The first stirring event of our new position was the arrival of prisoners, marched through the streets under a strong guard. They were a forlorn body of ragged5, hatless, barefoot men. They had found poles or sticks somewhere, and upon them they waved their hats and handkerchiefs—the poor, brave fellows! We women stood at the doors of our houses with smiles and encouraging words. One of the soldiers darted6 from the ranks, rushed to me, embraced me as if I were a sister, and slipped his watch into my hands! It was a novel experience; but I think if he had appeared as a prisoner in the garb7 of Beelzebub, horns, hoofs8, and all, I should not have flinched9. Within the watch I found his 362 name—a connection of our family and a valued friend. He had recognized me, but I could not recognize the elegant young colonel in his impersonation of a ragged barefoot boy.
My little sons soon found the destination of the captives, also that citizens were getting permits from headquarters to take them home.
"Then you must go and ask General Hartsuff for a permit," I said. Upon inquiry10 it appeared that this could not be done by proxy11. Some adult member of the family must apply in person.
So I took my young escorts with me, and we went to "Centre Hill," the fine Bolling House, where the General had made his headquarters. I presented my plea. How many did I want? I thought I could take care of eight. Their names? I could give only one, the owner of the watch. The General kindly12 conceded that I might select my men, adding, "Would to God I could release them all!"
The first impression I had of the temporary prison was of stifling13 heat in which no one could live. The place smelt14 violently! My friend helped me choose my men, and I was required to present myself with them, armed with my order, to have my name and theirs entered in an army register, with an order that they report every day until the command moved on. As I was leaving the warehouse15 a fair-haired boy said to me, "Oh, take me along too!"
"Take my arm," I said; and not until I reached the street did I realize the enormity of my mistake. I had stolen a prisoner! 363
I knew well I could be severely16 punished. My boy soon told me his name. He was Frank Brooke, nephew of our dear Judge Randolph Tucker.
But here was a dilemma17. All night I revolved18 it in my mind. I had nine men—eight were to report next morning. Very early Alick knocked at my door.
"What is it now, Alick?"
"One of dem prisoners run away las' night! I hear de do' open and jump up to see what's de matter. He say, 'Keep still, boy! Hit's all right!'"
I took a piece of my husband's silver service down to the Northern sutler, and pawned21 it for two hundred dollars. With this money I purchased shoes, handkerchiefs, and hats for my men, and kept them in comfort for a week or more. They were then "moved on" to other and distant quarters,—and all very soon liberated22.
One morning early I was summoned from my room by Alick, who informed me that four gentlemen had called. Descending25 to the parlor26, I found four officers in Federal uniform. As soon as I entered, one of them asked brusquely:—
"How many rooms are in this house?"
"I think there are eight or ten."
"General Sheridan wants the house for his adjutant's office."
I was aware that General Sheridan had arrived 364 the day before, and had taken possession of Mr. Hamilton's elegant mansion27 on the next street, in the rear of my little dwelling28.
I at once perceived that the General, although in a house of twenty or more rooms, had not desired the noise and inconvenience of an adjutant's office under his own roof. I answered coldly:—
"I cannot oblige General Sheridan. My house is small. I need it for my own family."
"Madam, you seem to be unaware30 that when General Sheridan sees a house that suits him, he knows how to make the terms for it."
"Ah, well," I replied, "I had forgotten that fact for the moment. Do I understand my family must go in the street? How much time can you give me to remove them?"
The officers withdrew into the hall and conferred together. Presently one of them returned, and informed me courteously32 that they had concluded not to annoy me. He was aware he was addressing Mrs. General Pryor. His own name was Captain Lee, and he had been happy to spare me inconvenience.
The next morning I was awakened33 soon after dawn by a tremendous hubbub34 below me, and sending my little maid, Lizzie, to ascertain35 the cause, she beckoned36 to me to come to the head of the stairs. I threw on my gown, thrust my feet into my carpet slippers37, and peeped over the banister. Captain Lee was standing at the foot of 365 the stair, writing a note on the top of the newel post. Looking up, he saw me, and said: "I was writing to you, Madam. General Sheridan has ordered us to take your house. It is a military necessity. I pray you will try to be patient, and I will do all I can to save you annoyance38."
"How soon must I leave?"
"Not at all! We can allow you two rooms—the one you already occupy and the one below it."
I appreciated the concession39 of the latter room, and busied myself to make of it dining room and sitting room.
I brought beds from a rear room to my own chamber40, for the lodging41 of my family. Alick was positively42 stricken at the new turn things had taken; but I represented to him and to the boys the grave necessity, in their father's absence, of discreet43 and always courteous31 behavior.
