasting." JOHN ESKEW -- Joined Orr's regiment Company D, and served the whole term, and as we heard one of his comrades say "No better soldier ever carried a gun than John Eskew." What Mr. Eskew knows about this Civil War is a plenty-he hasn't any great things to tell, but still water runs deep and today John Eskew is as good a citizen as he was a soldier. He is the leading spirit in keeping up the county singing association in Anderson. J. M. HARPER --Entered service in company K, Orr's Regiment. Mr. Harper says he was lucky, was never wounded nor taken prisoner, had but one furlough, was in several hard fights, such as the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Was at Appomatox at the time of the surrender. Mr. Harper says he has nothing wonderful to tell, but he found flying bullets the most interesting thing he ever "saw" and while they rained about him , he had no thought for anything else. G. M. HARPER -- Entered the war in 1862, joining Company K, Orr's Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, remained in the Army of Northern Virginia till the close of the war. Was slightly wounded in the Second Battle of Manassas where Orr's regiment lost two of its gallant colonels-Marshall and Ledbetter. Mr. Harper was again wounded at the battle of Butler's Ford on the Potomac river, where as he expresses it, was the closest call he ever had. "Yes," said Mr. Harper, "I thought my time had come." "I was in a small rifle pit guarding a battery that was shelling a gun boat on the James River. I had been watching quite a number of shells that morning as they came flying through the air from the gunboat, and one large shell seemed determined on getting in the pit with me, but as luck would have it, the shell stuck in the ground a few yards in front of the pit and rolled up within a few inches of the pit's edge, so close I could well hear the burning of the fuse, while I lay down in the pit as flat as any old lizard on a fence rail, there I lay until it exploded. The grandest scene of victory I witnessed during the war was the surrender at Harper's Ferry where 15,000 Yankees were taken prisoners. We were on top of Virginia heights overlooking Harper's Ferry when the white flag went up. Orr's Regiment was among the first troops to march into the Ferry and witness the Yankees march up and slack their guns, after which the Yankees and Johnnies had a social time, and as the boys in blue were going to leave they were anxious for souvenirs and I wasn't long in disposing of all the palmetto buttons that I had on my brown jeans coat and I now sometimes wonder who has my palmetto buttons. (What was a Palmetto button? Here's the explanation: CHARLESTON MERCURY, September 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 1 Palmetto Button Factory.--A few weeks ago we mentioned that M. B. Schur had in contemplation the starting of a military button factory. As the stock of buttons with the palmetto and State motto was entirely run out, and as thousands of uniforms are being manufactured for our brave volunteers, as well as those in regular service, such a factory fills another gap, and places us one step higher in the ladder of independence.) I was severely wounded in the battle of Chancellorsville, but came home alive and today feel fine for an old man of 72. E. J. HENDERSON -- Began service in 1861, joining Company C, 14th South Carolina Regiment, with Col. Joseph S. Brown in command. Was taken prisoner April 1865, sent to Heart's Island, New York, where he remained three months after the surrender. In speaking of his war days, Mr. Henderson believed Col. Brown to have been one of the South's grandest heroes. "Yes," said the veteran, "we were just as proud of Col. Brown as we were of General Samuel McGowan, and I am proud that I was a private under these brave officers." J. T. C. JONES -- Joined Company G., Second Rifles, South Carolina Regiment. Entered service March 16, 1862, with Col. John V. Moore and Captain P. K. Norris in command. Mr. Jones' first night at camp at Adams' Run, Colleton County, was on his fifteenth birthday-but his youthfulness was not to be wondered at as he was third in the generation who was serving in the war-himself, his father, and grandfather all fighting for their rights. His father was captain in Company I of Hampton's Legion and it is said of the three generations they were brave and true. Mr. Jones' war record is very interesting. His first experience was at Jekyl Island where there were two companies of the regiment. They captured 13 Yankees. From this camp they went to Roach plantation where Mr. Jones did picket duty. On the 26th day of May they marched through Charleston on their way to Richmond. This journey in a box car with scarcely standing room. Spent the night in Chimborazo hospital, next day was in hearing of the battle of Seven Pines. Saw many of his friends brought from this battle dead and dying. Later he was placed on picket duty on this farm, where they met