Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/328

 320 Southern Historical Society Papers.

Others brought him food and water, and wrapped him in woolen blankets. Such instances were common, and among the hundreds of dead and wounded not one showed signs of barbarity, of which the Rebels are accused. " Certainly this easily refutes the outrage- ous slanders made about the treatment of prisoners by the Confed- erates.

In taking leave of the work in which I have sought to interest my c6mrades, I can not too warmly express my appreciation for the gen- erous aid which the Picayune has given, and for the liberality in do- nating a page, and often more, to the stories of the war, which, doubtless, has no interest for a large class of its readers.

If we have contributed anything to the pleasure of the old boys, or stated any facts during the life of the Confederate column, which will give a fair and just conception of the distinctive traits of the Confederate soldier, we are happy to have done so.

"THE BATTLE OF THE HANDKERCHIEFS."

We are indebted to the Hon. W. H. Seymour for the following very interesting story:

" There was a great stir and intense excitementat one time during General Banks' administration. A number of ' Rebels ' were to leave for the ' Confederacy. ' Their friends, amounting to some 20,000 persons, women and children principally, wended their way down to the levee to see them off and to take their last farewell.

"Such a quantity of women frightened the officials; they were exasperated at their waving of handkerchiefs, their loud calling to their friends, and their going on to vessels in the vicinity.

" Order were given to ' Stand back/ but no heed was given; the bayonets were pointed at the ladies, but they were not to be scared. A lady ran across to get a nearer view. An officer seized her by the arm, but she escaped, leaving a scarf in his possession. At last the military received orders to do its duty.

" The affair was called the ' Pocket Handkerchief War,' and has been put in verse, which is quite comical. "

THE GREATEST VICTORY OF THE WAR.

"LA BATAILLE DES MOUCHOIRS." Fought Friday, February 20, 1863, at the head of Gravier street.

Of all the battles, modern or old, By poet sung or historian told;