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FLETCHER ' LIBRARY of OONdftESS juN 6 woa , 9^n h. ..n TO THE PUBLIC: It has been my privilege and one I value very highly, to have read this little book in advance of its publication, and I have enjoyed '' n^s'qraliuuinior; its rugged truth; its honest outspoken heartiness; its simple unaffected iihr-iseology; its rough, unpretentious narrative, at ' ; i^me'ume carrying a certain i-te delicacy ; the entire absence of self-laudation and yet the faithful chronicle of the author s lite and acts during that fearful struggle; the one or two pathetic incidents, such as the ca 1 of the Tounded brother for assistance in the /ine o battle and the other brother's response to the call and his falling, shot down by his wounded bro her's body; even the rough s»l'i«'^'> ;i"f ^ J^ of looking upon dead enemies as no longer fight- ing unitsf all together make it vivid with human i;;fe;"st from sttrt to finish, and you will read it with keenest satisfaction. Bein it and you will not lay it aside for the totally unaware of his own heroism. HAL W. GKEER. Beaumont, Texas. April 15, 1908. CONTENTS Ex])erienee.s and Observations from the Early ' Fifties and Through the Civil War 7 — 22 General Jackson's Flanking General McClelland and Seven Days' Battle Before Richmond, Virginia 23 — 44 Battle of Second Manasas 45 — 56 Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia 57 — 71 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 73 — 88 Battle of Chickamaugua 89 — 117 Capture and Escape 119 — 175 Surrender and Return Home 177 — -193 Experiences aiul Observations from the Early Fifties and Tlironji^h the Civil War. This effort is made tiiroiio-h meinory, as I have no written data, therefore, will not atteini)t to o^ive names or dates, only in a few instances. I was born in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, in 1839. When I was about fourteen years of age 1 began to notice through listening to the talking of the older people, the trend of feeling in regard to slavery, between the North and South, and as my father was a close i-eader and kept fairly well posted on the live topics of the day, and as he had been a slave driver or ovei-seer in Texas at an early date, later on in Louisiana, he was up on the goods and abuses of the system as i)ractised, for he had the ad- vantage while in Texas of having charge of fifteen "like- ly bucks," as he called th?m, who were just from their nativity, and who he ran to Louisiana from the Brazos River when General Santa Anna was invading Texas; and his opinion was that tha abuses by inhmnan owners were such that an enlightened and humane peo])le would sooner or later abolish it by some method; and he was fearful it would be war. as both North and South seemed to bo swayed by the demagog, and it was evident the statesmen were largely in the minority, so if things did not take a different course soon, the blood of the bone and sinew of the government would soon be flowing on a number of hard fought battle fields Father's opinion was an uni)opular one and as time passed, it got more so and he would rarely exi)ress it to but few of his closest friends, who give one the same priv- ilege of expression that they take on subjects of great concern. The hot-headed politician and preacher seemed to be molding public opinion without any regard for the country as a whole. Both North and South were i)rov- ing, from their view ])oint the justness of their ])osition 8 Early Experiences. by both the HWAo and (V)iistitiition, and from the preach- ers' views, the J^ord was with iis for he could prove it by the Bible; while the politician would quote some of the wording- of the (.V)nstitution, and say: "God and all civilized nations are with us." So with this charac- ter of education there was being- reared a i^'eneration of warriors, and so it was blood — nothing- else but blood and we surely si)illed it. Father thought a densely settled negro district would be a poor place to have a family during the war, which he said was sure to come; so he sold out and moved to Texas, and settled at Wiess Bluff, Jasper County, June, 1856. At Wiess Bluff, father found in old man Simon Wiess a well read and intelligent man, and one who reasoned the future as he did; but his moving ideas were somewhat different, as I have heard him remark to father that if he could sell out at not too great a loss he would move to the Republic of Mexico in order to keep his boys out of war. While at Wiess Bluff, about the only mention of wai* I would hear was by father and Wiess. Father moved to Beaumont in '59, and there was not much war agitation heard, but what there was, was very extreme, such as : "I can arm my few negroes and run a whole company of Yanks out of the State," and "one Southerner with his superior marksmanship could shoot down the I) Bluebellies as fast as they would come in sight." In fact, I have often heard the remark before the war and around our camp fires in the early i)art of the service, that "we would only have a breakfast spell and all those who enlisted first would see the fun." So the im})ression I received through public clamor had dethi'oned what little reason I had, as I believed the most that the politician said, and all the i)reaclier said, because he proved it by the Bible; and such ideas as father had were then looked upon as the young now feel toward the old — that they nuiy be good, but don't fit the age. I was on the roof of a two story house putting ou the finishing course of shingles when Captain Wm. Early Experiences. 9 Rogers came by and reixn-ted wai- declared and the fall of Fort Sumter. Tlie news was l)i-()uglit from Sjd)ine Pass by an up-river steamer that liad just landed, and it made me very nervous thinking tlie delay of com- pleting the roof might cause me to miss a cliance to enlist, so I worked and talked and soon had the roof finished, and made an agreement witli Rogers that I would take the train the next day for Houston, and Oal- veston if necessary, and find some way of enlisting, lie paying one-half the exi)ense, wdiich he did. So I boarded a flat car at the appointed time, and in the course of several hours made J^iberty; from there 1 ))um])ed my way to Houston on a hand car. When I arrived there, which was near night, I started to incpiire about the chances to enlist. I soon found there was no effort being made to organize, but that there would be soon; though from appearance and expression there would be no chance for me, as nearly all were going to enlist the first o])portunity. The next day T went to ({alveston, found conditions about the same as at Houston, so I boarded the first steam boat out for IJbei'ty. When I reached there, I learned that there was a man by the name of O'Brien getting up a company; so 1 w^alked a short distance to his residence in the country. I found that he i)referred his home boys, if a sufficient number would enlist. However, with a little ])ersuasion, I got Rogers and I enrolled. I returned home for a few^ days, then went to Lynchburg and was sworn in. We remained there for some time before starting for Richmond, Vir- ginia. Rogers had accepted a position on a steam boat and was not sworn in. On our way to Richmond we passed through Beaumont and the company received several additional menil)ers, and a few joined as we passed through Louisiana. The parting words of father were: long years since seen this had to foolish undertaking, as there is no Southern success, as our i)orts will be blocked and the North will not only have advantage of men and means, but the world to draw from, and if vou live to "William. 1 1 lave come and it is a eai'thlv show for 10 KaRLV Plxi'KHIKNCES. return, you will see my predictions are rig'ht. While I have opposed it, but as it is here, I will say that you are doing the only honorable thing and that is defend- ing your country." So from Beaumont we boarded a steam boat for Niblets Bluff, Louisiana. We were hardly out of sight of town before there were gambling groui)s on different parts of the boat, in full blast. It seemed the boys had thrown off all home restraint in that particular. We reached Niblets Bluff in due time and remained there a few days. While there I met an acquaintance who was running a small store and he proposed a game with me. I accepted, and as he was not bothered with custom- ers, we straddled the counter and played two or three hours at five cents anty. At the finish he was five cents the winner. He then proposed the best two out of three "seven up" for a bottle of lemon syrup and sugar to sweeten, which cost forty cents. 1 accepted and was the winner. He shut uj) shop and we went some distance to a spring and made and drank our full of lemonade. That was my first and last game of cards for money. Leaving Niblets Bluff, we reached New Orleans by marching, boating and railroad transi)ortation. We were quartered in a cotton yard and had but little restriction. The first night there were quite a lot of the boys who went into the city. The next day they gave their ex- periences, which they claimed were very enjoyable, so the next night there was quite a number of them that wanted to go again, and without much persuasion I joined three of them and boarded a hack and spent a part of the night out. I had twenty odd dollars in gold that was intended for necessities, from time to time, during enlistment and the most of the boys had made similar provisions. I found, however, that I was with a "busted" crowd, for when the hackman wanted fare I i^aid. Every place we went was ' ' Free Admission, ' ' but before we got out, I paid. This was repeated until 1 was busted, so after having had what we called a "good time" we took a cab and returned to our (juarters. When the Eahlv ExI'KHIKNCES. 11 hack driver called for pav we turned <.iir empty pockets and reported busted, and I have often thon-ht if onr acts were what started cabmen collectini-- m advance. We boarded box cars at New Orleans and started for Richmond, making slow time. i)ur lations ran out be- fore we reached Lvnchburs', Virginia, and we got a^^Jul- ly hungrv, but had no money to buy. When we reached L^mchbuig, we stopped a few hours to s with a burniuii- fever, taking such medicine as was pre- scribed. T had learned the "itchy wa< ^•;:tt'n^Mo be a common complaint in the hospital, and after tlie fe^er had somewhat abated, T found I had ,t. so wI^mi th doctor made his next visit 1 drew niy arms trom u de the covers and showed him the whelps or long red mai Is of itch, and he said he would send me some medicine that wiuld soon cure it. So 1 lay covered and niblH^ all parts that itched, with uu.licine, and T gue s T .n t better, or at least thought so, and so reported t e c^ctor on his next visit. Tfe gave me a lecture on the 12 Early Experiences. importance of kee})iii,i»- well covered. That evenino: I was visited by Jeff Cbaisoii of "P\" and I told him about havins>' the itch. Jeff said: "Bill you have not S'ot any itch, and I bet it is body lice you have, as the house is stacked with them." His remarks made me ani>-ry and 1 talked rather harsh to him for thinkinir that 1 was that kind of a filthy being and that I had not as yet ever seen one. As he went out he said, "You will when they get grown, as they are as big as a grain of wheat.'' He had not been gone long and I was yet feel- ing mean towards Jeff — my finger nails were long and T was scratching and got sometliing under one of them. I drew my hand out from under cover and held it to the light, and there, sure enough, was something alive, for I could see its legs working. 1 w^as on my feet in- stantly and at the window sill, with a full-grown louse crawling before my eyes— such a feeling of disgrace one rarely has. 1 made an examination of clothing and bed- ding and saw that I was well supplied with them of all sizes and nits by the hundreds. There was a good fire in the grate and scuttle of coal nearby, so I kept a fire while I held my clothing and bed covering to the heat and cooked tlie life out of the most of them. My cloth- ing and bedding was w^ell scorched when I got through, but the nits in the seams seemed to be but little changed. That night I slept but little and there was no further notice of doctor's instructions as I was well, less the lice. The next morning I rolled up my lousy clothes and went to the hospital laundry. It seemed to be run exclusively by women and this did not help my pre- dicament any, as I hated to turn my clothing in even to men. I soon saw who was boss, and I went to her and said in a down cast tone, so none of the others could hear me, that my clothing was lousy and T wished she would have them boiled. She s})oke in a loud tone, and they all heard and laughed: "Law, child, boiling won't kill them." I got out of there (piickly, feeling thoroughly dis- graced and thought if 1 had the money, cold as it was, Early Experiences. 13 I would go into tlie city and buy clotliinu-, and Imrn what T liad. But as time i)ass('d, 1 got ovor my feeling of disgrace and learned that all were subjects, under like conditions. I got transferred fi-om the l)ack room I was occui)ying to a front, on the third floor. On the ground floor under my room there was a fruit mercliant and he had a stand that was under my window, on the side- walk, and one could look dow^n and feast the eye on nice ripe fruit, and this would cause a longing for some. There was one of "F" hoys who was an inmate at that time in the hospital — his nanie was Pemherton, hut was nicknamed "Wild Bill." He was a West Texas ])roduct and a fine, nohle young fellow% and was w^ell U]) on cowboy lore, therefore oi-iginati^l his nickname. Bill called at my room and wdiile there discovered the fruit. He said that it made him hungry and asked me if 1 w^as not hungry for some. I said, "Yes, and I wish that the fellow would keep it inside, or I had some money." He said, "If you will let me ©iterate from your room we will have all the fruit we want, or he will have to move it out of sight, and 1 do not think there wM)uld be any more harm in taking it than the man is doing by tem])t- ing a busted fellow." 1 agreed, and asked how he was going to do it. He said: "Wait and you will see when I come back tomorrow." When Bill returned he had a large fishhook, straightened, and line of suitable length, and w^ith suitable w^eight where the line was at- tached to the hook. It made a good har])oon wiien dropi)ed a few feet. The fruit stand was against the wall and nearly out of sight of the attendant inside. Bill, for a time, was a welcome daily visitor and could be seen about 10 A. M. at my window "fishing," as he called it, for fruit. He operated in this way: Lowered his hook to a point a few feet above the fruit; dro]>ped it, then he would i)ull it up and repeat. His time of operation was when a customer entered the room. This operation was repeated several days before the stand was kept off of the sidewalk, hut Bill and I sure had all the fruit we could eat, until the fellow caught on. We did not think that he ever saw or. missed the fruit. 14 Early FiXPHRiKxcKs. but was told l)y some one. It was sure fnnny to see his neighbors on the oi)i)osite side of the street enjoy the fim. J thinlv some of them looked forward with pleas- ure and would have others posted, as day by day the sight-seers on the opposite side increased. One Sunday evening a few days after the fruit had been housed, Wild Bill asked me if I was not fruit hungry. My reply was, "Yes." He said: "Let's go and get some, then." T asked: "How?" He said: "Let's go and get our haversacks and go out in town and when we come to a fruit or candy fellow that looks like he has got more than the law allows and is using the sidewalk to keep some of his stuff on, you go inside and make out like you have money and want to buy; let your wants be where the fellow will have to turn his back to the street to get same; or it will be better if he has to climb up. Play him as long as you think is right, for you know there is no harm in looking at what a fellow has to sell; and he cannot think hard of yon if the article is not the grade you are after, or the price is too high, and whfle you are inside, diverting the boss, I will be out running our business." My reply was : "I catch." We were soon on the streets, passing from one stand to the other that only had one attendant. Chie haversack was soon well sui)])lied and exchange made for an empty one and it was not long before the second one had ami)le inner contents for convenient carrying. Pard said he could not see any harm in getting stuff in this way, for the fellow never missed it and when one couldn't miss anything, how did he know that he ever had it. He asked me if I had ever before been on an outing like that, and my reply was "No." He said that was the way with lots of fellow^s. "They could be something if they would try," and if it hadn't been for him I might have been killed before I found out I was good for something; for I sure was a success on a foraging trip. "Foraging" was the word applied for such outings dur- ing the war — in civil life it is called "shoplifting." As soon as I was about recovered from the measles I took the mumps, and with a lot of others was put on Early P]xpeiukxces. 15 a canal boat and taken some distance to a place, which, if I renieniher correctly, was called "Huguenot Sprini^s." I remained there until I was able to repoi't for duty. AVhile at the ''Springs" I would roam the country some, thoug-h I was taking chances in tlie cold. While out one day and up a well iced i)ersiimnon tree, I slipi)ed and was hurt considerably; returned to hospital and was confined to bed several days. I was one in a I'oom of several occuiiants, and while thei'e we received a visit daily from a nice old maid. She al- ways had something good to eat to divide Uj) with us, and as she was most ga])l)y with me, the boys got to calling her my old girl, and said she showed ])artiality in her "hand-outs," so when I was confined to l)ed from the mishap, she was curious to know what was my trouble, and at each visit she becainc more persistent and I had dodged answering to the limit of my ability, but on entering the room one day she said T sure had to tell her tomorrow what was tlie matter or she would not give me anytliing to eat. AVhen slie left the boys had their fun at my ex])ense. The next morning tlie boys started joking again, and asked me what T was going to do and T said: "Wait and see." So at about the usual time "my girl" as the boys called her, made her appearance, looking as sweet and ])rim as usual, with a plate well piled with "goodies." She was as per- sistent as ever, and 1 finally said: "If you must know, I will tell you." The boys couunenced laughing. She was soon out of the room, slamming the door, with all the tempting food on the platter. The boys laughed and swore to their heart's content, as they knew all future visits would be only by the hos})ital attendants. When I was dischai-ged from the hos])ital 1 reported to command near Dunfrees. The Federals and Con- federates were camped on o]iposite sides of the Potomac River. AVe moved cam]) in the eai'ly ])art of H\'2 — the men were well equi])])ed with clothing and bedding and nearly all started with an overload, and the roadside during the first day's march was strewn for miles with 16 Early Experiences. clothing', blankets, etc., which was done to lighten the men's carrying weight. Vegetables were scarce while in winter (|narters and as soon as we were i)nt on march we were watching for a chance to get some. We strnck cam}) before niglit, and my mess i)osition was on a rocky hill side. I strnck ont to see what I conld find while the balance of the mess attended to other dnties. I did not go far before T was at a cabbage bank, bought two nice heads and returned. The ])oys had a fire burning, l)ut as the decline in the hill was so great it required staking to kee]) wood from rolling down. We soon had the camp kettle on, with the cabliage in and each one had his juece of bacon. When it was near done and smelled so good we were sitting on the upper side of the fire, talking of the coming feast. Without warning, one of the stakes had burned and gave away, and as the ket- tle rolled off down the hill some of the boys tried to catch it, but did not until it stopped, some distance be- low. Seeing the contents pouring out as the kettle was striking the rocks on its downward course looked so ludicrous that I got to laughing, the balance cursing; and the more I laughed the harder the things they would say of their luck. When they asked me why I laughed, my reply was: '"Make the best of a bad thing, "as a hearty laugh is healthful," and they replied: "So is cabbage. ' ' We stopped near Frederickslmrg and camiDed there for some time. While in camp I had a severe attack of jaun- dice, and when the command started to move, 1 was given a permit of sick leave, so I went into Fredericksburg and took a room at a hotel. I had eaten ])ut little while sick in camp; but the first evening at the hotel I felt some- what hungry and went to a restaurant and ate an oyster stew. Tt was not long before I was in bed, suffering greatly, as the oysters w^ould not digest. T was deathly sick for a while, without any aid or relief. During the fore part of the night my door was opened and in ste])ped provost guard to examine my |)ass. I lay motionless. The officer in charge had a lantern and as soon as he Early Experiences. 17 threw the light on my face lie said: "Men, we are not himtini*" a corpse," and turned and went out. After lie had gone I thoiiglit 1 must surely look had, and he hon- estly thought J was dead or he would have asked some questions. 1 later joined my command near \'orktown. We were now under command of (ieneral Magruder, and here he- gan my service on the front. Magruder had fortified part of his front hy putting a levy across a })iece of woodland, hoggy, flat. This was partly filled with water and made quite a stretch of front that was easily guarded. There was part of a hattery stationed to pro- tect it. My first sight of the enemy was crossing the levy and deploying some distance to the front with a large detail. Toops and I were the detail of Com])any "F," and he and I were in position on an ()ut])ost, near center of the line, and about one hundred and fifty yards apart. Our line, from the best I could observe, had both right and left resting on swamp, and was formed as part of a circle. The ])osition was in the woods, with no open- ing in sight. After remaining in ])osition some time I grew restless and felt that we would not have a chance to see a Yankee and from my early education 1 was sat- isfied they could take a challenge and not resent it on fair terms; for there we were in their line and ready to fight and as they were invaders and hunting a scrap, they were cowards or they would not take a dare. All such foolish ideas as stated, had been thought of a num- ber of times, but along well in the turn of the evenicg, when my patience was near exhausted, I heard a gun shot to my right and it was (piickly followed by others and nearing my position. I was all eyes to tlie front and before I was aware of it the line had given away to both right and left, so the first shot that I fired at- tracted fire to my point. I soon saw that I was al)out to be cut off, so I turned and put in my l)est licks for the levy, slackening speed now and then to reload; but at each time the whizzing of a few n^ar bullets said "Faster." Some of the Yankees were good runners and 18 Earta- Experiences. by my slackening- to load, liad gained on me. AYlien I got loaded 1 dro})i)ed behind a log- and started to shoot — the bnllets were whizzing- from front and both sides, and T saw my only chance was to run, for if they could not hit me, they would soon catch me; and from that jioint to the levy T tore through the brush and over logs, making such a noise that I heard but few bullets. When I came near the foot of the levy I saw the most of the men crossing — there seemed to be no one in charge and were all panic-stricken. Under the impulse of the mo- ment I called "Halt and hold the levy." All the men who were near me about faced and commenced firing; and as soon as the men on the levy heard the command to halt and the firing of those who had halted, they returned, I think, without an exception. We were well protected under the hill by good size trees and we fired at least fifteen mmutes before the enmy gave way, but some of them had gotten within less than one hun- dred yards of us. The enemy were shooting what we supposed to be "explosive bullets," from the noise they made when hitting a tree. T got several shots, but I did not think any of them hit the mark and I soon satisfied myself from the way the enemy could get from one tree to another that they were expert woodmen and called Toop's attention to it, and compared them as reminding me of wild turkeys. I don't think we killed or wounded one, and whilst they made a number of close shots, there was not one of our men hurt. On returning to camp my remarks were contrary to my education. My words were: "Boys, the impression that we have about the Yanks being poor woodsmen and marksmen will not hold good, if our levy experience is a sample; for I think I am fairly competent to judge. T have fished and hunted a great deal, from a small boy up; I have had the association and advice of both the white man and the Indian in Woodcraft, and I think the Yanks that we fought were as expert getting from one tree or log to the other as ever T saw, and they re- minded me in cunningness of wild turkeys; so I think KaRI.V FiX'I'ErtlKNCKS. 19 now, if we wino' one a i>iece lliroui^li oui- service, we have done a k«<)<^1 jo'j, and the thini-- that now interests me most is to find out where tliose Yanks are from, and if there are many of them; so l)oys, Id me liear from you, if yon hear anything- ahont tliem." 1 suppose there was some interest taken in the matter, for in a few days I was informed that they were "Western trappers and Hunters." My reply was: "Thank God for that; for the great odds we will be forced to fight, there would be but few of them." Toops was an old acquaintance, and possibly a dis- tant relative of Captain O'Brien, and was in the cap- tain's mess. The captain was a noble specimen of human- ity; was very brave, just and kind and open to expres- sion, but thought himself a correct judge of men. It was his hobby that if he had a regiment of such men, calling the names of a number that were in the com- pany, he could accomplish anything in the way of battle that could be done by the same number of men. His idea of a soldier was the wild, reckless, camp-fighter, the ones the "slow pokes" would have to guard when in the guard house ; so I with quite a number of othei-s was classed as an all around good cam)) man and would fight in battle line with the others to lead. It was not long after we returned to camp before one of the boys said to me: "Bill, 1 heard Toops tell the captain that he had thought him a good judge of a soldiei', but now he questioned it and he thought before we got tlirough he would be of the same opinion." As we were camped some distance to the reai', we heard but little from the front, so we i)assed ((uite a time in drilling and camp duties, with i)lenty of ratiojis, but vegetable food was very scarce, less wild onions; and I think they were the most plentiful and the largest I ever saw, but one hearty meal of boiled bacon and wild onions will satisfy one's craving for vegetables for some time. In the course of time, Magrudcr's forces connncMiced to move — of course, we knew nothing of the why and ^0 P]arly Expertknces. wherefore of such moves; but it was ouly a short time until we had a brush with the enemy. There was con- siderable rifle i)ractice by both sides, but little damage was done. The enemy shelled the woods liberally with what the "knowing ones" called "mortar guns" from their boats. I know the shells were large and made a frightful sound as they passed over us and exploded be- yond. The 1st Texas Regiment had a company with quite a number of Indians enlisted and from what I learned, they protested against such warfare, as the fellow who shot those big guns was out of reach of their rifles, and they were not having an equal show. I think this ended the Indians' service, as I understand they were sent back home. I, with a number of others, had quite an amusing exi)erience — with a ha])i)y ending — and it was this: We were sufferers from camp diarrhea, as it was called, and up to that time we had found no cure. So, entering the l)attle, I had ([uite a great fear that something dis- graceful might hai)])en and it was somewhat uppermost in my mind ; but to my surprise the excitement, or some- thing else, had effected a cure. I inquired of some of the others and they re])orted a cure. From this ])oint we moved slowly towards Richmond, with but little hai)])ening worth mention — only the short- age at times of i-ations, and the ])angs of hunger. A little parched corn at times was very acce|)table, and I never will forget the issuance of a i)int of corn meal each, and my cooking it into mush, without salt to season it. It smelled so good that I was tempted to eat before it was done, and of all the morsels I had eaten before or since, I enjoyed it most. Our marching ended near Richmond, at tlie (Uiickahominy Swamp. Here we saw some hard service; hut had i)lenty to eat. Here was where 1 saw my first balloon ascension. The enemy made a daily practice on some ])art of their front, taking observations, but they were hauled down in a hurry after a shot or two had been fired at them from our field artil- lery. The counti-y that we here operated in was rather KaHLV F'jXPRRTENCES. 21 level and at places s\vaiiii)y, :iii' the enemy, I was ordered to select a man and re- l^ort to (reneral Jackson to the front. I selected a Charles McCauley, a young man who had only resided in Beaumont a short time before enlisting. "Mc" was of great vital force, ever active and courageous; was educated as a civil engineer and at a glance could take the lay of the surroundings and was a fast runner. When we reported, our orders were to move to the front of the advance guard. This we did, with the general riding close behind so we were not challenged. Some distance ahead we received our instructions, which were : To pro- ceed cautiously, keeping just out of sight of advance guard and flankers, and to report to him if the enemy were sighted or any sign of them. We preceeded in this way for some time — part of the time the general was with us and other times he was a short distance behind. The country that we were in was timbered, with now and then an oi)ening, and to keep as directed, it was necessary to mend our jiace when we saw an opening that we were to pass through, so we would be on the op|)osite side, or rather out of sight when the ad- vance entered the opening. At a point of this kind, we discovered a burning bridge on the opposite side. A glance was all that it took to satisfy us to make a cor- rect re])ort, so "Mc," as I called him, and I doul)le- quicked back, but did not have to go far before we met the general. We re])orted and made good time l)ack with the general to the point of observation. He, taking in the situation instantly, ordered us to cross the stream and investigate some distance beyond; and, looking well to both sides of the road, we went forward at fast time and found the stream to be a sluggish, boggy drain, about thirtv feet wide, with good high banks. We crossed Seven Days Before 1\*icm mond. 25 about two luiiKli'cd yards above the bridge, iieaily dry footed and went forward in the direction to sti-ike tlie road about four liundi-ed yards from the ))ridi^-e; were traveling hurriedly, and nearing the road, when we dis- covered a line of "blue eoats," not being over thirty yards of them, near their riglit flank. We halted in- stantly and they ordered us to come in, with a few guns pointing our way. I said "run," and we sure did — they never fired a shot. When we struck the creek we did not look for a favorable crossing, but made a lea)) and landed well in the mud, nearly waist deep. We scranibU^l across and were on the home side in short oi'der. Just then I saw a straggling Yankee who had l)een uj) to a farm house and was making his way back to the bridge to cross, not knowing it had ])een fired. He was not over fifty yards off and as I saw him first I levelled my gun and ordered him to "trot in." He obeyed ])rom])tly. I pointed the direction and told him to trot on ahead. The general was where we left him and it seemed he iiad an- ticipated his needs, for there was a battery at the rear, just in sight, with a clear track. I had no more than gotten through reporting, when the battery came for- ward in quick time and were in line for firing. When the officer in charge of the battery ie])orted, the general called him by name and said: "Fletcher, instruct as to point of enemy's location and return and investigate, and re]^ort the effects of firing." I did as instructed and there was soon a rain of shell pouring in on their i)osition. The battery was well elevated and "Mc" and I were making fast time uiulci- their firing. The battery ceased firing as we crossed the stream and went into the woods; found the enemy had gone, and from the looks of the battery work, their position was well shelled. When we returned we re- ported all clear. There was a force of men i)utting out the smouldering fire and filling the stream up with logs and other material near at hand. The work was soon comi)leted and the delay in moving was shorter than one would have supposed, as (piick time seemed to be the 2f) Sf.vkn Days 1*f,I''(ii;k Ivichmond. order of the day. 1 had heard of forced inarching- and was satisfied that 1 was in one, for from the time that we left Stanton, men were moved at tlie full speed of endurance and after "Mc" and I went to the front, the speed we traveled to keep as directed, would give one an idea that the nearer our ajjproach was to the enemy, the faster was our march. After passing the burned bridge, the country u]) to the time we struck the enemy, was the same as that we had passed that day, but with less openings. The woods were well under brushes and we could see but a short distance, only in straight parts of the road. After cross- ing the stream, the general stayed close u]) with "Mc" and I the bahmce of the time we were with him. After we had gone some distance we canu^ to a road that inter- sected ours on the right. Ileie we were halted and in less than five minutes the cavalry came up; so as it were, our cavah-y and infantry had joined forces. The cavalry halted and the general had a few words with the com- manding officer. We moved on, but did not go over one- fourth of a mile when the general halted us and in- structed that we travel some little distance to the right of the road, as only a short distance ahead there was an opening and he thought that we would see the enemy's pickets. T asked that, if we did, should we shoot and he replied, "Yes. 