Historical & Human Interest

Four Years of my Life During the War Between the States
 By Thomas Frazier (1840 - 1918), son of Leland and America Mallory Frazier

Excerpted from The Olive Branch,
submitted by Norm Addington, norm1394@gmail.com
Ed. note: some paragraph indents added.

 was born in Albemarle County, State of Virginia, about 1840. My ancesters had never been the controlling element in politics, consequently I stood comparatively alone, and could not influence others with me as those who belonged in the ring. In the context of 1860 I was too young to take a hand being only 20 years old. I was in sympathy with the Whig candidate and would have voted that ticket had I been of age. The abolition candidate being elected, a move was made to form a separate government of all the States that would join what was called the Confederate States of America.

In the election of delegates to the Convention at Richmond in 1861 I had arrived at age to cast my vote. The controlling influence was largely in favor of seccession. Stump speakers were around teaching men how to vote. One Mr. Holcolm was so loud in the interest of the move, to quiet the women who looked upon it with evil forebodings, said that in case of war our women and children would never see the smoke of an enemy's campfire. All over the country he stirred up the men and quieted the women with his eloquent speeches in favor of a new and separate government. I stood with folded arms, the current being strong against me, till the day of election, when I began to use my influence in favor of the Union. At times it looked as if bloodshed could not be avoided even before the war begun.

After the Convention at Richmond voted Virginia out of the Union a call for troops was made. Enrolling officers could be seen every day hunting for volunteers. Old milita officers were as thick as the letters in the Testament raising volunteer companies in order to get themselves a commission. It looked as if I was the man they were more anxious should volunteer, notwithstanding I had proclaimed by my vote my fidelity to the Union. I at times would stay in Rockingham County to keep from being annoyed, but that would do no good. I refused to volunteer on account of my Union sentiments and invariably told the enrolling officers that those who voted the State out of the Union, if war was inevitable, should do the fighting.

Col. Richard G. Crank, who voted for Stephen A. Douglass, was raising a company, and concluded he would see me in regard to this matter. He was hostile I knew to the Breckinridge wing of his party, and if he voted for secession it was under protest. He insisted on my going with him, that he believed if an army of sufficient size was raised that the people of these United States were too intelligent and civilized to allow bloodshed, and that the matters would be settled. Politically we were half brothers at least, and he saw no good reason why I should not go with him, that I should be as anxious for peace as he. Col. Crank represented his county in the State Legislature for several terms, was a colonel of militia, and was looked upon as one of Albemarle's most practical men, with a host of influential friends. It is not strange that a man of his judgement and influence would have weight with mature minds, much less with beardless boys. Knowing we were not far apart politically, and relying upon his judgement in forecasting how the trouble would end I agreed to go, and to this day when my mind reverts to it, it disturbs me to think that I was misled by one of Albemarle's honored sons, half brother politically. Anxious as I was for peace, the folly of my boyhood almost runs me mad.

Captains Crank's company was mustered into service, attached to Wise's Brigade, and sent to West Virginia under Floyd. Instead of Capt. Crank forecasting the end, the battle had actually begun with darker days looming up ahead. What then could I do but follow Capt. Crank wherever he might be ordered. I frequently asked him what he thought of the chances for peace, since the armies had collided. He said it was not too late for the two governments to come to their senses though the political horizon had lowered and darkened. In the skirmishes, as they proved to be compared with other engagements of the war, Capt. Crank's company was engaged in nearly all of them under Floyd in West Virginia, I won the confidence of all the company officers, not only my own, but of the regiment. In those engagements the subordinate officers could see that I was not afraid to fight and our company officers looked upon me as one of cosiderably over the average nerve, though it bothered me to think that I had joined the army misled by Capt. Cranks' opinion of what a prepartion for war would bring about, that the armies had collided, the chances for peace had darkened if not gone glimmering forever, and that the trouble had to be settled by sword.

We were soon ordered to Roanoke Island to join the forces there. When we landed it was all over and all that Gen. Wise could do was to surrender. We were all paroled and allowed to return home to await an exchange of prisoners. Our enlistment was for a term of twelve months, which expired before an exchange could be effected. Capt. Crank, though an aspiring man, saw that the laurels won in battle were too high-priced for him, and being of senior age concluded when the exchange was made to remain at home and let younger men take the field. In the election of 1860 he had opposed the Breckinbrige wing of his party and not even the advocates of the war could reflect upon his not returning to his command. I took the ground that I was a Union man, had joined the army as before stated, that my term of enlistment had expired, and that I was no longer a soldier but a citizen; that the general conscript bill did not become a law till my term had been served. Capt Crank's reason for not returning was good, but mine lead to the most stormy days of my life.

 was reported absent without leave, in other words a deserter, when actually all that could have been made of it under the conscription act was to take me as a conscript. I had made up my mind, if fight I must, I would join the Union army. But friends all South and government ties North, I was in a dilema that would have puzzled Solomon himself. It looked as if I had no friends, individually nor in State. The Southern Confederacy forcing me to fight against my views; the National Government would force me to fight against my own blood and my friends. What could I do that would keep me from fighting against my friends and relations was hard to determine. If I remained in the Confederate States I would be either tried for desertion or conscripted and forced to join the army and fight against the Union. If I left the Confederacy and went North I would be forced to join the Union army and fight my friends. The only thing I saw left that I could do was to set up a government of my own and protect myself the best my judgment and nerve would allow.

But before I begin to narrate the events that befell me I will state my position on the slave question that caused all the trouble. I was not only opposed to the extension of slavery into the territories, but was in favor of freeing them in the States by wise and prudent legislation, which can be seen now by all when too late. And strange that men who won laurels in the Confederate army claim that they were opposed to slavery but fought for its extension in the territories. I had friends who would stand by me in ordinary circumstance, but those that now surrounded me were in the extreme. No legal protection, no army that I could conscieniously join, friends afraid of their own shadows, left almost alone to see what would be my fate, I have not the language to describe the forebodings that haunted me, but “Felt like one who trod alone some banquet hall forsaken, and all but I deserted.”

No guard force up to date, 1862, had been placed on duty specially to arrest and take conscripts into the army. Some officers were sent around to pry into the young men's ages and send to the army all between eighteen and forty-five, but were anxious not to meet with me, and I can truthfully say I was equally anxious not to meet with them. I had been represented to be a desperado before I knew it, and before anything had happened to win me such a reputation. It was being circulated as the cause of my refusal to return to the army, and to prevent the demoralizing effect upon the troops, I was singled out to be punished as an example to the rest, notwithstanding I was no soldier and did not belong to the army. I had in the folly of my youth given way to the opinion of influential men, with nothing in view but to prevent bloodshed and preserve the Union. But such is the fate of man, when all can see it is then too late. To make an example of me I had first to be captured and then court-marshalled. Had I been captured at that time my sentence possibly would not have been so severe as at a later date.

