Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/84

 72 Southern Historical Society Papers.

host of Federal soldiers, and then followed such a shout of victory as seemed to shake the very ground on which we stood. This large body of Federals, with whose great numbers I was so much im- pressed, were in the Federal breastworks on the west side of Old Town creek, thrown up the previous morning when the Federals had broken through our lines and taken possession of the territory to the west of this stream ; and they had been massed at the point we saw, preliminary to an assault on our works. As these Federals came forward towards us from the Federal earthworks from which they emerged these works and the Confederate works, at this point, being less than 200 yards apart Mayor Townes and I attempted to state our mission, but the officers would not take time to stop to hear what we had to say, the men rushing ahead to enter the city, but bade us come along with them, they (the officers) promising to pro- tect us and to protect our people.

When we returned to the city some other Federal troops had al- ready entered, as, upon reaching the court-house, we found the whole building, steeple and all, festooned with small Federal flags. Our mission, however, was now accomplished.

PROTECTION AFFORDED.

Every effort was made by the Federal officers and troops to pro- tect the persons and property of our citizens. Safeguards were sent to every house for which they were asked. An officer, whose name I have forgotten, accompanied me to my house on Lombard Street, and after seeing me safely arrived, and declining an invitation I gave him to breakfast with me, left, promising a safeguard, who, in a short time, reported and took up his quarters at my residence, where he remained for a day or two. Everything was at once systemized by the military, and comparative order and quiet reigned under martial law. The citizens were required to report to the provost marshal and resume their allegiance. Federal sutlers soon engaged in busi- ness, occupying many of our stores for the purpose, and a good time was experienced by the few citizens so fortunate as to have green- backs with which to purchase cheese, coffee, and such like articles, of which they had been so long deprived.

HIS FIRST GREENBACK.

I shall never forget the first greenback that came into my posses- sion. The day after the Federals came in, Max. Marshall, a sutler, who came in with the Federal army, made an arrangement with Cap-