CHAPTER IV.PEACE DEMONSTRATIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE.
Peace Movement.—In 1862 a very decided sentiment in favor of a peace movement was inaugurated, and attained to some prominence in the state, especially among the original union men and parties dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs. Announcement of a meeting was made to be held at a place near Thomasville known as Kennedy’s School House. Publicity was given to the report that speakers would be present to address the meeting and discuss the proposed issue. A good crowd assembled, the most of them prompted by honorable motives, merely wishing to hear discussed or explained the plan proposed by the leaders of themovement. With the exception of a very few of the leaders no one entertained any treasonable intentions. The authorities had been notified of the proposed meeting and a detail of soldiers was sent to break it up.
Young Man Pilot.—A young man who happened to be in the neighborhood was pressed into service by the soldiers to pilot them to the place. He did not relish the idea of going with them, but the unusual sight of bayonets and guns in the hands of the belligerent soldiers was a very persuasive argument to him to induce him to comply with their demands. He does not deny the fact that he was badly scared, and although he laughs about it now, says that it was a serious matter then, and that he distinctly remembers his hair stood up stiff and straight giving him trouble to keep his hat on his head.
Soldiers Break up Meeting.—Without any previous notice the soldiers charged upon the meeting and the crowd dispersed and retreated at the first intimation of their approach. The citizens hit the grit and ran with a speed that would put to shame the exploits of the Yankees and Rebels in the valley of Virginia.
Leader of Movement.—The leader who was mainly responsible for the meeting was the first one to absent himself upon the approach of the soldiers. He got away as fast as his legs could carry him, and that was about as fast as anyonecould go, for he had the reputation of being a champion runner. A tall young man made a break for the tall timber and was in the act of unhitching his horse, when a limb very close to him was cut off by a minnie ball. It was supposed that he was shot at through mistake, and that the soldiers shooting at him were under the impression that he was the leader, who had been represented to them as a tall man. A friend of the victim of this close call who was also near by unhitching his horse was treated to music made by the hissing of minnie balls, passing uncomfortably near him. Both of them left the place as fast as their horses could carry them. A good portion of the crowd was captured and taken to Camp Holmes, near Raleigh. The most of the young men captured volunteered and joined the Southern Army and the old men were finally released.
Old Men Released.—It was especially severe on the very old men who were without warning taken and compelled to endure the privations of prison and camp life. The poor old men innocently feeling that they had done no wrong were kept in suspense and in constant dread for many days fearing that they would be court-marshalled and perhaps executed. Among them was an eccentric old fellow not overly preposessing in appearance. After being in camp for many days without a change of clothing and his white beard stained withtobacco juice, he presented a rather grotesque and by no means attractive appearance, but he took a philosophical view of the situation and looked on the sunny side. He amused the soldiers in camp with his wit and humor, and although perhaps eighty years old would sing gay songs and with a little encouragement from the boys dance a jig. At the close of the day he would seriously say to his old comrades that although they had passed through another day it would be their last, and that they would all be executed tomorrow. His comrades knew that he indulged in a great deal of levity, but being apprehensive themselves feared the old man was correct in his surmises, and retired not to sleep but to think of loved ones at home that they would perhaps never see again.
Peace Sentiment not Suppressed.—The incident did not entirely suppress the sentiment in the community in favor of peace, but did prevent any further public demonstration.
A blessed hope of peace permeated the throng,To them it cooed like a dove with its siren song,But it proved a delusion and a snareTo get them in trouble of which they were not aware.They innocently cried peace when there was no peace,Their unfortunate meeting was imprudent at least;The meeting culminated in a tragic endAnd made them wiser and perhaps better men.
A blessed hope of peace permeated the throng,To them it cooed like a dove with its siren song,But it proved a delusion and a snareTo get them in trouble of which they were not aware.They innocently cried peace when there was no peace,Their unfortunate meeting was imprudent at least;The meeting culminated in a tragic endAnd made them wiser and perhaps better men.
A blessed hope of peace permeated the throng,
To them it cooed like a dove with its siren song,
But it proved a delusion and a snare
To get them in trouble of which they were not aware.
They innocently cried peace when there was no peace,
Their unfortunate meeting was imprudent at least;
The meeting culminated in a tragic end
And made them wiser and perhaps better men.