A guard force was sent to the mountains of Albemarle County with orders to send all subject to military duty to the army, and with instructions to make me a specialty. I was posted as to what was on hand, even before the detail was made out in the army. Men were writing to their sweethearts, and through the pride of man I kept as well posted as if I had written the order. When they had reached my neighborhood, through a Union friend, I concluded it would be best to negotiate for terms. I simply asked for papers signed by the proper authority that would pass me unmolested through the Confederate lines, that I did not intend to fight in the Confederate army, but was willing to stand with folded arms, but if not allowed to remain neutral would join the Union army and fight the best my nerve would allow. I was informed by my friend that the officer in charge of the squad had no power of the kind, which I knew before I sent him, but thought it possible, though hardly probable, that such authority would be allowed. He said that I had better surrender quietly and that he would do all in his power to prevent punishment, and if I would return in good faith there was no reason why I should be punished. I sent in my messenger the second time to thank him for his kindness, but with instructions that I did not care to come in contact with a man so friendly individually, but clothed with orders that forced us to be hostile.

The troops had been in service long enough to find out that a detail of any kind was a bomb-proof pit compared to field service, and were anxious to be off as long as possible. I concluded that I would use strategem instead of fire arms to protect my body. I sent them a list of names nearly all fictitious, though some were the names of old men hardly able to get about. If they could get their time lengthened they could get some recruits for the army. I soon found out that their orders had been extended thirty days to recruit from the list I made out. I was anxious to keep that force on duty as long as possible from the fact that I had found out they did not care to come in contact with me. For thirty days there were scouring the mountains for men that had never lived, and now and then they would find an old fellow whose name I had sent them that could hardly creep out of his cabin. They knew as well as I, before they began the search, that it was done on my part to keep them on duty as long as possible to keep off a force that might be more inclined to take a chance at me. This squad of soldiers returned to their commands empty-handed without a single recruit. I knew “the calm after the storm” would not last and kept a sharp lookout for the return of others. I had made up my mind before I resorted to anything hostile against the guard force or any individual to exhaust every effort to get out of my dilemma.

For a short time everything was as calm as a May morning and looked as if no war was going on. Another, however was sent specially to bring me to the army. I sent an old man to meet them posted in my behalf with this request. That Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri had refused to leave the Union, that I wish to stand on neutral ground, and that if I could secure papers that would pass me through the Confederate lines, I would proceed at once to either the States named and stand with folded arms. He was arrested and forced to pilot the soldiers to take me by surprise. He was faithful and tramped them around for over a day hunting where he knew I was not. To prevent capture I went at once to the Valley of Virginia and got work by the day, knowing the parties for whom I had promised to help at any time would never be instrumental in causing my arrest. For over a month every nook and corner of the mountain was searched, but no Fraizer could be found, and once more had to return to the army as they came, without a single man. The order of things had by this time changed, some middle-aged men of weak constitutions had been left as a regular force to arrest all who could not show cause why they should not be, and to send to the army all boys as they arrived at military age.

Nathaniel T. Chapman and J. Augustus Brown, well-known citizens of Albemarle County, men for whom I had the highest veneration, but the duty to which they were assigned naturally brought about hardly a hostile feeling, but a disposition to shun them, not through fear, but the kind feeling I had for their wives and children, it might prove best for all. The Browns were all field sports; I had hunted with nearly all of them, and now one of the name had a duty to perform, take me dead or alive. It [was] natural that I would have suffered arrest rather than harm him, but I was equally anxious to escape injury myself. I knew Brown was a Union man and concluded I would find out if his Union sentiments caused him to have any sympathy for me, that if he and his force would not make it their special aim at me I would keep him posted as to the whereabouts of all the secession deserters who I thought ought to stand up to their politics, and that he would be more apt to hold his position by sending in a deserter or a recruit at reasonable intervals. I took my gun and down the mountain I went to find some man who I could trust to see Brown and find out if such an arrangement could be made. As I was walking down what is known in Albemarle County as Rocky Bar Path, hoping that Brown would agree to my plans, before I knew it I was in gunshot range of both Chapman and Brown. I could have killed either, or perhaps both, they were on horseback and I on foot. I would not shoot but sprung from the path into the bushes to get rid of them without bloodshed. I was not as liberally dealt with as I dealt with them. As I was sinking out of sight in the bushes Chapman, in front, fired on me with buckshot knocking me senseless.

 lay for hours unconscious on the ground all covered with blood. When I recovered from the shock it surprised me that they were not there; it puzzled me to know what it meant. Had they left me there for dead or had they retreated without knowing the result? I, the best I could, made my way to my nearest friend for treatment, and found that two buck-shot had struck the skullbone high enough to glance. Chapman when he fired, thinking I would give him a salute, failed to see the effect of his shot, wheeled his horse and down the mountain they went like jockeys on a race track. That put an end to my trying to get favors at the hands of any man connected with a guard force, though it proved conclusively that those in search of me intended to advance with caution. My condition was such that if pursued I could neither fight nor retreat. To get a resting spell my best plan was to circulate that I had been killed by Chapman, send around for my friends and have a sham burial. In a little nook in the garden my friends threw up a mound in the shape of a grave, with a slab at each end, and marked my name, date of birth and death on the headboard. I was not slow in having it circulated everywhere, and especially in the neighborhood of the guard force, that I had been killed, dead and buried. It was believed generally that I was no more, and for several months every thing was quiet.

As soon as I recovered from my wound, I concluded I would make my retreat in a little cabin on the mountain side, in sight of my grave as it was being visited every day by crowds of curious people. Both Union and Secessionist in visiting my resting place treated my remains with the utmost respect. Cedar and flowers were strewn from one end to the other, the Union men expressing deep sympathy; the Confederates speaking of all my good traits, leaving out my faults, and in fact it almost made me think I was a better man that I thought I was. So much sympathy and homage was paid me it caused me to think of it in reality and that when I made my final fight if such would be the case. Desertion had begun in the army, and men making their way to the Carolina States were crowding the Blue Ridge Mountains. Frazier's death did not give any relief so far as a guard force was concerned. All of the troops on guard as they passed would visit my grave and not an unkind word said. I flattered myself that I had struck upon a plan that would be a complete success, but in that I was sadly mistaken. While I was looking at a squad of troops that were visiting my resting place I saw one fellow get a spade and begin to dig. I knew what that meant, and by the time he found who was buried there I had found safer quarters. He was either a gambler that believed nothing he heard or some one had betrayed me.

After it was found out that the hyena had resurrected me, it looked as if Gen. Lee and his whole army had left the field and were on the guard force in the mountains. I left the crowd of deserters and went the second time to the Valley of Virginia in quest of work; that was not hard to find, but soon found that times had changed, that it was as unsafe there as anywhere else, and was forced to return to the mountains, the headquarters of the guard force. The troops in search of deserters had found that the Blue Ridge was not only a shelter but a guide post to deserters aiming south, consequently it was almost impossible for the best protected man to escape arrest. I did not want to be arrested by force, nor did I want to fight at a disadvantage. I had been so annoyed by the secession deserters I concluded I would ask quarters at the hands of the officers of the guard, and aid them in riding (sic) the mountain of a set of men that should have stood to their colors, and run the risk of escape in the future.