'J So as "Mc" and I turned out of the road the general turned back. We made our way quickly to the edge of the opening, about fifty yards from the road, and as expected, there were the cavalry pickets about one hundred and fifty yards out in the opening. Just then there was an officer whom we took to have the rank of "colonel," who seemed to be inspecting the picket line and had, what we supposed to be, two "or- derlies" with him. 1 whisi)ered to "Mc" to fire as I did. In a few moments the opportune time had arrived and there were two reports, near as one. He reeled to one side just as his aides caught him; but by the time we had reloaded, the ])icket line'were all out of shooting distance, and our cavalry was thundering by on a charge. Skven Days Bhkouk Iiicii.moxi,. 27 Less than half a mile ahead our cavalry ran iiilo the picketing- rosorve, and I'l-oiii the ai)[)earaiK'e, where they were caini)ed, there must have been a rei>-iiiient. "Mc" and I moved on to where the cavalry were fi^htini^-, but before we reached the point, tlie enemy were falling- l)ack — from the firing-, our men were in close ])ursuit. We stopped here to wait for onr command as we knew our mission was finished. We waited until nearly dark be- fore our command came u]). The cavaliy continued skii'- mishing till dark. We struck camp just l^efore dai-k, in sight of the skirmisliers. During the night tliei-e was what was called a "loose horse," This sometimes ha])iK'Us when a hoi'sc is under great excitement, and may be I'lom either side, wdien the combatants are at close (|ua iters. At the instant the horse is sighted, the woids "loose horse" are heard and will l)e repeated i)y huudicfls of voices along the line, although the animal may pass directly through the cam]) to the rear, the whole encampment has been notified, hi this instance the horse passed ([uartering through camp and about fifty yards to the rear of where 1 had been sleeping. I know of n(» words that will bring the sleeping soldiei's to their feet as quickly as "loose liorse, " for everyone feels the neces- sity of clearing the track. The word "whoa" is a very popular one as the horse is passing through, but the users know it will have no effect on the distracted animal and would be about as much heeded as if directed at a whizzing cannon ball. The next morning we were in line I)y the time one could see, and moving to the front, i soon saw that we were the reserve, which is a dreaded position when kept u}) for you will hear the roar of the battlinii' front : see the wounded going and being cairied to the rear; and if advancing, as we wei-e in this instance, passing the dead and dying, and being ext)Osed to shell, or grape, or ean- nister shot; moving, standing or l>ing down, it is all the same — one may be shot down and not so unieli as raise a hand in self defense; and as one has ample 28 Seven Days Before RirHMOND, time for rcl'lcction, tliey can well feel the seriousness of the surrounding's with all its liorrors and to see the lit- tle regard for human life and property so victory and the lauding- of a few can l)e attained. As a man becomes more aged and has bettered his reasoning, the clearer in- sight he has to the great danger of unreasoned ])ublic agitation. Along in the turn of the evening the battle was raging and from the roar to our right, it seemed to be a general engagement. The reserve, as far as I could see, was keeping close up to the battle front. As our column was moving to the right there were two men in front of me of Company "P"' who had become terror stricken and were retarding the quick time close-up move that we were making. They could not stand erect or move with a courageous bearing, but were dodging and stoo])ing, which often caused an unnecessary ga]). This caused me several times to speak harshly to them. I well remember my last words to them, which were: "Boys, straighten up; you are giving them damned Yan- kees two chances by stooping, as a shell that would pass in front without injury would cut your heads off, bent as you are." The words had not been uttered many seconds when a cannon ball had struck each near the shoulder and tore the bodies badly. C'omi)any "F" near this point was detached from the column and moved to the left as flankers. The reserve was soon thrown into action, relieving those who had been battling for some time at a hard contested ]ioint. When Hood's Brigade went into action, they raised the Texas yell, and the "F" boys full well knew its mean- ing was ' ' charge. ' ' Captain 'Brien ke])t Company " B^ " to the left a few hundred yards and advanced, as sound indicated, so as to retard or re})ort flank movement if attempted by the enemy. Our progress at times was slow as we were in a piece of woodland that had suffered greatly from cannonading,and there were places we had to surround on account of fallen brush which showed it had been a point of note for field artillery. In this tim- ber 1 suppose was the enemy's right, as our forces in Seven Days Before Richmoxd. 29 ^oing- in, cut off a reginu'iit. Tliis i-cgiuicnt liad a curious position or alignment to nie that I did not understand at the time, nor since — why a line of battle should be formed with a detached regiment at right angles and ap- parently giving no heed to the giving to the rear of their battle line. While Com])any "F" was moving rapidly in quite a de]iression, the bullets were coming thick and fast, but no enemy in sight. The conii)any was onU'red to lay down and 1 was ordered to investigate. Krom the firing where the company was situated, I was satisfied the ene- my was firing at right obli(iue. 1 went forward so as to flank them, and looking to my right 1 saw two of our soldiers going- (piick time to the front of enemy's lines. The idea that flashed through my mind was, that they were poor in woodcraft or they would not liave so ex- posed themselves. My idea of the enemy's position proved correct, for when T reached the top of the eleva- tion, to my right, I saw their line, and as I saw nothing to prevent and the conditions favorable for a close in- spection, I cautiously but quickly made the move so I was a little to the rear and about one hundred yards from their right flank. Taking in the situation (|ui('kly, I started to raise my gun to shoot the colonel, as lie was on the right of the column; but as shooting only in self- defense wouh.1 have been advised on a re]wrting mission, I turned, running, and had well struck down grade be- fore I was observed. Being on down grade 1 felt reason- ably safe while I ke})t up my s])eed, for I well knew that in favorable conditions a large percentage of the bullets would pass over. I came near falling twice on my plunge downward, as I was nearly tri]iped up by fallen liml)s; and it seemed that the whole line was oblifpiely firing in my direction. AVhen I reached the ])oint where 1 had left the com])any I saw that they wei'e gone, or I had headed wrong; so I jumped behind a tree for ])rotection and scanned the surroundings for the comi)any, and not seeing them, was satisfied that they liad moved; so T moved on at quick time in the su{)posed direction of the company's travel. This ] was correct in, for after I had 30 Seven Days Before Richmond. g-one some distance donl)le-(|ui('king-, I ran onto our or- derly sergeant. I asked where the company was and he said they were mostly ahead, bnt badly scattered. We were then passing near a tented commissary depart- ment, which, from appearances, was well stocked with food. Jnst then to the right and two or three hundred yards ahead, I saw our line forming and directly to my right about seventy-five yards I saw a tall "Yankee" well bent in a long trot, and passing through the tented ground, in an effort, I suppose, to escape. I said, as I raised my gun, "Look, sergeant," and the words were not more than said when I fired — the man dropped his gun, staggered to the right and fell. The -sergeant said, "You got him," and I remarked that he liad quit his gun, at least. At this time firing had about ceased on the extreme left of Lee and right of McGlellan. The density of the smoke a few feet above the earth was so great that it ol)scured the sun. When I reached the forming line I saw what the Texas Brigade had done, for only a short distance to the front was what was once one of the enemy's l)atteries, and if memory serves me right, there were six pieces. Just as I reached my form- ing comi)any, the regiment that 1 have mentioned came running in without order and shooting some; and a man by the name of "Wood" of "F," fell mortally wounded, being shot in the back. The boys about faced and some of them fired. This caused the enemy to well under- stand their condition and they surrendered. The colonel of the enemy's regiment and the 5th Regiment, lieuten- ant. Colonel Ui)ton, I learned, were schoolmates. The Yankee colonel felt abused for the rude and umnilitary way he liad to surrender, as a ])rivate soldier disarmed him, and he felt humiliated. I was told that when he and U])ton met he complained of his abuses of not be- ing allowed to turn his arms over to an officer. Upton replied: "You did the right thing," for his men un- derstood war to be kill or capture, and understood ca])- ture was not complete until the enemy was disarmed; and they recognized no difference between private or officer. Seven Days T'i-.i-oue HicHMoxn. 31 As soon as oui- linos were roniuMl, wv were ordered to lay down, as the picket lines were i)osting and there was some firing- and a passing bnllet now and then made the ])osition a disagreeable one. Soon after dark there was a detail made of three from a company to go to the rear and get rations for the com])any. I was one of *'F'" detail, i)ut the detail received no orders to re- poi-t to officer, or where to go; only to go to the rear and get rations, so we made our way to a point not far to the rear, where we had seen the commissary. When we arrived at the place there were a number ()f' details with orders similar to ours and no effort bemg made to load up. 1 inciuired what the trouble was and was told that we could get rations only with a written order, as there was a guard over them. "F" detail went to where one guard was stationed and I asked him wby we could not get rations and he explained, as stated. I tried to reason with him, telling him the men were very hungry, and if thev did not let us have the supplies, there might be trouble. T saw from his dress that he was no regular and asked him where he was from. He said his company that were there guarding were the Richmond Home Guards, and were there to protect cap- tured goods. T saw from the tone of ex]n-ession of the details, that all that was needed was a leader, so I backed off a short distance, (it being dark), so the source would not be known and s])oke in a loud tone of voice com- manding: "Fix bavonets and be ready to defend your- selves; take all the 'rations you want and leave the rest with guard." This command was instantly obeyed, less fixing bayonets, as there were but few in the detail; but the guard was not so well posted and raised no further obiections. From what I could hear, each man was load- ing up and calling out his find, so by that means we were soon posted and got a good assorted supi)ly, with what bottled whiskey we wanted as extra. AVhen we re- turned to the cmnpany we found the men still lying down, but when we rei)orted full handed they all sat up and ate, and from the way the bottles were passed back 32 Seven Days Bekohf-, Ivichmond. and forth, one now would tliink tliey had never heard of "prohibition." So, with a full stomach, we passed the balance of the night in battle line, or what is termed sleeping on your arms, which means not undressing ; not so much as to even remove kna])sack or haversack. The next morning we were u]) and ready for duty, the firing in our immediate front having ceased, so we were not held strictly under a moment's notice order, there- fore, it was nearly impossible under such conditions to keep a volunteer body under strict discipline, and there was a percentage that would be to the rear; some through curiosity, others looking for some dead, wounded oi" missing friend or relative through this channel. Tt was reported that the officer in charge of the Richmond Guards had reported to General Jackson about the tak- ing of the sui)plies without written orders, by men who claimed to be detailed and the reply of Jackson was, that all they needed belonged to them, as they had taken it; so that settled any fear of the detail being punished. Now, I will retrace my steps of the following evening and will make what would have been my report to.(^ap- tain O'Brien had he not moved Company *'F," and T will give fruther the impression formed. As I have l)e- fore stated, I reached my company while forming, and all minds were absorbed, especially the officers' in get- ting the men back to their places from their scattered position through a closely contested fight, and that on a charge is one of the officer's most important duties; so seeing this condition, 1 waited until matters were some- what quiet before 1 approached the captain. AVhen [ did, my words were: "Captain, I suppose a rei)ort now is useless." His reply was: "Yes, but little did I ex- pect to see you again. I w^as forced to move the com- pany, as the position was too hazardous." My reply was: "I guess they were shooting at me." His words were: "I thought so, and they would aim lower as you descended." My report would have been: T gained a position a little to enemy's rear and about one hundred yards to the right there was a regiment on the brow of Skvk.x Davs l)Kr(>nK Kiciimond. ''^> a ridge, facing and firing. Tliey were formed nearly parallel to the hollow we passed in and I saw, near their center, a barrel on end and men passing to and from. I supposed it was whiskey, and from the battle li^ie our forces now occupied tliey were cut off and T was fearful through a drunken condition they would try to force an escape and cause uncalled for killing. Commenting, i will state, that when I saw the enemy's i)osition on the hill, 1 could not understand it; and up to this date have not figured it out, as they were near at right angles to their battle line, facing out and only a few hundred yards to the right. If tliey had been facing the op|)osite direc- tion and went into battle, as our relief charged, they would have struck them directly on the left and rear flank and, with a well directed enfilading fire, done great damage and brought about such confusion as would have made our charge unsuccessful; and as Company "F" passed about two hundred yards to their front. 1 would not have been sent forward to investii>ate if they had not been firing in that direction; and further, if our left had extended a regiment or two further, they would have been at the same disadvantage that they could have ])laced us in. I will now proceed where T left off at l':i-(»lil', IvU'll MOND. distance behind our firing- line, I would change positions now and then to points that 1 could l)est shoot. I don't think there were many of the detail killed or wounded, and the gradual lessening of number was caused by those who did not enjoy the sport, and needed official con- trol. When 1 enlisted in the service, my brother was very anxious to enlist in the same company. 1 objected and gave him my reasons for objecting, which were: In the first place, I wished to be as far from home and relatives as possible, with but little advantages of hearing from them, for they were poor and could not render me any aid ; and as I cast my lot so as to be de])endent upon the government, I thought it best to feel at home and be sat- isfied among strangers, and the greater the distance and the poorer the chance to return I thought would, to a great extent, make me feel as though I were at home in the army ; and further, would we not, as brothers, have an attachment, as such, that would often cause worry where there was no chance of aid; and, further, there would be times when one or the other might neglect duty in some vain effort to satisfy some supposed mis- hap and pass many restless nights when rest was needed, and out of the other's power to render aid. So I asked him to enlist when his services would be needed west of the Mississippi River, which he did. I mention this to show what one is liable to be drawn into through a brotherly feeling. In this detail there were two brothers, both nice, genteel, courageous boys. Along" in the turn of the day, when our squad was small and on the ad- vance after having been driven back, and about one hundred yards from the position we had been occupying, to my right about fifty feet was one of these brothers, and to his right about the same distance was the other. The brother near me fell wounded and called to his brother for help, who resi)onded promptly, without ap- parent thought of what chances he was taking under the worst conditions, for it was evident that he was shot down by a sharpshooter who had been posted to shoot through that oj^ening in the woods. I still advanced, Skvkx Davs Uki'okk liiciiMd.vi). ;I7 but would cast a ,i>lance at the wounded man. The hrothei- was (|uickly at his side and was bending as though he was .^oini;- to i)ut his hands on liim — he stai>-i>ere(l and fell, I think, l)efore liis" hands touched his brother. The sliai-])sh()oter liad .i^'otten two from the same position, wliich would not likely have hai)i)ened under other conditions. If this had occurred in battle line, the heli)ing one would have weakened the battlinu^ force two; but happenin"- as it did, the loss was less felt. The brother did not consider the neai- ])osition of a ,i>ood marksman with an o])enin«- through brush that he could have held only a few minutes long-er, as he would have made a target for both right and left of our line, and being of that class that always figures well on self pro- tection, and his whereabouts then was located, he was only holding his ground for a minute, expecting what happened. We soon evened up in numbers, however under nearly the same conditions, for just to the left of the position which we had been occupying was a narrow hollow point- ing to our left front, and just l)efore we were driven back, I noticed from the report of a gun that there was some one in it, so in going forward I made for the mouth of the hollow which extended out left a short distance. The left post man and I were understood so when 1 crawled to the desired point and raised u}), I saw, somewhat to my surprise, a Yankee on his knees facing me, with his gun leaning on a low worm-rail fence, with his arms on the fence and his head bowed down as though he was napping. He was not more than seventy-five yards dis- tant. I fired quickly. He called ])iteously, "Oh, Pat! Oh, Pat! I am shot, come here!" Pat reached him while he was moaning. Pat looked to be a spare built boy, about of age. I had l)eckoned the nuin neai- and he was at my side, and just as Pat had reached his friend, he fell by a bullet at the hands of the man i had beckoned; so, in the S])ace of thirty minutes there wei-e two Yan- kees shot similar to the two brothers. The closing scene of the day on that pai-t of McOlel- land's line was the grandest sight, to me, of the war. 3f^ Seven Days Before IIichmond. Just as it was darkeuiiii^-, the "Rebs" emeri^ed in an open field, in line of battle, about four hundred yards to the right and front of our position, and as they were at right angles from us and when the enemy's position was observed, we found them in the same alignment and were just at the edge of the oi)ening under the brow of the hill, in the piece of timber that I have mentioned where the enemy hid from view that had driven our out- post in several times during the day. Just as our men had gotten near the middle of the opening, the enemy 'rose up and turned loose a volley. Instantly our trooi)s replied, and the two streams that went forth were gi-and to behold. Our men then charged, and a stream of fire far down the line poured forth from both sides. This sight was awe-inspiring and a happy ending, as the enemy soon gave way, so we then headed for camp, with my part played in the great drama of the seven days' fight before Richmond. My cartridge box, however, was empty and I was well satisfied with the days' rifle prac- tice. I sui)pose the enemy had removed at each time they passed over their picket line dislodging us, their wounded, as we never shot a helpless wounded. At each time we re-posted there was none in sight, but some of the boys the next morning claimed that they counted sixty odd dead, being the work of the detail. Leaving this place, we were marched back to Rich- mond, with only two incidents. I will mention the first which was with a tobacco peddler. This character of ]jeople are generally on to their job. They expect, from the way the most of them act, that all goes and is per- missible in war, as some of them are as well versed in sharp practices as some soldiers are. At this time we were out of chewing tobacco and the peddler was near the road, and from appearances, had a rush of custom- ers; and it was i)ermissible in such cases for a few to drop out of line of each company as they were passing to supply their wants. I had dropped out and was crowding in when I observed one of Company "P" boys to my front. I pushed a five dollar Confederate bill to his front and requested that he get me some. He turned Aftrk Skvkn D.ws' P).\'ni.K. 89 his head and seeing- who it was, said: " Keep your money." He soon j^ot in phice and stood tliei-e, wliat I thought was an unnecessary length of time, while the others were getting their orders filled, and cliange, if any was coming. I finally heai'd him give liis order as though he liad made it before and it had not l)een heeded and as the })eddier always exacted casli in advance and handed out cliange, if any was coming, as he delivei-ed the goods, so he immediately filled tlie order for five plugs, thinking as I suppose, he had taken the pay. So after filling tlie order, he went to filling othei-s and my man asked with an oatli whether he was to get his change or not. The peddler gave him immediate attention and asked what it was. The reply was: "I handed you ten dollars," and the peddler innnediately handed over five dollars. We pushed out and started on — he handed me one ])lug and remarked, "Bill, here's four more, and five dollars I have left." 1 asked him wdiy he stood so long- before making order. Ife said: "[ wanted to see if lie was well supplied with ten dollar ])ills, so he would not catch u]) with me." 1 asked what that had to do with the matter, and he said: "Lots, for I did not have any money. ' ' The next is the sight of passing over and neai- the battlefield, seeing the destruction that it brought to man, beast and ])roi>erty — here a few^ graves, tliere a long line of new eartli, the dead thrown in masses, somewhat de- noting number — here destruction of conunissary's dead animals, vehicles, in fact a part of all that is neecssary to equip and give comfort to a large body of men, and the awful stench that at times would greet one's nos- trils, and in this instance myriads of flies. We were ])laced in cam]) a few miles fi-oui Kichiiioud. and a considerable distance from the battlefield so as not to be affected with the odoi- but the distance was not so great that it prevented great numbers of flies coming our way tliat were supi)osed to have originated on the battlefield. They were something less than the common house-fly, and when they l)it or sucked it left a stinging sensation, and when one lay down for a nap in daytime 40 A ri'KK Skvkx Days' I)A'I"I'i.k. lie was forced to covei" uj), ms it were, head and ears. We stayed in this eanip (|iiite a wliile, resting, and our ranks were strengthened hy a nuniher of recruits from Liberty and Jefferson County, Texas. We passed off the time very well and roamed the country near l)y, at will, when not on duty; hut were prohibited from going into Richmond without a pass, and from disobedience of this order 1 served my first and last sentence in the guard house, or any other character of punishment for disobedience of orders. (V)m|)any "F" at this time was in charge of the first lieutenant, and he was at this camj) rather exacting of some; and T suppose it was caused by their disrespect and probable remarks, although T had made none; but he was satisfied that I had often been in position to see his weakness. I applied to him twice for a pass to go to Richmond after well explaining my mission, but was denied. One of my near neighbor boys and schoolmate, and the brother of my sister's hus])and, lay seriously wounded in the host)ital — he belonged to a Louisiana regiment. Lie sent me word that as soon as he was able he would get a furlough, and as his wound was through his breast and lung, he guessed he would not be able to do any more fighting; and he would like to see me once more, as we had not met for years ; and my anxiety was great to send my sister some word. 1 determined to disobey orders, so the next morning I went to one of the boys who had a ])ass for the day and ex- plained conditions and asked his assistance in passing the picket guard line and that 1 would risk the city patrol. So we went to near picket guard and selected a favorable place. He passed on through and 1 w^ent down to a point selected in front of the guard and he in the rear. His pass landed, tied to a rock, at the proper place in front of the picket line. I picked it u}) and he and I continued on our course, passing a few guards. I entered and returned the pass and we went on to Rich- mond, parting as we entered the suburbs. As I w^as fair- ly well ])osted on the lay of the city and position of the hospital, I passed through the sul)urbs to avoid patrol which was mostly in density of the citv. Knowino- the Al'I'KH SkVKN DaVs' l>A'ni.K. 4.1 hospital was well out on the ()i)})osit(' side of tlie city, 1 feared no interference. Reached the hospital (). K., stayed till nearly dark and returned to camp, for there was no challenge made l)y ])icket guard, going in. The next morning I was put in the guard house and served sentence for not being at evening roll call. In a few days, Captain O'Brien returned and was, through some chan- nel or other, informed; and from what J was told, he ex- pressed his feelings to the lieutenant in very forcible words, disapproving his sentence. The captain said that when men had earned consideiation as T had, it was brutal to deny, for they never asked when services were needed. Our nearness to the city gave us a good numl)er of peddlers daily, both from country and city, and as there was no "pure food" law in force we bought about every- thing that was offered, without (piestion, if it suited our taste or fancy. Sausage was one of our favorite dishes, and as the vendors w^ere on hand in considerable num- bers early in the morning, we had sausage on the bill of fare when desired. So one morning, while our mess was eating, 1 found what I supposed was a cat's claw and all stop])ed eating at once and an examination was hur- riedlv made of the uneaten portion, and a cat's tooth was discovered. A report of the find was soon circu- lated and it was said that there were other finds of a similar character. Sausage was sold by weight and the more bone, the heavier. This was practicing "all things are fair in war." Some of the boys tried to vomit, but the cat kept on its downward course, so there was a slump in the sausage market; and as far as that cami> was concerned, no argument could reinstate sausage and it soon was not wanted, therefore, was not an article offered. As one was at libertv to roam the near country when not on dutv, but answering at morning and evening roll call, it gave good opportunity for near foraging, as it was called, and as a few miles out was well stocked witli ripe wild huckleberries and as 1 was very fon.l ot them. 4'J Aktkk Skvkn Days' Batti.i^,. I made sevei'al trips. 1 would start out in ('oin})any with one of the boys, each beinj>' ecpiipped with a canteen, a pint cup and small amount of sugar, so we would stroll around until we saw a milch cow or cows grazing that were out of sight of house, and .if not, we sometimes, in passing, could "shoo" them and tliey soon were, so when the oportune moment came, one of us would grab the cow by the horns and the other would fill the can- teens with milk, then off to the nearest berry patch we would go and partly fill our cup with berries, then sugar and cream same. We would continue this process as often as necessary to fill our stomachs, then return to camp, feeling that we, at least, had eaten unadulterated berries and milk. The cattle were generally good milkers and the most of them very gentle, and I guess, from the number of boys who finally caught on, the milk maids at least thought some of their cows were drying up. This good thing did not last a great while, however, for the owners took to keeping the cattle in sight or un- der herder, and w^hen milk was not at hand, we did very well on berries and sugar. A short distance out of camp there was a macadamized pike with toll gate just before entering the city limits, and late in the evening there were a great number of huckster cars or wagons pass- ing into the city. 1 heard that it was amusing to watch the boys and the hucksters, so 1 took a good position near the pike for observation. At different places on the roadside the soldiers could be seen — lying down, walking, or playing — all seemed to be out for an airing. When the vehicles would pass going in slow trot, often in num- bers, one or two of the soldiers would drop in behind the vehicle and take sucli market products as could be reached, the driver, of course, looking ahead, while the drivei- in the rig behind would laugh and enjoy the sport of seeing his neighbor robl)ed — when the same thing was happening at the rear of his cart. It was surprising to see the amount of truck taken in this way, and it seemed to be so annising to the driver l)ehind that he lost all thought of his load and was all eyes to the front; and After Skvkx Days' P).\ttt,e. y.\ from the gTeat iniml)oi" of vehicles |);issini!:, there was quite a lot of foragin,s>' done in tliis way. It was several evenings before the hucksters caught on, after which they were watchful and this bro]-'e u]) the soldiers' i)rofit and sport. I remember heai'ing some of the ])oys say that some of those old feHows ])ut them in mind of an owl turning its head without moving its body. In this cam]) we had j^lenty to eat and were soon rested up and fattened so we could stand a long liaid drive to the next slaughter pen. Leaving this cam}), we were marched over the country, and from the ]>rivates' ])oint of view, we were hunting a fight. We did fairly well for food and when the commissary de})artment was slioi-t we would add roasting-ears and green apph's to the hill of fare; although the latter were green, but were con- sidered eatable by us, as the l)loom was off. It sure was a blessing that our stomachs had gotten near, as is said of the ostrich. I well remember at one time on this tramp, C^ompany "F" was detached from the regiment and stationed in a cornfield, near a stream. There could, at times, be seen some "Yanks" on the opposite side of the stream, but there was no shooting heard and the com- pany seemed to be held there for an emer<>"ency and was kept hid in tall corn which was in roasting-ears. W'c were all very hungry, but as yet had never made a meal of raw corn. As there was no chance of cooking any, some of the boys started eating and we soon were all feasting, less Captain O'Brien — he would ])eel the stalks and chew them as one does sugar cane. Some of the boys would joke the good natured old caj^tain and finally got him to partake of the same food as they said he was fur- nishing them, as they saw no other ]nirpose of our being herded in field l)ut to graze. The corn was of fine large ears and in the right stage of maturity for good eating. We were held at this point for several hours and while there I consumed four ears, and some of the lioys did better. There was a large man by the name of Benjamin who ate at least eight or ten ears and the boys would tell it on him and add a bundle of fodder. We wei'c ordered •^■^ AiTKR Skvkx Days' Batti.k. to return to on,- coiniuaiKl just before iii^-ht and found It a short distance to the rear. When leaving- the field the captain told us to gather what corn we wanted, so 1 took to camp six ears. When we reached camp we soon had tires burning and the corn in shucks on them cook- ing, and we found this a quick and excellent way to cook corn as the shucks retain the flavor. We also drew liberally of fine fresh beef and this we also soon liad on the fire broiling in good size pieces. All was hurriedly done as we were told that we would take up the line of march soon. When the corn was about cooked and the meat good and hot, but very rare, we were ordered to fall m line. We did so, and the different methods of carrying hot food could not well be described. I partly shucked my ears of corn and carried bv the shucks, anil the beef on a short stick. It was near dark and we were marching slowly, and as soon as the food was cool enough I commenced lightening my load to the extent of cob and shuck. From the size of my piece of meat and six large ears of corn I supposed I could have supper and break- fast, but such was not the case; for I could not resist eating the whole of it. When I was through I figured the contents of stomach : four green and six cooked roast- ing ears and raw beef in proportion. T rather ex])ected some ill effects from gormandizing, but such was not ■ the case, and I guess the preventative was the night's marching. We were generally well sup])lied with tobac- co--if the i)lug man was not handy we could raid the drying shed and be contented with the pure and unadul- terated leaf. Battle of St'oond Maiiasas We filially reaclicd a i)()iiit neai- and froiitiiii'- where we entered tlie battle of Second Maiiasas, and on tiie eve of the same day were thrown a eonsideralile distance to the front, or rather making' a night attack. I snppose this was done to keep the enemy from fortifyini,^ then- front, which it did, for we fong-ht over the same gronnd next day in open field. Tliis was the first and last of my experience attacking the enemy in force at night. There was but little damage done on either side, so far as I knew, for tlie amount of shooting and inixing. When we went in, we soon ran over their first bat- tle line, and from the number of the enemy that ]mssed to our rear, one would suppose that the cap- ture was large; but from what I learned it was not, as most of them went out on flank or hid and were passed as we went back in the dark. The first line we encoun- tered was on our side of a small stream that I under- stood was "Bull Run." We crossed the stream and were mixed u]) with the enemy considerably while they were making their wav to the rear. There was but little, if anv, shooting after we crossed the stream, for we were so "scattered and it was so dark that it was impossible to distinguish friend or foe, unless you were near arm's length of each other. When we reached the toi)()l the hill, the officer attempted to form line, but not with any view of com])anv or regiment— the command was ''Halt, and get in line," men." 1 suppose some of our officers at least saw what a ])redicament we were in, and the or- der to halt and fall in line might have originated from an under officer or ])rivate. All was confusion and could not have been otherwise unless we had formed near the bank of the stream after crossing. Wheii we were ha ted, near to our front could be seen a dark line of something and in forming. The left of our line or part of the Iront that T was in, commenced forming on this dark object and those near had seen that it was men, and some "Reb 46 Battle of Second Manasas. asked what coiimiand it was, and tlie reply giving- the regiment, nnml)er and state, was enough to give one the creeps or cold chills I was only a short distance from the head of the line, and our column was forming at an angle of not over twenty degrees in front of the enemy. The order ^'ahout face, march" was instantly given and ])romptly obeyed, and as far as T was concerned, and I suppose others who heard tUe name of the regiment felt somewhat as I did and that was walk off quickly but lightly, and keep heart from thumping loud for fear of detection. Tt sure was fortunate for us that the enemy did not ask first w^hat command w^e w^ere, for one w^ell dii'ected volley w^ould have gotten scores of "Rebs" and a few "Yanks," and it was supposed that the enemy had taken us for their re-forming front, not knowing that a lai-ge per centage of them had laid dowai and skulked to the rear after being passed over. There was a sigh of relief wdien we were well dowm the hill and out of dan- ger of the enemy. We returned to the ])()int from where we started during the night and stayed in line of battle the better part of the next day. Wlien I had sle})t and rested I got a per- mit to go to the front, but with no special mission to fill; it w^as purely to satisfy individual curiosity, and as I could under certain conditions get a front leave l)y ask- ing, 1 made use of it when the s])irit moved. While to the front I was at or near our picket right and w^ent some distance to the right front. AMiile on my rambles I went into one of the enemy's infirmaries near our picket front and flank. T found quite a lot of wounded which was the w^ork of our night raid. They seemed to be well cared for, under the conditions, by their army medical corps and one could tell at a glance that the facilities for such work w^ere su])erior to ours, but one's thought when seeing the enemy's hel])less wounded are far different than when seeing the dead. My thoughts on seeing the dead w^ere without one pang of regret or sorrow^; but it was the reverse to see the living suffering. I talked with several of the wounded and they seemed to carry no Battle "F Sk(<'NI. Manasas. 