Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/434

 An Incident of Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign. 433

flag to General Johnson, as the representative of the victorious regi- ment. Mrs. Rust, although loth to part with the treasured memento, at length consented, simply stipulating that she should receive a picture of it. The flag itself is made of silk, and was originally a fine piece of work, though now much tattered.

Immediately after the conflict in Mr. McKay's yard on the evening of May 23d, 1862, an incident occurred which is worth relating. A field officer of a Pennsylvania regiment was found by Mrs. McKay, secreted in her cellar. She captured the gallant Yankee, and find- ing him in a state of trepidation, took from him his ivory-mounted pistols and turned him over to the cavalry, while he pleaded for his life, and even offered her money, if she would allow him to escape.

Captain John R. Rust, the husband of Miss McKay, was a gallant soldier and officer in Ashby's cavalry, a relative of that splendid leader and one of his most trusted men.

(Copy.)

t

THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MARYLAND LINE,

BALTIMORE, July 3ist, 1884. Mrs. Captain JOHN R. RUST,

Nineveh, Va :

MY DEAR MADAM, The Association of the Maryland Line have directed me to present to you the accompanying photograph of the flag of the First Maryland Federal Regiment as a testimonial of their respect and regard.

The original of this picture, so carefully preserved by you for so many years, will be kept among the records of the Maryland Line, and will bear testimony to our descendants of the fidelity of Virginia women to the cause we all loved so well.

Permit me to present to you and to my old comrade, your gallant husband, the assurances of the warmest esteem. Your obedient servant,

(Signed) BRADLEY T. JOHNSON,

President Maryland Line.

To the above letter Mrs. Rust made a graceful acknowledgment, stating that the picture fulfilled all her expectations and desires, and would always be found hanging in the parlor of her Virginia home.

W. PETERS.