sorrowful defeat, fight then Gaine's Mill, next Frazier's battlefield. Of this number, some were Mr. Jones' intimate friends and of them First Lieut. Milton Cox, Sergeant J. V. Jones, (James V. Jones was actually J. T. C.'S uncle. RRA) Mr. Jones dying soon after having a leg amputated. Mr. Jones being color bearer when he received his death wound. Also Silas Crow, Jim Telford, and "Bean" Cox were all killed in this fight. After this battle they were under fire of gunboats from Jamestown. Next came the second battle of Manassas, where South Carolina lost seven colonels: Moore, Ledbetter, Marshall, Glover, Means, Gadberry, and Palmer. Then on to Maryland in this march the regiment waded the Potomac River. In the last battle Mr. Jones was wounded and disabled from service. Near Winchester he met with Col. Jas. L. Orr who was then in the Confederate senate. Col. Orr, seeing Mr. Jones' feeble condition told him to cheer up that he would have him sent home immediately, but as there was no railroad nearer than Culpepper, which was 100 miles distant, he did not reach home until the latter part of November. Mr. Jones was first lieutenant in his company. A brave soldier and today a good citizen. C. C. KING - Entered the war in 1864 at the age of 17 years. Joined Company E, Barnett's battalion, served entirely on the coast doing skirmish and picket duty. Says his war experience is limited. But he is like most of them and will not tell the half. Mr. King says of his company that he and Mr. ?. P. Cole, nears Townville, are the only survivors. Mr. King says those who entered service late did not do so much fighting as they did starving. It was a continual fight for food or die of starvation. Then he told of a little incident where a bit of wisdom brought joy to a poor fellow. The whole company was without a bite to eat, and Mr. King was lucky enough to find a cow. They quartered the cow, and carried all to camp but the head, which Mr. King had placed up in the forks of a tree, and that night, one of the soldiers who hadn't gotten any, asked Mr. King would he go with him to where the head was. They took the long walk of three miles, found the head, and brought it back to camp and made a feast for a starving soldier. Mr. King believes if the young Americans could realize what war was there would never be another, if they had to taste of the suffering they would be content with anything unpleasant and make the best of this sweet place of peace and prosperity. J. H. LEWIS - Entered the service with Company H, First South Carolina militia commanded by Captain Thomas H. Hall. At the outbreak of the war Mr. Hall was professor in the Johnson Female University. After the war he returned and entered the Baptist ministry. Later he moved west and soon afterwards died. Mr. Lewis went off with the company made up here. Went to Charleston and became one of the militia, served on the coast, and as he said, laid down and let the Yankees shoot at him, while he looked hungry. Mr. Lewis says he was never in battle, but at times under fire, did no fighting at all, but thinks mortality rate was greater than now should we engage in war. War machinery is no different, but it can't be improved up from Sherman's statement when he said, "War is hell." T. P. MCCLELLAN - Enlisted in Company F, Holcombe Legion in 1861, serving four years part of time spent in prison. He was captured at Garret's? Station, taken to point Lookout where he was confined for four months, then transferred to Elmira, New York. Of this stockade Mr. McClellan says it was the most horrible place on top of the earth, the death rate among the prisoners being about16 or 18 a day, many dying with scurvy. The prisoner's fare was barely enough to keep the body and soul together. "Ah!," continued Mr. McClellan, "you can never imagine how horrible it is for a Southern soldier in a Northern prison." P. R. MCCULLY -- A cadet at the Citadel at the time of the outbreak of the war. Joined the troops of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Tells some very interesting happenings in the band box boys as they were called by the seasoned soldiers who were with them, but the old heroes later gave them credit for making themselves useful and their martial bearing and bravery left a pleasant impression upon the veterans. Captain McCully says the first time they were formed in line for battle, they were so anxious to fight they advanced a few steps when the colonel called to the captain in command "made these little fools get back into the line, the last one of them will be killed." "But," continued Captain McCully, "we were soon willing to stay back. Yes, way back." Captain McCully's war experience is limited as he was on duty but a short time, yet it was at the end of the war and a very trying time. A.T. F. MCGREGORY - began service in 1862 with Company H, 25th South Carolina Regiment, served three years and six months. His first battle was that of Secessionville on James Island with a Negro