The Women of the ConfederacyUnderwood, J. L. (John Levi)
History
The Women of the Confederacy
Underwood, J. L. (John Levi)
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Anecdotes; Women -- Confederate States of America
Another instance was that of an old lady. Small and fragile-looking,
with soft and gentle manners, it seemed as if a whiff of wind might
have blown her away, and she was not one who was likely to tempt the
torrent of a ruffian's wrath. But how often can we judge of
appearances, for in that tiny body was a spirit as strong and fearless
as the bravest in the land. The war had been a bitter reality to her.
One son had been brought home shattered by a shell, and for long
months she had seen him in the agony which no human tongue can
describe; while another, in the freshness of his young manhood, had
been numbered with the slain. She was a widow, and having the care of
two orphan grandchildren upon her, was experiencing the same
difficulty in obtaining food that we were. One morning she had made
repeated efforts to get something cooked, but failed as often as she
tried, for just as soon as it was ready to be eaten in walked a
Federal soldier and marched off with it, expostulations or entreaties
availing naught. Finally, after some difficulty, a little corn meal
was found which was mixed with a hoe-cake and set in the oven to bake.
Determined not to lose this, Aunt Myra, the lady in question, took
her seat before the fire and vowed she would not leave the spot until
the bread was safe in her own hands. Scarcely had she done so when, as
usual, a soldier made his appearance, and, seeing the contents of the
oven, took his seat on the opposite side and coolly waited its baking.
I have since thought what a picture for a painter that would
make--upon one side the old lady with the proud, high-born face of a
true Southern gentlewoman, but, alas! stamped with the seal of care
and sorrow; and upon the other, the man, strong in his assumed power,
both intent upon that one point of interest, a baking hoe-cake. When
it had reached the desired shade of browning, Aunt Myra leaned forward
to take possession, but ere she could do so that other hand was before
her and she saw it taken from her. Rising to her feet and drawing her
small figure to its fullest height, the old lady's pent up feelings
burst forth, and she gave expression to the indignation which "this
last act caused to overflow."
"You thieving scoundrel!" she cried in her gathering wrath. "You would
take the very last crust from the orphans' mouths and doom them to
starvation before your very eyes."
Then, before the astonished man could recover himself, with a quick
movement she had snatched the bread back again. Scarcely had she got
possession, however, when a revulsion of feeling took place, and,
breaking it in two, tossed them at him in the scorn which filled her
soul as she said: "But if your heart is hard enough to take it, then
you may have it."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account