47 „„|i,.,. ns sc.Mu. nl- (l,..n. mnark,.,!: -Tl,.. .1,, hnn.cs wore doins.- the same as tlu-y had heci. tryins t.i ' "■ ".'U, somewhat amused, however, w,th one fme '""l^ «• " t,llisent ^•o,u,« fellow, who, fvon, appearances ami ,■< m^ ...rs^tion had lived on the hright s,de of " «-. - ->;;,^ l,-,s feet and slowly niovmg aho„t; ho sa,d • ^^ what von fellows have done i'-.r ..,.■. 1 «n„l, ^ t t Unllet had S'one thronsl. my lu.,. . a.,.1 I «•"-";> - will hnnt another fellow when sh,. hears , M seemed to he taking- his condition greatly »""■■■' thought he had .inst gronnds. tlu'retore e..u 1 od ^ ,,-ithT7e- Imt there could he no relief in tint. "".''' t front sitting on to,, of a w„rm rail ren.;c. I win e'l l,t what was ciTUed a "Kentucky hutton" lor "0 «<:™ Jhat ^««^;^'^.;, ^,,„., and the detail surely «l'l"-7'^>'ll|f :,,f .Ju.ilhow they 48 Batti.r of Second Manasas. sometimes the detail could riu^o- in a few new arrivals or steal something, which was legitimate if not caught in the act ; and if one was, near time of battle, he would expect no punishment as there is nothing that will set- tle up all differences more quickly than one's duty well performed in battle line. The meat was large, fat mid- dlings and "F" detail had been liberally treated, so that when we reported to the sergeant at the comi)any and delivered our bacon, he was told not to consider detail in issuing. He asked no questions, but connnenced at once to issue. Jeff, Benjamin and I stei)ped a short dis- tance off and cut in three parts what w^e had gotten with- out price or begging. We had no more than got our meat stowed in our haversacks l)efore we were ordered to fall in line. The company's bacon had not been fully issued, but the boys grabbed it up and divided it the best they could, as we marched to the front. The movement to the front was fast walking, and as we all knew well what was coming from the roar to our left, there could be no mistake, so we were soon near enough in for the shells that were being thrown by the enemy's guns to make us forget bacon and hunger. I merely "mention this bacon incident to show how our ill-gotten i)art of it went. I was soon shot down, Benjamin shortly afterwards was killed, Jeff in his scrambles in crossing Bull Run got his haversack full of water and cut it off. We went in, nearly over the same ground that we passed the previous night. Wa were just emerging from a piece of woods that had but little underbrush and were well closed up and alignment good; we wcic closing to left and were ob- li(]uing. I was not aware of the enemy's nearness and I don't sui)])ose the officers were; I thought they came from ('reek Valley to near the brow of the hill when we were sighted coming in, for the country was oi)en and we could well be seen from the opposite side of the creek where their reserve was stationed, so at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards the enemy was lying down, and rose up in masses and fired one volley. " I and one other member of Hood's Brigade fell wounded. As T I)ATTi.K OF Second Manasas. 49 was obliciuiiii;' to tlic left Uic l>uiU't rallicr cut across my bowels and made a loiii;- ami u^iy wound. One of the boYs told me tliat T fell face upward and was lau^dimy:. I had always some fear of receivino- a wound in the stomach, if ever 1 was so nnfortnnate as to i^et one, and had made a ])ractice of wearing- my cartridg-e box to the front when battling, and in this instance it would have protected me if 1 had not been obliquing. I sui.j.osc wlicu 1 was struck I fainted, for the first 1 knew was wlieu I raised to a sitting position and the boys were some dis- tance to the front, shooting and yelling at the fleeing enemv 1 could see the dead Yanks, as I supposed them to be" Iving thick in the battle line— they were a finely dressed set and made a gaudy-looking cor].se. 1 did not see the enemv when they arose and fired as 1 guess at the instant T was looking to the left, as wc were closing in that direction. 1 was feeling no pain, Init te t some- what dazed and on looking down I saw a rent m the front of my i)ants. T soon had cartridge box oft and ])ants unbuttoned and as I saw the wound 1 lay on my b|;ck with the idea that I was shot m the boNvels. ■.' p-rape shot and shell were pouring in thick .ii.d fast in our rear, a great number ^f '^^^. ^f ';;; , '! the intended mark, and it made me hopeful at would soon put an end to my existence. 1 m od mv head to the enemy, thmkmg 1 might i)e so loi- ?^nate as to get a dead shot-they poured around but none hit. 'l would raise niv head often and see il I could discover any signs of dischargee from torn intes- tines, but could discover none. I ^^'^l ^^'"^^V i"'"! -. famishing, as T had heard that one often died -y^' of water when bleeding badly I was tw-n^ to oc some water in the rear. The wound at was not bleeding and never did, more than c u ugh to stain my clothes; but, internally, 1 -^MM>-r';!'^ ' ^j' . T thought possil)lv that It was for want of food that {here was no sign of discharge and it did not take ong for all these ideas to flash through u.y "'•''•I- ^ ^ ; short space of time hoi^e returned and 1 thought that 50 Rattt.e (w Second Manasas, possibly I was not niortally wounded; then fear was up- permost and I crawJed about fifty feet to a well rotted stump, thinking- it would protect me from shot. I was jiot much more than settled behind it when the idea struck me that a g^rape could go through, so I dragged myself to a good sized tree about one hundred feet off and stayed there some time in a reclining i)osition, with head and shoulders resting against the tree. My pants and drawers were open and well off the wound. I saw quite a number of the finely uniformed Yanks running to the rear, and was satisfied their line of dead was les- sening by quite a number. As I lay in this position, looking over my right shouldei- and to the rear as far as I could see around the tree, I saw one of the "play dead Yanks" getting to the rear with a revolver in his hand. He would have passed about one hundred feet to my right, if he had kept straight forward. I could see he was a private and T concluded the ]:>istol was taken from some dead or badly wounded officer and that he had it for no good purpose. Oh how I wished for my gun so I could disarm him ! The thought had no more than struck me when he caught sight of me and turned from his course and made straight for me in a trot. My wish for my gun was multiplied instantly; T felt sure he was going to end my existence. He trotted uji to within a few feet of me and raised the ))istol pointing toward my head, but instantly lowered it and gave a low grunting sneer and trotted on — there was not a word spoken. T suppose he glanced at my wound, and either weakened from the sight, or thought he would be doing a humane act if he. put me out of mysery. T judged him to be a foreigner of low caste and not long from his native soil. About this time our front was crossing Bull Run and struck the "blue coats," as they called them, and they thought it was the same line that we had attem])ted to form on when we made the ni^ht raid, and from what they saw and heard, the front line was com- posed of New York Zouaves and such like; that a fine, showy uniform was at the bottom of their patriotism. Battle of Skcoxd Manasas. ■)] as tliey would not retreat and flight and at the first vol- ley they were either dead, wounded or piayino- dead, or running- like hell; but the "blue coats" on the ridge were a tongh set to move, and there was no one that 1 ever heard speak of it but said that if the Zouaves had stood like men, we would have had a very tough job ; and the re- sult might have been different. In our innnediate front, while the battle was i-oaring across the creek, the litter bearers came in sight across an opening. A pair of them with litter had ventured as far as I was, and 1 being the first man, was hopeful that I would soon be cared for. They came up and had tlieir litter stretched and lying by my side, and were in tlie act of helping me on — from the roar and amount of fly- ing grape and shell there nmst have been a new Ijattery coming into action, and I guess I was in luck that I was not on stretcher, and on their shoulders, for 1 think they would have dropped me. The first round the batter\- fired scared them and they did not take time to fold Hit- ter, but grabbed it by the same end and were off at speed; and me cursing and calling them all mannei- of hard names, but did not stop them. The sight was so ridicukms that I could not liclp laughing. My wound was not hurting a ])article, but left hip and leg were paralyzed or deadened. I waited a short tune, think- ing tlie litter beai-ers would i-eturn, Imt as they did not, I concluded to make an effort to get to the rear as the tide of battle might change and i might be a wounded captive; so I pulled myself u]), found that T could stand on the wounded side without pain and by takuig hold of my pants leg with my hand 1 found J could slowly move to the rear. I did not go far before a straggler of- fered help audi accepted. I rested my Iclt arm on his riglit shoulder and nuide fair time by ho]. ping with my right foot and dragging the left. In sometlnng less than a half mile to the rear I crawled iii an ambulance and was carted to the field infirmary. Before reaching the am1)ulance, however, leaning on my lieli)er, there was a courier i)assing Hinder apparent horse speed, lie was 52 Battle ok Second Manasas. about two hundred feet away and to the right front— a shell struck them and exploded, and there was a scat- tering of parts of both man and horse, and I took it to be a percussion shot that exj)loded when hitting. My man gave me a hard wrench and received a cursing for the same. A short distance further on I was somewhat amused but cursing mad. Near in front there was a wash, or gully, in the field and there started a rain of unexploded shell. They were skipping, bouncing and rolling at a lively rate, passing near and on each side of us. My man turned me loose and hid out in the gully and no words that I had at connnand could move him until the battery ceased shelling in our direction. Arriving at the infirmary, I was soon stretched on my pallet, and from appearances, I was not first by quite a number. I lay there until the time, I suppose, was well in the after part of the night, with now and then a man passing looking after our w^ants. There struck me at a point in my hip a sensitive feeling which 1 was satisfied was the dead coming to life, and it was but a short s])ace of time before 1 was suffering greatly. I felt the place and by pressing hard I was satisfied I had located the bullet; and I asked one of the boys to hunt a doctor, as I was suffering greatly. He did so, and said he would come soon. This did not satisfy me, and 1 asked him to return and insist that 1 get innne- diate relief. Three of them reported promptly. They found me laying on my right side. I put my finger to the point and asked them to cut in and get the bullet out. They gave the wound a hurried inspection and felt at point for the bullet, but said they could find none. I stated the dead condition of the hip and when reaction set in, the ])oint I had indicated was the first to l)e sensitive, and I had pressed hard and had well located the bullet; and I w^anted them to cut in and get it out as it was lodged on the hi]) bone. They hesitated a few seconds and had some words, which I heard ; and they were debating the advisability. I broke in by saying: "By doing what T say you will save my life; without it Ai"i'KK l)Airi.r; oi' Six'oM) Maxasas. ;">.') I will die." Without t'urtliei- question tliey commenced to cut and from the way the knife pulled the muscle, I took it to be very dull, and was expressiui^ my views in very forcible terms when one of them i-emaked : "If you don't hush u]) we will leave you." My re])ly was, "It don't hurt as badly when I am cursino." They were not long in extracting- the bullet and oui- division sur- geon remarked: "Youi- chances are good, with ])roper care; but at first I thought different." 1 said: "Doc, I don't think I will ever die by a Yankee bullet." He said, " Vou will get well." I was taken, with a lot of others, to some nearby town or station and (piartered. My first sto}) was in a small house. A few of us were put in a room, Ki or 18 feet square, and near to my right side was ])laced the 5th Texas color bearer. He w^as shot below the knee and through the fleshy part or calf of the leg. In camp near Richmond, after the seven days' fight, he spoke to me about taking the flag, and said there were some who wanted him for color bearer, but he cared nothing for the position, and asked me if T would accept it and re- marked that he thought it would be in better hands with me. jMy words were, in effect, as follows: "You are mistaken, for I feel I am too cowardly for a flag-bearer to risk myself; and I find the oftener 1 can load and shoot the better able am I to maintain my honor. In fact, 1 have said I never would i)ick up a flag, going into battle, for I would not lay down my gun when 1 thought there was a chance to kill a Yankee." He took the flag and from what I saw and heard, he always bore it creditably. Now, returning to our i)allets : We were not long there before I heard him sighing and at times in a low tone, mourning. I asked him his ti'oubles and he stated he was going to die, and went on with a statement of his lamentable condition, telling me of dear ones at home and he so far away; and that he would never see them again. After he got through, I rather made fun of him, and said if I had been wounded no worse than he. 1 would at least keej) on through the fight, and after that I would 54 After Battle of Second Manasas. have good excuse to get to the rear and have a good time, and lie ought now to be looking out for some sweet girl to talk to. He said : "Oh, well ; that is the way you look at it, but if I had l)een wounded as badly as you, I would have died on the battle field." The conversation droi)})ed here, and I gave it but little thought; for my mind was on getting a furlough and the good time 1 was planning. After a good night's sleep, I felt con- siderably refreshed and was ready for breakfast, which was soon served. My "boy companion," as I will call him — for his age made him near such — told me that he had slept but little during the night; and from that, com- menced talking of his lamentable condition as he had be- fore. 1 let him talk at length and was satisfied that tlieie was great seriousness on his part. I told him he must cheer u}) ; that he was homesick and from what I heard, it took a determined will to throw it off, and that a man who could face shot and shell as he had, and at that, knowing he was the center target, had determina- tion enough to not think and talk as he did, if he would try. We were that evening taken to other quarters, l)ut separated. My parting feelings were pity and sympathy to see a dear boy like him suffering so much of mind. In a short time J heard he was dead, and I suppose the re- port was correct, as I have not heard of him since. The change of quarters was only an improvement in so far as the size of the room, as there were a greater number at one place. I remained at this place and had my two doses of morphine administered each twenty-four hours for quite a while. AVhile there I had a severe case of flux and I sure did suffer, as I was forced to lay on my back and the least motion of left hip caused great pain. While I was in this condition there were some of the boys discharged or furloughed. I well remember the parting words of two as they bid me good-l)ye : "Bill, we are sorry we will never see you again." My reply was: "I am not going to be off long, for I am only going to ask for sixty days' furlough." One of them remarked: "When vou get it, it will be for the other After Ba'iti.e ok Skcdni) Manasas. .'),") world." My reijly was: " l^)()ys, il" you don't j;et killcnl before, 1 will soon fool yon by tnrniui"' nj) in camp." Such talk as this had not a ])article of effect on my mind. In due time the wound commenced cleaniuiz; and one-half of a horn pants button, half of wooden ])ei< that I have mentioned, piece of drawers and pants, each the size of a silver quarter came out. From this, the wound healed rapidly. 1 was furnished water and clotii and did my own wound dressing. In those days water and a wet cloth was what was mostly used for wounds; and with each wound I received, this was the only reme- dy, less acid, to stop gangrene in foot wound. When I left the hospital I had sixty days' furlougli and a few months' pay. My transportation was by rail to the Mis- sissippi River, and after crossing the river, walking. When about thirty miles out from Alexandria, Louisi- ana, I stopped one evening in front of a house stei)s, of what I took, from surroundings, as l)eing the residence of a rich planter. There was a num on the front i)orch and I asked if he lived there. He replied that he was the proprietor. I asked if I could stay all night, and he answered that he did not take in soldiers. I told him where I was headed for, and that I was thoroughly worn out and could walk but little further without food and rest; and if I passed on I would not be ahle to make the next place, which would force me to lay down on the road- side. He still refused. I turned loose on him, and sure said enough, and from the language I used I guess that a man of his refinement thought I was not well reared and had been keeping bad company. Among othei- things I told him that the war was not over yet and as I was in for the term it might fall to my lot to help keep the Yanks out of Louisiana; l)ut I sure would (put figlit- ing and trv to get the other boys to do so when the Yanks turned his way, and that 1 would feel revenged when I saw his place going up in smoke. I le finally said ; "I o-uess vou can stop at the overseer's," and pointed to a house a short distance off. I said: "If lie is a poor I can " I called at the house and was adiiulted man, 56 Aktkk BA'ni.K ok Skcond Manasas, without a word, and was treated first class. I told the overseer something- of wliat I had said to his boss, but he said very little. By breakfast the overseer was ad- vised of my condition and my mode of travel, which was walk a little and ride every chance when a wag'on was going my w^ay. After l)reakfast he said he was going down the road a few miles and asked me to get into the l)ugg'y. I did so and soon saw a few miles stretching out. After traveling some time at a good gait we overhauled a wagon headed my way. The overseer seemed to have some authority over the colored driver for he halted him and instructed that he put me at the ferry landing, opposite Alexandria, w^iich he did. I thanked my benefactor, and told him I guessed his boss was a better man than I thought he was, as I was credit- ing both of them for the ride and asked him to say to his boss for me that, should it fall to my lot to liel]) keej) the Yanks off of him, that i would do my best. Av- riving at Alexandria, I was detained one day, w^aiting for the stage coach to leave. When it did, I boarded it, and was driven about forty miles. 1 alighted and walivcd about two miles to sister's. Some miles before I left tlie stage, seeing no one whom I knew and such a change af- ter my six years' absence, gave me a feeling that T hn { never before ex})erienced. Some times I would catch m} self wishing that I had never come; for, after leaving my boyhood home, I had at times a great desii'e to visit it, as I had gotten it into my head that there was more l^leasure in the surrounding country than any place on earth; and, in my case, I guess it was so; but now it seemed that all my pleasant anticipations were blasted. It did not prove so, however; for when I had accus- tomed myself to the change, the time flew fast. I re- mained as long as my sixty days' furlough would per- mit, making a fair estimate of time lost through deten- tion in transportation, and I arrived at my command with thi-ee days to spare. I did not report for duty, thinkiui*- I would be more free to go and come at will. Battle of Frederioksbur;^, Virjiiiiia 1 found my coiiunand just below Fi'cdciickshin-o-, \'ii-- ginia, near the Rap])aliannoc'k River. Tlicy wei-e camped near the line of l)attle, on the brow of woodland liills. Soon after reaching the company, L got my gun and siij)- ply of cartridges, but saw little chance of getting off to train my gun. This I always did, when op])ortimity of- fered after getting gun and would test every few months. The enemy was strongly posted on the opposite side of the river, and were shelling the valley on our side. The next morning after reaching camp 1 went to the froiU. In i)assing along the outpost I met Captain Ike Tui'uer of the 5th Regiment. He had quite a siiii;' in of the pontoon, lie said he liad none; but it looked like great risk for individual ,i;-|-atifi- cation. 1 said tliere was no ,i>-reater I'isk in niakiiii;- the hay i)ile than tliere was a mile off of I'ivei- hank, as I had my way picked out and would get there unobserved, and that it was my judgment there would be no crossing till near dark, and I conid run to tlie rear of the stack some distance and not be ol)served. I made my way back and was soon on toj) of the hay stack, sitting down. It was a fine place for watching the bridge gang, and was ob- servable from our out])ost. I thought the eneni\- would not attempt to dislodge me, for their only chance would have been to have gotten in the first shot and I was suic not to start it. J could have annoyed them greatly, had they fired on me and missed aim, for the straw heap was fully eight feet high and seventy-five feet long, and wa> too broad to be penetrated by cannot shot; and I guess their efforts to fire the house with its inflammable con- tents made it questionable as to the hay pile. I remained comfortable, sitting and lying, and sure did enjoy sevei-al hours of sight-seeing. The men loked at me considera- bly at first, but I was aj^parently unnoticed by the lu'idge gang, although the hoys on the river bank who were in line seemed to be interested. I heldniy i)osition till near dark, when the enemy connnenced running over the bridge. 1 slid off the hay and made good time to the rear. Their crossing was a little earliei- than I had ex- pected, and as soon as they made the to]) of the bank, the bullets that came my way were many; but I made the run wdthout any mishap. I have often thought since of the little judgment T used in not moving out as I had come in earlier. When 1 I'eturned to camp, the boys were expecting battle the next day, as it was sup|)osed they had all their i^ontoons in and would make the crossing that night. This proved true, and there was some lively times from that on, until the enemy crossed hack. TIk' Texas Brigade was held in reserve and was not called into action during the fight. After battling the greater part of the day. things (piieted down for the night and 60 RaTTLK ok FHKDKHICKSHrHCi. all who could, went to rest. 1 had not been on my pallet long before 1 was ordered to report to General Robert- son. I reported and was ordered to the front to investi- gate and see if the enemey was not falling back. I soon was in front of our day's firing lines and saw that our men had protection by a railroad grade, and just to their front and some distance back the enemy's dead lay in great numbers, I passed on until I came near a closely de])loyed picket line; saw^ no opportunity of slipping through; could hear nothing to the front as the wind was blowing near a gale, so 1 slowly returned, pushing part of the time my left leg to the front or hopping; made my report and was ordered back to the company. My day and night's outing had nearly numbed my left hip and leg. A few hours' sleep rested it and I felt but lit- tle inconvenience from the wound after that. In the morning we were sent to the front to relieve the battle line that I had passed through during the night, and nearly all the dead Yankees who were in sight were naked. The enemy had recrossed the river and the ])osi- tion was too far from the enemy's line to permit of damage from field artillery, therefore there was hut lit- tle firing done at Lee's right and the enemy's left; in fact, there was but little artillery practice heard, so when we had taken our |)lace as relief, we were not confined to line and all who washed were sight-seeing a short dis- tance to the front, as the dead bodies were all nearly naked and lying mostly on their backs. There was ex- posed to view^ a surprisingly large number of them who -were so diseased, one would think: "Why weren't you fellows all in the hospital; or, were you run into our ])rotected front to ])ut an end to your miseralile condi- tion," and the idea that struck me was: "What will the Yanks be fighting us with next, and was not their ending the better for them." I think I saw the youngest boy laying beside what we took to be his father, that I ever saw-, either dead or alive, on battle field. The condi- tion of the dead bodies attracted ((uite a lot of sight- seers; so much so that it attracted the enemy's attention. I).\ rii.K oi' FHKi)Kiii(KSHri{(;. 61 far away to our rii;lit and up ncai- tlic froul of l-'i-cdcr- icksbiirg, what was said to l)e five or six miles off, on an elevation, they had a thirty-two ])oimd rifle cannon sta- tioned and they turned it loose our way, and while they did our line no damage, they snrely did some close shoot- ing- and ])ut several shots near that tore good sized holes in the ground. As soon as they o])ened on us, we made back at quick time to lay down. While we wcic Ixiuu- there, there was an amusing incident rejx'atcd several times in Company "F." There was one of the boys who was a natural coward, and when he was unkiu)wino|y caught in a trap he had no control over his feai'. As we could see the puff up at each discliarge of cannon, and the apparent long time it took for the sliell to land, it was very trying on the nerves of the l)est, as tliey could feel that the shot was on its way and did not know what point of our line it was aimed at, which nuide every fel- low for a few hundred yards in front have an indesci-iba- ble feeling. The man referred to lay well flattened out with hat off his head, and held at arm's length to front, when the smoke was sighted and would stay in that posi- tion until the shot struck. After a few shots some of the boys seemed to get over the spell of fear and were nuik- ing the best of a bad condition, and would call out. " l')) goes smoke," which was often false. This |)()or fi-iyht- ened being would make an effort to bury his face in the ground, and strain his arms to the fi'ont to ward off the sliot with hat, if it came his way. The act was so ridiculous that it was laughable, uudei- the ti-yin^- coudi tions, and the most of the com])aiiy cujoxcd tlic fun at the i)oor coward's ex]iense. The enemy ceased firing when T sup])ose they thought we had learned to (piit in- specting and enjoying their naked dead, as they could well see with their field glasses. We w^ere not kept in this ])osition long, and while mov- ing around 1 saw some parts of the battle line other tlian our front had lieen busy, for in front and near the city T saw more dead bodies of the right kind, covering- broad acres, than it was ever mv ])leasure to see before or 62 After Battle of Fredericksburg. since. Those who have never battled often tliink sneli expressions as this are l)rutal. If they are correct, all courageons soldiers are brntes ; for they enlist to battle, if so ordered, and as fighting- is a dangerous thing, the more dead the less risk; and if one shudders at a dead enemy, he has lint little jilace in the ranks, for it is a sure sign it is the otliei- fellow's work. The faces of the dead on this field, and others, i-eminded nie of the iiarting words of father, that: "They had the world to draw from." I saw that our ]iart of the line had stripped the dead the most. The unacxpiainted would think that this work was done hy the line soldiei", but was not, only in case of actual necessity. It was largely done near Rich- mond and by those who made a business of it, as the clothing, when washed, was good stock in second hand stores and its benefit was that it su])plied the wanting soldier and poor citizen at a low price. I heard of no effort to stop the ])ractice, and there was no harm in strijiping the dead, when the party stri|)ped was a ])arty to blockading our ports, which created the urgent neces- sity. From Fredericksburg our movements were such that memory fails to connect my tramp for a while; therefore, I may fail to chain up as well as I have up to this time. If T remember correctly, we wintered on hills not a great way out from Rappahannock River and below Freder- icksburg. At this camp T well remember my messes' ex- perience with the winter house we built. The splitting of boards was rather hard, with the tools which we had, and as we had — with others — been instructed to build some sort of protection (as there was not a sufficient number of tents for all) my mess constructed our quar- ters by digging a pit about fourteen feet square and something over two feet dee)), logging up sides so roof would be above our heads. The roof was made of poles with the necessary support underneath to permit a good amount of earth to be thrown on in cone shape to make a very warm roof, and supposed to be waterproof. We had not been occu]\ving it long and had been praising our After Rattle of Frrdricksrt'rg. 63 ability as constiuetors of waiiii quarters clieaj), when one evening we had a heavy rain and did not have a leak. After the rain ceased, we visited a niim])er of shacks and found the most of them reported "leaky." AVe went to bed that night with thought of warm and dry house, and were soon sound asleep. During the night we were awakened by dropping water and it increased to liard rain. We were up, striking lights and found the rain of the day before was just reaching us, as the rain had not run off but had gone into the roof. We moved bed- ding out before it was very wet and took to the open air for the balance of the night. The next morning we baik^d our house out while the other fellows were having their laugh at our predicament; but before the next rain we had a tent fly stretched over the dirt roof and passed the balance of the winter comfortably. As I was considered a good cook, the boys were always ready to fill my mess duties if I would cook. T was not stuck on cooking, and would only now and then do it out of regular time by helping in pastry part, and making light rolls; and as they were very fond of rolls for breakfast I generally got out of the mess wood gather- ing. AMiile at this camp I made several rab1)it hunts in the snow, but only captured two. The ral)bits were i)len- tiful, but the soldiers outnumbered them by great odds so that the supply was quickly exhausted. At this place, I guess the greatest snowball battle of the age was fought. It started near where we were quartered, by two companies, and they were reinforced from time to time, spreading from company to