regiment. Gained victory. The next battle was at Battery Wagner, then on to Virginia, where the first fight there was at Swift Creek. Mr. McGregory had some close calls in both battles and skirmishes. ROBT. MOORHEAD -- Entered army in September 1863. He would have volunteered long before but on account of his father's age and feebleness, he hired a substitute, in fact hired two. But as soon as his father passed away, he joined the army. Mr. Moorhead was badly wounded at the battle of Dandridge in east Tennessee on January 17, 1864, on Sabbath morning. Mr. Moorhead says that on that day he saw artillery dashing by him in a gallop after this Mr. Moorhead lay in the hospital for several months and the nurses gave up all hope for him, general health gone, and he says that he had no hope of ever seeing his mother again. Mr. Moorhead has promised a bit of his war experience which will be read with great interest and anybody in Anderson will say this much, "If Robert Moorhead was the soldier that he is citizen, he was hard to beat." Mr. Moorhead was with Company C, Palmetto Sharp Shooters. A.J. OSBOURNE - Joined Company C, Palmetto Sharp Shooters on the 14th of April, 1861, age 18 years. It is doubtful if there is a man in South Carolina who was engaged in more battles than Andrew Osbourne and it is not to be wondered that in his possession he has two big bullets that were cut out of his flesh during his war term. One of these bullets was taken from his side and the other from a leg. His wounds were severe, but with all this, he fought in many battles. His memory failed to give them all, but this list is a few. Battle of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Boonsburg, Sharpsburg, Wills Valley, Wilderness, Battle of Spottsylvania, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Fort Harrison and in a number of skirmishes fought around Petersburg, this fighting near Petersburg was a whole summer's fight, off and on. Mr. Osbourne says the first two years the soldiers were fed very well, but after this they fared badly. He was a right to know for he was in it from the start. Was at Appomatox Court House where he surrendered, Mr. Osbourne has many memories of the war. His paroled prisoner's pass is as bright as new, written April 1865, and signed by Captain Foster, commanding officer of the Palemtto Sharp Shooters. Mr. Osbourne's war experiences are rich and rare, an evidence of faithful service in a great cause. J. B. PRUITT -- Entered the service in 1861, served nearly four years, and Mr. Pruitt didn't fool about it for he fought like he has worked ever since, and folks know how this old hero has heaved and sweated and yet, a man in middle age. Mr. Pruitt says he never did anything wonderful, but just stuck to his post, he belonged to Company E, South Carolina Twentieth regiment, his war experience would fill a big volume. D. H. RUSSELL -- Entered the army in April 1861, serving in Company B, Fourth South Carolina regiment, but after one year in this company joined Johnson's army, where he remained until the close of t he war, and at the surrender in Greensboro. "But," said Mr .Russell, "don't write it down that I surrendered. The thought has never been with me for a moment that I surrendered." Mr. Russell has a fine war record and it is hoped that he will write it up for the benefit of his friends, for he was not only a good soldier, but he is also one of the strongest writers in the State, for many years editor of The Peoples Advocate. He has been in Virginia recently on a visit to his sons. W. W. RUSSELL -- Entered the war at the beginning served whole term, was 15 years old was with Company F, First South Carolina regiment. He received a wound while on John's Island, was the first man shot in his regiment. Mr. Russell's war experience is big and very interesting, he promises to write himself and give to the public some of his experiences. L. J. SCOTT -- Entered service July 20, 1861, Company I, Orr's Rifles, with Captain John V. Moore. Mr. Scott served the whole time, and his war record is a splendid one. He was taken prisoner near Richmond and carried to Point Lookout, Maryland. Remained a prisoner there for five months. Mr. Scott has some of his war life that will be published , but he feels sad over the fact that of the 103 in his company, today there are scarcely a dozen living. L. P. SMITH - Served in Company G, Second Battalion, South Carolina reserves, guarded Yankee prisoners in Columbia. Was sick there with typhoid fever. Came home and was here at the time of the surrender. Says he didn't do anything wonderful, but he and the boys found a hog, killed it, and the owner of the hog reported them to head quarters, but the hog couldn't be found for it was safe in a hole in the tent which the boys had dug then placed the hog in it, covered the hog over with straw and slept on it, until there was no longer any hog. Mr. Smith says typhoid fever placed havoc with the boy soldiers in his company. Of 