The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UNION PROTECTION FOR REBEL

THIS INCIDENT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. MY INFORMANT'S GRANDMOTHER
AND FAMILY WERE LIVING IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, DURING THE
CIVIL WAR. GOVERNOR BROWN HAD KEPT A LOT OF THE GEORGIA
SOLDIERS HOME TO GUART COLUMBUS. WHEN COLUMBUS FELL TO THE
UNION, THE UNION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF UNION TROOPS THERE,
WAS THE COUSIN OF MY INFORMANTS' GRANDMOTHER. THEIR HOUSE
WAS NOT TOUCHED, BUT THEY HAD TO FEED THE SOLDIERS.
IN THE COURSE OF A DAY, ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY HEARD A SHOT
FIRED. IMMEDIATELY THE UNION SOLDIERS SURROUNDED THE PLACE--
THEY FOUND A HALF-WIT BOY WANDERING AROUND WHO HAD FIRED
THE SHOT.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Date learned: 07-00-1968