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Three Comrades of the Sixties

These comrades, who met in Gallatin, Tenn., a few months ago after long years of separation, were members of Company B. 9th Tennessee Cavalry, known then as "Ward's Ducks."


Sitting on the left is Reuben Douglass, on the right is Lieut. W. A. Gray, while standing in the rear is C. L. Daughtry. The latter writes: "Comrade Douglass was a model soldier, as brave as any man. yet as gentle as a woman. He was the only man in our company who never did an act or uttered a word that might not have been in the presence of ladies He went into the army a true Christian gentleman and continued so to the end. lie served from 1862 in all the battles of Morgan's command, He was captured on the Ohio raid, and was a prisoner at Camp Douglas and Point Lookout until the close of the war. During his entire service I never knew the time when he was not present and ready for duty. He was a special friend of the younger boys of the company, and many times gave lite good advice for which I am grateful to this day lie is now about eighty-two years of age."

 

Lieut. W. A. Gray enlisted in Sumner County, Tenn., in July, 1862, and was elected second lieutenant at the organization of the regiment, and was later promoted to first lieutenant. He lives in Gallatin, Tenn. Charles Daughtry enlisted at Hartsville, Tenn., in September, 1862, as a private in Company B, 9th Tennessee Cavalry, at the age of fourteen years and five months. He was the youngest member of the company. He made his escape on the Ohio raid, but was afterwards captured and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was confined until March, 1865, when he was sent on exchange to Harrison's Landing and then to Richmond, Va. He joined the remnant of his command near Wytheville, Va., and was at Charlotte, N. C, the night Lincoln was assassinated. He was with the troops that guarded the Confederate treasury to Washington, Ga., and on the distribution of the money received thirty dollars in gold and one Mexican silver dollar. The latter he still has as a souvenir. After the war Comrade Daughtry moved to Bowling Green, Ky., where he lives on a farm. He has been honored in the State of his adoption by the Confederate V. A., having been on the staffs of General Poyntz and General Young, U. C. V., and is now on the staff of General Haldeman, Commander of the Kentucky Division, U. C. V. Me has also been one of the trustees of the Kentucky Soldiers' Home since it was established.

 

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