The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HOW AUNT BELLE GOT THE BEAUTIFUL BLACK HORSE

DURING THE BATTLE OF DECEMBER 26, 1864, ACROSS THE HILLS
NEAR THE PRESENT SITE OF THE COAL SPRINGS CHURCH, A
BEAUTIFUL BLACK HORSE BELONGING TO AN OFFICER OF THE
FEDERAL TROOPS WAS BADLY WOUNDED. THE OFFICER GAVE THE
HORSE TO MY AUNT BELLE. SHE CARED FOR THE ANIMAL UNTIL
IT RECOVERED. WHEN IT WAS WELL AGAIN,
SOME OF THE SOLDIERS CAME TO TAKE THE HORSE AWAY FROM HER.
SHE PUT IT IN THE
SMOKEHOUSE AND STOOD IN THE DOORWAY WITH A BUTCHER
KNIFE IN HER HAND, AND ORDERED THEM TO STOP SOME
DISTANCE AWAY, TO COME NO NEARER. THEY LEFT WITHOUT
THE HORSE.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; PULASKI

Date learned: 08-01-1968