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Remarkable record of the Haskells of South Carolina.
(T. C. De Leon, in ‘town Topics,’ November, 1907.)
The
South Carolinians were notable during all the war, in the field, the council and in society.
Tall
Jim Fraser and classic
Sam Shannon divided the vote feminine for ‘the handsomest man in the army,’ and cultured
Frank Parker,
adjutant-general to that unfortunate commander,
Braxton Bragg, was no bad second.
At dances and theatricals, as in the red sport of war, all three were in the front rank.
All have passed across the border, the first two years ago, and
Shannon wasting intellect and elegance in a new home in the far
West.
Parker settled in
Mobile, married
Miss Troost, of the old Battle family, and has grown children.
One year ago all representative classes of his adopted city followed the bier of this true old cavalier.
It was
Barnard E. Bee who christened
Stonewall on
Manassas field, just before his brave spirit went upward ‘in the arms of the white-winged angels of glory.’
And
Wade Hampton, wounded at
Bull Run, and again severely on the retreat from
Gettysburg, he was the same high-natured patriot in war and peace.
One battle sadly proved the mettle of that race.
Both of the general's boys were in his legion.
Wade, his first-born, and handsome, sunny-hearted
Preston, his very
Benjamin.
The latter rushed recklessly into the hottest of the charge, far in advance of the line.
The father called to
Wade: ‘Bring the boy back!’
The elder brother spurred to the front, saw the other reel in the saddle and caught him as he fell, mortally wounded.
At the moment a bullet tore through his shoulder and the father rode up to find one son dead and his bleeding brother supporting him.
The general took the body tenderly in his arms, kissed the white face, and handed it to
Tom Taylor.
“Care for
Wade's wound,” he called.
‘Forward, men!’
All through that long and bitter day the soldier fought with lead