63 about 30 or more died with fever and measles. Say they died like sheep and no wonder for the nursing was deficient and diet bad enough to kill the strongest, corn bread with sorghum molasses was the meal three times a day. M. E. TELFORD -- Joined Company L, Palmetto Sharp Shooters in East Tennessee. His first battle was that of the Wilderness, then Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, siege at Petersburg. Remained in same company till close of war. Surrendered at Appomatox. Never lost a day from sickness or wounds, Mr. Telford like many of the old soldiers, has plenty to tell, but can't tell it on the spur of the moment. Hope he will send a record of his war life. DR. R. E. THOMPSON --- Enlisted in Company G, Second South Carolina regiment in 1862, remaining in this service three years until the close of the war. Like all the old heroes refuses to tell much of his war experiences. Says the half can never be told. That a soldier's life under the conditions and amid the surrounding of which the soldiers in grey were placed, can never be fully be realized by the young Americans of today, and though fifty years have come and gone, his feelings remain the same, down deep in his heart he has never surrendered. J. W. THOMSON -- Enlisted in Company G, Orr's Rifles. Began service in 1861, continued service for four years, captured at Falling Waters July 14, 1863, carried to Baltimore. Remained there for one month, taken from there to Point Lookout, Maryland, where he was a prisoner for one long year. Then transferred to Elmira, New York, where he remained for 10 months, making in all Mr. Thomson was a prisoner for 23 months. Mr. Thompson says the horrors of prison life in Elmira stockade are more than a feeble pen can describe. The death rate in this horrible place averaged 15 a day, and he believes all that saved his life was the great quantity of fruit he ate, his home folks supplying him with money, he having received $150 during his imprisonment and he spent most of it on fruit, "Yes," continued Mr. Thompson, "the prisoners at Elmira realized the meaning of war." We believe Mr. Thompson could say with the Duke of Wellington, "War is a most detestable thing. If you had seen one day of war, you would pray God you might never see another." A. L. WELSH -- Served his company as a soldier from Tennessee, belonging to the Second Tennessee regiment. Began service March 1861, serving the whole four years with not even a furlough, wounded twice. His first battle was Flashing Creek, and the worst battle he was in during the four years . His first general was Zollicoffer, who was succeeded by General Crittendon. The latter had a brother who was General on the northern side. General Zollicoffer was killed by the bad management of Col Crittendon. On the 19th of October 1864 Mr. Welch was in the battle at Cedar Creek where the south gained the greatest victory of the whole war, and in the same evening lost the same battle. B. F. WILSON -- Entered the war in 1865, joined South Carolina State troops, Company H. Was not in war a great while, but says he got a plenty and doesn't want any more war. His war experience was around Charleston with P. K. McCully his drill master. Says he and McCully wanted to quit soon after the beginning. McCully moved that they quit and Wilson seconded it, but it was war and dislikes were not considered. Then Mr. Wilson told of his illness. Was sent down to the city in a nasty little boat and when he got to the hospital, he was black and dirty and the little dude of a Doctor who came to examine him said, "What you here for, wash your face and you will be all right," never gave him any medicine and Mr. Wilson slipped off, and went back to his regiment. Later marched from Charleston to Raleigh, NC, and in the two weeks time they were marching he gained 30 pounds and he couldn't understand it for they had nearly nothing to eat. At one time he drew nine little potatoes for three days rations, and the whole time they were ready to starve but he continued, "I believe if we ate less and took more exercise in the open air we would all get fat." Mr. Wilson deserves credit for honesty, says he only stole one old goose, cooked it all night but it remained firm to the last, thinks it was a hundred years old. J. P. YOUNG - One of the South's grand old heroes, he is now confined to his bed and too weak to give any of his war experiences, but his past life is glory enough. He had been faithful in every vocation in life, his comrades say he was ever faithful in battle, and his friends and neighbors feel that he has been to them a friend in the time of need, and they grieve because the splendid gentleman must soon answer the last roll call and dear ol father in Israel will go to receive his reward. (THESE ARE ALL THE TALES FROM VETERANS THAT I XEROXED FROM THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE OF THE INTELLIGENCER ON MY LAST TRIP TO ANDERSON. THERE MAY BE MORE TO XEROX-NEXT TRIP! RRA)