I soon sent in one of the old women of the mountains to ask the officers if I would come in, in good faith, would they do all they could to keep me from punishment when I reached the army? That I knew every mountain path, and would help in the arrest of the deserters that were hiding there in the secret places of which they knew not. I was assured that all that could be done would be done, and that he thought an act like that would relieve me from punishment altogether. As soon as the deserters found that I had given up and with the guard force they rolled out of their haunts back to their commands and the rest made a hasty retreat Southward bound. During my stay with the guard force I was as kindly and politely treated as I ever was by any set of men. I did not intend in the start to go with them to the army, I only wanted to get rid of a set of men that should have been in the field on their side. When we started for the army we camped at the foot of the mountain for the night which was as far as I had calculated on going, as it had been planned that we should have some brandy to aid in passing away the night. We had a good supper and plenty to drink, and did not think of sleep till close to midnight. I was cautious not to drink any more than I could well carry so as to have the advantage of the rest, and while they were as full of supper and brandy as they could stuff, I made my disappearance so politely that it did not create suspicion.

After the deserters that I was so anxious to get rid of had been driven from the mountains, and some of them captured, I was equally as anxious to get rid of the guard force, I returned to my friends who were afraid they would never meet me again, and some of them believed it was the hand of Providence that had thus far protected me, that they knew I would survive the war unharmed and be myself again. I remonstrated with them and tried to show them that they were laboring under delusion on account of superstition; that if I survived the war it would not be the protecting hand of Providence, but the protecting hand of Frazier that all the prayers since Christ's Apostles had never shown out in temporal blessings.

I had been looked upon as a man who respected the rights of others up to this period, but a change took place. All the villainy that took place around the mountain was now being ascribed to me though there were men from every State in the Confederacy passing that way. On the Nortonsville road that leads to Brown's Cove Capt. Mallory, Pink Dunn and others were on their way to the mountais in search of deserters, about dark, were fired on from the bush. Mallory was badly shot in the leg, and Pink Dunn's horse killed from under him. I knew it would be ascribed to me, though whoever shot Dunn's horse must have been his personal friend, from the fact that it looked as if he aimed not to hurt the rider. “It is wise to retreat when it is folly to combat,” and for the weak to raise a row with the strong is fool judgment. It was not many days before the guard force returned to the mountains in larger numbers, better equipped, and made a more diligent search for deserters, conscripts, and Union men than had ever been made before. It got too hot for me, so I concluded I would change my base to the flat woods. I was making an old friend's house my stopping place thinking I was in perfect safety when to my surprise I saw a crowd advancing, some had guns and some had none. I had time enough to escape without suspicion, but concluded as I had been so harassed that I would secrete myself on the road by which they had to leave and give them a salute. They stayed at the house for hours, so long I hardly knew what to think of it. Finally here they come and when they got opposite I let off my old piece. I had played thunder, had shot into my friends.

Burnis B. Brown, Theodore Eddins, and Ralph Allen had been on a hunt in the mountains for bear, and on their return had fallen in with one of their old friends, Richard Durrett, who insisted on their going up to this house where there was wine and have a little jubilee. Burnis Brown, a quick active man, took in situation, started at me while my gun was empty, and as he came up the ravine in gunshot range, Richard Durrett and others, who knew it was a mistake, had got between us and made the explanation. Fortunately I was too far off to do damage, but stung Eddins and Jeff Brown, who was also in the crowd. As soon as it was seen to be a mistake the boys bore no malace (sic) and went on their way rejoicing. It bothered me to think that while I had had so many chances at my enemies, that the first gun I fired was into my friends.

Instead of this unfortunate affair causing illfeeling, it had the opposite effect. The father of these young Browns frequently travelled this road, old and in bad health. I would watch to see whether he went to his farm in Brown's Cove or spend the night with some of his friends in the neighborhood of the hiding place of the deserters. If he spent the night with his friends I would sleep that night in the stable by his horse, and on several occasions I had gone with him through the dangerous part of the hollow to protect him against the Southern deserters. I had many friends; the secessionists of my neighborhood greatly preferred my being on the scout than in the army, looking upon me as a police force against the Southern straggler.

A collision took place at Gentry's Church, on the Nortonsville road, between the Georgia troops, sent to patrol the moutains, and those hostile to their mission. The Georgia squad was completely routed, and as I am told some were badly wounded and others killed; however, of that I know nothing, but they made a retreat never to return; field service was far preferable. Like everything else that hapened in the neighborhood I had the blame to shoulder. Before this little encounter at Gentry's Church you could hear through girls who were in correspondence with young men in the army that his man and the other were trying to get detailed to go to the mountains to hunt up deserters. But as soon as the Georgia troops reported, that cry could be no longer heard. I have been informed by good authority that the encounter at Gentry's Church was planned and executed by native-born Georgians who were on their way to the Blue Ridge mountains by which they intended to make their way homeward. When I heard that the encounter at Gentry's had been charged against me I tried to correct it, knowing that if I fell into the hands of the military I would have enough to do to get rid of the charge of desertion, and to answer two false charges looked like double persecutuion, however, I had to stand under it as will be seen further on in this work.

 had nothing now to fear for a while at least. Brown and Chapman were still on duty hunting up the boys as they became of age, though opposed to coming my way, nor did I hunt them up, I had gotten enough of it on the Rocky Bar Path. It was now about time for Benj. T. Brown to go to his mountain place. The hollow was filled with stragglers, so I concluded to get out on the risky part of the public road and see him safely through. I had not waited long before I saw him coming in the distance in a slow pace tired and broke down. He did not know that I had come out on the road specially on his account untill I told him. When he got near enough I addressed him politely, which he returned in the same manner. Said I, “Mr. Brown, the hollow is filled with men who are not too good to rob you. I have come out to see you through unmolested.” He thanked me kindly. So up the road we went for about three miles as far as I was willing to risk. He insisted on my not leaving him; that he was feeble; that further on we could get something to drink. I was not opposed to the drinking part, so I followed him. When we got to where he thought something could be had, I held his horse and he went in. In a short time he came to the door and invited me in. The bottle and the sugar was on the table ready. We took several drinks together, then separated. I not only protected old Mr. Brown, but every other old man, woman and child who did not bother me.

James C. Carter, a justice of the peace, frequently had business in this end of his district. On one occasion a young man came with him expressly to get acquainted with me; said he was anxious to see the man who had stood so firmly by his union sentiments against the secession wave that had swept over the land. I was sent for by Mr. Carter to meet this young man. Mr. Carter introduced me to the young man and remarked that he had a chance to satisfy his curiosity. I soon found that he was a rank secessionist and I was equally radical in the opposite. We could not agree on anything particular; and when I thought he was too overbearing I would call his attention to it, but it did no good; so our political discussion culminated in the roughest fisticuff fight I ever had. Squire Carter commanded the peace, but civil authority was at a low eb, martial law had the whip hand; however, he succeeded in getting us apart. We were both worsted though I am satisfied when the young fellow got back that night the women did not know him. Squire Carter told the young man the next time he came with him he must converse on a different subject, that he thought that was enough to satisfy him if he was a little hard of belief. I bet Mr. Carter shortly after at one of his courts, hoping to meet his young friend though he was not along.
He was either anxious not to fight,
Or had been made a proselyte.
The winter of 1862 was near at hand; provisions for the winter to secure. Bear were plentiful in the mountain, and being fond of the sport I got some boys together and went into the secluded parts of the moutains in search of food. We had had good luck for several days, and had hung up the meat for safe keeping, when on the third day the hounds were making a beautiful move on one, I was pressing hard to get a shoot, when to my surprise I saw some strange men pressing towards the dogs. Presently the sound of a gun, and then another, and another. It was a doleful sound to me. The boys were all behind and I concluded to wait till they came up. I sent them in posted how to act and especially if they were deserters. If they were deserters they would want the bear, if the guard they were after me. To the delight of the boys it was the guard force in search of me, aiming for the dogs more for me than the bear. They were questioned closely as to whether I was in the hunt; that if I was along they would join in and stay several days longer, though they had as well been asking the cliffs on the mountain side for information. I remained in the mountain while the boys and the guard took off all the meat, the one they killed they kindly turned over to the boys. I flattered myself that I was being waited on, but when I returned I found that I had been mistakened. They had taken quarters close by, had eaten up nearly all the meat and captured me when I returned. I insisted on their remaining where they were as long as possible, at least till we could eat up the meat, that I expected a rough time when I got in the hands of the martial courts; that as I had been caught that I was for Union and that was what had kept me off, and I would help capture every secession deserter in the mountain.