To add to my embarrassment44, John brought in several hundred books he had picked up on the farm. They were dumped down in a pile in the corner of my reception room.
The weather was intensely hot. It was impossible to sit with closed doors. I locked the doors of my bedroom during the day, and all the family, except myself, lived in the yard under my eyes, unless the rain drove them within.
The first night of our captivity45 I had sent my baby with her small nurse to bed. Hearing a heavy step overhead, I ran up to my room. Standing in an easy attitude, leaning on the mantel, was a large negro man. He was smoking a cigar and talking to Lizzie. 366
"What is your business here?" I asked.
"Only my pleasure—to pass away a little time."
"Look at me!"
"Do you leave this room instantly! And mark well my words. If ever you enter it again, I shall KILL you!"
He left, and alas47, alas! my poor little Lizzie, whom I had hired from her mother, left also; and not by me or by her friends was she ever seen again!
Only those who have lived in an adjutant's office can know the ceaseless noise, turmoil48, tramping to and fro, loud talking night and day. There was no night. The gas (which they left me to pay for) burned brightly all night. Officers were coming in for orders day and night. I never knew to what use the upper rooms were put; I only know they were rarely silent. All the business of a great army was transacted49 here, that the General's entertaining, his elegant life, his sleep, might be undisturbed.
The sentry50 was drawn51 so closely around my doors that I could never enter the yard or garden without passing them. Finally, upon going out to the little vine-clad summer-house to give my baby air—I cannot say fresh air—one of the sentinels shook my equilibrium52 by informing me as I passed:—
"We've caught Jeff Davis."
When I returned, my eyes cast down to avoid him, he stepped close to me and hissed53 in my ear, "He shall be hanged." 367
Mr. Davis had not then been arrested, but this I did not know. Leaving my baby with her brothers, I walked straight into the veranda54 of Mr. Hamilton's house, asked for General Sheridan, was ushered55 into a room where a number of officers were sitting around a table, and announced myself.
"I am Mrs. Pryor, whose house you have taken for an adjutant's office. Sentinels have been placed around my house who insult me when I cross the threshold."
General Sheridan rose: "What can we do for you, Madam? What do you demand?"
"That the sentry around my house be removed to the street enclosure."
I was invited to take a seat, but I preferred standing while an order was made out. I have often smiled to think what I must have looked like to those officers. My gown was of chocolate-colored percale, with a white spot. Enormous hoops56 were then in fashion. I had long since been abandoned by mine. I fancy I resembled nothing so much as the wooden Mrs. Noah who presides over the animals in the children's "Noah's Arks." I took the order given me, bowed my thanks, and walked through a line of soldiers home. After this I had the larger liberty my children needed.
It was my custom, in these days of my captivity, to descend24 early, that I might guard my books, to my little reception room. A dining room it did not become for a long time afterward57. I had nothing whatever to eat except the biscuits brought me by Mr. Bishop, and a daily tray sent at noon by my 368 angel friend, Mrs. Meade. She had some Northern men boarding with her and could command such fare as the sutler was willing to sell, for the farmers were as destitute58 of fresh food as ourselves.
We had been excellent customers of a cigar shop in old times, and the proprietor59 now opened his establishment, and intrusted my boys and Campbell with a "walking agency." They sold cigars at good profit to the officers and soldiers around us; and we made acquaintance once more with United States pennies and dimes60.
Sitting all day in my little reception room, I was cheered by visits from my friends, and occasionally the tenants61 of the house would ask for a glass of water from the sideboard. Captain Lee came often. He confided62 to me his chagrin63 at the manners of the Petersburg ladies. He had picked up a veil for a pretty girl, and she had turned away her head when her hand was extended to receive it. The Captain was deeply hurt: he was "a Northern man, yes, but" he was "a gentleman."
One day Captain Lee informed me that he had good news for me. "We have marching orders! We go to-night! I know you are pleased! We have given you so much trouble!"
"Not more, I suppose, than was necessary!"
"Well, I must say, you have been very patient. General Sheridan is in the office and wishes to make his respects to you."
The General entered and thanked me for the manner in which I had endured all the inconvenience to which he had subjected me. He seemed, for some 369 reason, to wish me to think well of his course toward us, and began to explain it. He alluded64 to the policy that he had adopted.
"It was the very best thing to do," he declared. "The only way to stamp out this rebellion was to handle it without gloves."
If he fancied I would either argue or agree with him, he mistook me. I was silent. There was an embarrassing pause, and he began to berate23 our government for bad management. "Ladies should be better cared for," he said.
"Why, I assure you there was no necessity for your starving! I have unearthed65, within forty miles of this place, enough provisions to keep you in perfect comfort."
