Dallas Herald, September 4, 1861
A Tennessee lady, who has been passing some time at Ashland, was, while promenading the beautiful grounds which adorn the place, accosted by a gentleman who seemed to be arranging a bouquet; with the inquiry if there were any laurels, either in the grounds or the woods near by. Noting that he was in citizen’s dress, she replied promptly, and with much meaning in her dark eye: “No, sir, but I understand the Virginians have recently gathered a great many at Acquia Creek, Sewell’s Point and Fairfax Courthouse. I doubt not there are still more left at those places and many other parts of Virginia.” The hint was not lost. A few days after, the gentleman joined a gallant corps, and is now at Manassas, no doubt determined to reap a harvest of laurels with his own good blade. Richmond Dispatch.