I took the hounds with them in the mountains the first day, but did not know where any of the Southern deserters were, they had gotten shy and left. I proposed that one of the boys be sent down the mountains for brandy and if any of the deserters got with him he could fool them and bring them back. I had posted the boy to get one of the young fellows to come in sight, then break and run so they would think I was acting in good faith. I was handcuffed that night and took but little part in the jubilee. I was insisted on to eat and drink with them, and said they felt like they were intruders on my supply of meat unless I would partake of what they had furnished, the brandy. Night after night was spent in the same way drinking brandy and eating the finest kind of rough camp suppers. “Cheer up, Frazier,” had got to be the cant phraze they used around the campfire. I promised that I would be as cheerful as I could if they would send me on the next day to the guardhouse in Charlottesville, that I wanted to see my old captain who was generally there every day, and knew what led me to join his company, and also knew when my time expired, which was before the conscription act, that if I was fairly dealt with, all that could be done was to put me in the ranks, that to remain in the mountain handcuffed any length of time would break down any man, was the reason I was downcast. They began with their cant phraze. “Cheer up, Frazier,” cheer up lets have a drink, we glory in your spunk. I did cheer up, with handcuffs on, I spent the night as best I could to entertain my captors though downcast I aimed to conceal it. The most intelligent of the crowd I singled out for conversation the others soon got interested and stood like tomb-stones looking on. I was laying my case before the captain and giving my reasons for the stand I had taken. When I had finished he said, there is but this difference, I am of your opinion on the slave question, I am a union man, I am in the army and you are out.

I was taken to Charlottesville and lodged in the guard-house among lice and deserters, the most unhospitable den I had ever been in up to that time. I used every effort to see my old captain but the bomb proof soldiers that guarded the den treated me with derision when I asked if any of them knew Col. Crank, and if they did not, would they be kind enough to ask the old citizens of the place to deliver my message. I wanted to see him and thought that he might keep me from before a drum-head court martial. I had been there several days before I could have any communication with the outside world, but finally a middle aged lady was allowed to see her son who was among the lice and deserters. I asked if she knew Col. Crank? Said she did. I asked if she would be kind enough to see if he was in town and to tell him who wanted to see him and on what business? The tears came to her eyes big as buck-shot, and said if he was in town she would find him, and bring him in herself. Late in the evening she came back and reported that no Col. could be found, that he had been seen on the streets the day before, possibly would be in the next day. While I had a friend I concluded I would have my message scattered all over Charlottesville, so asked this good woman if she would see parties who knew him to deliver it should he come. She delivered the message to all she knew and remained till morning herself. Preparations had been made to take us off by the nine o'clock train the next morning, and on the way to board the train a wild turkey could not have seen a man farther than I him, but had to go alone. I was handcuffed, guarded by armed soldiers, the car doors closed, a drum head courtmartial ahead, what on earth was I to do?

My only show was to leap from the train regardless of the consequences. I watched every opportunity to get a chance to make the desperate leap from the platform but was too closely watched by the guard. I had been handcuffed to another man and placed upon the same seat. My wrist being large enough to slip my hand through the bracelet, and being on the window side of the seat, as the cars began to slow up for Gordonsville I went out through the window. Unfortunately I lit upon the wrong end, or at least not the right, the fleshy part of my body striking the ground, and there I lay perfectly helpless.

 was expecting every minute that the cars would stop, and the guard sent back, but on she sped, and I was more than glad to see that the army and railroad company were separate organizations., As soon as I recovered from the shock, I got from the road side and rested till night fall. I had been so bruised, blackened and stiffened that I hardly knew myself; however I made my way without food, except some guard-house crackers for over forty miles. As soon as I got among my union friends that same old superstitious cry of “Providence” was loud all over the mountain. I was in no condition for weeks to be disturbed, but fortunately it was some time before it was known that I had made my escape. The outlook was darker than I ever anticipated. The armies were at rest during the winter, and details were being sent for recruits. I concluded it would be useless to resist, though the Gordonsville trip just worked me up to that pitch, concluded to use strategem. Had my friends negotiating with the officers for terms, that if I were guaranteed that no punishment would be inflicted, that my life had been but little short of hell on earth, I would join the army, that it looked as if the confederate authorities thought the cause was lost unless I joined; but wanted it distinctly understood that no fear had prompted me to the course I had persued, nor were I afraid to fight against odds where I now stood. I never intended to go in good faith, but knew that I was dreaded in single combat, but wanted to keep them under delusion till the armies got in action. However, I was taken in at my own game. A general pardon had been granted to all absent without leave and even those under sentence of death, so a message was sent to me at once to come in. I replied, stating that the news was too good, that I did not believe it, that it was only a plot to take me without risk on their part, that they must get the order and send it to me and if I did not think it a put up job I would give it some consideration. My plan would not work though I was killing time and passing that much of the winter unmolested in the hope on their part of a friendly arrangement. The Richmond newspapers had published the order. My messenger returned with a paper with a long black mark on each side so as I would have no difficulty or excuse that I could not find the publication.

To make them believe that I had been in good faith and that they in bad, I sent another message, that I believe the newspaper men were into it just to fool Tom Frazier. That put an end to anything like coming to an understanding. I was persued from one place to another and now an then an exchange of shots, till it looked like war in the mountain. It had got too hot for me in the haunts of the mountain so I concluded that I would try city life, if I could succeed in getting in with some true union men in a city. It would be a matter wholly impossible to find my whereabouts and thereby get rid of the secession deserters that made the top of the Blue Ridge their thoroughfare in aiming to reach their friends and homes. The union men were numerous in the Valley of Virginia. I concluded to try Staunton as the place, enter it at night, to make an arrangement of the kind. On reaching Staunton my first aim was to secure a lodging place for the night. Was directed by some boys to a boarding house, as I did not wish to come in contact with the crowds that would be around the hotels. After supper was over I concluded to find out where I was so far as the political situation was concerned. Said I, Madam our country is in a deplorable state, that the wise men on either side should be willing to stop hostilities and negotiate for peace. She had told me that her husband was in the army, then on guard duty in that place, but had gone to Buffalo Gap to get recruits and to gather up those absent without leave. Thinking the sound of peace would be pleasant to a young married women with one beautiful child. That started her. She was a secessionist, and index to her husbands politics. She contended that constitutional rights had been violated, that the negro had nothing to do with the war, that the South would fight to the last or gain her independence that to throw up the sponge now would be inviting the government at Washington to usurp all the rights of the States. Said her husband had gained some distinction, was corporal of the guard force, that if the war lasted any length of time he might be general yet. I told her of Bonapartes promotion, and how he rose from corporal to command of both army and State, and had it not been for the conflagration of Moscow, and his defeat at Waterloo, would have ridden rough-shod over the Eastern Continent, and that her husband stood equally the same chance, that there were many in the ranks who were superior to some who held commissions of high rank, that we were not exactly together politically, but should be liberal enough to allow every one his own honest opinion, but as far as her husband was concerned, I hoped and believed he would be commissioned brigadier if not major general.

