Page 184 - Arkansas Confederate Women
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Heroism of N. J. Morton Staples 159
They covered the grave with rocks and to this day one may pass
the lonely mound, two miles east of Prairie Grove. Near by
in a pasture is a broken elevation covered with grass, a large
rock here and there and a lonely cedar tree. These bespeak a
once happy home destroyed by the cruel hand of war. But now
over all the place, the cattle browse, the birds sing, the flowers
bloom, and all is peace.
PERSIMMONS TO DRAW STOMACH UP.
As General "Alleghaney" Johnston was marching to Bristoe
station in the fall of 1863, he preceived one of his men up a tree
and called out to him
"I say, there, what are you doing there?"
"I am getting persimmons, general," replied the soldier.
"Persimmons, thunder! they are not ripe yet, they are not
fit to eat."
"Yes, general, I know they are green, but I am trying to
draw my stomach up to suit the size of my trousers : If it stays
as it is now I shall starve.
