Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/171

 The Halite <>f Frazier's /<>/////. 163

Presently I heard some one call me, and turning to see who it was, I beheld the new moon over my left shoulder and no silver in my left pocket. I remarked to Lieutenant Scott, for it was he who had called me, " That is a very bad sign."

"Oh, look here, Captain, you don't tell me that you believe in signs ? "

" Yes, I do, Scott, and what's more, I believe in destiny; if a man's born to be hanged, he will never be drowned."

" Well," said he, "come over here, I want to read the articles of war to you."

" Read what ? " said I, " you had better be reading your Bible."

" Well," said he, " come around here," meaning around a big tree.

I saw him point something black at the moon and, handing it to me, he said : " Take this telescope and see if there are any spots on the moon; let us know what the augurs have to say."

I took it and, after taking a good look, I told him that I did not see any spots, but I certainly saw bubbles. After this I felt consid- erably better.

Alas, poor Scott, at the next roll-call one of my lieutenants stepped to the front, saluted and answered for him, "Dead on the field of honor."

The night in this camp was spent in little cat naps, for I was a very feverish man. I knew that on the morrow there would be bloody work to do, so I was glad when reveille sounded.

In a little while the troops were on the march again, winding around the hills, crossing over the fields, maneuvering for good positions.

About noon our advance troops came upon the enemy at Frazier's farm. They had mustered their troops here determined to make a stand, so the balance of the flying army could get away. They occu- pied all the surrounding hills, and had them bristling with artillery in fact had every advantage.

About 3 o'clock the battle opened with artillery. Whilst this was going on our brigade was lyfng down in the woods, bordering an old field. Skirmishers had been sent out, and I had gone a short dis- tance out in front, when presently General Pryor and two of his staff rode up, and dismounting, said they would go out to the skirmish line. Just at this time George Zerr, of Company C, was up in a cherry tree enjoying himself. In a few moments I heard the boom of a gun, the scream of a shell, and off went the top of the cherry tree, and down came George on the run.