Little did she think that I was planning how to knock the wild-cat dreams out of him should he return that night. About twelve o'clock I heard him enter the house. His wife spoke in the highest terms of me, though was satisified I was a little hostile to the confederate cause but was hopeful, that she had not sufficiently pumped me to find out, that I was firmly of the opinion, that from what she had told him, that you stood a good chance to be made major general. As I expected, at an early hour he was in my room, that breakfast was ready, dress and come down, that his business required him to demand of every man his authority for being absent from the army, but in my case it was only formal, that from what his wife had told him of me he would be safe were he not to inquire into my credentials. I remarked that his duty was not in the least disagreeable to me, that as soon as I could dress and come down I would satisfy him on that point. When breakfast was over, with a supply of provisions stuck in my satchel, I invited him to my room to see the authority that absented me from the army. I drew a navy revolver in his face and said by this authority I stand alone, if you move I will shoot. Turning to the door, I locked him in his own house. As I went down the street I could hear him hallooing at the top of his voice murder! murder! help! help! As the crowd gathered to see what was up, I made my disappearance unobserved. I was cured once and for all of city life and was bent on resorting to the mountains for protection in the future.

On my way to Albemarle county I met some deserters being persued by a cavalry force. I made them halt and form for battle. Knowing that deserters were irreliable, I was particular in getting on the side by which it suited me best to retreat. When the cavalry came in sight the deserters broke and over the mountain they went with out the least show of resistance. The cavalry pursued without success. The deserters took to the hills and sheltered till nightfall when they made a break for the Carolina States. I went alone to my old friends to find the mountain for war better than city life. It had been reported that I was at the head of an organized gang for the purpose of robbery and defense. Some robberies had been committed around the mountain by the Southern deserters aiming homeward, and malicious parties had ascribed it all. It was impossible to escape them and useless to resist such odds; so I sent in a message that I wanted to surrender, and wished to meet the officer in charge of the squad. It was far more agreeable on his part than mine. Court martial loomed ahead for me and they dreaded anything like hostile relations with me. I surrendered with the understanding that he was to aid me before the court-martial, get Col. Crank and a copy of the poll-book of 1861, to show my vote, that I had only joined Col. Crank's company by way of securring peace, that all that could be made of my case, if I were not allowed to go to the Union side, was to claim me as a conscript. I was taken to Petersburg and lodged in a dungeon. Before my trial I could see that the sentence of death had been pronounced. Hand-cuffed, not allowed any communication with the outside world, the guard on duty not allowed to speak to me, and if I said anything about Col. Crank, it took no Solomon to see what loomed behind. I was hurried before a court-martial, without evidence, upon the charge of desertion and firing into the Confederate soldiers. I plead not guilty, stating my case as ably as I could and claimed that were I allowed the privilege could prove it, by as respectable men as were in Albemarle county. That while I had been an out-spoken union man I had shunned the troops on guard duty, and that my old captain would willingly show to the court that I had never deserted, but when my term of enlistment expired, refused to take part in a cause that I disapproved from the first, that being misled by him I had joined the army to secure peace. I was sentenced to be shot and incarcerated in a dungeon to await the day of execution.

 insisted that my case be laid before Gen. Lee, thinking he would see that all that could be made of my case was conscription. I stated before the court that Gen. Lee had resigned his commission in the Union army to take the side of his choosing; that all I wanted was to be allowed to stand neutral, if not, to take the side I preferred. That I was opposed to slavery and should be allowed to go to the Union side. Instead of helping my case it was prejudicial: it hastened the court in bringing out a verdict of death against me. I was agreeably surprised to find those in charge of my cell in deep sympathy. I was informed by the officer in charge of the prisoners, the day next preceding my execution, to prepare for the fatal day, that the general had approved of the decision of the court martial and that my last hope had flown. I had been examining the walls of my prison and had located the weakest part. With an old knife, which I had been allowed to use, I went to work to break through the wall. Handcuffed and the guard, or at least some of them to mislead, the time so short, that I almost lost all hope, but I worked on till in the early part of the morning when I was able to get through.

Out of the dungeon but far from being at liberty. The Appomatox River to swim, the guard to pass, and no time for delay. I succeeded in reaching the river unobserved, but my experience in crossing was by far the worst I ever had in water. On the north side of the Appomatox, before I made my strike for home, the handcuffs had to be got rid of, some food had to be procurred and a night's rest if possible. After getting some five or six miles to the southwest of Petersburg to avoid the travel on the Richmond road, fell in with some boys who proved to be friendly. One of them took hold of the iron cuffs and did all he could to get them off but failed; however it was not long before he got a file and I was soon freed from the irons I had worn so long. After getting all the information I could as to the politics of the neighborhood I was in, thanked them kindly for their assistance and parted perhaps to meet no more.

A union man was not far to the west of me on my way, so I ventured in to see him. It was not long before he broached the subject of the war. So I listened and let him go on to see what he really was. I soon found he was as anxious as I to see a different state of affairs. He had two sons in the army and said he would willingly give all he had on earth could he stop the bloodshed that was going on, and that it grieved him almost to death to think they were fighting in a cause he had always opposed the perpetuation and extension of slavery. He denounced the clergy and politicians blaming them alike for the bloodshed that was going on, and one thing he said that I can never forget, that a demagogue clergyman was the last of the Almighty's creation; that in 1853 three thousand ministers from New England had petitioned Congress not to reopen the slave question, that the Missouri Compromise had settled it forever. Said he, “Where were the demagogue clergymen elsewhere? Preaching that the negro was a gift from God to work out his days in servitude to the white man, and that it could be proven by the Bible.” After he had finished I told him of all my troubles from the first to the last, and that I had found from some boys his position and had come to him for assistance. He opened his doors wide to me as long as I might choose to stay, and told me of all the union men at least for fifteen or twenty miles ahead. Thus supplied with food and shelter for several days and to see that I stood not alone, my broken depressed spirits strengthened and returned--I was myself again ready to undertake the risk that lay before me.