"I think I must borrow this little lady," he said. "It is not often General Sheridan has anything in his arms as sweet as this."
He still had her in his arms as he turned to leave the room, and she gladly went with him. Presently she was brought back with a parcel in her own arms—figs, bananas, cakes, and nuts.
"You really have been so very nice! Now I am going to beg you will allow me to make some return."
I hastened to accept his offer. I told him that my General's pet mare69, Lady Jane, was in his command. She had been missing ever since the battles around Richmond. John was sure he had seen her. 370 By some chance she had fallen into the hands of the troops now in Petersburg. Could it be possible for me to reclaim70 her?
The Captain looked grieved.
"No," he said; "I had no thought of anything of that kind. But a great many ladies have asked for what I am going to give you. I have brought you General Sheridan's autograph."
He instantly interpreted my disappointment. Before I could recover he added, "But it appears you don't wish it," and threw it on the table.
"I can at least, Captain, be grateful that you tried to please me."
That night the adjutant's office was closed. Next morning my husband returned. General Warren came in to see him. General Sheridan stood on our porch to receive the homage71 of his men, bowing to their cheers. General Warren looked on from our window. Presently the troops he had commanded when he was superseded72 by Sheridan passed the house. They saw their old commander, and the shouts, "Hurrah73 for General Warren," must have been harsh sounds for General Sheridan.
I was alone one afternoon in my accustomed seat, when a tall, lantern-jawed soldier with a musket74 on his shoulder marched in.
"I want some whiskey!" he informed me.
"You'll not get it here!"
"Wall, I guess you'll have to scare it up. I'll search the house.'
"Search away! I'll call the provost guard to help you," I said. 371
He turned and marched out. At the door he sent me a parting shot:—
"Wall! you've got a damned tongue ef you ain't got no whiskey!"
I grew very fond of General Warren. He spent many hours with us; tactful, considerate, and kind, he never grieved or offended us.
One evening he silently took his seat. Presently he said:—
"I have news which will be painful to you. It hurts me to tell you, but I think you had rather hear it from me than from a stranger—General Lee has surrendered."
It was an awful blow to us. All was over. All the suffering, bloodshed, death—all for nothing!
General Johnston's army was surrendered to General Sherman in North Carolina on April 26. The banner which had led the armies of the South through fire and blood to victory, to defeat, in times of starvation, cold, and friendlessness; the banner that Helen's lover had waved aloft on a forlorn hope until it fell from his lifeless hands; the banner found under the dying boy at Gettysburg, who had smilingly refused assistance lest it be discovered,—the banner of a thousand histories was furled forever, with none so poor to do it reverence76.
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1
rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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9
flinched
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| v.（因危险和痛苦）退缩，畏惧( flinch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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10
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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proxy
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| n.代理权，代表权；（对代理人的）委托书；代理人 | |
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12
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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14
smelt
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| v.熔解，熔炼；n.银白鱼，胡瓜鱼 | |
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15
warehouse
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| n.仓库；vt.存入仓库 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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18
revolved
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| v.（使）旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 )；细想 | |
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19
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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21
pawned
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| v.典当，抵押( pawn的过去式和过去分词 )；以（某事物）担保 | |
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liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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23
berate
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| v.训斥，猛烈责骂 | |
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24
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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26
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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27
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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29
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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30
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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31
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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32
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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33
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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34
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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35
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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36
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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37
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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38
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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40
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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41
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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42
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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43
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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44
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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45
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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46
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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47
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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48
turmoil
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| n.骚乱，混乱，动乱 | |
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49
transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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50
sentry
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| n.哨兵，警卫 | |
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51
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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52
equilibrium
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| n.平衡，均衡，相称，均势，平静 | |
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53
hissed
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| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
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54
veranda
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| n.走廊；阳台 | |
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55
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
hoops
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| n.箍( hoop的名词复数 )；（篮球）篮圈；（旧时儿童玩的）大环子；（两端埋在地里的）小铁弓 | |
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57
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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58
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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59
proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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60
dimes
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| n.（美国、加拿大的）10分铸币( dime的名词复数 ) | |
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61
tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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62
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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63
chagrin
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| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
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64
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
unearthed
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| 出土的（考古） | |
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66
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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67
steadfastly
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| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
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68
reiterate
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| v.重申，反复地说 | |
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69
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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70
reclaim
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| v.要求归还，收回；开垦 | |
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71
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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72
superseded
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| [医]被代替的，废弃的 | |
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73
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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74
musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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75
forestall
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| vt.抢在…之前采取行动；预先阻止 | |
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76
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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