Barbara Fritchie by Jim Spaulding
It was a clear and cool September morning. The hills and meadows of Maryland were rich with the colors of autumn soon approaching. All around orchards lay full with ripe apples and peaches that tempted the eyes of the soldiers as they marched by on horse and on foot. Lee's men pressed on through the winding mountains to reach their destination in the town of Frederick. They marched ever closer preparing themselves for the battle that would ensue. Stonewall Jackson led the charge, "take down their flags and raise up our own", he ordered and rode into the village. Here enters our saint of ten and fourscore years. The bravest soul of all that lived in the town of Frederick. Her name, Barbara Fritchie, and fiercely loyal to her country. Barbara marched up to her attic and pulled out her flag, she would not let these men stop her from waving it proudly from her window.
Down her street came Stonewall and his men and she prepared herself for the confrontation that would most likely come. Sure enough, as soon as her flag was spotted by Jackson he stopped and bellowed, "Halt!". Of course the dusty brown ranks stood fast and waited for their orders to come. "Fire!", came the charge as Stonewall pointed directly at Barbara's open window. The rifle blasts shattered the window and shivered the room where Barbara Fritchie stood. The bullets rent the banner as it blew to and freeway in the chilly air. No sooner had the shots ceased when brave old Barbara picked up what was left of the tattered flag and again held it proudly out the window. This time she leaned far out of the window-sill and shook it with all she was worth. "Shoot me, an old gray dame, if you really must but please find it in your heart to spare your country's flag", the woman cried.
A saddened and somewhat shameful expression made its way across the leader's face as the nobler nature within him stirred. The words and deeds of this fine woman had touched Jackson's soul deeply. And then as if filled with the devil himself he ordered, "Whoever touches so much as a hair of her gray head...... dies like a dog!". And the men marched on. All day long the sound of marching men could be heard throughout Frederick. The light of the sun slipped into the twilight of the moon as evening descended upon the little town. A feat of enormous proportions had been accomplished that day by a woman of fifty with a will of iron. Although she may have never shot a rifle in that bloody war, Barbara Fritchie will forever have her place in history as one of the many brave souls during the Civil War.
1. In what town and state does this story take place? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
2. What was the name of the woman in the story who lived in the town? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
3. What was the name of the man who led the soldiers into the town? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
4. How would you describe the actions of the old lady in the story? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
Outline
I. The setting is Frederick a town in Maryland and it is in the month of September
II. An army of men is led by Stonewall Jackson.
III. Flags being taken down.
IV. Barbara Fritchie waves her flag stands up to Jackson.
V. Men march on a little shameful, don't touch Fritchie.
VI. Troops leave.
Source: Not available.