Homecoming- 1862

 The Richmond correspondent of the Charleston Mercury says:

A gentleman, visiting in New Kent, became apprised of this singular incident which illustrates the depopulation of that country. Two young ladies, who had became sickened to death with the sight of Yankees, pledged them-selves to each other to kiss the Confederate soldier that came along. McClellan retreated to Old Point, and for many days no man was visible at all. At last a poor fellow came dragging wearily up to the door. The girls peeped out and asked him if he was a Yankee. "No, I am a confederate soldier, born in this neighborhood, and all I want is a drink of water." The door was thrown wide open, the girls rushed out, fell upon him, kissed him, caught him by both arms and pulled him in the house, clothed him, fed him, washed him, and drank him till he was ready to burst. He became so bewildered that he has never been able to leave the neighborhood from that day three weeks ago, to this.

-The Daily Bulletin. (Winchester, Tenn) October 27, 1862