Taking leave of my friend I was once more on the road winding my way to my neighborhood to reach my faithful friends. Notwithstanding my old friend advised me to go to the Union side by way of the Chesapeake bay, take the oath of neutrality, get work and remain till the close of the war; that he would not be harassed as I had been for all the negroes in the Confederacy, and that since I had been sentenced to be shot I would be more harassed than ever, that a larger force would be sent to the locality of my boyhood and that even some of my friends would accidently let it out that I had returned. After six or eight days of hard marching, using every precaution, I reached my old friends. They had heard of my escape, through the papers, was looking for my capture and execution, that no man could make good his escape so closely fettered. The superstition that on former occasions I had tried to knock out of the minds of my friends got deeper rooted and they believe to this day that my escape from Petersburg dungeon was due to Providential intervention.

The oath of neutrality, loss in battle and disease had so reduced Gen. Lee's army that a desperate effort to recruit was being made, even messages were communicated to me that if I would agree willingly to take the field there was not the least doubt that a pardon was waiting, not only for me but all who would come in. In reply I said that under the general amnesty pardon I had refused to come in and when so unfortunate as to fall in their hands, the court-marshal at Petersburg had shown so much liberality that I was afraid to risk, even if I were of secession views, but if they would secure papers properly signed that would take me through the Confederate lines, I would cross over and take the oath of neutrality and stand with folded arms till the close of the war. I was then hunted night and day to be taken to the army for execution, but aided by union friends succeeded in misleading my pursuers. It was generally known that I was not afraid to fight, and when an attempt was made to search for my whereabouts it was an easy matter to find out what was on foot.

About this time several small engagements took place between the guard-force and the deserters from the army, all of which I had the blame to bear, though always denied the charge. The guard-force was generally so intimidated that they greatly preferred field service to guard duty and consequently were anxious not to risk too hard around the mountain passways. I am told that several were seriously injured, but if any were killed I have never been able to find it out. Desertion had got to be so common that the Blue Ridge, their pathway to the South, was filled with men homeward bound without any means of sustenance. Like all men on the point of starvation resorted to desperation to satisfy their hunger. Robbery after robbery was committed especially around the mountain where brandy as well as supplies could be obtained. It was no longer in my power to protect the helpless; I was outnumbered by a band of marauders enroute for their homes or wherever they could find shelter from the army. The citizens becoming exasperated at the conduct of these men, petitioned the officials of the army to send sufficient force to break it up if possible. A sweeping order was issued and placed in the hands of Maj. C.R. Mason for execution, that read thus, as well as I can recollect, that he proceed to the scene of outlawry, capture and execute all deserters, and even those who had knowingly given aid or comfort to a deserter. This was a broad order to execute without complaint. Had all who had given aid or comfort knowingly to a deserter been executed, it would have depopulated nearly all of the north side of Albemarle county and some of the best soldiers in the field, from that section were unsafe. Major Mason succeeded in arresting some six or eight, some no doubt had been guilty of robbery, but the main birds had flown, and the citizens who had caused the execution of some of these deeply regretted it. Could all the guilty have been captured and executed the citizens would have approved of the order sweeping as it was, but the fate of war sometimes paces hard and too late to make amends.

All that were captured were executed: Whether they were allowed a court of inquiry or executed under the order as Major Mason might think proper, is something I have never been able to find out. Some ill feeling, for a time existed against Major Mason among the mountaineers, but what could he do? after he was sent to execute the order, it was too late then to withdraw the petition notwithstanding the southern robbers had flown, and those native born who fell into his hands were the victims. I was particularly sought for by this party but had not the least trouble in keeping at the proper distance. I tried hard to save the lives of two men, Calvin Shiflet and Tipton Walton, whom I knew were good men that had never thought of robbery, though the order was too sweeping. I could do nothing, but in hanging around Boonesville, the place of execution, came very near being caught myself. Messenger after messenger, I sent to Major Mason in behalf of these men till I was suspected of being close around. When informed that I was in danger of being taken, could do no more for others, but had to take care of myself. Being under sentence of death and seeing the fate of others who were not, for the first time, and I made up my mind not to be taken alive. I always had hated the secession deserter and to think that two union men had forfeited at the stake their lives, on account of their marauding I would betray them into the hands of Mason and especially those, making the Blue Ridge their guide post, depredating as they went.

 met several that I knew, but withheld all information till I found out that they were as well posted as I of what Major Mason was doing at Boonesville. I was a little shy of trying to trap them after finding they were so well posted, but said, “I am a Union man you are all secessionists, why not go down to Boonesville and go back to the army? Major Mason I am sure will deal liberally with his secession brethren if they will act in good faith, he is in this neighborhood executing some orders, but has not the least objection to recruiting the army: what say you? You might be able to help me out.” They agreed if I would go back with them they would try and get back to the army. We started done the mountain in the direction of Boonesville but when in a half a mile of the main road leading that way, we discovered some armed men, Masons' of course, I told them that I would wait and see them go in, that I would have a spy on the ground and if the were successful I would find it out and could then better judge of my own case. Fortunately for them, Mason and his men had left Boonesville in search of others, but before they had reached the place, found out exactly what Mason had done; so they turned back and up the mountain, out of breath, at double-quick they came scared nearly out of their wits. I had some difficulty in getting them to halt and tell what was going on below. One fellow said, “you have been sadly mistake, Union. Secessionist nor any other man stands any show down there. Go with us and lets strike for North Carolina by way of the Blue Ridge mountain.”

On reaching the top of the mountain we met with some twenty odd deserters all strangers, aiming for their homes by way of the mountains. It was useless to try to conceal what was going on below, two of the party were then hurrying out of that locality aiming for their homes. I stopped the party, related the whole story, told them of my fate before the court-martial at Petersburg, that I was under sentence of death and if caught there was not show, my execution was certain. They expressed their deep sympathy and were hopeful that I would be lucky enough to escape arrest. Said I; “Gentlemen, did you know that while the court-martial at Petersburg places me under sentence of death, that Gen. Lee's sweeping order places you on the same footing.” Here is Major Mason at the foot of the mountain, clothed with an order authorizing him to execute all men absent from their commands without leave, and even those who had knowingly given aid or comfort to them. How can you escape? Our only show is fight. Mason is somewhere around the mountain, I know not where, but if you will stand and join me we can force him out of the mountain and escape the sentence that awaits us if we give up. Will you not fight? After convincing them that their fate was as bad or worse than mine they agreed to stand and fight. First we had to locate Maj. Mason and the road by which he would enter the mountains. We found that Mason was on the Brown's Gap road, while we were on the Simon's Gap slope of the mountain some ten or fifteen miles apart.

We soon found that Maj. Mason intended to make a search of the mountains advancing form the east or Boonesville side. I concluded I would see the grit of the men I had stopped, though I knew it must be faulty. Said I; “We are all here alike under sentence of death, if we falter we forfeit our lives, if we fight, we can drive Mason and his party out of the mountains. We have the advantage of all the natural positions, if he has four to one, we can force him to retreat.” Looking at the same time to see if they had any sand, I discovered the “bitter smile behind the pointed grin they wore.”

