Standard [Clarksville], Tx, October 12, 1861
The editor of the Lynchburg Republican who is with Gen. Floyd’s forces in Western Virginia tells the following:
A few days after the fight at Skerry, near Charleston, Kanawha, two or three Yankee officers visited the house of Mr. Fry, who had been driven from his home by the enemy. A daughter of Mr. Fry saw them approaching through the gate, and confronted them in the porch with a demand to know their business. They stated they were looking for secession flags, and heard there were some there.
Her reply deserves to be hung up as an “apple of gold in a picture of silver.” “Brave men,” said she in scorn, “take flags on the field of battle–cowards only hunt them at the houses of defenseless women. Mine is in the hands of four brave volunteers–go and take it from them.” The rebuke was crushing. “Tom,” said the one to the other, “we had better leave here,” and off they went, with the blushes of shame mantling their cheeks, if, indeed, they were not dead to the feelings which occasion them.