Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1880 — Phil. Sheridan and the Planter. [ARTICLE]

Phil. Sheridan and the Planter.

During the pursuit of Lee’s army from Petersburg to Appomattox, General Phil. Sheridan commanded the advance of Grant’s army. At dawn, April 7th, all the rebels were on the north side of the Appomattox, with the Union troops close at their heels. “Little Phil.,” ever at the front, stopped at a farm house near Prospect Station, dismounted, tied his horse and started up the walk. Upon the piazza sat a middle-aged typical Southerner—with long, straight hair combed behind his ears and covering his neck a swallow-tailed coat, buff waistcoat, nankeen pantaloons and morocco slippers. A gorgeous shirt frill adorned his bosom, and from the embrasure of his war-like collar he shot defiant glances. He bowed stiffly to the General, who, nodding carelessly, sat down on a step and poured over liis maps. Soon he looked up and said: “Have you seen any of Lee’s troops about here to-day. ” Planter —“Sir, as I can truly say that none have been by me, I will say so; but, if I had seen any, I should feel it my duty to refuse to reply to your questions. I can not give you any information which might work to the disadvantage of General Lee. ” The General, with a little whistle of surprise, puffed away at his cigar, and continued to study his map. In a few minutes he looked up again and asked: “ How far is it to Buffalo River?” Planter—“ Sir, I don’t know.” Sheridan—“ The devil you don’t. How long have you lived here?” Planter—“ All my life.” Sheridan—“ Very well, sir, it’ll time you did know! Captain, put this gentleman in charge of a guard, and walk him down to Buffalo River to show it to him.” The Virginian of the old school enjoyed the pleasure of tramping through five miles of mud to look at the river with which he was perfectly familiar.