Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/251

 Ihe Twelfth Alabama Infantry. 247

of Tuskegee, whose son William, had been a member of the com- pany, and had been arrested for desertion, and was then at head- quarters under guard. The erect, dignified and courteous old gen- tleman, then probably 70 years of age, was grievously distressed by the conduct of his son, and anxious to prevent any severe pun- ishment being inflicted upon him. One of the most eloquent letters that I ever read was handed to me by the father from the grieved mother. The trial did not take place, as soon after, when we re- sumed our march, he escaped and was never again seen in the Con- federacy.

The beautiful wife of Col. Charles Forsyth, of the 3rd Alabama, visited the colonel in camp, and as she was a splendid horse-woman she attracted marked attention from the gallant young officers of the command.

I had the pleasure of forming the acquaintance of some charming families in that vicinity, among them the Misses Willis, Mrs. Good- win and Miss Terrell, the two last daughters of the venerable Dr. Terrell, who lived to be over 90 years of age, and was a member of the Virginia Constitutional Convention after the close of the war.

I can never forget a brief conversation with General Rodes while at the depot at Orange C. H. on his return from a visit to Rich- mond. He told me of the appointment of General Battle to the command of the brigade, and stated that Colonel O'Neal of the Twenty-sixth Alabama, had asked for a transfer to the Western army. During the conversation General Rodes spoke most affec- tionately of my former captain, R. H. Keeling ; saying that he knew him at the Virginia Military Institute, and that he should have entered the army as a brigadier general instead of first lieutenant.

August 24. General R. E. Lee rode his famous horse, ' Trav- eler," through our camp and near my tent. I lifted my hat and was saluted by our great commander. He is always greeted with cheers and acclamations when he passes near a regiment.

August 28 and 29. Colonel Battle received his commission as brigadier general, and at night was serenaded by a brass band from Doles' Georgia brigade. He responded in a very pretty speech.

September 4 and 5. Am officer of the day. Private Griffith of Company E, married a girl near Orange C. H. It is love in low life. He brought his cara sposa to see our encampment, and they were the observed of all observers.

September 14. The anniversary of my memorable skirmish near