Then there is the sadness that comes with this day. The above photo is that of my Great-Great-Grandfather: COLONEL DAUGEREAU BONNEFONTE COOK. He was affectionately known as: WILD HORSE COOK by the men under his command.
On July 4th, 1863, in one of the many unnamed battles of the WAR OF NORTHERN AGGRESSION, my ancestor lost his life in a most horrific manner.
A FOURTH OF JULY truce was thought to have been in effect. Having been surprised by the sneaky, ill-mannered, and most likely, fatherless YANKEES, the Colonel ordered the brave soldiers to advance---to the rear! Without giving thought to his own personal safety, he turned swiftly to begin the charge to the rear.
Unseen, by this the bravest of Confederate Officers, were strewn about the ground, abundant amount of bottles, once holding the night before, what can only be described as "SOUTHERN COMFORT".
Stepping upon one, then another, the hapless man of courage became a victim of physics and the laws of science. His feet flew high over his head, his head in turn knocking down the main tent pole, which fell into the the camp fire, which blazed up and set the Colonel's coat on fire.
As he was running away from the inferno, flames trailing, a wagon loaded with "ladies of the evening"(that had stopped by the night before to administer the said beverages), ran over the poor man and trampled him to death.
Not to give credit to the enemy, but that yellow dog SHERMAN was correct when he said,
WAR IS HELL!
All-in-all, I guess that things worked out for the best. When my Great-Great-Grandmother: Mrs. HATTIE BELLE JANICE COOK, heard what had happened, they say she pitched a hissy-fit to end all hissy-fits. It was so bad in fact, the slaves were praying, "LAWD, gives us liberty or gives us death, but we'uns got to have some relief!"
So as I sit back tonight and shoot fireworks that are illegal in Georgia, I too, like the slaves of old pray that you get the relief that you seek!
HAPPY 4th of JULY!
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