The Potomac and Rappahannock 



loved to tell stories of the past and always began his tales by 

 saying, "He had more recollections than he could remember," 

 He loved to boast that "Ole Missis' flowers was so sweet you 

 could smell 'em a mile away — jest as soon as you turn'd into 

 de abenue." 



During the War Between the States, Gay Mont, from its com- 

 manding position, narrowly escaped having a battery placed on the 

 hill. This would have made it a target for the gunboats which 

 shelled Port Royal and vicinity. The officers sent to place the 

 battery desisted at the earnest entreaties of the women of the 

 family. Two of Mr. Bernard's daughters remained at Gay Mont 

 with their faithful servants during the entire war, thus no doubt 

 saving the place from destruction. General Abercrombie, the Union 

 commander stationed in Port Royal, showed them great courtesy 

 and kindness. Many nights these young ladies sat in a low window 

 holding by the bridle their favorite horses, "Ariel" and "Empress," 

 to prevent them from being stolen. These horses were finally taken, 

 however, but were instantly released when the owners appeared 

 next day at headquarters and begged their return. General Aber- 

 crombie then sent a special guard to protect Gay Mont from further 

 interference while the Northern troops remained in the neigh- 

 borhood. 



The Confederate officers encamped around Fredericksburg — 

 General J. E. B. Stuart and his staff among them — were frequent 

 visitors at Gay Mont. General Stuart was very fond of a music 

 box in the library and would often enter the house unobserved and 

 announce his arrival by playing some familiar air. A chair much 

 scratched by his buttons was long kept as a souvenir of his visits. 



Major Duncan McKim, "the gallant Pelham," and other officers 

 were dining at Gay Mont the evening before the Battle of Fred- 

 ericksburg, when a courier arrived summoning them to head- 

 quarters. So furious was the cannonading in that battle that the 

 big bell over the kitchen and the smaller servants' bells which hung 

 outside the several windows, all rang while the battle was in 



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