All agreed that I had made the right calculations as to the odds, and seemed anxious for the fray. Though I knew it was feigned. All agreed that I should take charge of the squad and place them in position for defense. I had spies to apprise me of Mason's movements left behind around the foot of the mountain. I was expecting Mason. or a report as to his movements, when all of a sudden an old man came in sight with hat in hand, out of breath, hallooing at the top of his voice, Mason! Mason! run! run! The little band that I had so carefully instructed as to what we could do against odds, broke and struck for themselves without even the sight of Mason and his squad. I feigned that I was anxious for them to rally, stand and fight, though was anxious to get rid of them, but no show, retreat they would before the battle begun. They struck for the Browns Gap road leading to the Black Rock springs, dropping knapsacks, blankets, muskets and several were so anxious to lighten their burden to enable them to speed on their way, that as they made their disappearance in the distance, nothing could be seen but their linnen-shoes pants and all were gone. I had on previous occasion s found out that a secession deserter would not do to relay on, and of course was not the least disappointed. I had no fears of being taken by Mason, spies on every side were apprising me of his movements. When he passed where my little squad was routed, I was anxious to let him know what a chance was just ahead, but could not, without endagering my own safety. Before I could communicate the fact, through others, they had no doubt reached North Carolina, so concluded to let him go wherever his judgment directed him. His stay was short though impressive, men who had been lurking around the mountains took fright and made their way for other quarters. Some that were executed, no doubt had acted in concert with those that had flown, however, peace and quiet prevailed, which shows conclusively that I had been a protection to that locality instead of a marauder. All were glad that I had been lucky enough to keep one day ahead of Mason, especially the old men whose sons were in the army I made it my business to cut wood for the helpless without remuneration, that while I was under sentence of death, yet, I would run some risk to aid the old and decrepit who had been so kind to me in my troubles. The order that had been placed in Mason's hands instead of intimidating the old men whose sons were gone, and had the opposite effect. They were bound to have help in winter or freeze. Instead of their aiding and comforting me, I was aiding and comforting them. Mason had not more than returned to the army before deserters could be heard of in the secret parts of the mountain aiming south-ward. . .

It took no Solomon to see that the end had come, but how to pass the ordeal that now surrounded me puzzled me, it almost run me mad. I had made up my mind not to kill if I could otherwise take care of my body, but to think, on the eve of peace to be taken off and executed for union sentiments, though charged with firing into the confederate guards and desertion; I would never up, play the eagle bird and contend to the last. If I could only mislead instead of coming in contact with the guard, was my main aim, not that I was the least afraid they were far more shy of me than I of them, but did not want to kill and was equally as anxious to live; was at this time of the Dunkard faith and all know their dislike of war. I finally pitched upon a plan that I was hopeful would keep them busy until Gen. Early would be forced too leave the Valley. I sent an old man about seventy-five years old to aid me in carrying out my plan. They soon discovered that he was more friendly to me they were in search of, and were anxious for the old man to return to his family, b way of finding out where I was, thinking he was too unsuspecting to take in what they meant. however, he succeeded in making his return without leading them, except in the wrong direction. He was of the opinion that if I could, without more risk than then threatened me, leave for some other quarters it would be far better; that all the trouble with the old men and boys had been ascribed to me, that the deserters had been incited to open resistance and that I had actually poisoned the union men till it was unsafe even for an armed force to risk too hard when among them. It was all good news to me, thinking that while they believed that such was the state of affairs they would be more cautious and less anxious to come in contact with the union men and especially the leader of the band. While they were of that opinion, though their fears were mostly imaginary, it was thought best for all who would see the end from the mountains, to send in a spy and in confidence inform them that a movement was on foot to arm young and old, deserters included and take the whole guard force prisoners to be held in hostage. That not one would be hurt so long as the guard force kept from among the mountains but as soon as they in future were molested, all would be shot. Our spy was either misled or had turned traitor. On his return told that most of the guards were delighted at the idea of being held as hostages, that he believed they intended to remain where they were if ordered back to their commands, that they were on the eve of joining hands with the union men. The news was so different from what I had got from their camp on other occasions I did not know what to make of it, it was too good to be true.

Our messenger, an old man, opposed to secession from the start it could not be possible that he was against us? If anything was wrong, the treachery was on the other side, they might be acting in bad faith to carry out some of their own plans. It could be plainly seen by all that Gen. Lee without men or means, could not hold out long, and it might be so that these men had concluded that they would no longer join in the holocaust. The most suspicious are easily fooled, it is the nature of man “to be anxious to believe that which he wished to be true.” While on a quandary to my deep regret, the doubt that had haunted me for days, and had thrown me completely off my guard, was more than beautifully dispelled. Before I know of any approach I was covered by at least a half -dozen cocked muskets and the party knew who they were aiming to arrest. Not even a walking cane with which to defend myself, taken completely by surprise, what could I do but surrender? The whole move from the start was a bluff, no attempt organize the bob-tail crowd referred to was ever make, but to think that I was taken in at my own game was almost as bad as being caught. In chains again, helpless a child could almost control me. My mode of defense was ridiculed by my captors. Was interrogated after this fashion: “Where were your pickets? What on earth were you thinking of not to have your weapons in reach of you? You are not much of a general for a man of your reputation, not that we know but as we have been informed we have captured the father of all the devilment that has been committed in this locality since the war. ” Said I, “Gentlemen, who has so willfully thus informed you? Where are you from gentlemen? I can get a petition signed by the best men in this locality requesting Gen. Lee to allow me to remain here to protect the old and infirm against the southern marauder; and if he will not allow it, to inflict no punishment. I am a union man whose whole aim had been to protect the helpless, and so far as the war is concerned, to stand with folded arms; The secession deserter from the South committed most of the outrages around the mountain, when Maj. Mason came here with a sweeping order to execute his mission went ahead of him; no ties, and no other charms but robbery, all these men had to do, was to strike for the South and escape the punishment that Mason would have inflicted. I have remained here ever since; there are local deserters around the mountain, the old helpless men have not lost a chicken nor a bottle of brandy since the “the calm precedes the storm,” but in this case it has been reversed: “Could not the father of all this devilment have kept the ball in motion?” I believe from your looks that you are all Southern men, but I have given you a correct history of the shameful conduct of your countrymen as they passed this way, and the best citizens around this mountain though far from being blood-thirsty, would have rejoiced could Mason have froze on to them. I had located them right; they were all from the South and loud in their denunciation of the parties I described, that the blame should rest where it belonged, no matter where it struck, even if it took in the “father of all the devilment.”