comi)auy, to regiment from regiment, to ])rigade from brigade, to division by opi^os- ing forces consolidating as they passed from one i)oint to others; officers soon joined in, both line and mounted field, and somewhat brought about order. Couriers eould be seen going to and from, same as in batttle, witli horses at speed, so the word was passed to the front and as there was one encampment after another charged, the excitement was grand; regiment after regiment, briga after brgade and division after division joined iu. until 64 After Battle of Fredericksburg. it was said tlie whole of Long-street's corps had snow battled. When one tired he dropped out, and as I was one of the early participants, I did not see the ending; but it was reported that it ended about five miles from the place of beginning. All were defeated ; all were vic- torious, as it were, with but two reported injured to mar the day's pleasure. There was an order issued prohibit- ing general snowballing. At this camp there was a va- cancy in the comi^any of lieutenant, and I was urged by some to run for same. I refused, with the same old story that I would not lay down my gun and soldier. I only served once as camp guard while in quarters. I was approached when relieved from duty by one of the company's officers and asked if I would accept a cor- poral position. I declined. He said tlie officers and privates thought I should not be called on to do camp duty. My reply was : "I have been in fighting line with the company in every battle when I was reported for duty, but I enjoyed getting in front when opportunity of- fered, and as yet had not failed to be at my post of duty at the time of battle and wished to continue as I had; for my chances, I thought, were good to have free- dom of outposting now and then, and if I did accept, my position would be such that I would be with detail men when more than one was needed, and as it is, I select or am selected." In a short time I was told that I had been appointed corporal, so during the balance of the time I served with infantry T was never put on fatigue duty or camp guard. Neither did I ever serve as non-commis- sioned officer. We stayed long enough at this camp to closely forage the country for a good distance out; and the report was that there was not a fowl in that section, less guineas, and I guess the report was right; for there were two slick artists in my mess and there was a covey about a mile from our camp, and they tried often to capture one or more at night, but failed and finally gave it up and said the gun was the only thing that could capture a guinea; and as shooting was prohibited, the guinea was After Battlk of Khfoekickshurg. • 65 the only safe fowl in time of war. Wliile at this camp in the valley near the ria:ht winj^- of our battle line of Fred- ericksburg, in a small house, I saw what I supposed to be the remains of tlie old negro man that I have i)re- viously mentioned hel|)ing his wife to the rear. When I saw the skeleton it was standing in one corner, stri]i]ied of clothing and the limbs were straight. Prom api)ear- ance one would suppose the man had starved to death. When I saw him alive he was under size and very lean. The skin of the corpse was dried and was brittle; and the roaches, from evidence of the number that were seen, had gnawed holes in the skin and eaten all the fleshy matter and by removing the skin one could well see the bones and muscles in place ; and as T had some dread of foot or hand wound from seeing the suffering it caused, I at two different inspections closely scanned the foot and hand, and there is sure a net work hidden by the skin and flesh of the hand and foot. T have often thought what a valuable subject this would have been for a medical school. Leaving this cam}), we did lots of marching but little fighting that I can call to memory. We finally struck the Potomac River at a ])oint where it was said we marched out of Virginia, waded the river, passed through the corner of Maryland and into Pennsylvania the same day. The river was deep wading, so the lower ]iart of man got a much needed bath. There were said to be two bands on the Maryland side, and from the continuous music I su}i]iose there was relief, and they were there to cheer the weary soldier in his watery march. After crossing the river we marched a short distance and were ordered to stack arms and build fires and dry our cloth- ing. It was said we were then in Pennsylvania. We soon had roaring fires scattered around of such material as was at hand, and as the enemy had educated us and it was the first time we were on what we termed "the enemy's soil." Fencing was good fuel when it was near at hand. While drying, it was reported that there had been several barrels of whiskey pressed, and we found 66 After Battle of Fredericksburg. such was the case, as the proper ones were soon passing around the drinks. I dranl: my portion to the dregs, and it was a bumper for me. A small percentage of the boys refused, and gave their share to others who wanted to repeat; so with empty stomachs, standing around the fire, it was soon showing its effects — some cutting an- tics, holloaing, or singing; and from appearances, the larger part fighting and parting combatants. One of ''F" members, however, must have been enjoying the fighting as he grabbed up a stack of three guns and charged a near parting group. Just as he lunged for- ward he said: "G D you, let them fight." He struck an officer glancing, in the cheek, with the bayonet and made a slight wound, and I will state that was the first and last time I ever saw blood from the stick of a bayonet; except when a fellow was using it as a roasting fork in beef that was fat enough to bleed. One who reads this may feel curious to know what was done with Private Taylor. Answer: "Nothing." The bugle call to fall in line was sounded and we were quickly on the march. By this time my drink was having its effect and from the time it took it to wear off, it had given me opportunity to swear off several times. My whole desire was to lie on the roadside and sleep, but as we were in the enemy's country, I was fearful, should I drop out, T would wake u]) a captive; so I walked and staggered and my feelings were such that "if I had been possessed of ''Rockefeller's wealth" one would have been able to share it with me if he could have guaranteed safety from capture after I had slept off my drunk. T guess our of- ficers learned a lesson, as they never after that offered drink. By the time we struck camp for the night, I was sobered up. We had been, before crossing the Potomac, well advised of the general order that there would be no straggling or foraging allowed while in the enemy's country. At the spring, where I went to fill my mesR canteens, I saw the boys chasing chickens and nearby a house, said to be officers' headquarters, and from the horses, couriers, and such like, T credited the report. On After Battle ok l*'RKiti;KrcKSHrTH(i. ({7 returniug to mess I told the boys of my find and I <- battle line. We were said to be near our right; and in front, less than a mile off, the country looked well elevated and from bar- ren spots I took it to be rocky. While laying in })osition one of Company A privates, and I think of Galveston, •stepped to the front and started to offer prayer, some- thing that I had never heard of in our part of the line under like conditions. He was ordered back into line and just then a bursting shell wounded three of his com- pany this happened only a few feet to my right, before going into battle. In times of battle there are generally what are called color companies. I su])])Ose they are called so by their position in regimental line with colors and special color guard also. I was, on this occasion, color guard with a small detail with A. and F, color com- panies. The sergeant ordered me to colors. I pro- tested, saying I was not the man and he had often heard me express myself. He said: "Go ahead." We were soon forward and near on the opposite side of the val- ley. We routed pickets and scaled rock fences, and worked our way to the front rapidly, with pickets giving away before us, firing but little. We soon struck the foot of the hill, and found it rough and rocky, with large boulders now and then, so our lines were not at all times well closed. We soon were near enough the enemy's line for them to open fire. We had but poor chance to re- taliate with much effect. Our men near me connnenced falling rapidly and especially color bearers — if I remem- ber correctly, I saw the colors fall five times, the last time in the hands of the sergeant who had ordered me to act as color guard. In falling, the flag staff struck my head in front of my face. As it went down my for- ward motion caused mv feet to become somewhat tan- 74 Battle of Gettysburg. gled. . I gave a kick and said a curse word, and passed on. This happened near the end of our journey, and I know not who picked up the colors, but I have often thought: "Did the sergeant see all the color guards cut down ; and thinking I was going to carry out my oft repeated declaration, pick it up in my stead I" We stopped advancing, without orders as far as I was concerned, as I had heard none. Another man and I were well to the front, behind rock; the enemy was only a short distance up and so near over us that with good aim we could have near been shot in the top of the head, either standing or kneeling. At this point a field offiicer- a-foot passed just to our rear and stopped a moment and looked up and said: "Boys, aim well." I said: "Cousins, move on; you are drawing the fire our way." He stai'ted with a determined look; and I thought, and think yet, that it was the bravest act I ever saw — a man inspecting a shattered battle line, with the enemy hold- ing a position at such great odds leaning over their pro- tection to shoot to hit our position. We did not attempt to scale the hill for it would have been a good job on some parts for one used to mountain climbing stripped for the business. This hill may be erroneously drawn, but it was well photographed on my memory as I have stated. We did not hold this position long before the order was passed on the line to "Fall back." I had no fear of the enemy charging and capturing the retreat- ing forces, for they had ample dead and wounded to satisfy them, if all parts of our line were as badly butchered as at the point I went in and out. I learned some time afterward that the peak was called "Round- top" or "Heights." Have never learned whether it was named before or after the battle. When we were in a scattered condition and had gotten out of danger and rather under the brow of the first elevation which we struck as we were going in, we were halted and lined and ordered in again. We advanced this time, knowing what was ahead of us if we went far, for the acts of the men soon showed that we were of one mind. We forwarded Rattle of OF/rTYSBrRr.. 75 without a imirnuir, until we sti-iick the (lan<;-t'i' point. Tlic men about faced near as if ordered and marched hack. The command "Halt!" was not heeded. Just as we wheeled I heard some fellow scpieal for dear life. I looked and saw it was a lieutenant hoi)])ing-, with a hip: toe shot off, and with his good sized and stout lungs he made more racket than T ever heard from one wounded man. We were stopped before we went far, and were about faced and ordered "Forward!" We made a few ste])s to the front and again without orders about faced and marched back to protection under the brow of a hill and were halted. ThL-re was (juitc a lot of censure for tlie last two forward movements by the men. We were held in jiosition until dark and went forward on' rising ground and put u]) a line of rock protection. When day dawned, we could see oi- hear little of our heli^less wounded, the greater mass of them being well to the front and out of sight. We were not bothered by firing from the line as we were out of sight, but the enemy had few sharpshooters who were posted on the hillside tliat had favorable points of opening through timber, and when one would get a few yards to the front, before these open- ings, they would hurriedly get back. There was some at- tempt to dislodge the sharpshooters but failed. We lay in this position all night and most of the next day. To our left during the day there was a charge made by what was said to be Pickett's Division. From our elevated position we could see the battle line in the valley and hear the roar of cannon that were on an elevation to the rear. It was claimed that there were one hundred and forty cannon attem])ting to break or terroiize the enemy's line in front of Pickett's Division. There was sure noise enough, from the roar of guns and bursting of shells, to have moved the Yanks when the Rebs charged, if they had lieen movable; but they were like those in front of Hood — had a good thing and knew it, so the right of Lee's army had battled hard and met defeat at each at- tempt to turn the enemy's left. After all of this lia]ipen- ing, as a ])artici|)aTit the first day and ])artly in sight 76 , Battle of Gettysburg. of the butchery the second day, was, as far as I was con- cerned, discouraging; and it looked as though our officers were blind, in so far as tliat part of the front was con- cerned. It looked to me that a flank move would have dislodged the enemy, or at least, battled near equal posi- tions. While lying in the position, one felt reasonably safe, provided he kept behind rock piles so the sound of battle was plain enough to satisfy that there was but very litle changing of position; and as we were the ad- vancing army the reading of the different parts of the line added nothing to relieve one's mind who had been through the experience of the evening before and know- ing just to our front lay the unfortunate Reb who was wounded and suffering. So, taking conditions as they were, I was at that time on the dark side of life's thoughts or, in other words, hope in a depressed condition. While behind the rock protection in the evening of the second day, word was passed along the line to get ready to charge the front. The order shocked me, and my feelings were indescribable ; in fact, I had a bad case of cowardly hor- ror. I felt sure if I retraced my steps of the evening be- fore, it would be the ending of me. I could see no ob- ject in the move, only to sacrifice the extreme left to save the army on retreat, as T felt we had gotten a good whip- ])ing all along the line and I was considering which was preferable — disgrace or death, for I felt as one feels when fright and disgrace at one and the same time has possession. I tried to force manhood to the front, but fright would drive it back with a shudder. I was in this state of torture for at least fifteen minutes. T was lay- ing behind rock protection and dropiied asleep with fear and disgrace to be my portion. I had slept but a few minutes when our batteries behind opened fire on the enemy's supposed line, to confuse, and then we would be ordered to charge. The guns were not elevated enough and were doing fine work on our position. The bursting and flying ]:»ieces of shell and rock put us in a panic con- dition^ — we could not dro]) to the front and protect our- selves, for we would be exposed to the enemy. Our field Battle of Gettysburg. 77 officers .just to our rear were dismounted and had ^reat trouble to mount. They soon got a few mounted ])y giv- ing- help, and ran to the rear and stopped the firing. All was confusion, but we soon got back into line and orders countermanding the charge were ])assed down the line. When I awoke my fears had gone and when I heard the countermanding order I had a feeling of regret, thinking what a great relief we could be to our wounded by drop- ping our water canteen by their sides as we went for- ward; and possibly through some unforseen condition we might be able to remove them to tlie rear. 1 think my feeling about the necessity of aid was felt as much as those who needed it, and I have often thought : What is mind, and what causes its changes; for, in this instance when the order was received for the forward move, I at once was a transformed being; feeling all the pangs of horror that one could have flash over him, feeling as I once had great pride, knowing that I had done my duty under any and all conditions to the best of my ability, and now all was lost, if I did not go into the charge and be shot down to avoid disgrace ; for I knew I had been as fai- to the front the day before as any one I could see to my right or left, and I well knew that the enemy had the night previous to arrange or strengthen their posi- tion, if such was needed; but this was not needed, for nature had long ages since done the work, and knowing the great disadvantage that was to our front caused the thought: "Where is our boasted Lee? Why is this ignorance?" As for Longstreet, he was excusable, as far as I was concerned ; for I always thought he was on the wrong side for we had no men to si)are in a bull dog fight, for even with victory we were the losers. Tie was kind and courageous and by nature was a fighter, but not a tactician, and when h^ was assigned near an im- pregnable position that was made so by nature, with an insufficiencv of men and short time limit, what more could have been expected? In my opinion, if he was in the battle line as ordered, with instructions to force the front, there was none better capacitated to have made a 78 Battle of Getttsbubg. success, if such was possible, with the means at hand. I have heard since the war some censure cast at General Long-street for Lee's defeat at Gettysburg, but heard nothing of the kind from the battling soldier who was a participant in the great struggle. Records of his orders could be the only proof that would satisfy my mind that he was at fault — so I have always thought how cruel to idolize without a fault, and sweep errors aside and hea]i them on others. I will always censure some officer, but not knowing who, cannot specify to my satisfaction the individual blame. Why were we fighting an impregna- ble position — was it ignorance I I guess so. It was a very unfortunate condition for the right of an army with true and tried men being shot down like dogs. We moved to the rear some distance, just as dark was near, and the enemy did not follow up closely. On our way to the rear, and a few hundred yards in front of where our men were halted and remained for the night and part of the next day, I was left at a rock pile and from what I could see the next morning, I was the ex- treme right outpost of infantry. My position was on the brow of an open elevation and narrow open valley in front, with woods on the opposite side. When I was left, and told that I would be relieved in due time, which time did not arrive, however, until the next day, when I was called in. When our line marched out I asked no questions, but supposed I was either forgotten or the place could not have been easily found ; or would have put the relief, crawling in, subject to fire from foe or friend. The rock pile gave me protection, either ly- ing down or sitting* in a stooping position. I was not on the outpost long before the enemy, or at least dark objects were seen in front. T knew there was no stock at large, and if a Reb was there, he was out of place, so I challenged none and got in several shots during the night and my aim or re^iort of my gun had the effect at least of moving the object. To my left some two hun- dred yards I would now and then hear gun reports, so I felt safe on the left, as in the twilight the enemy would Battle of (iettysburg. 79 hardly attempt crawling- throiig-h. But to my right it was different, for I heard no shooting and (hiring the night at two different times I let the man crawl well np on the elevation, ahont seventy-five yards to the right, hefore 1 notified him of his mistake. So I passed what seemed to be an imnsually long night all alone, with eyes to the front, rear and flank. Fortnnately, I was well su])- plied with tobacco and one who has never nsed it does not fully appreciate its comforting effects \inder simi- lar conditions. AVhen daylight came I could see my sur- roundings and the troops to the rear. I could easily be seen from our front, but saw no effort being nuide to re- lieve me. I had not unrolled blankets from my shoulder to keep off the cold morning air; therefore, being more confined as day approached caused a somewhat chilly sensation, but 1 dare not expose for exercise, for the Yanks on the opposite side of the valley in the woods did too close practice at the rock pile for comfort, whether thev saw mv head or not. As the day wore on, I got very sleepv and with all the force I could bring to bear, it was almost impossible to keep awake. I had heard of the use of tobacco amber or spit in similar cases, so I gave it a thorough test several times, used it liberally on my eyes, and it sure will kee}) one awake so long as the pain is greater than the desire to sleep; but T guess after a few applications, if one could see himself in a mirror, there -would be a dirty pair of red eyes showing; so with burning eves and a great desire to sleep, my lot was a hard one." As I have stated, T was in sight of our line, and one of mv mess companions, a Beaumont boy by the name of Tavlor, got permission to relieve me, which he did by crawling part of the way. A few shots near him as he crawled in did not deter him. When he reached me he said: ''Bill, go to sleep. T have come to re leve vou and will call if the Yanks start to advance. 1 gueLs the sound of his voice had no more than ceasexi before I was sleeping. T slept nearly two hours he said, when he awoke me and said they had called for us to come in; so we started in a stooping zig-zag run with a 80 After Battle of Gettysburg. few bullets to enliven our efforts. When we reached the command it was in readiness to move, but before we did, there appeared to our right rear, quite a force of the enemy's cavalry. They were lined up about one-fourth of a mile away and had the appearance of forming for a charge. There were, a short distance to our rear, some residence buildings and they were soon burning to clear the rear which would have been front, if the charge had been made. The sight of a long line of mounted enemy and the roaring and hissing of the fire and a threatened front, made the position one of awe. Our cavalry soon put in their apx^earance and had a brush with the enemy's cavalry and they dropped out of sight. While on the outpost during the night I could hear the rumbling of the enemy's artillery and wagon train going to our right. When we moved out and were march- ing to the rear, I was still sleepy, and at the first halt I was down on one side in the mud and getting the much needed sleep. I was told that I had caught up twenty minutes on lost sleep. When a person is in this condi- tion, they are not very choice of pallets. I have seen men fall and not wake. I have curled up in the corner of a rail fence and slept more than once, to keep out of mud and water. I have often heard the remark "dead asleep," and in such an instance it is near a fact. When night came we were allowed to unsaddle, as it were, by stripping off our accoutrements and spreading blankets, if we had one. We continued this weary march for some days and sto})ped a short time near the Potomac River. Here I got to go to the rear as the enemy were follow- ing. I saw some of them skulking about three miles out. I got some rations and returned. We broke camp that evening after dark and started marching again. My shoes were old and so were my clothes. My pants were frazzled and split i\\) to the knees, so I cut them off just below the knees, and thought if I looked .like I felt, I was a fright. Short sleeves worn to near point of the elbow, no socks or drawers, and knee breeches. It was not long after leaving camp, marching in mud about six inches Aftkr Battle of (iettysburg. 81 dee]) I lost the sole of one slioe. F jerked off the upper and tried walking a short distance with one bare foot. It looked like at nearly every step there was a roek to jam between toes as my foot slipped down and forward. I soon pulled off the other one, thinking that I could walk with less danger to both. This was a mistake, so I soon got out of the road and made my way as best T could thiough woods and fields, kee])ing near the road. I found that there was quite a lot of straggling, which was ordinarily done on the side of the road. I traveled all night, and by daylight my feet and legs were well bruised and torn by dewberry vines which always caused me to halt and ])ack out. When day arrived I found T, with others, was in the rear of the infantry and just in front of our cavalry rear guard, the enemy's advance, which was cavalry, opened fire. I struck a trot, hurt or not, and by the rear guard fighting the most of the strag- glers struck a pontoon bridge and soon were safely over the river. The stragglers numbered here had been so great as to wear a ])ath and there were often miles of it that were soft and springy and not muddy. When a fellow struck a place of this kind he moved with but lit- tle or no pain. We struck camp some distance from where we crossed the river at, or near what I was told was Bunker Hill. AVe remained here several days, the most of the time sitting, or lying down, ])atching up. Here we were soon su|)plied with rations and the most needy — shoes and clothes. While here only a short time, one of "F" l)oys was prowling a sliort distance out and discovered several liarrels of whiskey, hid under sti-aw in an old house, some distance from a residence. He came to cam]) and told some of the boys in the com])any and they gathered u]) all the canteens of the company and filled tliein. Tt was soon noised around and whiskey was soon in the different nearby camps; and in some in- stances, the camp kettle was filled. There was soon, as far as I could see, drunken soldiers— it was said that half the cam]) was drunk and the othei- half doing the bttle cam]) duties and keei)ing the drunken ones straight. 82 After Battle of Gettysburg. This went on for part of a day and night and most of the drunk sobered up. I guess that the sober ones had hid- den the whiskey from them so the sober fellows had their drunk, and were cared for by the first crowd. This is the way the boys talked ; but it was not quite so bad. My pallet mate had taken both days. There was a funny in- cident happened to him the second evening. He was one of the kind that could be full and not down. I called ''Mc" to where I was lying and told him I was nearly dead for water, as I had drank none since he had filled my canteen. I started to pour the remaining whiskey out but he grabbed the canteen and said he would give it to some fellow, or empty it at the spring, and as he started, the boys who were lying around threw him their canteens, so he left with six or eight. He was slow in returning and I wanted water awfully bad, although I had not taken a drink of whiskey, as I yet remembered my vow on the first day in Pennsylvania. It was re- ported that "Mc" was found nearly drowned in the spring and had been dragged out and the canteens were scattered around, so I up and started, regardless of sore feet, and found "Mc" on his back, sound asleep, with his purse on his breast and canteens nearby. I filled them, aroused "Mc" and put the canteens on his shoul- der and he staggered back to camp. I asked what was his intention when he put the purse on his breast and he said: *'To catch a damned thief." After resting up at this camp we started on the move — with no enemy within hearing. While moving a1)out there were two or three long range telescope guns re- ceived for division or corps — I don't remember which — and I was told by several that they knew I would get one; but I would answer by saying: "I guess not, for I would not accept one if offered, for I did not think they were a good brush gun or one that could be dragged around on a crawl." It was not long before Captain Ike Turner spoke to me in regard to long range guns, and said he had a say in the allotment and he guessed I would hear of his opposing alloting one to me and re- After Battle of Gettysburg. 83 commending "Dickey" and for fear I might feel hurt about it, he wished to explain. lie said there was a move on foot to detach him from command and allow him to select his men and form a company of scouts, and know- ing me as he did, I was one whom he had in mind as that class of soldiering suited me best, and that I could ren- der services at the front that would be creditable. I thanked him and said: "Captain, you could not, in my opinion, put the gun in better hands than Dickey 's ; and I think he enjoys outpost sharpshooting, and as for nerve and aim, he has both — he may l)e a little short in caution, but it is better that than too cautious." Captain Tur- ner — if I remember right, was subsequently killed near Suffolk, Virginia, while standing on top of the breast- works, therefore, I heard nothing more of the scouting company. While near Suffolk, I served twenty-four hours near and in front of the enemy's fortifications in a pit on a barren hill. In front of the breastworks there was a line of protection to retard a charge, if such was attempted. This was done with small trees which had been felled with tops pointing from works, with limbs cut back to sufficient stiffness and sharpened. The way I reached my pit was after dark, being deployed with others some distance to the rear, with instructions to cautiously go forward and when the man in front had come out and met me, he would point the direction and I would do the same when word was passed along the line of pits of relief next night. So when the man was out and at me, he pointed and gave about the distance and finished his remark by saying: "It is a hell of a place." I went forward, stoo]ung low, and had no dif- ficulty finding it. The pit was of sufficient size for me to kneel or sit down in. The dirt which had been taken out was thrown to the front, so when in a well raised kneeling position, one could well see an object on or in front of the fort. As I had not been in the "kneeling business" much I got awfully restless at times; but as there was a big fat corpse laying nearby that I had dis- covered, it was a gentle reminder — "keep quiet." Dur- 84 After Battle of (Jettysbuiu!. ing the night there were some l)nllets passing whicli was evidence that not all in the fort were sleeping. When daylight came I saw I was uncomfortably close, but safe to a great extent, with proper caution. The enemy did their firing through holes and one could only tell when a head was there by the smoke, as I could not see through the hole. Suppose the rear was darkened to prevent see- ing, but the distance was such that when one raised his head on seeing smoke, by quick action it would be out of harm as a bullet whizzed over. So our only target was port holes and the enemy's — our raised heads. I improved my shooting chances somewhat during the day by putting hat on end of ramrod and exposing crown to sight dodging it down when bullet whizzed by. 1 followed this up at intervals without shooting and when the boys would get tired of shooting my way with no apparent ef- fect, they would direct their efforts to other pits, and probably the pit man was practicing a similar game. By this means there was a good deal of firing from the fort with very little on our side ; but when the boys would find the enemy lagging they would soon start them by shoot- ing at holes. The words, "Fall back," were passed the early part of the night and as one had nearly grown in a crooked condition, it did not bother him much to stoop low. When reaching relief the direction was pointed and finished up in about the same way as my instructor. When I reached camp several of the boys told me they were going to take a certain man out and whip him. This was the man who had fortified with his hat at Fred- ericksburg. They said he had such a horror of the i)its, that they told him his turn was coming soon, and he had made a proposition that he would go out from camp and strip and they could get switches and whip him as much as they wanted — if they kept him, in someway, off of pit duty — and they would have been through with the job by then, but were waiting so I could see the fun. I soon persuaded them to desist, as it would be a brutal act and they would regret it to such an extent that they would suffer more than the subject, as his punishment Afteh Battle of GRTTVsBuiUi. 85 would only ho inomeiitary, <'onii)are(l witli tlieir iverating table and was chloro- formed for probing examination, so his joke struck me 94 After Battle of Chick amaugua, in a tender point that was hurting before he spoke. He said: "Don't you see that man up there (calling his name) he will come first, and you watch and see what they will do for him, for when I was at the table, Doc- tor Roberts (who was the regiment surgeon) told me that from what he could see, passing, the man mentioned and you would lose a foot." By this time I was well worked up and said : ' ' You are a D L , Frank. ' ' He said: "Bill, watch," and walked on. His words sounded as one talking badly through his nose, and were laughable — when one was in humor for it. So I lay and watched. The man mentioned was soon on the table, examined, and foot cast in scrap heap. Just before op- eration was complete, or rather the binding was com- plete, Dr. Roberts started m}^ way. He halted when at my feet, and said: "Fletcher, I want to examine your wound," and in a stooping position, had partly got his finger in the wound, before I realized what his mode of examination would be. Under the pain caused and the impulse of the moment, my right foot was quickly against his left shoulder, and as his head was toward me, with a quick shove, I sent him backwards, but not hard enough but w^hat he could keep from falling. His face was flushed when he steadied himself, and he said: "I will leave you alone, without treatment." My re- ply was: "Doc, that is what I want, and the fellow that I considered most to blame would make the mistake of his life if treated without my sanction, as that man (calling his name) has been treated — put under influ- ence of something and when he comes to, his foot gone." That evening I was hauled to the station and put aboard car and was off, not knowing w^here. Was taken off to Augusta, Georgia, and I thought the doctor had sent me to the limit of distance. I was quartered in a good size church, bunked in a pew, with space filled in. I lay there with my head to the wall and feet to the aisle so my wound was convenient to dress, which was once in twenty-four hours. I attended to wetting cloth from time to time. The most of the dressing was done by After Battle of Chickamaugua. 