Joseph a Altsheler

The Star of Gettysburg: a Story of Southern High Tide Joseph a Altsheler

Publisher Marketing: A youth sat upon a log by a clear stream in the Valley of Virginia, mending clothes. He showed skill and rapidity in his homely task. A shining needle darted in and out of the gray cloth, and the rent that had seemed hopeless was being closed up with neatness and precision. No one derided him because he was engaged upon a task that was usually performed by women. The Army of Northern Virginia did its own sewing. Will the seam show much, Arthur? asked Harry Kenton, who lay luxuriously upon the leafy ground beside the log. Very little when I finish, replied St. Clair, examining his work with a critical eye. Of course I can't pass the uniform off as wholly new. It's been a long time since I've seen a new one in our army, but it will be a lot above the average. I admire your care of your clothes, Arthur, even if I can't quite imitate it. I've concluded that good clothes give a certain amount of moral courage, and if you get killed you make a much more decent body. But Arthur St. Clair, of Charleston, sir, has no intention of getting killed, said Happy Tom Langdon, who was also resting upon the earth. He means after this war is over to go back to his native city, buy the most magnificent uniforms that were ever made, and tell the girls how Lee and Jackson turned to him for advice at the crisis of every great battle.