I was kept in the mountain guarded and hand-cuffed, while they were scouring the mountain night and day for recruits. Several were brought in, two deserters, the rest old men and boys, who claimed to be too old or too young, just as circumstances suited. Several days were spent in proving the ages of the doubtful parties and could I have had my way I would have kept them hunting up evidence till Gen. Lee surrendered. The old men and boys were liberated after much trouble in proving their exact ages greatly to the delight of their unprotected female friends. All was ready to leave the mountain when I asked the officer in charge, if he would be kind enough to remain till the nest day, that I believed I would be executed, that I had a few dollars in silver and some confederate money that I would like to place in the hands of my best friends, with the understanding if I never returned to buy some keep-sake in remembrance of me. Without hesitating he consented as it was then most too late to get far on the way before night would overtake us. He was very polite and made the guard go with me to where I had hid my treasure; only about ten dollars in silver, a hundred in confederate money, which I turned over to my best friend, a lady. I had about a gallon of brandy hid out, which I handed to the guard to sit before the party when we got back. they were agreeably surprised to see the brandy, and partook of it freely, showed no signs of intoxication and behaved like perfect gentlemen. We started the next morning several hours before day so that the party could reach the points their orders required. All of the party shook hands with my lady friend, with whom I had left my all, as if to say, they had a warm place in their hearts for me though had a duty to perform which might separate us forever. On we went without breakfast, which we contemplated getting at the first suitable in the valley. We halted at Davy Gilmers, an old farmer at the foot of the mountain, who agreed to have breakfast prepared for all. I had already gone further than I wanted and was bent on leaving then and there at any risk. Two others were being taken to Staunton for execution, who knew I intended to make the attempt and had agreed to follow. While they were all waiting for breakfast, Mr.Gilmer had his bottle out inviting the crowd to come in. I knew it was the best chance I would ever have to free myself. I gave the other two the wink, sprung over the plank fence and struck for the nearest point of the mountain. Out of the house they poured with drinks half down, some with guns and some without. Volley after volley was fired at me, though I had the presence of mind to keep on moving obliquely, to prevent rifle aim and made the trip without a scratch. The other two stood like sheep before the slaughter when there was not a loaded gun to oppose them. They were taken to Staunton and executed just too late to get the benefit of a pardon. Papers reached Staunton a few hours after the execution, granting them a pardon. 1

When I reached my friends they were startled to think that with so much against me I had escaped unhurt. that was the last and all of the guard force; the old men who had been left on that duty folded arms and could not be induced to enter the mountain except on a visit. A change had taken place: men who had once tried to get me in the custody of the guard had turned on my side through policy no doubt, knowing that the last guard force had left the mountain never to return. When I reached the mountain at Davy Gilmer's, some half mile from his house, I asked the guard if they intended to come back, that I had been fooled that time at my own game but the next time I thought I could manage differently. The reply was that it was doubtful, that those that were left behind they hoped would do all they could for the women and children, that my reputation had by some been given as a bad character and by others just the opposite; that it was no fault of theirs that I escaped, they had done all they could to stop me but had failed, though on account of the lady friend I had left behind they were glad I was not hurt. I stood in sight till they started for Staunton and waived them the last farewell. Old Mr. Gilmer in sitting out his bottle had so charmed them that they were thrown off their guard completely.

It was not many days before the whole Valley from Winchester to Staunton was the scene of retreat, routed and disaster. Gen. Early's army was completely disorganized, every man his own general, and Early himself almost alone crossed Turks Gap by way of secret paths to make good his escape. An army routed and turned loose without a commander, to shift for themselves were in no frame of mind to respect the rights of others, though as a general thing, they got their provisions without charge on the part of the citizens. Gen. Lee soon surrendered, his army turned loose to wend their way to their homes, some striking for government property wherever it could be found, caused disaffection among the soldiers. Some had too much and others none; they began to rob one another. It looked like war had started after peace had been declared. I stood at a distance till the wrangle over government property had been settled. The negroes all knew that they were free, began to leave their old masters which added but little to the kind feeling of the slave owners for those opposed to slavery. Was the war over or had it just begun was what I now had to ponder over? It was generally known the Democratic party had unintentionally freed the negro, would any one be so narrow minded as to entertain bad feeling, because I favored freeing them by State legislation. I had had fights enough during the war about the union and the slave question, and as it was over, was anxious to rest a spell. I was satisfied that my native countrymen would never attempt to raise a row with me on account of my position, but there were men from every State of the Confederacy that might be disposed to couple me with that which they should blame themselves. The citizens were delighted at the return of their friends, and public dinners were frequently given, and speeches were made requesting the soldiers to quiet down and got to work. When I found that the speeches made on those occasions were of a tone that suited me, concluded the next gathering I would venture out and see how I would be received. I would not go to any of the dinners given in honor of the soldiers, but concluded to try the church-yard.

The first preaching day, on Sunday, I rigged myself the best I could and went out to worship. When I got upon the church-yard I spoke politely to my friends as they spoke to me, but as soon as it was generally known that I was on the ground, I was surrounded by men who had stood at Cold Harbor, Gettysburg and other hard fought battles, and to tell the truth, I never got so tired of shaking hands in my life. I was the centre of attraction. All after, I had no fears of ostracism: the men who had taken the field were liberal enough to allow a man to be governed by the dictates of his own conscience and I cared not for those who did all they could to bring on the row, and then took shelter behind some government contract. It is the case all over the world, that men who break the peace and quiet will shrink, and polk the battle off on others. So it was in the trouble between the States; boys who had never cast a vote, who relied upon the judgment of others who had made the extension and perpetuation of slavery their fondest dream from their boyhood. . . . In giving my own history for four years, my aim has been to show the trying ordeal through which I passed, that others might see the folly of prejudice and passion at their country's expense. There are some whose sectional hatred will only be extinguished by death itself, but it is in the power of the young men to keep them out of the legislative halls and the country will once more be free from war influence. If I am holding up the Olive Branch then who is he that is still holding up the Serpent?



1 For an alternate view of the same incident, an excerpt from Civil War Recollections: Grandfather's Boyhood in the Civil War by George Edgar Sipe, in the possession of the Albemarle County Historical Society and submitted by Eugene Powell:

Banditry and War

The Blue Ridge denizens as known in my boyhood days, were in character and intelligence so far inferior to our mountain neighbors of this present time that any description of them must read like strange tales from some primitive barbarous race. When our Civil war began many of them sought hiding places to escape conscription. Deserters, too, from the Confederate Army found refuge in the same (Page 12) fastnesses; at first with no object but their own safety from court martial and the firing squad. But later their necessities drove them to a kind of banditry.

One night in January, 1865, a knock was heard at our front door. Father opened it and we saw standing at the foot of the steps five men, necks muffled up, hats down over their eyes and .at the side of each a musket with fixed bayonet that glistened in the moonlight. "We want to know if we can stay over night." No", said my father, "my beds are occupied." He was never guilty of a more fortunate or pardonable prevarication. The men went out to the road, and after standing close together for about ten minutes as if holding council, took their way on up the road. The occasion for their deliberations, as was afterward fully explained, arose from their surprise when Father met them at the door. They thought he was in the Army below Richmond, (he had gotten home that day on furlough) and knowing that our home was a convenient stopping place for soldiers seeking a night's lodging, when Father said his beds were occupied, they were afraid to risk the danger. So they went up to the home of our neighbor, Gilmore, gagged him and his wife and stripped their home of every shred of bedding, all the clothing but the garments they had on, and everything else they could use.

About two weeks later a few cavalrymen from the Staunton Provost Guard came, very early one morning from the mountains, by our home with two prisoners on their way to GilmoreÕs for identification as members of the robber gang. I went up a little later and learned that the two men were Tom Frazier and Lincus Shifflet, both members of the gang. I was standing in the back yard when several of the soldiers came out with the prisoners from breakfast. A few minutes after, Frazier, with the agility of a cat, leaped over the back fence and took to his heels toward the woods. The soldiers shamefully careless were so taken by surprise that Tom was some fifty yards distant before they began a fusillade of shots, all of which missed. He escaped, was never afterward caught, and after the war actually had printed an account of his bandit life. Lincus was taken to Staunton and executed. Return to story.

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