95 Sisters of Charity— it was my first experience and I was in love with the women and the uniform at once and have not gotten over it yet; for there is a feeling of gratitude up])ermost when and where my eyes behold them. 1 have often thought: was that branch of the human family, as it were, the mother of the Red Cross Society. My early education, but T am proud to say not at home, however, was far different. It came from the Methodist and Baptist pulpits, as they were the only denominations that 1 had heard preach, and T was reared under their influence until seventeen years old. Nearly all of the old grandmothers, both white and black, caught on and there was no place in heaven for a catholic; but mv o])inion changed, after falling in love and mv religious' efforts ceased feeling: ^'If there was a God "he was a just one," and if He in justice consigned the sisters to hell, there was no use of me trying, as I had alreadv done enough to be on the unpardonable list I am thankful, however, expressions have changed,, if opinion has not, for the old soldiers would have been scrapping to this dav. Don't discredit me, however, as throwing discredit at the people of Augusta, as one could not be more fortunate than to be allotted as T and quite a number were, but the sisters were on to their job and were thrown more in a motherly contact with the bovs when the most of them were luning for a mother's or sister's care. I was soon furnished with a strip of bandage bv a sister, long enough to swing my foot to the shoulder and T sure did play the act of ex- pert hopper in town, as T was free to go and come at will ; and distance had no terror for me. I would nearly every dav take a long jaunt through different parts ot the town'trving, however, daily to get a pair of crutches. I made repeated applications at the hospital and shop, but it was some time before I obtained a pair. The shop men got to telling me that T was at the bottom of the list. I attracted some attention on my hopping rounds, and was often remarked about. The crutches finally came and I was proud of them-not as I was tired, but 96 Aftee Battle of Chtckamaugua. wanted a change. Gangrene had started among the wonnded and there was an appeal notice published ask- ing the citizens to take care of all the wonnded possi- ble, as it was contagious. A Mrs. McKinnon called in a buggy for one. I was hustled in and my treatment at the McKinnon home was royal ; but it was of short dura- tion. Gangrene in a few days set in where the bullet entered and I was returned to the hospital for treat- ment. Here they burned the wound with acid and it was very painful. The first three applications nearly gave me the horrors and especially the first. If I had been a drunkard I would probably have thought I at least was threatened with delirium tremens, as the worn or snakey feeling would start at the mouth of wound and make a hurried zig-zag run up near the knee, then would return as though backing out, and running out of the wound. The relief was instantaneous when the sena- tion had ])assed out, but was repeated at short intervals for two hours for the first time, the others of less dura- tion. By the time it was through, I was nearly ex- hausted. This treatment, if I remember correctly, was kept up for seven days, burning each day. After the distressing muscular sensation had passed off, the mind dread was well rooted and all the unfortunates would look forward to the coming day with dread. The hospital medical attendants through their ignorance, caused un- told suffering. I suppose the disease was new to them. There finally arrived a doctor who was said to be a hospital inspector. He stopped the burning treatment and had warm jwultice applied. Soon after the poul- tice application there was a great expression of relief and joy, both by patient and nurse. In a few days the wounds had sloughed and were healing nicely. My foot was gradually straightening or turning down, which would have caused me to walk on my toes. This had gone so far that the doctors who examined it left it to me, saying they would break it if I wished, but ad- vised against it, as I would not have one chance in ten of saving it. I said I would prefer life with a crooked After Rattt.e of Chtckamauotja. W^ leg and walking on toes, to an artiticial foot; so they said thev would consider it no more. Near the front of the liospital, in the center of the street, was a public well where I would go in the morning to wash my face. I would jumi) u]) on the innu]) ])latform, which was al)out eighteen inches high, lean my crutch against the pump barrel and rest ray knee on it to steady myself, make a few strokes and wash as water was running out of the spout. The Catholic church was only a short dis- tance from the pump, on the same side of the street as the hospital. There was some order of service of un- usual attendance one morning, and while I was washmg there were a number of women and girls who came pour- ing out at the front entrance. I knew there would be (]uite a lot pass mv way, so I was in a hurry to get through before thev commenced passing. My knee slipi)ed down the crutch until my toes touched the floor. The pain was sharp and from some cause I fell forward and heard the tearing loose or breaking at or near my ankle. 1 rolled off the platform in the dust, but was up instantly with crutches under mv arm making fast time for the hospital struck my bunk and sent a fast runner tor doctors Thev responded promptly, made an examma- tion and said" I had done what they were afraid to do, but would do their best to save my foot. The pam was intense. In about fortv-eight hours the doctors rei)orted it safe and instructed working ankle joint and i^ressmg it back often, hurt or no hurt, and when it got well I would have a serviceable foot. \ followed instructions, and came out all 0. K. • , ., * Soon I was transferred some distance, with others to a small town and remained th-re until 1 reported for dutv This i^lace fed different from the Augusta hos- pital Thev had the table set and the food allowance at each place. So, near meal time there was quite a crowd iammed against and near the dining room door, and when the door was opened, there was a scramble and rush to get the best place. The best place was he one the fellow thought as he passed the side of the table 98 After Battle of Ohtckamaugua. that had the most ^riih at it; but it was like picking- ap- ples out of an assorted pile. Men in our condition were generally hoggish, so there was quite a murmur of com- plaint about being half fed, and I was one of the chronic grumblers, as I could not see how we could get able for duty, being half fed. One day I was crutching it out in town and seeing a pair of scales in a store, the idea struck me to weigh. I went in, asked permission to weigh and was granted ; so I hopped on the i)latf orm, leaned my crutch against the scale and tipped the beam at one hundred and eighty-two pounds. I tried weights back and forth on beam and found that they were in work- ing order. The storeman was watching nearby. I asked him if the scales were right and he replied : "Yes," I asked for both buyer and seller. He said: "Why do you ask?" Answer: "Because I weigh one hundred and eighty-two pounds and I am not getting half fed at the hospital — and one hundred and sixty-five pounds is the most I ever weighed, well fed. He laughed heartily, and said: "Young man, it is not the amount of food you eat that you do best on. It is on natural requirements. Appetite is often greedy and should be guarded." I thanked him and returned to the hospital, thinking he had read 0. S. Fowler's books. I told the boys in my room my experience, and said: "Boys, let's quit grumbling for I guess these fellows are on to their job and are fattening us up so we will l)e able to live a while by sucking our paw, when thev return us for duty." Leaving the hospital, T struck my command quartered in East Tennessee. The boys were faring very well and said when they struck the place there was lots to eat for both man and beast, but foraging was now getting some distance off and the country was nearly all Union people, and there was but little mercy shown; and a fel- low had to watch the jayhawkers or he would lose his scalp, and now foraging was done by details of good number, as the jayhawkers were bad. I have often heard A. N. Vaughn relate some of his experiences while After Battijo ok ( ■iiickamaugua. 99 out trying- to c'ai)tui-e jayhawkers at night. They liad surrounded a liouse of a noted one and burst open the door. They found him under a bed and with cocked guns ])ointing, the wife yelled out saying all the rough, abusive words at her command and that if they were going to shoot him, to take him from under the bed and out of the house, and to leave her no nasty mess to clean up. At this camp I made application for transfer to the 8th Texas Cavalry, commonly called Terry's Texas Rangers. The examining board was slow reporting on me, or at least company officers had kept mum if it had been made, and others who had been examined had heard of their case, so I went to the company officer and asked why the report in my case was withheld. He said he would see about it, but tried to dissuade me from transferring. My reply was : ''I think I know my condition best as I can yet do honorable and good service as a cavalryman." I would not accept mounted courier position, as suggested, as that was fighting with- out a gun ; and to try further infantry duty, I protested, as my hip wound had nearly disabled me at times and I had pained and not murmured and I thought with the two wounds I would be a burden as six months had now passed and T could not walk ten miles ; and as warm weather was near at hand the army soon would be mov- ing, and I could not start in with a hard foot. This would necessitate my lagging behind with the wagon train and being called wagon dog, and the cavalry boys singing to us when passing. I thought I would prefer desertion, and desertion with me would have meant the passing of life with the unknown with a changed name. The infantry were good at guying the cavalry and thought the boys had little to do but to find Yankees for them to figlit, and as the Yankees were so plentiful, they had an easy job. The cavalry boys vented their feelings mostly at the wagon dog when passing the wagon train bv singing a song that was said to have 100 After Battle of (^htckamaitgua. been composed by one of tbe Terry l)oys, which ran as follows : "Come, all yon wagon dogs, rejoice — L will sing you a song, If you'll join in the chorus — bow wow wow; When we go to leave this world, We will 2'o above with sheets unfurled — bow wow- The term "wagon dog'" meant the unfortunate on marches or those who were not able to keep up; and it made no difference how honorable a soldier was, he was subject to shirs and it was caused by the company he was thrown with, who were a few who played sick and in the most cases were ingenious cusses in their mode of deception. So, with the probabilities at times of be- ing a wagon dog and my set determination not to be liable, in a few days after talking to the officer, I re- ceived a transfer to Company E 8th Texas Cavalry. I bought for a few dollars a horse and saddle which one of the infantry boys had. The horse was hardly fit for cavalry but would swap well when the trading condi- tions were right ; but my mount was quite an improve- ment and relief to a tender foot. In my cavalry exper- ience I soon found it was no soft job and its only catchy part was that it moved oftener and faster than in- fantry; and I felt when applying for transfer that if I remained with the infantry I would be confined to the camp, or in other words, would be at all times with the main body. AVhile I expected nothing more in cavalry, yet I knew the changing and outings of a cavalryman were greater. I also well knew, or at least such was my feelings, that the rangers were well fixed with scout- ing material that were expert shots and horsemen, and that being the case fully satisfied me with my lot as cavalryman. I enlisted in infantry, August, 1861, and was trans- ferred to cavalry, March, 1864. There were a few others After Rattlk ok ('iiicKA:\rAr(;uA. ]()1 of the 5th Infantry who wci-e transferred and all re- ported the same day. We arrived late in the evening-. I looked up John Pipkin, a Beaumont boy, found he was just in from a near all-day foraging- trip. The country was almost destitute of all food and living, less women and children. John divided his day's pillage with me and two other boys who were with me. John was of the kind that never went wanting if the other boys had it and the other fellow would not protest, for he knew John was liberal to a fault and w'ould give away his last — let it be tobacco, man or horse food, if the other fellow needed it. John said : ' ' This dividing necessi- tates foraging tomorrow, and as we have to go a con- siderable distance, we will start early and I will take you to a place where 1 tried to get corn, but could not as the corn is in a house, under one post-corner bedstead and shucked, but guarded with an axe in the hands of the gamest woman I ever tried to deal with. She would neither sell for Confed., give, or allow a fellow a chance to steal." In due time we were on top of a hill about half a mile off and in sight of the house — up went smoke. John said: '"She sees us and is notifying the surroundings, but there is no danger getting bush- wdiacked in a country like this unless you are alone, but squads are often shot at up in the mountains." We were soon at the house and dismounted and started to go in the door — the house was a log-pen, about fourteen feet square, puncheon floor, and large fire place at the end and door at the side — there stood the determined woman, with club-axe near. There was about a five gal- lon pot hanging over the fire full of water and it was boiling. She had in one hand the longest handled gourd I think I ever saw. The bow^l of the gourd would hold about a quart. With one hand on the door-facing, and the stretch -of both arms and the length of the han- dle she could easily dip water and when we ventured near she would give us a dousing. We had on caped overcoats with cape thrown over our heads ; so, by turn- ing oui' backs we would not be scalded. If a fellow 102 After Battle of (Ihickamaltgua. turned quickly after the water was thrown, thinking he could rush on her and grab her, he would see his mis- take, as she would, by quick motion, have gourd in the pot, handle in reach and axe in hand. We saw there were no words to persuade and no thought on our part of forcing, so other methods were resorted to by means of a lever to ])art the puncheon under the bed so the corn could be pulled out. She caught on, however, when the first man who had left the front returned and the second one went around the house out of sight. As the horses were standing not far from that end of the house, she could not see them, standing in the door; the second man had time to get a sack and was squatted down filling it with corn, when without warning, she sprang forward from the door with axe in hand at the mob in front. We were standing at a safe distance, however, and soon had a greater margin. As she jumped, we yelled "Look out," and it was well we did, as her play was to shoo us and get in her work on the fellow who was loading up sack. He was up and out of the way in time. She stood us at bay only a short while after this, seeing it was a hard job to guard both sides; so she proposed to let us in to get corn, provided we would promise not to be greedy. This we did and carried it out, but the first party filling a sack had discovered bacon under the house and had a piece in his sack; so we caught on and two others did likewise, without detection. The fourth or. last man was detected and if one of the boys had not caught the up- lifted axe, there would have been one riderless horse. The woman captured the piece of bacon, however, and we rode off. 1 asked John if this kind of work had been going on long, and he said: "Yes, and that this woman was in fine fix, compared to some," if she and her hide- out husband were all the family, and from seeing only one bed he guessed it was. The cavalry moved about soon after this, but soon left the country, or at least a part of it. We received orders to get three days' rations and be ready to march and it was well impressed that we were to pass through After Battle of ChickamauOua. lOS a barren region, with few settlers, but the chances were we would l)e hairassed at favorable points by the jav- hawkers and to be sure and provide well for horses as we would have a long and hard march before striking- a supply, and there would be no foraging allowed and straggling to the rear would be sure death. It was said the conscript act had put nearly all the liable ones on the dodge, of a large section of East Tennessee and that there were but few killed or captured; therefore, there must be a great number hid in the mountains and the officers felt the seriousness of the march and the men felt how would they feel and what would they do if they were in the jayhawkers' shoes, standing trembling in the cold, dodging from place to place, with once a com- fortable home, but fearing to go to it to pass the night; and if they did, to find about all the food necessities gone. This condition was not wholly confined to the Union num, as the country was looked upon as a Union country, and there seemed to be no lines drawn. As 1 reported for duty, some time after camp was struck, I cannot say that there was any general order to that ef- fect, but eating the country out was practiced by a con- tinuous divide and I guess often with little regard to a fair half. In gathering the three days' rations by the company's detail, there was yet a s))ark of human feel- ing left in both officers and privates of the battling front. I was in Company E's foraging scjuad, com- manded by the sergeant,- and we had gone quite a dis- tance with no success, as the continuous dividing pro- cess had left only a pittance with a barren and frozen country as a fore and background, without animal to ride or slaughter. We were much disgusted and dis- couraged. To our front and right, al)out a fourth of a mile we discovered a scjuad larger than ours. We went to them and found a lieutenant in charge. Our officer inquired of the lieutenant the cause of waiting. His re- ply was: "There are thirty or forty bushels of corn and some fodder in a barn loft which was standing near by, and from the great mmibei- of women and children 104 After Battle of Chickamaugua. who were at the house he could not make up his mind to take it without different orders and that he had sent couriers some time since with a report and was await- ing orders. The sergeant ordered us to dismount and wait for a reply, so there was a mixing and talking. Some of the boys who had been at the house said that there had been four sitting at the table for breakfast and gave the number of women and children, and if I recol- lect right, it was near thirty, and I heard the remark that there was a bushel of corn and a bundle of fodder apiece, and there was a low murmur heard of their now sad plight, as they claimed that that was all they had as a whole. The orders came to "Take it;" and there was a rush and scramble filling sacks and grabbing fod- der. When I was satisfied, I climbed down to make room for others. This went on until all were satisfied or the supply exhausted and the query when my detail rode off, was: "Was there any left!" and it was the general opinion, "Little, if any." When we charged the pile, as it were, the women and children came running and screaming in agony, but thier appeals were not heeded. When I got out of the scramble and noise of the men, returning with my booty to my horse, I could hear from the appeals of the mother to an allwise and merciful God that they were not of the cursing and abusive kind; and I thought of the saying that every- thing goes in war, but it should be qualified by except- ing prayer, as I had been taught that God would answer prayer that came from the heart, and if there ever was prayer offered that emanated from the soul these poor women had none or it was not in hearing, as it were of a just God. But my views have since been that one loaded gun in hand would have been more effect- ive than the prayers of all the mothers and the crying and begging of the children. I have often thought — where did the orders emanate from, if any, that held a corps of men, if such, without any apparent restraint in a country to be overrun and the food supply consumed to starve out, as it were, a few Union men who would After Battle of Chickamaugua. 105 have been a burden to the fighting ranks, and why does man in his dictatorial powers assume the role of God and bring- down punishment upon the helpless innocent to correct the errors of others? vSeeing conditions as I did caused me to think how unfortunate one was to have his earthly holdings in a section of country that was treated as a part of P^ast Tennessee was, during the Civil War and other sections passed over by the in- vader, and it was all done to free the negro; and when done by the flow of blood, three out of four of the liber- ators cared not a copper for the freedom of the negro ; and about the same proportion on the Southern side did not give a damn. It was all caused by unbalanced leaders and the ignorant masses following to a point that history will show that there was one generation of warriors reared in this country; and it was fortunate for other governments that we got enough of the blood- spilling business at home. I often think of how for- tunate the generation before and after were, for it was a question that had to be settled at some time and it was simply a repetition of history that boasted edu- cated christianized man still retains his savage ances- tor's law that "might is right." ******* Leaving this section, we passed through well closed up, a rough and barren country, with but few settlers: and as far as I knew, with no attempt by bushwhackers or jayhawkers, as they were conmionly called, to har- rass our line of march, though at times in the mountain gaps one or more could have created great confusion with but little danger to self, if he kept his foothold as his greatest danger was plunging downward. We were not long on this move before there was all the active service to perform that one could desire. We were re- tarding the enemy's advance, at times at the front flank or rear, and I assure you, there was always a job ahead. There are but few instances, however, (for want of mem- ory) that I will attempt to describe. My first brush with the enemy was on their rear, near Kingston, 106 After Battle of Ohtckamaugija. Georgia. We charged a wagou train guard composed of cavalry. I was very desirous of getting a good horse and side arms, and to do so I knew the head fellow had the best chance, so at the order, "Charge," I plunged forward, firing carbine with no heed to alignment. I was soon near fifty yards to the front and was in near as much danger of being shot from rear as front, but my anxiety was such that the position was not a con- sideration. Just as I heard the words: "Keep in line" shouted, my horse was struck in the breast and fell and I was thrown off and well mixed with the dust, as the place I struck was well supplied. I was up instantly, brushed my eyes with my hand, then looking to the front saw the enemy fleeing — to my front and about one hundred yards lay a Yank on his stomach, stretched at full length. I made a run for him, but a mount well armed who did not need the pistol, beat me to it. I pro- cured the fellow's spurs, but had to sit on his ^ legs to hold them still while removing. By the time I had them off his kicking and groaning days were over. I returned to my horse and found it standing up, saw it was struck in the lower part of the neck, but was not bleeding badly and could walk with but little apparent pain. I lead it to the rear — one of the boys let me have a captured horse to ride, and as we slowly retraced our steps I had but little difficulty in keeping up. Night came on, and 1 guess it was as dark as they ever get in any part of the world, as eyes at any distance were use- less and the way we kept close up in march was by those in our immediate front, when they starting to move, saying: "Forward." My wounded horse fell, and in falling the lead line was jerked from my hand. I dis- mounted, holding the bridle reins and started a search for my horse. I soon found this was a failure, as I or the horse would be run into by the moving animals. I remembered seeing a light a short distance from the road not far to the rear, so I led well out of the road and started forward in an opposite direction by sound of the march, feeling and slowly groping my way. I After Battle of Chick am augua. 107 soon saw the li,iJ:ht and made for it, got a torch, mounted and soon found my wounded liorse, and was moving in column. We had captured quite a lot of prisoners, and wagons and teams; and I thought there would be few prisoners, if any, in sight next morning; but from ap- pearances they were all there and I thought they must be of other stock than ours or they would have known the darker the night the better. My horse did not have a serious wound; was only weakened by loss of blood, so I was soon astride the old bay mare, equipped with a nice pair of spurs — was soon in the rear again, mov- ing about lively. Tom Reaverly, one of Hood's Brigade transfers, and I were on the lookout for a mount and had a permit. I made three swaps on the trij) and Tom made seven. My first swap was just across the road from a residence that the column was moving in and it was night — I had gone into the barn lot and changed horse. Just as I was riding in column, the old man had discov- ered me and had gotten through the column, grabbed my reins and said "Woo-woo, I thought it took two to make a trade." Just as I said: *'You ain't read up, old man," one of the boys jammed his horse on him and he turned loose. The last I heard of him one would think if he had been knocked down, would he have taken the hint?" The next time T swapjied it was near the edge of a small town, I taking a nice, sleek mule. It was night and the woman of the place heard us and was soon on the scene, dressed in white, and she sure said enough — at times her words were such that I guess she for- got she was a preacher's wife, or at least that was used in her pleadings. The horse I left was a good one, but too slow for cavalry service. We rode through the town and found a scouting party camped. It was in charge of one of Company "E's" lieutenants. We stopped for the night. The next morning, bright and early, a woman was at camp and reported me to the officer. He claimed no authority in the matter and told her it was my duty to keep well mounted if the stock was in the country to press. She appealed to me and I agreed to return, 108 After Battle of Chickamaugua. if she would tell me the hiding of some good horse near by. She made me promise not to mention information, then she gave me the hiding place of three good horses about two miles out in a small opening in a bushy sur- rounding. As I passed back through town I could hear on every side of the street: "There goes the fellow who stole the mule." We found the place where the horses had been, from signs — but none were to be found. We dismounted at a fence that enclosed the small opening, and as a shed was near far side, walked in. I was some distance ahead of pard, and not expecting an attack from any direction; so when nearing the shelter there was a boy stepped from hiding in the path, between Pard and me. He had a small rifle, and I don't suppose he had seen Pard— the first I knew was when Pard said: •*Drop that gun." When I looked around he had dropped it. We left the old gun, but took the boy and started toward the residence, which was about half a mile away. We struck a plum orchard near the house and were sitting on our horses, eating greedily of the fruit when we were 'si)ied by the man of the house. He was near us before he made himself known, raising a racket about our impudence and such like. We discov- ered a pistol, on the Colt's order, in his pocket and made him deliver. We ordered him to stand with our other prisoner and when we finished satisfying our wants, told the boy to return to his gun, but not to start our way again with it in his hand, AVe told the old man to move to the front and to obey orders. We instructed him to- go to the back yard gate near by and to open same. He did so, and we told him to proceed to the front gate. In doing this we passed near the house just at the opportune time. He darted forward; Tom spurred his horse to the door, entered, and I was quickly at an open window, and almost as quick as a flash he had placed a chair by the wall, then in it, with his hand on a gun that was in a rack that was too high for him to reach from the floor. Two voices rang out: "Hands off!" The old fellow twisted his neck so he could see. After Battle OF Chtckamaugua. 109 and lowered his hand and caiiic out as ordered. He opened tlie g'ate; we rode off with him in eompany as prisoner. He, by this time, had eooled down and was talking- with better judgment. He wanted the retni^n of his fine re])eating pistol, and would do most anything to get it. 1 pro])osed that if he would tell me where there was a good horse, and I succeeded in getting it, and it was not too far off, 1 would return and give him his pistol. He readily consented and gave directions which were about one and a half miles off. We turned him loose, and had no trouble in finding the place, and sure enough there w^as coming our way in a plow, the horse described. We were at the front gate. I made our busi- ness known — man hooted at the idea of trade. I told him it wonld be of short duration, as we were on the enemy's flank and rear and were raiding their rear; and as we would return out that way, he could get his horse back in a week or so, possibly well tired; as my horse was as good as his, if rested up, there could be but little differ- ence. He read the hand-writing on the wall and slowly but grumbling, unharnessed. 