Anderson Daily Mail

May 26, 1914

 

            W. H. ACKER—Fought in Co. E, Sixth Regiment, South Carolina Cavalry.  Was in the battle of Travillian Station, Va., June 11, 1864.  Lost his right arm from the effects of a gun shot wound in this battle.  Says he was one of the boys who didn’t mind hunting things to eat.  He was in the skirmish at Dorchester church, six miles east of Anderson.  Capt. R. R. Cheshire was in command, with a small squad not more than a dozen, while the Yankees numbered a hundred or more, but bravery mastered the situation and the blue coats were soon flying from the gray coats.  In the rush one Yankee lost his sword which Mr. Acker now possesses.  The “boys” say “Bill” Acker was hard to beat as a soldier and the county has not a better citizen.

            J. M. COX—Served with the South Carolina Cavalry, Co. E.  He was one of the young soldiers and to let him tell it, he says he didn’t do a thing in the war, but run.  Says he killed two or three Yankees in this way.  They made an effort to run him down and died in the attempt, but those who know Joe Cox say he was never the kind to run, would have been with the dozen who routed the Yankees at Dorchester church, but while sitting by the wayside in the early twilight waiting for a friend to join him, a company of Yankees fled down the road and found the young man fast asleep; made him a prisoner and marched him over across Cooley’s bridge, which made one less at the Dorchester skirmish.

            J. S. ERSKINE—Entered the army April 14, 1861, Fourth South Carolina Regiment, Co. J.  Wounded first in the battle of Frazers’ farm.  Wounded again in skirmish line in 1864, which ended his war career.  Mr. Erskine was a brave old soldier and like all the other veterans would rather tell a joke or say something that would cause a laugh than to give a bloody war scene, which they had rather forget.  He says he was always with the boys when they “found” things.  Tells when he and two others were coming into camp with a hog when they were met by their brigadier general, who asked where did they get it.  They answered they had bought it.  At this the general sent them back with a courier to pay the man for the hog, but he was nowhere to be found.  The general didn’t punish them, but said they should be, not for stealing the hog, but being caught, then he good-naturedly told them to go to their quarters and enjoy their meal.

            J. K. CLEMENT—Entered the army 1863, Orr’s Regiment, Co. K.  With G. W. Cox, captain, later Dr. R. S. Cheshire served as captain.  Mr. Clement was both faithful and brave, yet he says he entered every battle with fear and trembling, but his comrades say he was good fighter.

            J. T. VAUGHN—Entered the army May, 1861.  Joined Hampton’s Legion, Co. E.  Served four years, wounded twice, but not seriously.  Was granted a furlough of one month during that time.  Says he can’t think of any thing wonderful, but the cleverness of Hob Acker, who stole a pig and shared it with him.  Said they had nothing to eat for two days and the sight of the pig is still fresh in his memory.

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]