The Magazine of History with Notes and Queries (Volume 19)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... Colonel Hartranft. I informed him there was a large number of Confederates in this large building. He detailed a company to take charge of it. Going further to our rear, I met Generals McClellan, Burnside and Reno about half or three-quarters of a mile back on the turnpike. The orderlies of the First Maine had reported to my brother that they had seen me shot in the streets of Frederick. I was pleased to inform him that I had not been shot. The Union troops were then advancing towards Frederick, the whole right wing; the Ninth Corps in the lead. We then took possession of the city, and stayed there until the morning of September I3th, 1862. Here we rested and waited for the rest of Hooker's corps to come up. On Saturday morning September I3th, 1862, the Union forces started to leave Frederick on their way to the battle fields of South Mountain and Antietam. General Reno was early in the saddle and while riding down West Patrick Street, accompanied by Colonel Reno and some other members of his staff, he was attracted by a crowd of people in front of Barbara Fritchie's house. It was common talk in the town at that time among the soldiers that some old lady had kept a Union flag flying from her window while the Confederates held possession of the town and that some of the Confederate soldiers had fired upon the flag. General Reno reined in his horse and upon being told the age and character of Barbara Fritchie exclaimed The spirit of '76!' He then dismounted, walked up the steps of Barbara Fritchie's house upon her invitation, shook hands with her, and stepped into the house for a few moments. Mrs. Fritchie served him with a glass of her home-made currant wine, and after a few moments' conversation he asked if she would sell him one of her flags....