1 was soon in the saddle with no intent of looking foi- others to devour, as Tom and T were well moimted. While making the trade, the mother with a bevy of nice girls came up and put in their protests, but I could not rue, as I had closed the trade at first sight. This was what one would call pressing by owner's consent. This animal ])roved all that one could desire. AVe were soon at the front again and found the enemy slowly but surely moving forward as some great serpent with its prey ahead, at times send- ing forth its fiery red tongue. Our army was contesting every inch of ground, both night and day. The enemy with good cavalry force, raided our rear. I was on de- tail at the time, and John Pipkin and T were some dis- tance out on outi^ost duty. We received instructions through a hurried courier that the enemy was raiding our rear and to locate them as soon as ])ossible and that the detail would follow. We pushed hurriedly in the direction indicated and after traveling several miles we 110 After Battle of Chickamaugua. came to a burned bridge, but could not determine by which army it had been burned. We soon found a cross- ing and were beyond the bridge in the road about half a mile, when we discovered, a few hundred yards to our right, a mass of moving beings. We started in their direction, with houses in front that would screen our approach, with no thought of rear, in case of a hurried retreat. We made the desired point about two hundred and fifty yards from the moving body and found it to be a mixture of mounted enemy and negroes, with every conceivable mode of transportation. John and I con- cluded to have a little fun by shooting at the mounted enemy, not caring a straw whether we hit a negro or not. We turned loose with our carbines, three charges each — terror reigned, and there was as if by magic, a dismounting, jumping from carts and wagons; and I guess there were a number of mothers who forgot their babes, and grandmas and grandpas who forgot, for the time, that there was such a thing as rheumatism. John and I were enjoying the fun immensely, looking only for an attack from the front. The road that we had come in on intersected road the enemy was on, and our atten- tion was soon attracted by the charging enemy's noise to our left and rear, on this road. We turned to our right at speed, with bullets coming our way. We soon struck a wooded, boggy flat, about one hundred yards wide. We had no choice of direction, but plunged through under the force of spurs and a rain of bullets, with our horses belly deep in the mud. This had retarded our speed and from the number of the enemy at close dis- tance, it was remarkable that we made our escape with- out a scratch. Just after crossing the bog we were on a steep up-grade for a short distance and at the brow of the hill was a worm rail fence. The bullets were yet raining. John dismounted to tear down the fence. I called to him to mount, just as I threw the weight of my horse against it. The fence flattened and John and I were soon out of bullet's reach, with no enemy attempt- ing to follow. The mud was now to our advantage; and I guess there was not a horse in their bunch that would After Battle of Chickamaugua. Ill have made it throui>,'h unless it was in the lead, as ours. We were soon at the top of a ^ood elevation and in sight of our boys on the opposite side of the stream that the burned bridge crossed. Hearing the noise that John and I had started, made all the report necessary. My horse, when I stopped, gave signs of complete let down, and apparently was badly thumped. John's horse, which was of mouse color and a Texas Mustang and which he had when I joined him in East Tennessee, was consum- ing everything eatable near, apparently no worse for the wear. I had often scolded him for the unnecessary hard rides and little care he would give his horse; and when I would get after him he would say: "Bill, it makes no difference, you can't kill him." Seeing my well groomed and kept horse trembling and breathing fast, I said: "John, look at that D horse." His reply was: "I guess you will let me alone hereafter, and believe me." In the course of thirty minutes we concluded my horse was worse scared than hurt; mounted and rode off in the direction of the enemy's travel; heard at times some shooting, knew that our scouts were retarding their movement and keeping them bunched as much as possi- ble. On the second day we met one of our boys who was one of the scattered crowd, as we were trying to re- tard until our forces could come up to force battle. He knew nothing of our fighting force, but said: "Boys," and pointing to a house that was in sight, some distance away, ' ' they were crowding a bunch of Yankees and they ran "into the house to fortify, but Clem Basset was so near that by the time they got in and closed the doors, he had his six-shooter at a crack and downed four, be- fore they surrendered." Clem had the reputation of always having a full hand when called. Our forces soon met the enemy and they took to the woods, and their position was a very favorable one for them. They were held by being harrassed in the timber, making no 'effort to escape, but strictly on the defense. Our forces, I suppose, were near equal, or our officers expected a surrender, or we would have forced the fight. Night came on, and sometime during the night the enemy 112 After Battle of Chickamaugua. passed out; and, from reports, there were found in the water holes of a small stream m the woods quite a num- ber of pistols. They crossed the river a few miles off from the point of the day's hiding- and it was swimming. Prom reports, they disposed of a lot of pistols in cross- ing the river. Some of the boys were said to have made a good haul by diving. We were soon in front again, and kept well occupied. Here was where T had my first experience of dismounting to fight. AVe were dis- mounted and thrown some distance ahead. The enemy seemed to be in good force, and from the roar and hail of bullets, we concluded we had struck a line armed with sixteen-shooters. We did not venture near or remain long, before we were ordered to fall back and mount. This order is always promptly and quickly obeyed, as the average cavalr^^nan feels near half-whipped if he has to leave his horse any great distance, to fight. We were not held at the front duties long, and soon turned up in the enemy's rear in considerable force, destroying the railroad where it could be done with little or no re- sistance. Our worst resistance was what were called "block houses," and we generally found them at the streams or openings where bridging or trestling, if de- stroyed, would cause much delay in traffic. Block houses were built of small logs notched down, with holes in the wall to shoot through, and were stationed at a point to best protect the structure, if attempted destruction. The country was fairly well sui)plied with worm rail fencing near one or both sides of the railroad track. We were moved in column of regiments near the side of the road and when the desired |)oint had been reached, we were halted, generally fronting toward the road, dismounted — every fourth man holding the horses, and the balance put to carrying fence rails and placing them on each side of the rail on one side of the track. Six or eight rails all well connected would make sufficient heat when fired, to bend the rails by expansion, and ruin the ties. AVhen a regiment had completed its front, it would move to front of column and repeat the same ^performance, and as there was a large body of us, by this method we After Battle of ('mic"kamatt(jita. 113 destroyed diii-ini>- twenty-roiir hours a good iiiiloa.i^^e of track; but at all times, as far as I knew, we kept clear of the block house sharp shooters. At points wliere there were no fence rails and cordwood was handy, we would use it. At night, on long straight pieces of track the sight of the long line of fire looked beautiful to the destroyer. This was a long and laborious raid, and both man and horse were well worn when it terminated. Afy plow animal proved rather an exce])tion and was among the least worn at the outcome, and my horse and the one rode by Fox Trammel did more than their portion the last few days of company detail, yet Trammel's horse was said to have been drawn by him at first service and was not in the hands of a good master. It was said that we treated about five hundred miles of road in Sher- man's rear in this way. We were, at one time, what was called five days and nights in the saddle— which was not unsaddling. When we could, we fed our horses twice a day — at such times we could cook, eat or get sleep; but our labor was nearly continuous, without un- saddling, for that length of time. One would do fairly well for sleep if he could nap while riding, which the most of us did. T had a funny experience the fii'st night after the five days. The order was passed along thv^ marching colunm that we would go into camp for the night, and not knowing at what point our regiment would turn out or the amount of the delay befoi'e it did, T pro- posed to one of the comi^any's boys that we increase our pace and ride up one side of the moving column and the first place we struck where the men were camping to turn in. We did this, and dismounted in a small en- closure — found the same wet and muddy. There were several small logs on the ground and they were in one layer, touching each other, which made a log flooring- four or five feet wide. They had been in this position some time, as was evidenced by vegetable growth that had come up between them. This we mashed down ; we spread on two blankets, stretched a small fly tent about 5x7 feet, to ]u-otect from rain. The horses cared for, we were soon between the blankets and the night was 114 After Batti.e of Chickamaugua. drizzlinc; rain, and twilight. When we crawled in we heard a bnzzing noise nnder our blankets and thought we were over a bumblebees' nest but were soon asleep — for how long, I don 't know. I was awakened by the bees stinging me. I rolled out in a hurry, gave pard a punch and told him to get up, as the bees were out in force and would sting him. He grunted, and mumbled out some- thing which, I guess if it had been clearly and distinctly said, I would not have understood for the bees were un- der my clothing and in the hair of my head, as well as on the outside; and I was busy ridding my person and clothing of them and yet, with all the haste I could sum- mon, I got well stung. After getting rid of them I was agreeably surprised at the short duration of pain that followed the sting. The cause must have been the con- dition of a well-tired and worn body. The bees were of the large white-back kind and were generally classed as the next stinger, in point of pain, to the hornet. I wanted to move; but pard, from his soundness of sleep, was all right; and as I had asked him to follow me and I would divide shelter for the night, I could not remove it; and as it was rather damp to be without it, I con- cluded to try it again, so I pulled out the covering blanket and rid it of the bees, wrapped it around me and crawled under the roofing. I tucked the blanket around my feet, and covered head and hands well, and thought I was safe from further attack. I considered that I had not wronged pard and from his motionless body, under the existing conditions, one would suppose he was near lifeless — so much so, that I thought he had the bees fooled, for they will not sting unless there are signs of life; and the more and faster one moves seems to suit them better. I do not know how long I lay undis- turbed in my supposed safe protection. I must have laid very quiet, for when I awoke there was quite a num- ber of bees stinging me, on nearly all parts of my body at the same time. I suppose they thought of me as they did of pard, or there could not have been the number that was under my clothing without waking me earlier. I have often thought my death-like sleep fooled them. AfTRH IIVJTLH ()!<' ClIICKAMAUGUA. 115 and when on tlieir rambles some one or more struck a point of pulsation and found their mistake, and stung me, and under the pain I moved, and all that were in position were jnit on notice. I sure was well stung be- fore I could rid my body of the pest ; but fortunately, as at the first attack, the pain was soon gone and I found no swelling. The bees did not attempt to fly, but were good walkers and, from their white backs, could be seen a short distance in the twilight. Pard was yet on his back, and I guess had not moved a limb from his first position when he entered the shelter. . I could only hear him breathe when near and listening. I went to his side of the tent to experiment, as I thought it was clear of bees. This I knew was not the case on my side, for I had carried them out. I could neither see nor hear any on his side from under the roof, but they were crawling at will over his body. I knelt near his side and with my finger thumped and pressed on exposed part of his body until I got stung, then 1 got a short piece of weed and opened his shirt bosom; so after trying all parts of the exposed or naked body, and not seeing one twitch or hearing as much as a sigh, I thought the test was com- pleted — that bees would not sting him or had taken him for dead — and I thought the saying "dead asleep" would have been well applied to this subject. I concluded to leave pard in his glory and try other quarters, so I spent the balance of the night on top of a near by rail fence — by placing two rails side by side and rolling up in my blanket and lying on my stomach and using my arms for pillows. The ground was too wet and sloi)py to lay on, when there was better accommodation so easily arranged. One without experience may think that such lodging is imaginary — if so, get your physical and men- tal condition right and nuike a test and you will for a time, enjoy it. 1 was soon asleep, with no fear of over- sleeping. I awoke and was u\) at dawn — had fly tent down; had given pard a few ])unches (he was not so hard to arouse) told him to get up for mercy sake and move his horse a good distance off, as the bees would soon be on the wing and would sting him. As for my- 116 Aftee Battle ob^ Chtckamaugua. self and horse, we would soon be well out of danger; and we were. He said lie knew nothing- after he fell asleep until just then; and if stung, was not aware of it. We were now making for a crossing on Tennessee River and when reached, we forded it at night. It was wide and swift at the place of crossing, and my horse got his feet or legs foul and was washed down by the current — horse and rider both went under, but 1 stuck to the saddle, and the horse was soon up again. When we had crossed the river there was a sigh of relief and a feeling of pride in our accomplishments. We though Sherman's army would be put to their wits end and pos- sibly fall back to their base of sui)plies, but such was not the case, for when we swung around near his front it did not take one with much intellect to see that one of the greatest rear raids of the war was a failure, for we could hear the rumble of the trains, as usual ; and it was said we did nothing to cause hunger to either man or beast, or create a shortage in the supply of ammuni- tion. It was said that Sherman was expecting the raid and was well supplied with all the necessities and had all the men and material at hand to repair the damage to transportation nearly as fast as done, so instead of using his army to battle in the rear, he was slowly but surely advancing — while we were exhausting our efforts in the rear. We struck the enemy after recrossing the river, on their right and rear, and were one day feeling our way to their front. Upon finding their whereabouts we commenced slowly falling back. The enemy were fol- lowing, but there was little firing by either side, and that, at long range. I, with some others, had passed in a scattered condition over a piece of woodland well set with undergrowth. I stopi^ed in the woods, about fifty yards from an opening I could see to the front, as there was no order of alignment, and the distance between us was at times so great that one could not see the right or left man in the thick underbrush, and hear- ing was somewhat of a guide to alignment. I heard, to my right rear, a noise ; took it to be one of our men. The idea struck me that I was too far to the front and I was Aftkh I>a'I"I'lk ok ( *iik'Kamai'(;i;a. 117 waiting for tlio man to get to my right, and tlien move on. From the sound, 1 knew the man would come into alignment with me at about one hundred feet distance. I had turned my horse so I was looking nearly straight to that point and was in this t)osition a short time wh-^-n the riders rode up and were looking straight forward, and had observed the opening to their front. 1 in- stantly saw that 1 was too far to the rear or the riders were too far to the front. At the point of the halt, the opening in the In-ush between us was sufficient to cIcmi"- ly see. I instantly had cocked, and raised gun — for their uniform, at a glance, was sufficient. The two riders stopped, side by side, and the one nearest me was a boy about the size, or less, than the one whom 1 have vnen- tioned among the dead at Fredericksburg. 1 saw 1 could not hit the man without shooting through the boy and I thought if, by chance, I could shoot the man down with out injury to the boy, that he would force me to kill him in self defense. When these ideas had flashed through my mind the thought of possil)le remorse caused me to lower my gun, turn horse, and spur him at quick time to their left and enter the opening some distance to their left front. When I entered the opening, 1 saw our men well to the front. I have often thought of this occur- rence. I cannot say, with pride, however; for T was hold- ing individual remorse above duty to my country. Cai>ture and Escape The next incident of note was in battle line, near Rome, Georg-ia; and from what 1 could see, the rangers were detached from the other cavalry. We were lined u]) in an open fiekl with a thick underbrush and tim))er growth not far to our rear, and in front a sliort distance there seemed to be a stream or water drain from the timber ap- pearance. And beyond, for a consideral)le distance, there was an open field, and on the far side of this field and near the timber, we could plainly see the enemy's in- fantry forming in battle line ; and we thought they were preparing- to advance, so I guess all eyes were to the front, with no thought of flank, for the first warning we had of being flanked l)y the enemy's cavalry was their nearness and the charging and shooting at our right, and as we were formed at right angle to the main road that we had come in on, we were, to a great extent, cut off from the road and the greater part of the Rebs in rtheir flight took to the woods, or to the near country or farm road and were soon strung out in the road, making the best run they could in single or double file, and the Yanks were in close ])ursuit, running about in the same order as we were. 1 heard some firing on the main road and from that and the direction we were run- ning our road ran nearly parallel to the i)ublic road. 1 heard no attemv)t to form and fight, and 1 afterwards learned that the run was made to prevent the enemy from cutting us off from the mountain gap. The distance from start to finish, was said to be about nine miles, but the Rebs got to the gaj) first and stopped— the longest run, I guess, the Terry boys were ever in. Soon after we 'entered the farm road, I dropi^ed to the rear and commenced what is called fii-ing on retreat. As the brush at places was so thick, there wei-e but few men in action at times; and often not moi-e than two. The enemy seemed to be cheered l)y catching us na])pmg and were making every effort to crowd us, but had to 120 Capture and Escape. keep to the road, so their advance guard had none the advantage of our rear guard. After emptying my ear- bine, I spurred up the line and reloaded, and was check- ing at favorable places to be at or near the rear so I could come into action when I thought I could render service. This was my first opportunity while in cavalry to get into a scrap of the kind and as I knew there was no special rear guard for the occasion, therefore, it was a free for all business, and as all the other fellows had opportunities before, it made me rather greedy to be in the rear when 1 could have as well kept my place in line. At a point where there were but few men to the rear of me, and my horse was going at a sweeping lope, it put both forefeet into a hole that was made by the rotting of a stump, but did not fall ; but while in the act of recov- ering, it was struck by a near horse and thrown on its side, my left foot and leg were under the horse, but both feet clear of stirrup. I grabbed the bridle reins near the bit with my left hand and at each effort of the horse to get up it was struck, but I hung to the rein and was fortunate enough not to be trampled upon. In my animal's last effort to rise, it was across the road on its knees, and I was on one hand and knees ; and in this position I was knocked loose from my hold on the reins by a rear horse, which was a large dark bay or brown, rode by a lieutenant. The horse, in passing the head of my horse, struck me about the center of the forehead with its right fore leg. I fell back, and saw stars, as it were. I was stretched full length on my back with my head from the enemy and my hand loose from the rein. As I arose I saw two Yanks in sight, coming my way. I turned, running; saw my horse fleeing at good speed. I was a moderately fast runner, especially when scared. I thought I could overtake our rear, but they fast left me — and from the noise behind, I knew the Yanks were gaining. They were not shooting, but were having their fun at my expense, yelling: "Run you Rebel S of a B . Hide out; we will catch you, Johnnie," and such like. From the noise, I knew they were gaining fast; but I did not have time to look around. My mind at this Capture and Escapk. 121 time was eonceiiti'ated on one ])oint only, and tliat was, run — had no tliou^lit of surrender, or overtaking- our men, as hope in that direction had gone; it was run, run. The noise beliind indicated their nearness and urging of horses that they were going to run over me. They had never said surrender, and T luid no mind that there was such a thing. My first thought of realization was the attempt to run over me and their horses heads were near my back when this thought sti-uck me. \ si)rang to my right instantly — the right horse cleared me about a foot — the rider could have knocked me down, if he had been expecting the move. The right man fired first and as their horses were near speed, tlie smoke i)assed to the front and right. Tlie left man fii-ed over the rump of the right horse, but from the smoke of the first shot, T did not note the direction the ball passed. The next thought was to fall; the next to lie still; the next — 1 am not hit or I would have heard shot. 1 was laying on my right side witii my feet nearest the road looking the way I was running. 1 had come to my senses now enough to hurriedly think and plan; had eyes near closed — saw the two Yanks rein up ; heard noise l)ehind ; the two Yanks turned and started to me. Just then an officer with a squad of twenty or thirty came up. The officer halted the s([uad, gave the two men a good cursing for stop- ping to i)rowl dead Rebs when the fighting line were near l)y, and threatened them with punishment, or any others he caught; ordered them on at speed and he gave the command: "Forward," and dashed ahead — the officer was but a minute halting, cursing and moving. I could hear a noise to the rear and knew that others were coming, and took chances as the squad passed, of any of them looking back. Just at my back, with limbs to the road, stood a scrubby oak tree, several inches in diameter. At the ground the foliage was thick and some of it was near or resting on the ground. I quick- ly crawled under and lay drawn up on the opposite side of the body of the tree, face to the road. The second squad sooii passed at a good speed— there were nearly two hundred in this l)ody. The firing now was quite 122 Capture and Escape. a distance off — heard a roaring to the rear and was sat- isfied that it was the enemy's main force. I looked for other hiding; saw about two hundred feet from the road a good sized uprooted tree; was soon on the op- posite side, hiying fhit, with my body well wedged un- der the curve of the log. By quick work, I just had time to avoid detection. I lay in this position while a large troop of cavalry passed at full loping speed. When their rear had passed, I raised up and looked well to the rear for stragglers — saw none, neither did I much expect it, for the distance the main body was behind the advance caused me to think they were fearful of an am- buscade. After they had all passed, I went to opposite the place where I was dismounted. I kept well to the side of the road, in brush, cautiously going to the point and seeing no straggling enemy, was soon on and over full fifty yards of the road that horse and I had been thumped over, picking up such articles as were to be seen of the wreck; found a piece of tobacco and a sil- ver spoon, that I got near the pontoon bridge on the Rappahannock, also my carbine, and it looked to be un- harmed, and I took it to be in perfect order, and I knew it was freshly loaded, so I pronounced it good and that I was in luck. All other earthly effects, less clothes on my body, were gone; so, as it were, I nmst make a new start in life. I was soon in the foot hills, making fair time in the direction of my command; saw, during day- light, several small squads of the enemy roaming the country. When night came, I left the foot hills and took my chances on more level ground, but followed down the mountain range. I did not, see or hear the enemy during night tramp; struck our outpost on the road, passed near them unobserved, and found my command at the entrance of the mountain gap. The next morning I got leave of absence to remount. Before leaving camp, some of the boys gave me two light home-spun spreads, as they were called, and a Yankee rubber rain proof which was of size about four by five feet, with a hole in the center, for one's head. So, with a freshly loaded carbine and a few extra cartridges, and well housed from the Capture and Escape. 12r5 cold or rain, 1 was soon near the enemy's picket line across the river from Rome. T was several days scout- ing near, before T made an attempt to mount. The Yanks during the time sent out several foraging par- ties, but they were too large and kept so near bunched up that I saw no favorable chance of getting a horse. While on this bum I met two fellows who had seen no service, but who were anxious to. From their talk I guessed them to be sincere — they both had good guns; so I told them I would give them a trial and help mount them, provided they would faithfully obey orders. They promised, and as they were well versed in the surround- ings, I was soon advised of the best mode of proceed- ure and the best way to retreat when going out mounted. I took my time and in fact was taking advantage of my liberty, and as the Yanks had not treated that section brutally, there was plenty to eat at all the places at which I stopped; but all the stock was taken that was fit for work or food; but no other depredations or abuses heard of, less the use of fencing for fires. I was at and near the place several times where I was dismounted. Near by lived a widow — her family consisted of two daughters and one son. She had been a resident of Rome, but had moved out when the enemy took posses- sion. I stayed one night at this house, and was told of the Rebel stampede and the enemy's close p.ursuit; and on their return there was a search made for a dead Reb who had been killed nearby on the side of the road, and they accused them of hiding the body, as they knew they had killed him for one of them had i)laced his gun agamst his head and fired, and the other had plugged him in the breast as he fell, and they knew he was dead for they stopped and looked at him and said they were going to prowl him and have evidence to show what they had done, but the officer came up too quick and nuide them go on. The family were curious if it was as they said, as none of the near neighbors knew of a newly made grave. }Mien thev got through, I asked if they knew of a hole m the road'just in sight of the house and they said **Yes, where a stump had rotted. ' ' I asked how far it was from 124 Capture and Escape. that point to the dead Reb and they said about three hundred yards further up from what the Yankees said. They were somewhat surprised when I told them to make no further inquiry about the newly made grave for I was the corpse. While on this outing, I was often separated from the boys and they followed instructions, as far as I knew; and that was not to fire a gun, only in self defense; to take no prisoners as we could not get them out; to keep well concealed from the enemy or anyone that they knew would inform on us, for our only object was to mount, but not to undertake it where we were not sure of success. I could have, upon more than one occasion, turned out butchering stock from en- closure at night, but thought it would possibly have done harm instead of good, as the Yanks would have recovered the most of them and held it against the near by settlers. I could have made captives of some of their infantry, but kept out of sight. In about a week's time I got my forces together and explained my jilans, which were, to capture the two out-riding pickets. This, I found to be the custom on one of the main roads, that when the two men on post were relieved they rode to the front on the road about one-fourth of a mile and at once returned. So we came down through brush, between river and road to a favorable point, as the two Yanks passed going out, we secreted ourselves near the side of the road. This was done late in the evening, so the ene- my's chances of pursuit were not good. The boys were to take the off rider and pay no attention to the near, as I would take him. I had cautioned them to be sure and not shoot, as we were nearly in sight of their pickets and their detail was but a short distance in the rear. One of the boys was to go to the rear and the other to the front, just as I ordered them to halt and hold up their hands ; and mount horse, when rider was disarmed and dismounted. At the proper time, as the Yanks were returning with no apparent thought of the enemy, I stepped out to the front and they obeyed orders. The boys went to the proper place and the front one had the horse by the bridle rein near bits, but were greatly ex- Capture and Escape. 125 cited and the Yank, seeing- this, was courageous enough to stick spurs to his horse and turn and run off, and they both shot off their guns when the Yank was at least fifty yards off, and I was saying: "Don't shoot." I I don't think I ever saw a person lose his senses and go to pieces as badly as those two kids did. My prisoner was disarmed and dismounted in short order and was in front, running to the rear with the boys. I halted them when at a safe distance out, and went through the Yank's pockets; got a good silver watch and some tobacco and swapped boots with him; then turned him loose and told him he could report for duty. I mounted one of the boys on the horse and instructed him to take it home which was several miles off and hide out — and to have him attended to, and to return and look us u)). The Yank was about as excited as the boys, but seemed to be much relieved when told to go. The Yank had no side arms, which T regretted, as I had, up to this time, failed to procure any, but had no need for them, as the carbine so far had been all I had needed. I saw but few negroes during the war, with U. S. A. uniform on; but on this tramp just out from the picket line late one eve- ning I arrested one — he thought he would surely meet death, and commenced begging. T told him to (piiet down and tell the truth, and I would let him go. I asked him several (luestions in regard to the enemy's ])osition in and about Rome and some of them I knew to be correct; I thought all his answers were about as he understood conditions. He claimed to be a servant and had gotten permission to go out and see some colored people near by and did not think of seeing a Reb. He promised to say nothing about out meeting and gave me his knife and tobacco for the mere asking. T advised him in future to keep well in his line of blue and turned him loose. He was very profuse in his thanks. The next morning after the capture of the horse, one of the boys and I were some miles up the river, looking for a favorable ])lace to swim horses, as I knew of the cavalry camps on the op])Osite side, and that the enemy only watched the most favor- able places. I was hunting a good outcome on the bank 126 Capture and Escape. from them, where they were not guarding; had found the same, but was looking further to see if we could find a better place. We were so far above town that we had no thought of meeting the enemy and were walking in a country wagon road that nearly paralleled the river. My plan was to swim the river at night, although the water was cold. I knew I could keep part of my cloth- ing dry and was going to leave the balance, also my gun with pard, on the home side, at the selected crossing; and I was going to try my luck in making a sneak steal of two horses and equipment and putting them across the stream. I was confident that I could do it at the proper time at night when the cam]i fires were low and all was quiet, but while walking in the road mentioned, all was lost ; for there appeared to our front, about four hundred yards up the road three well mounted Yanks. As soon as they saw us they i)ut spurs to their horses and com- menced firing. I jum])ed behind a tree and fired and told pard to protect and fight. He sure did protect but did not fire a shot. His tree of protection was fully two hundred yards out from the road, although he passed numbers equally as good. After my first shot I could not reload. I tried in vain and was so intent that the Yanks were on three sides and near, with guns pointing and holloaing to drop the gun or they would kill me. They fired several shots while coming my way, but all went wild of the mark — if I was the intended one. They saw my earnest but heli)less condition and semed to have no thought of bodily injury, if they could avoid it. After I dropped the gun, they called pard in and had consider- able sport out of his cowardly run. One of the Yanks said to me: "Look here, Reb, you, must be a good shot. See this hair cut and ear ])urn! You did it; and you are lucky it is no worse, or we would have killed you. The ear "don't bleed, but the up])er j^art burns like the mis- chief." We were ordered to leave our guns and mount behind. We did so and they were off in a lope. I was now reflecting on my condition and the cause of my gun not working, as I had carried it for some time and it had never failed to work promptly. The idea struck me that (*APTrT?E AM) Escape. 127 it was put out of order wlieii lli(> ],or.se fell, in the stam- pede, and was run over by llic cavalrv. I tlien thought that when I picked up the i^un I prounouneed it unin- jured, knew it was loaded and had maiiazine full, but ^ave it no minute inspection and that it had not been fired up to that time, so I felt T had no one to blame hut myself for carelessness, as I thoug-ht T could have un- manned each horse if gun would have worked, but such was then to be my fate, the always dreaded confinement of a prisoner. Our captors were young, courageous, but inexperienced soldiers, made no unkind or taunting re- marks, they seemed to have no thought of attem|)ted escape, or they surely would have rode different from what they did. The two that had prisoners behind them should have paired and rode ahead, but several times T and my mount were behind and near up to the front couple and each had an army ('olt's in his belt and I saw how easy I could Q;et possession of the one that was so near me and with it I could give my man a dead shot or a stunning blow, and at least shoot one of the front men before they could fire with anv de^-ree of con-cctness. and would have an even go with the third. All this would revolve through my mind and T also thought of the bru- tality of such an act perpetrated on men who had shown themselves not to be of the abusive or bloodthirsty kind; and there was j^ard with his back to me, to consider; foi\ in the effort, if started, I might kill him, although T felt I would have been better off if some one had done it long since^for T thought the beastly cowaixl needed kill- ing, but I could not take the chances of doing it. T would feel at times that I would be better dead than in ]irison, and would, at times, feel that T was near the ])oint of desperation. Then a little reasoning would say: all wrong; it would be brutal. So I went for some distance with this feeling and J cannot to this day say whether it was fear of committing an uncalled for brutal act, or was it imre cowardice that I did not attem])t to esca])e. I had two similar instances t» ha])pen soon after. One T did not attempt, i'ov the other fellovr weakened, but 128 Capture and Escape. the mind conditions were similar. The third one was all to self and was accomplished and mind strain was sim- ilar. Our captors were true to what was said to be Gen- eral Sherman's teaching, that '*War is hell," and the principle practiced was about the same, "Not to kill, but punish." When we had gone some distance, we were passing near settlers' places. They would shoot such animals as were near the roadside, and if they were dead shots, they did not prove it, as I only saw one fall ; but they seemed to enjoy even to have hit the brute. I well remember one nice flock of sheep that were near the road and near the front of a residence. They each took several shots at the bunch of poor harmless brutes, and to see them squirm in agony, from laughter and re- marks, one would at least suppose they were enjoying it. I had remonstrated several times before they struck the sheep, they taking it good naturedly; but did not heed. When they turned loose on the sheep, I said: *'Boys, if you had done that in Texas, the owner would follow you to your grave, as they do a sheep killing dog ; and I think one of the worst men we have in our company will not kill a sheep, when he is hungry; and if you live and are so fortunate as to ever live in Texas, don't tell this, or it will put you in bad repute." They took no offense, but laughed at my remarks. My pard's mother and aunt lived in Rome, and he was much mortified at being a prisoner, and was scared at his probable fate; as the Yanks soon found he was a weak subject and had no con- trol over his fears, and was very anxious to explain. They put a number of questions to him, and got about a correct report of our doings. When we struck the main road, we were ordered to dismount and walk ahead — the road was wet and muddy. Pard and I were walking side by side and when the Yanks would ask a question and he would start to answer and explain, I would punch him with my elbow. They did not order me to desist, but seemed to enjoy the punching; so this left it with me to punch and curse at will, and several times I sent him staggering and groaning nearly across the road by a good Capture and Escape. 129 hard elbow punch in the rib. I suppose the punishment was great for both of my elbows felt the effects of the blows, and I guess he got a fair share of pain; but with all this, he told that we were two of the party of three that had captured the picket and how it was done, and that I had given him the watch and he had left it with a friend, fearing that he would lose it, and stated the place the watch was ; and started to tell at what point the horse could be found. I said to him in low tone: "If you tell, I will cut your throat." This upset him so that he made a denial of any knowledge of horse hiding as Charley had rode off with no special orders. I have of- ten thought of those three young Yanks, and if it was not one of the incidents in their lives that they have told numbers of times. We crossed the river near the edge of town on a pontoon bridge and were taken near the center and put in the second story of a small house that had a step entrance outside, running with the sidewalk and a good sized platform for a landing in front of the door. On this platform there was a guard and on the sidewalk below there was one who walked post length of the building. During the day the entrance door was left open at times, one or two prisoners would be permitted to stand on the platform and view the sur- roundings. I found in the prison fifteen or twenty pris- oners, but if I remember correctly, there was not one of the old battling line boys. They were partly of the un- trained, and partly belonging to no branch of the ser- vice; and were confined for some reported or supposed offense and were treated the same as prisoners of war. I soon got acquainted with a middle aged gentleman who was there for the great and heinous crime of aiding and sympathizing — if I remember correctly, he was not a native, but had been in that vicinity a number of years and was well versed in the surroundings and the loyalty of the people and he said they might as well imprison every white man, woman and child so far as his acquaint- ance went — if he had committed a punishable offense. He and I soon got somewhat chummy — he had been there ■ -(30 Capture and Escape. several days and well understood prison manag-ement. I think I remained in this place five days and thei-e was plenty of food provided; but I had no appetite and would eat but little. T was restless and was nearly all the time, when awake, building- air castles of escape. I was stand- ino- on the platform about noon of the second day when I saw the provost captain, whom I had learned by sight ■coming mv way with the man I recognized as the one i had captured and was then wearing his boots I was fearful there was an investigation on, so T went back into the room and rolled bedding around me and laid down by the side of the wall, with all parts hid, and played asleep I heard them ascending the steps and entering and a voice saying, "Look around and see if you can find him." I laid motionless, less the thumping ot my heart and I thought it was unusually noisy. I did not have to lay in this^suspense long, when the covering was pulled from my head and a big Dutch form bending over me saying in" a brogue well drawn out: "Here he is, Cappitan." The captain ordered me up and asked me if I did not have on that man's boots. T said. "Yes. it he claims they are his, and they w^re mine when I claimed them under war custom." The captain's face showed a bland smile and he said: "Off with them boots. So in short order the exchange was made and I was on my feet The captain then stated that he was going to turn me over to the cavalrv regiment that my once prisoner belono-ed to, to be shot; as T had been reported of intent and acts of sufficient proof that T was going to put a prisoner to death and bv mismanagement on mv part he escaped. I stood motionless, with intent gazing on the face of mv iudge and ^iry while he pronounced sen- tence which, in mv mind, was to be executed, as ordered. When he was through, he asked the green Dutch lank if he had not correctlv stated. Before he had time to reply I had turned facing him, with uplifted fist, in a wild and maniacal rage, daring and cursing and calling him all hard names that my memorv was gifted witli. L said- "Speak, speak, and a damned liar's teeth go down Capture and Escape. ];^1 his throat." The ijoor h("li)less being trembled and did not open his mouth. T think he was the most subdued subject I ever saw. Tlie captain saw the pitiful condi- tion of his man and spoke, and attracted my attention. I faced him in silence. He said he knew the man had re- ported correctly and he was going to turn me over to the regiment to be shot. The words were not more than out of his mouth when I said, in as calm a tone as I could command, "Captain, I am an honorable old line soldier, served in Hood's Texas Brigade in Virginia; was wound- ed twice; disabled from infantry duty; was transferred to Terry's Texas Rangers, and when you have shot me, you will have committed a crime that the Hood and Terry boys will liberally revenge, for under no condi- tions can you take me from this prison without publicity. If you desire secrecy, you had better shoot the whole bunch." He listened very courteously until I was through, and turned to walk out, remarking: "Your doom is sealed; I will have you shot." I bounded to his front, in wild rage; tore the front of my shirt bosom open saying: "Shoot, shoot, you damned Yankee, shoot," and pounded on my breast, with both fists, at (piick motion, with rebound of fist nearly touching his nose, and all of the vile names and curse words that I knew, and there were many — he got them at lightning-like or- der. When I paused in my insane tirade he said: "If you don't hush, I will have you bucked and gagged." I turned, replying: "1 will hush, for T know you are cowardly enough to have it done." He made no rei)ly, and he and "Dutchy" were soon out of the room. T had thoroughly examined the ])rison before for a place of escape. I made another critical examination, but could see none so I went out on the stair landing and looked the surroundings well over — could see the river l)elow, which was a few hundred yards off; could see no guard l)Ost from prison to the river, so I soon laid my plans of escape or death, as it might l)e, and not be shot down like a bound brute. I had worked myself up to nuike the attempt if T was not takeji out of the prison before night. 132 Capture and Escape. My plans were, to pallet near the opening of the door and to lay and watch my time for a break. The door was not locked generally at night, as the platform and the street sentinel were considered s^^fficient, so at the still of night I intended to carefully open the door enough to look through crack and at the opportune time, spring- on the platform guard when his back was toward me and throw him over the rail, run down the steps and take to the water and strike out down stream and land below the picket line. All this looked possible, if done quickly and courageously. I knew the river was cold, but I thought that would be overcome largely by the great bodily strain that would be necessary to accomplish the desired aim. I was going to leave in my stocking feet, without coat or hat. Soon after the captain had gone, my captured pard's mother and aunt visited the prison. I had met the aunt in the country not far from Rome. I had but little to say and would not have said that if I had not been acquainted with "Aunty." The women were allowed full freedom and were not in any way re- stricted in talking, or required to in hearing of the guard, so the women stayed as long as they desired, and left at will. When they had gone, I beckoned my newly made acquaintance to one corner of the room and confidential- ly apprised him of my plans. He advised against such a hazardous effort as my chances of being shot down were many, if I did dispose of the platform guard, and if I succeeded in reaching the river, the mile or more in its waters that I would have to swim, would chill me to a helpless condition and that I would be drowned. I re- plied that I had no fear for the condition of my mind was such that determination had control, and as for drowning, I had long since heard it was one of the most pleasant endings; and it would happen out of sight and hearing of the enemy's hisses and scorns. When I was through, he said : "I know the captain better than you, as I have been here some days, and he has visited i)rison several times ; I find that he is a great hand to have fun at the prisoners' expense, as I have heard him make Capture and Escape. 133 threats before that he never carried out, but none so bad as yours." He said he was thoroughly satisfied that his intentions were to scare and he would get up some joke to tell his brother officers and he said he guessed he had, but it was hard on him and his man, for he did not think during life he had ever heard so much abuse as I had given those two men, and he was satisfied that the cap- tain felt beat at his own game. He said some of the boys were telling the two lady visitors the happenings of the prison and they said: "We have just met the captain and he was telling us about it, and remarked that was the boldest and most daring man he ever had any experience with, but they knew there was no intent of his carrying out the threat as he was a nice gentleman and had visited their home several times." Later on, some of the other prisoners spoke of the matter in an encouraging way, and said: "Texas have no fears," when one of them laughingly said, "Substitute the word 'fear' with 'thought,' " and the party said, "I stand corrected." So the thing seemed to be as a huge joke on the Yanks and was being treated as such by my fel- low prisoners, under the conditions. I soon gained my composure and reason — hope came to my relief and by night I had banished all idea of attempted escape. The captain paid us no more visits. In this prison was the first and only time I ever had to take a dose of abuse of the Southern women. There was one of the platform guards one day who seemed to enjoy talking braggingly and roughly to the prisoners through the open door, and as the room was small, there was no chance to escape hearing his words, without stop- ping ears. This I had no inclination to do — I kept mum, but some of the boys would talk back, which was what the black-hearted wretch wanted. I had heard that such talk had been indulged in before, under similar con- ditions. He seemed to well understand where and how to reach man's sensitive point and to enjoy his helpless agony. When he was relieved, I said: "Boys, that was bitter; but remember the fellow either in war or peace, 134 Capture and Escape. revenge would he sweet with me and I will be ever on the lookout," and during the war and years after peace there was no object so well photographed on my mind or vision as he. 1 think recognition would have been in- stantaneous. We were taken from prison, I think, the morning of the sixth day and marched to Kingston. My chum did not accompany us and I guess that mama and aunty had worked their influence. When we arrived at Kingston, my appetite had returned, to my great dis- comfort, for there was no provision made to relieve hun- ger. We spent the night and part of the next morning at Kingston and were forwarded by rail in a box car for Chattanooga, Tennessee. We had only one guard in the car and he was of the rank of sergeant and was armed with a Colt's six-shooter. He left one door open and stood in and near same. The train moved slow and at times was detained on sidings. From appearance, near the track, one would suppose there were enough soldiers near Sherman's front to quickly fill any gap the Eebs might make, and all seemed to be fat and well fed. If we had just destroyed great mileage of their transporta- tion facilities ! When we took the car at Kingston, my ideas were set on jumping from the moving train at night and making my escape. I had said nothing to anyone about it, as I wanted no advice. During the day, at one of our stops, there was a hand-cuffed prisoner put into the car. My prison-made acquaintance was soon in conversation with him. I had gotten reasonably well acquainted with the guard, considering the short time. I found him very nice and pleasant of expression and asked him the cause of the prisoner's handcuffs. He said he was a noted "Gorilla," and he and his band was a terror and had murdered quite a number of their men, and it was said he would be shot — for the proof was sufficient. My sympathy was aroused at once for the prisoner, but I made no hint of the same to the sergeant, so when my prison acquaintance had left the handcuffed man and gone to another ]){irt of the car, I had a talk with him Capture and Escape. 135 and he had his sympathy o-reatly aroused; said lie l in niv l)lankets and slept a short time. I then crawled out and doubled my blankets over a cord and used them as a cloak oi" cape — the lower edge struck me near the knees. I was well wi-api.cd, anil as l^Q Captuee and Escape. I thought there was no danger, I would take a stroll on the opposite side of the hill from the railroad. Only went a short distance when I discovered a log cabin on the hillside. I advanced and saw it was not inhabited. I found some dry leaf tobacco on stalks; stripped off a fair supply and was soon chewing a cud. There was a small amount of hav in the house and it looked mvitmg as a pallet, but was a risky place to sleep; saw the floor was loose. I raised a plank and pushed some hay un- derneath; put plank back and arranged hay to avoid detection; went out and crawled under and bedded up like a hog. There were all the comforts one could ask and just as I was dozing and thinking of sweet sleep, I heard the sound of horse's hoofs and a rider passed near the house. I saw he was not a soldier, but con- cluded I was takng too great a chance, so I crawled out and was soon up at my old place where the little snow, and wind was nearly a bar to visitors. I did not go to bed any more, but stamped around to keep warm un- til dark came. I could well scan the country for some distance from mv elevated position and was carefully taking in conditions. Off about three-fourthg of a mile from the railroad stood a small house— it was nearly one-half a mile from me. I could see from the chimney smoke that it was inhabited. It stood in a good sized open space, with but few small outhouses. I could see no one about, and concluded it was occupied by an old man and woman, and as the day was raw they were keep- ing housed. When night came on, I went forward slow- ly not wanting to make my approach until the neighbors were housed. ^ AVhen I got within about two hundred yards I stopped until a time arrived that suited to my ideas, and when it did, I went to the front gate, which was about one hundred feet from the house and halloaed ''Hello." I could see through cracks that fire was burning brightlv. There was a reply through the crack, asking what I Wanted. I asked the man to step to the gate He said: "If you want to see me, come m. I replied- "All right,"' and went in, and made my pres- rAPTTRR AN' I) EsCAPE. 147 euce known by tappiiio' on the door and speaking-. The reply was, "If you want to see me, yon mnst come in the back door." I said: "All right, for I will be damned if I am afraid of you if you are of me. ' ' When I reached the rear of the house, I saw the door was open and what I took to be the kitchen opposite, but a few feet off, with a platform connecting the two doors. The platform was narrow— only about the width of the door, and when I stepped up I was nearly in front of the door. I saw my predicament at a glance. My plans flashed through my mmd at lightning speed— how^ I ever thought and carried out a plan as though I had rehearsed it a num- ber of tnnes, I cannot tell. As I faced the door, with a bright fire-lit room about sixteen feet square, there sat my old imaginary man in one corner, near the fire place, and the old women near the corner nearest me, but more in front of the fire. Near the front wall sat three men, and well back, near the center of the room, sat two more. They had on Yankee uniforms— I saw no arms. My first words, spoken in a commanding voice, were: "Are you soldiers." There was a chorus of voices, "No." I said, "I will not have you molested, then," and stepped in. My blankets stood well out behind, and U. S. buckle was very prominent in front, so they could not tell whether there was one or more six-sliooters hung on. By this time the old lady was on her feet, facing me. I advanced saying: "Madam, I want some food for myself and three others; we were out scouting- in front of Hood's army and last night we laid down for rest, and left no one to guard; and our horses and saddles were stolen and we are very hungry." She said she had nothing cooked. I said', "do" and see if you have none; bring a good i)iece of bacon." She rather de- murred. I said: "Madam, I look rough, but am a gen- tleman — don't force me to act rude; go along." She started. My hat brim well shaded my' eyes, so T could glance about, with but little notice. I turned my l)ack to the fire and stood near the hearth, and threw my right hand gently to my back under my blankt, but not hard 148 C'APTHRE AND EsCAPE. enough to rattle pistol. I was talking to the old man instantly, after getting the old lady started. I talked fast and commanding; told him we had not seen sun, moon or stars in the last three days and were lost, and I wanted direction. Asked how far to Murfreesboro. He said "About eight miles. Asked the direction — he sulked. I said: "Old man, we ])ropose no harm; don't expect to fire a gun while getting out, unless in self de- fense, but you must answer me; and if the answers are found not correct, you will suffer; if correct, you will hear no more of us. I expect to leave the three outer guards here for a time after leaving, and I advise all to keep indoors, so answer my question. He answered. I asked: "What direction is south;" he pointed. I asked the direction of the railroad — he spoke and point- ed; asked how about the block house, guards, and such like, and he freely answered all, and some I knew to be correct; and from his precision and earnestness I felt they all were. During this time I was casting glances at the Yanks and four of them were swallowing it all; but the low, dark-skinned, heavy set center floor man nearest the back door had all the time exhibited a coun- tenance of doubt. While I was putting questions to the old man he got up and walked to the kitchen. I caught myself in the act of ordering him back; he soon re- turned and sat down — I was looking for play. About this time the old lady came in with three nice slices of cold fried bacon, nearly a whole corn meal dodger, bot- tom of plate flowing with gravy or grease, and knife and fork. She stepped to the table near the door and placed it do^Aii, saying: "Draw that chair up and eat," meaning the one near me, that she had been occupying. I advanced, remarking: "I could eat it all, but the other boys are hungry and a divide will put ' us to the next chance." I thanked her. While I was talking, I had taken the bread in one hand and forked meat on top with my thumb to hold, gave a wishful glance at the gravy, and said good night to all, but "Don't leave the house for some time." Capture and Escape. 149 When I struck a dark place, you can bet I felt re- lieved, and was soon on my stomach with my head near a water hole about two hundred yards out, eating and drinking. I was near the i)ath the Yanks would travel in going to the block house, but I had no fear of them, as 1 supposed the most skeptical one had accepted — as the knife and fork and gravy game was not bit at. From the information 1 gained from the old man, it dawned on my mind that I had crossed the railroad track in my dazed ramble, so 1 made my way across the railroad at a point of safety. From daylight observa- tion, 1 knew the Yanks would keep well housed and they had no intimation of my routing, so I guess I was across the road and out some distance before they could give the alarm, if any. I trudged on that night, rather cir- cuitous, keeping about what I supposed eight miles out from Murfreesboro. I would chuckle to myself now and then about the good luck I was having leaving Chatta- nooga — six rations going to and on car by prison reck- oning, and the next day night, four meals, as reckoned by the old lady. I was very cautious that night and did not make any great distance, as I would avoid all roads and would not pass near a house, but I kept well the intended course if I did not have the moon or stars to guide me. The next morning about day I scanned the surroundings; saw they were good, and a house a few hundred yards off in a valley; the cedar ridge I was then on about half circled the place to the rear. I went down to the house, struck the back yard fence, and was near a lot. There was a fine lot of fat meat hogs in it. The place looked prosperous, and I could have bet and won that the owner was a Union man, and had not been for- aged out by the Y^anks. The ])ublic road was just in front of the house, but as the weather was yet rough, I had but little fear of Y^anks being out on the Inun that early. The man saw me; he looked to be fifty odd years old. He met me at the fence, apparently much excited. I had my little speech by heart, and it was: "There are three of us; the other two are on the hill (pointing the 150 Capture and Escape. direction) and we are hungry, and want something to eat." This seemed to excite him more, and he said he had nothing. The dwelling had a hall through it, and in it I could see what I thought to be a safe or cupboard. My reply was: "You look to be in too good circum- stances to make me believe that; and I insist that you at once go and get food for three men. I do not wish to disturb your family, as I guess they are yet m bed, but food I will have, and that in short order. See that cup- board in the hall! I bet it has lots of goodies m it- move in a hurry. What do you say!" "I will go.' He soon returned with a good sized piece of corn bread and a boiled hock of a good sized ham. I thanked him and said: "We will stay up on that hill today, m the cedars (pointing the direction) and would ask that you do not mention us if the Yanks should come your way." He promised. I left, but did not hide out in the direc- tion pointed. I passed the day not a great way from the house, under a well spread cedar. I gathered up a lot of old field grass and bedded well against the cold, wet ground. When I was well tucked under my covering, head and all, I commenced eating. I was not long at the job, and went to sleep, sucking the bone. I guess I must have slept on my right side, without moving, as the bone was in my mouth when I woke up. I had often heard that snow would not quench thirst, but had never given it any credit— here I had all the opportunities to make a fair and extended test. When I awoke I was very thirsty, and when I raised the covering from my head, I saw I was well snowed under. I commenced eating snow, believing that it would quench thirst. I soon found it did not. How I wished for a tin cup to fill with snow and tuck it under the cover and see if it would melt; for I felt that I would chill soon after getting Irom under the snow and I was afraid to exercise for fear ot being seen. I laid under the cover until thirst was near torture, then I slipped out from under the blankets-- the snow had quit falling, but the wind was cold and brisk I soon found a sink where the snow had partly Captuhk and Escape 151 melted and 1 drank all L wanted. Looked aronnd, saw I was safe, and got under the cover again. I soon found the warmth had about left my burrow. My body was chilled and my clothing in places was frozen, I laid there only a short while and thought if I did not get to exercising, I would freeze. The sun was supposed to be near setting. I hurriedly arose, shook the snow from the covering, got a string through the double and all was frozen stiff. I got it to about place on my back and pressed against a tree and got it to partly encircle the l3ody. I struck a trot to house, with the determina- tion to risk all danger. I stopped at the back yard fence where I had ))een in the morning. Darkness was now near. The man was in back yard and had seen me and was at the fence about the same time I was. I saw that he was exicted. 1 made up my mind to tell him a true story, thinking I would arouse his sympathy and he would render me some aid. 1 soon found sympathy and fear did not work together — the more I explained the more scared he became, and was standing, a treml)ling, speechless man. When I saw this, I had no idea of at- tempting to house up for the night with such a man ; and I knew his soul rejoiced, if he had one, when I turned to leave. I asked him several questions. He stood trem- bling and speechless. I finally asked if there were any Rebel sympathizers near. He raised his right arm and pointed to his right front. I asked "How far," and in a trembling tone, he said: "A mile." T turned and trotted the way I came. It was now nearly dark, and I did not have far to go, before 1 was out of sight and hearing. I turned in the direction pointed out, trotted through fields, climbed fences and was nearly to a house before I saw it. It was about three-fourths of a mile from my unsympathetic man. T went to the front door and knocked. There was no reply. Went around to the back of the house — was met near back door by a man and was invited in to the fire. I saw a short distance from the residence, before entering, kitchen with glow- ing fire burning and smelled the sweet odor of cooking 152 (^APTURE AND EsCAPE. food. I entered a room which was sixteen or eighteen feet square, with large open fire place, with good fire burning. I stepped to the side of door and had gotten the frozen string untied that went around my neck to hold the blankets in place. The blankets were just slip- ping down to the floor — a woman entered with a plate of steaming food in her hands. She spoke and smiled. I stepped out of my standing blankets, for they were yet frozen and stood like a barrel on end. I was asked to have a seat at the fire. When the lady spoke and smiled the reaction was so great from a cold and heartless man to a sweet and sympathetic smile of a being of the high- est order, that I could not suppress a tear that I brushed off with a hand that had not felt soap and water for weeks. I felt at perfect ease, as I knew I w^as with friends. I took a seat at the fire — did not feel much discomfort from the cold, but had the shakes or rigors. I could not talk without my teeth chattering. There was soon a table well spread near the fire, with hot, steam- ing food and a pot of hot coffee. I was told it was hog- killing day, and I asked for no further proof, after see- ing the nice steaming dishes on the table. The little woman sure got a move on, and I thought: you are too well fed to be hungry, but I guess it is I you are after. We were soon at table, but up to this day, I can not tell whether I was hoggish or not. I remember that I had two cups of strong hot coffee — something T had not tasted for some time. Supper over, I faced the fire; still kept up my shaking, and 1 suppose the man knew more about such things than I did, for he remarked he thought I would have w^armed up after eating a hearty warm supper. By this time the table was cleared and the lit- tle woman was by the fire, hearing what was said. The man said he had some good brandy and would liked to have given me a drink at first, but they were continual- ly being hounded by detectives and they were abused and robbed if they were reported as aiding in any way the Southern cause (the idea flashed through my mind, how cruel in one's country) but he w^ould risk it, and would C'aptuhk and Escape. 15.3 do it if he kuew 1 was a detective, for it would he an act of relieving suffering humanity; as there was nothing deceptive in my sliake, so "Let you he detective or rebel, yon shall have a drink." The woman spoke encourag- ingly, and said T was all right, as she had been tried enough and was hard to fool. The thougiit occurred to me: How different are nature's laws — no two beings alike — here courage and symi)athy to the extreme, with poverty and beggary as imnishment, if detected; at the place I just left, cowardice to a degree of suffering and void of sympathy for human kind. I thought that each was acting most suited to their natural make-up. There was soon a good sized tumbler or drinking glass m hand half filled. I asked: "Is this not too much: I am not used to drink." The reply was, "No." 1 swallowed it down. Jn about fifteen minutes the man said: "You are, by odds, the worst chilled subject I ever saw, and asked if I felt any effects of the drink." I replied, "No." He said he knew enough would stop it, and soon had equally as much down me. This made the amount a large glass full. In the course of a few minutes the chill was off. He asked several times if I felt any ill effects of the brandy, and I replied, "No," and that my head did not even feel light or swim. I had not talked much up to this time, but the brandy at least loosened my tongue. I found they were somewhat acquainted with Terry's Rangers, as they had been in that section and they knew a few of the members personally. I told them of my capture, escape, etc., and of my exj^erience with the scared man. Was told he was of my name. I said: "I have relatives in Tennessee by both father and mother, but I am not hunting up relatives ; and I guess it was my good luck that I did not get in with that fel- low, for he would have had the pleasure of turning me over to the Yanks, for correction, a son of Thomas Fletcher, his elder brother." Prom what I heard father say, and the direction and distance from ]\hirfreesboro, and given name, he was my uncle. I told father of the circumstance, after returning home, and he said that he 154 Capture and Escape. was my uncle. I said I was glad I knew nothing of my kinfolks and asked father if they were all Union stock; but he had not been advised. I sent my compliments to uncle a few years since, by a Mr. Sanders who lived near Murfreesboro and was visiting his children at Beaumont, Texas. I requested that he cite the incident and tell the old man all was of the past, and if he ever came my way, to at least stop and shake. It was now near 10 P. M., and lodging was mentioned. I was asked not to stop for the night or next day, as they could not safely stow me away — as they had a negro girl in the kitchen, and the Yankees got their in- formation from the negroes. After they had explained conditions, I said: "If you will give me directions to a more friendly neighborhood, I will be there by day, if trotting will get me there." He said there was such a place twelve miles out but that there were so many lanes and turns in the road that he was fearful I could not make edge of it, to a doctor's — giving his name — during the night. I said : "I can, if you will slowly give direc- tions and the nature of the country." He started at the front gate and was very minute in instructions. When he got through, he said: "Do you think you under- stand?" I replied: "Yes, but would like you to re- peat." He went over the same route again in the same tone and nearly the same words. I said: "Your first was impressed in every particular." I arranged my blankets as a cloak and was ready to start. He said: "Take another drink of brandy; you will need it, for it is now clear and cold." I did so. It was now about eleven o'clock. After clearing the front gate, I struck a trot — sometimes fast, and at no time walking, unless wading a stream as there was none to be crossed over knee deep at the road, but there were foot crossings at each near road. These I did not use. The road seemed to be as plain and familiar as though I had traveled it for years — the farm houses near by lanes, woods, hills and streams — were all there and looked for, before reachina: them. Next to my last turn was to be in one Capture and Escape. 155 of Miirfreesboi-o's main i)iil)lic roads, with residenoe and other houses a))ont two or three hundred yards on the hill on the opposite side, that I could see in the twi- light. When I landed in this road, all was familiar, but from some cause inexplainable, I turned to the right. I trotted, and when I was about the distance of the turn- out, I commenced looking and increased my speed. I was soon at a bridge that spanned quite a stream. It now dawned on me that I turned to the right, when I should have turned to the left. I wheeled and struck a sweeping trot. Day was approaching. I had about retraced half my steps when the sole of one of my boots became loose from toe to heel. I tore a strip off of my blanket and hurriedly tied it to place. This soon worked loose; I tied it again and fastened the ends around my ankle; then it worked back to the instep, and from the noise it would make on the macadamized road, a clog dancer would have thought he was not in the kerflop class. It was a cold clear morning. I did not think any of the surrounding natives were awake, and I wanted them to sleep on until I found hiding. I cut the sole off near the heel and started with the inner sole under foot. It was soon loose from the uppers and I had always thought the boots were too large ; but I guess I was mis- taken, for the inner sole was not large enough to keep the side of my foot off the cold, hard ground. After the sole had turned back a few times and let the ])all of my foot on the ground, I tore another stri]) an took a few turns around my foot and sole by pulling back the upper. This was an improvement an I trotted on. Day was now well on me and I was at the place of mistake — the house just out from the road, and all looked o])en and public. I trotted a few hundred yards beyond the house and turned to the right and climbed a pasture fence; went about three hundred yards from the road to a rocky hill- side. I was four or five hundred yards from the house; found a crevice in a rock, about twenty or thirty feet long, three or four feet deep; looked around and did not think I had been seen. Jumped into the crevice, 156 Capture and' Escape. kicked some of the ice and snow away with my p^ood boot; and soon was lying down rolled np in my blankets, with boots off, tncked in with my liody to keep them from freezing. I was comfortal)ly warm, when I laid down and was asleep almost instantly. I awoke when the sun was about an hour high and it was in the right place, though I had not seen it for days. I was cold; very cold. I realized that I was nearly frozen; will said ''move," but my right arm was the only member that obeyed, and that feebly; all others were stiff. Hope and determina- tion, I guess, aroused and went into action instantly. My arm would give a little at every effort and they were made at quick time. I was not long in getting the right arm to bend enough to thrust it forward as one hitting with a fist. Speed increased and thrusts harder, and in a short time I had a well limbered right, from shoulder to tips of my finger. T gave a nush from the side of the rock and changed my body. I punched and slapped until the next that moved was my right leg. T soon gave, at hip and knee joint; T got it so I could catch it by the ankle. T strained and twisted — the left side soon let up so T could set up; all parts were soon lim- bered. T got up, but soon sat down, as I was too much exposed. T soon had on my boot and soles, one tied up, but while T was doing this I kept in all manner of squirm- ing motions and taking deep and quick breaths. I mashed my bedding ud so I could carry it and was out of the crevice, taking chances of better quarters. T made off at the best speed my legs would carrv me, and soon had them limbered up: was soon out of the pasture and making for a cedar thicket T saw ahead. T was soon in and about one-half mile from the crevice; saw an open place about fifty yards long. Dropped mv blanket and trotted, ran and walked the balance of the day in what was soon a well worn path, and T have often thought if that fifty vards of well worn path was not one of the wonders of that neisrhborhood. The ground was not rocky and did not pack hard, and T gave it a trial of speed in all gaits a number of times. During the Captukk and Escaim:. 157 day, with the sunshine and tlie l)i('('ze. my hlankets dried and linil)ered up ready for use. I was now in soniethinsj^ less than a mile of the doctor's — that T had started for the night befoi'e — so. in due time I called, spent a very pleasant evening, had a nice, warm su])])er and got fairly well posted. He advised that 1 go on a short distance and I would find a pen partly filled with seed cotton. I did so. When T got in the cotton jteii. 1 felt at home and my mind was carried back to my early boyhood days, so I was not at a loss of knowing how to proceed. I soon had a hole scratched out and with feet and most of my body well covered, with blankets over my shoul- ders, I only had a minute of sweet anticipation of com- fort, before I was asleep. 1 was awakened the next morning after sun-u]) by several large fat hogs that were making a noise of recognition of their owner's presence to feed them. I felt so comfortable that I hated to get u|) ; but the thought of a good hot breakfast soon had me out. 1 thanked the owner for the night's accommodation; was asked to l)reakfast; found he had a large family, chiefly of girls, but all seemed neat and well kei)t. After eating a hearty breakfast, he said 1 had best move on and he would accompany me to near a house some distance off and then T could lay in the woods until night, then go up — the man was a shoe- maker, and he thought he would make me a pair of shoes. I laid around in sight of the house until dark, and went u]); found man, wife, and child. 1 was well received and treated. Tt seenied that the cuslom of the country was to su]i])er after dark. This ujnc them an all day's work. This had l)een once a well to do country and all seemed to be industrious and not dependent on the negro slave. Their best horses were all gone and nearly all of their cow stock, and there was a great absence of milk and butter. The most of the inhabitants had a few fowl and hogs, and they seemed to know how to get good results. The man and I were sitting by the fire talking, and the wife was busy with her sui)per, when in ste]iped an evening caller — he was a doctor, ])ast middle age. 158 Capture and Escape. rather portly and jovial; rather inquisitive and pointed in his questions for a new acquaintance, and I used my tact to evade answers, and put up a nice little story to shield ray identity. The proprietor finally burst out in a laugh and said: "Doc, you have found your match," and "Fletcher, you need have no fear, for he is one of us." All seeraed to enjoy the turn of affairs, ajid I said "Doc, a man in my business should be well versed in lying, and use it without blushing when conditions de- mand." We were soon acquainted and the old doctor was very companionable; and I learned he and his two daughters were residents of Murfreesboro, but had taken to the country on account of abuses, mostly by Yankee restrictions. Supper was announced and as the doctor had eaten, he did not go in. We had a bountiful supply and I thought the lady was as good a guesser as the one I had met two evenings before, or my natural appear- ance showed hunger. After supper we returned to the sitting room and it was evident that the doctor had not been idle; he lived near by and had been home and had returned with his two daughters — the younger was bud- ding into womanhood and the other was a few years older. When I received an introduction I did not hang my head and blush on account of my unkempt appear- ance — in fact, I guess at the time that I made no note of it, as I was well trained to not allow clothing to be a bar to evening callers. The only article of necessity that I thought 1 needed was shoes and the landlord and I were understood on that point, as he had the material and was going to devote the next day and part of the night, if necessary, to make me a ]3air, and possibly after tak- ing measurements, he had a pair under construction. I told him that anything would fit my foot that was large enough. The young ladies showed good common sense and were free to talk and did not seem to be inspect- ing me closely to get up a giggle; nor did they speak words of sympathy. They acted the true definition of friendship, which is: "He who comes in when the world goes out." After they had well looked me over CAPTrRK AND KsCAI'K. 159 they made their mission known which was to get me, as they said, much needed clotlies. The older one knew of a good coat a few miles off that she would ride out and get the next day; the younger made several suggestions of places of probable finds. I said: ''Anything- will fit that is large enough." They laughed, and said the man of the house (calling his name) was safe as he was too small and would not 1 look funny in papa's clothes? They had mentioned over all the different items that I needed, including underclothes. When they got through I expressed my ai)preciation and said, "You can leave off underclothes and socks, as that is asking too much." They soon gave me to understand that they had my or- der booked. The mistress was seated with a three year old on her lap. Our talk now was in a general way, and about ten o'clock the doctor said: "Girls, it is time to go, as you and the shoemaker will have a busy time to- morrow." It was understood that I was to pass the coming day on a nearby hill that was well grown up with brush and 1 would have my dinner sent from the doc- tor's. I said that they need not trouble about dinner, as two meals were more than I had been accustomed to for a long time. Tn parting the young ladies said: "You will see what we can do by tomorrow night," and went off chatting, as though they were to i)erform the most pleasant duty of their lives. It was bed-time at our house also. I was taken into a side room — tliere was a nice clean bed that looked tempting, but the thought of my filthy person made me demur, and I said: "My blankets and the kitchen floor are good enough for me and better than I have been used to." The woman must have heard what T said — was soon on the scene and insist- ed; and said she did her own washing and ironing; and she would rather bed and cook for any number of dirty Rebs than the cleanest Yank in the world. 1 acce])ted and was soon aslee]); had early bi-eakfast and was soon in hiding. Saw no Yankees that day. About noon T was on watch for dinner — T saw the younger girl coming; she seemed to be well onto her job, as she scanned, every 160 Capture and Escapf, short distance, the surroundings. At the opportune time I stepped out into opening and was observed. I had a nice dinner and it was so plentiful that I easily left some. She said they had breakfast early and got sister off, and that she had returned, and named items procured ; and the nice warm coat was one ; and said that by night they would have me rigged out. Said her sister was doing the most of it, and papa and she were running the house. I asked her if she cooked dinner, and she replied, "Yes. Sister and I take it turn about, and do all the housework and sewing." I spoke ap- provingly of such true worth. After the meal she said she had enjoyed my company and would like to stay longer; but prudence demanded her presence at home as the Yanks might show uj) at any time, and \m]m and the Yanks did not get along well together. I remained in hiding until late in the evening, when one of my an- gels of mercy made her second visit with a message from papa, and that was, to come to the house as it was now so late that the Yanks would not be out that far, as they did not prowl out of their picket lines at night. I was met at the house by the doctor. He told me to go up stairs, and there I would find water, soap, and clothes. I did as bid, found the tub partly full of warm water — saw the clothes near by. T took a thorough scrubbing, head as well. When I got through, the water showed that most of the long worn dirt was off and my body com])anions, I guess, thought their time had come when I returned not to my cast off clothes. Before I got through dressing I thought there was quite a lot of life's valuable time lost in civil life in dressing once a day; and that the soldier had the one advantage at least of putting on and wearing off. My clothing consisted of full outfit. When I had gotten them on and hair combed, I felt "dudish," and when I smiled before a glass, I had the vain thought of "How handsome." I "primped," as the girls call it, before the glass quite a time and thought, as T think the most of them do, "Here goes to make a mash." Capture and Escape. 161 When I went down stairs the old doetor was near at hand, and as soon as he sighted me, lauglied heartily, called the girls and they all made merry over my im- proved appearance. The doctor vouched for me being the same man who went up the stairs, as there was no chance of escape, as he had been near, all the time, to answer my call, if any — and he did not see how clothing could make such a change in a])i)earance. T was well en- tertained that evening and did not demur at sight of a clean bed; had breakfast early the next morning. Be- fore leavng, I asked that they deliver thanks to the shoe- maker and wife for their kind treatment and the nice pair of shoes. I thanked the doctor and the young ladies profusely, and asked the doctor to keep up his good cheer if he was away from home. I struck across the country toward Franklin, hunting a man who was reported as once belonging to the Rangers, but had not left Ten- nessee with them. I inquired, as I went along, for him and soon got an appointment. I found from the differ- ent incpiiries that Captain Van Houghten, as he was called, was a very im})ortant man to a large section of the countrv; and was a terror to evil doers. I had, up to this time, frowned on his mode of warfare and keep- ing law and order, thinking it would do more harm than good; but from observation and inquiry, the good ef- fects over balanced the bad and should be more gen- eral in a country that is being invaded, for the oppor- tunities are such that each army is well sup]ilied with thieves and robbers, and some of them are enlisted; but of no service — plunder is their aim. Some are not en- listed, and rise up as if out of the ground, and uniform and at will pilfer their neighbors and it is almost in- variably laid to the invaders, where in fact, outside of their well guarded confines they go in squads under an officer and take only as needed or instructed; and if it were not for such men as "Van" and a few scattered followers, the outlying districts would suffer more than they did ; for they were the nuich dreaded of the wrong doer or criminal class, let them be from either side. I 162 Capture and Escape. soon met Captain "Van" and fonnd liini to be a nice, courteous g-entleman and not at his vocation for gain. He agreed to mount and arm me, but the horse was some distance off. At the appointed place and time I received a horse and equipment The horse was only a loan, however, as he only had two and he often needed a change. But as our army was near, his territory would be more confined. I did not have to wait many days bo fore I was in the saddle. During the time of the wait. I had supper at a house with some of Hood's advance. There was a fine looking young lady visitor who enter- tained the crowd while waiting for supper, on the piano. I did not go out to the first table, but remained in the parlor with two others. She asked our names and where we were from. When she heard my name and where from, she tried to rake u]) kinship for herself and the lady of the house. From what she said of Tennessee relatives and knowing that there were some of the sam^ family in Texas, I thought we were second cousins, but at once thought of my scared uncle, and kept nuun. Father claimed to be of Scotch-Irish descent, and this young lady showed Scotch-Trish blood. I guessed w^ were kin, but T had enough of the Fletcher stock at that time, and played ignorant. It was about thirty-six hours after this that the bil- tle of Franklin was fought. I was a few miles to th^ rear of the enemy's line, by my idea of location, from sound. The discharge of small arms was very distinct. I was lying near the house where I had yiassed the night and was to return for food and bedding the .-om- ing night. My place of hiding was a favorable one. It was a deep hollow, well, grown up in bushes. I stayed close, as it was near a public road. The battle roared, and I knew that this was one battle that I would hear and not participate in. The whole day's fight, from my distant position, seemed to be stubborn, as neither side seemed to give. Along in the latter ]mrt of the evening the rabbits commenced ])assing me, and were passing when I left. There were hundreds of them that had ( * APT IT H K A X I ) KhCA V E. 163 drifted to tliat liollow and were going- from the bat- tle noises. I stayed at the house that night and found that there had t)een a regiment of Yankee cavalry- camped near my hiding out place that night, which was less than oiie-fourth of a mile away. The next morn- ing I received the horse. "Van" said he was trying to gather a company of young men and boys, and to go out with them, and wanted me to help him. This I promised to do. After receiving the horse and arms, 1 felt more comfortable and rode over the country con- siderably. I did not know what the army was doing, af- ter the battle of Franklin, for after getting the mount, I kept out of harm's way, waiting "Van's" call; but I surely enjoyed the outing. One day near noon 1 was sitting on the gallery at the doctor's talking to the young ladies, and about half a mile to our front on a ridge, there put in an appearance a wagon train, and the way it was headed cast a gloom over my thoughts. The young ladies were very much exercised and were fearful it was leaving the country and that they again would be with the horrid Yankees. I thought their sur- mise was correct, but did not express myself, and tried to dissueade, for I could see dei)icted in their counte- nances the anticipated dread. I mentioned the i)ossibili- ty of the train being out on a foraging ex|)edition, but T could see this did not quiet their fears. The old doctor was not at home, but I wished he were, for some hard words from him of abuse of the Yankees would have been a relief to me, as it would have been more suited to my nature and would have aroused hatred, but as it was, sympathy predominated. I cut my visit short and was on horse, riding off, thinking: "How noble is one, to love his country; how sad the fate to mingle with those you hate. ' ' In the course of time V^an Houghton informed me he had men gathered and he was ready for me. He said he had reported and was ordered to kee]) in the rear and flank, and to follow the army on retreat. We did this— sighted only a few of the enemy on the way out and had 164 Capture and Escape, but little to do. The greatest trouble was something for man and horse to eat, and we seemed to have no con- nection with the supply train. Therefore, drew nothing. I was so hungry one morning when I struck where the infantry had camped for the night, I got down and threw some smoldering chunks together and had a fire started and threw on such bones and cows ' heads as were handy to roast. The boys* who had camped there had roasted the most of the bones once, but were not onto their job as well as one who had served a time in a Yankee prison ; so I scraped and sucked hot bones until I appeased my hunger, and after that I had better luck in foraging. The Yanks were rather closely following our squad. One day, w^hen we were at a stream, about one hundred feet wide and swimming — it seemed to be swollen by rain as it had the appearance of a ford — we saw a small boat at a landing. The recruits seemed to be exicted and would not take to the water. I proposed to Van that he make a show and keep the Yanks back with two or three men, and I would get the boys across. He agreed. I ordered the boys to dismount and shove their horses in, when I swam my horse. I unsaddled and stripped, and sent a man over with my outfit in the small boat. The men were to cross in small boats after the horses were across. I rode in and slipped off my horse and swam it across ; the most of the horses were pushed in but would not follow, so I returned and mounted another. All fol- lowed this time and the men were soon across. All was safe if we got away from the landing, over the hill. I hurriedly saddled and mounted, with my clothing in my arms and before me — the bullets by this time were com- ing near. There was a residence just on the top of the hill near the road, but I })aid no heed to the lookers on and was too cold to blush. I dismounted at a safe dis- tance with the rear guard out, and dressed. The water and wind were cold, and I guess would have been hard on a fellow unaccustomed to liardshi])s. On this retreat I thought of Napoleon's disastrous retreat with bare and bleeding feet — here it was to be seen, now and then. Capture and Escape. 165 After crossing Tennessee River, I rested with the army two or three days and tlioiight from what 1 could catch from "Van's" talk, that when he had his men as- signed to some command, he woukl return; so I proposed to return him his horse, which 1 afterwards wished I had not done. I saddled up a mule one night, while not seen, and rode off. It was very cold and when I started 1 thought 1 would suffer, but such was not the case, as 1 had plenty of exercise to keep ^varm in getting the mule to go. I rode nearly all the next day, but stopped for the night. There was a man and wife at the house. They seemed well supplied with food for man and beast but the man was afraid he would not get any pay, and w^ould, every little while, speak of being "eat out by sol- diers." This I did not believe, as he had plenty and I saw that both I and my horse got plenty. He looked young and able enough to have been in service, but he was in such a hide-out |)lace I guess the conscript of- ficer could not find him, and as I had just passed a dis- tillery in the hills, I guessed he was on the hide-out or- der — at least, after the war. He went over his liberality story again, while his wife was cooking breakfast and said he was done feeding without pay. I encour- aged him in his determination, and told him he should have stopped it long ago ; in fact, if the settlers had not started it, there would have been less stragglers, as the boys had plenty to eat in camp. But I never intimated that I was penniless; so he and his w^ife cheered up, he especially. After breakfast I saddled up and hitched at the front gate and went in, bade the lady good-bye and thanked her. In coming out, I passed the man standing at the fire place, gave him a hearty shake and thanked him. I was the only one who seemed to have the ])ower of speech or motion in the house. I mounted and rode off in a path that was straight for two or more hundred yards. The man was motionless every time I turned my head and looked back. I enjoj'ed the scene and had a hearty laugh, and have often wondered what were his first words. 166 Capture and Escape. I traveled about twenty miles that day, in a rough country and took up at a small but well kept farm. The family consisted of man and wife, son and daughter. There was i)lenty of corn in the crib and the table was well supplied with corn bread, bacon and sour kraut; and I and my mule had a good appetite. I soon found the man was a trader and he made a proposition and I accepted it, but did not carry out my part in all par- ticulars. He said he needed a farm mule and I needed a saddle horse, and said he had studied up a plan for each to get what he needed. I told him to out with his plan, as I was ready to mount at the first opportuni- ty; that I had a long ride before me to reach my com- mand, and possibly would have some trouble to get around Sherman's army, as I supposed the Rebs were still at the front. His plan was for me to steal his neighbor's three year old stallion — from his description, the colt was a bute, but too young for hard usage; al- though I kept mum on that point. His plan was, that when night came, lie would go with me to near the place, which was one an one-half miles off. I was to ride the mule near to the house and unsaddle, then get horse out of the stable, saddle up and ride off that night. I told him I would study the matter over and let him know the next day; that I was too near worn out to travel at night unless I was forced to. He consented and said I could stay as long as I wanted if he could get the mule' — I had already told him that I had no money. The next morning I told him it was all right, — with some changes. I was to remain three days and two nights longer and he was to keep the mule in the barn out of sight, so none of tlie neighbors in passing would see him, as they might recognize the mule after I had gone and he would at least be suspicioned of being a party to the colt's disappearance; and further, I would ride the mule to the place and when I got the horse 1 would return with the mule. He readil}^ agreed to this. 1 and the mule had been fairly well treated up to this time, but the bal- ance of my stay was made much more ])leasant; the (^\i"i'iiRK AND Kscapp:. 167 young lady was more talkative and pleasant, and "bud" did not hang- around when the young lady and I were wishing the war was over. The old man kei)t the mule well housed and said he was currying him night and morning and soon would have a different looking animal of him. Time now passed rapidly and I wished I had set it twenty-four hours longer, for 1 had struck a bon- anza — plenty to eat, comfortable bed and chairs, boy to make fires and man to feed and curry the mule, and a pleasant, quiet, good-looking woman for mother-in-law — if the girl said so after the war was over and I passed that way. I guess the old man would have readily agreed as he and I agreed so well, T would have been a handy fellow to have in the family. The time ai-rived — had early sui)per; my hostler had the mule curried and saddled and at the front gate. It was now dark and we had no fear of being seen, as there had not been a person passed that way during my stay. I was to get the horse and return and hitch the mule at the front gate, during the night. The old man gave me another recital of the roads and directions. I got a pleasant farewell, with many wishes of safety during the balance of the war, and to be sure and come by that way on my return to Texas. My last words were: "I am going to try to make quick work of this job and you keep a watch for mule." His reply was: "Nobody will see him hitched to the gate when daylight conies." I knew he was right in his prophecy. As I rode off, the thought came to my mind : who was the bigger liar and thief of the two — the one who received kind treatment and attention decep- tively, or the one who planned to have his closest neigh- bor's only horse stolen? I passed nea^r the house of the colt owner, as it was on my road in the proper direction. I w^ent about eight miles that night and stopped at a house; traded the mule the next morning for a very good old saddle horse that I rode through to my command. I have often wondered if my man sat uj) all night or ever saw the nnile afterwards; or did he ever learn that steal- 168 Capture and Escape. ing was bad at best, and was it not a greater sin for two to steal than one. I somewhat justified my act by the thought that lie had contributed something to the support of the army, as he w^as well able to shoulder his gun and his family were such that they could make a comfortable living without his aid; so, if a straggling soldier did not tax him now and then, he would have been a useless citizen ; and I guessed the assessor had not found him, and if he had, the little he would have gotten would not have been worth the ride. On my way to my command I passed across the coun- try that Sherman and Johnston went over on "Sherman's advance to Atlanta, Georgia. The fencing had mostly been burned and some of the houses abandoned. I struck their line of devastation, so I could ride across it in one day, as I expected nothing for man or beast. While the whole day was not occupied in the line of contention of the two armies, the nearby country was closely foraged. I was told before entering that all I would see was women and children and a few old or crippled men ; and that the mothers were walking long distances to get food for their children ; which they brought in on sled drawn by two or three year old beef, which they butchered. I was also told that the continuous noise of the contending armies had driven all winged creatures from the country. Hear- ing the reports caused me to notice particularly, and in my hard days' ride I found things about as stated, for destitution was on every hand and to an extent one cannot well conceive, unless seen. But such is war, and yet at this stage of civilization and short period of emerging from the war, you will still hear men talk of war as though it were but a matter of killing off a few men an the satisfying of a few others by pension. They seem to have no thought of the suffering many, and I have learned that those who agitate war are mere trum- pets and not fighters. I got with my connnand in the C^arolinas and they were still battling with the enemy and slowlj giving to their CaPTItrE and FiSCAT^E. 169 pressure, but from what I could see we made no i>-reat resistance. My horse was not fit for duty w^hen 1 reached the company and I and one other member of "Pj" o))- tained a ])ermit to press horses. We started out and had some trou))le in findini»' a mount, as the country had been well searched. On this trip we i-odc u)) to a fine residence, situated on an elevated i)oint with a farm on three sides. The dwelling was a magnificent two-story structure and T thought at the time, it was the most beautiful residence property I had ever seen. We were met at the gate by an old man who said he was the owner of the farm. We told him our business. He said all of his best horses had been taken, but pointed to the edge of a field about one-fourtli of a mile away and said if w^e would enter the woods at that point we would find several horses about one hundred and fifty yards in, in charge of an old negro man; said he had them hid there hoping that the Yankees would not find them, but that they were all old stock and only fit for farm use; but if we found any that suited, to take them, leaving ours in- stead. We went as directed and found the horses as represented. They 'showed good keeping and were at one time a fine lot of large horses. We saw nothing that we w^anted and started to retrace our steps to the oi)en- ing when we heard the firing of guns at or near the house. When we rode into the opening, we saw the house enveloped in smoke. We stood and looked on in awe but a few moments when the flames burst forth. My feelings I cannot describe at seeing the destruction of that l)eautiful house of an old and once wealthy fam- ily. I saw a rider coming our way and when he came up, he said there were four or five dead Yankees in the yard; that a scpiad of Kebs had ridden up on them when in the house, plundering and firing the same; that they were trying to force from the three women the where- abouts of their valuables. When they saw the Rebs, they ran for their horses which wei-e hitched to the fence, and w^ere all shot down. Our infoiinant said the old man of the place was so enraged that he took a butcher 170 Capture and Escape, knife and cut each man's throat. In a few days after, T understand there were two meetings under a flag of truce, directed by the enemy's cavalry commander and the Confederate cavalry commander. Reports said that the Yanks were much wrought up over finding their men with their throats cut and threat- ened retaliation at the first truce. General Wheeler investigated and reported the finding at the second truce; and stated that after the Yankee general had received and read his report, if he carried out his threat — that he held a far greater number of prisoners than he did, and that two for one would be shot, if retal- iation was resorted to. I suppose the matter was dropped, as I heard nothing more of it, the second day out. Pard and I found a fairly good horse for each and returned to our command. We found the country well stocked with roving bands of both armies. I heard of one instance of dare-devil bravery which, if true, was nerve of the highest order. It was reported that one of the Rebs captured quite a squad of Yankee cavalrymen by secreting himself and when the front of the squad was opposite, he stepped out and commanded surrender or he, with leveled gun, would shoot commanding of- ficer. It was said that the whole party shed their arms and stepped off at his command. I often thought if this game could be worked on well armed soldiers, the fellow who has robbed a stage coach or railroad car, in comparison, had not done much. One of the most interesting sights to be seen in the campaigning of the Carolinas was the firing of the great mounds of rosin that were made from distilling of turpentine. The firing was said to have been done by the Yankees, and I guess to a great extent, true ; but the old saying, "Give a dog a bad name, and you may as well kill him," was brought to mind, when I had to ride some distance above the road crossing to ford a lively stream that was covered some distance with burning- pitch. I was alone, and was satisfied there was not a Yank in five miles when the mound was fired. One Capture and Escape. 171 would often see the smoke of several of these fires in a day The heat was so intense at the base that there would be a column of smoke nearly perpendicular, hun- dreds of feet high, where it was calm. When it struck an upper current of air, it would float with the breeze and would remind one of a g-reat serpent crawlini?; and It could be seen miles away, and often more than one would be m sight. I had read of cities being plundered or sacked, and I had a desire to see it done, if one was ever so unfortunate, and I was near at hand. Columbia South (Carolina, was the unfortunate. The last day of the Confederate forces' evacuation, I was with a detail of about seventy-five men who were in the citv to get clothing and such like for the command. We found but little, if any, but at one business house at which we were halted, the proprietor reported a lot of bottled imported gm that he would rather see us take than the Yankees. Some of the boys took two bottles, some one, and a smali per centage touched not. I was one of the two-bottle crowd, and when we rode out of the citv, I had a well filled bottle in each saddle pocket. The detail went a short distance out of the city and were thrown in line fronting the river near a bridge. I think we were just above the city. We remained in this position, sitting on our horses for some time. The bridge was of good length and enclosed on the sides. We had a few men on the opposite side of the stream and there were some gun reports heard every short while; and thev gradually came closer, and now and then a bullet would whiz near us. Soon a few scattering cavalrymen would cross the bridge, coming to our side— the bridge seemed to be well prepared for firing, for without any thought on our ]iart, te structure burst forth in smoke before the last men at horses' speed passed through. There were two who came onto the bridge together, and there was fear of their not getting across; but it was reported thev did, although they were well scorched. The last and' most gritty of the boys who was near the enemv's front was either burned or checked. Just as he came' to the bridge 172 Capture and Escape. the smoke was so dense from our position we could not tell. It was reported that he perished. Our detail was then ahusing, to the fullest extent of words, the cowardly act of the bridge firers for applying- the torch so soon. While in the line, 1 thought 6f my gin and opened a bot- tle, and the most of the boys did the same. I was not used to drink, but wanted to test gin as a fear tonic; so I partook of the remedy freely, but the bullets would make about the same impression at each visitation, and when we were marched off, the most of one bottle was gone and the bullets sounded the same old way. There was a detail made up while we were moving to go back to the city, and see if it could get any forage for our horses. I was not put on this detail, and I said to one of the boys : ' ' Let 's go to the city tonight, and have some fun." He said: ''All right, if we can." I said: "Play drunk, and follow me." He did so. I did not feel in the least, any effects of my drinking, under excite- ment, but to all appearances, I was just able to §et on my horse and when the detail filed off, pard and I went with them. There was a protest from the officer, but we did not heed. When we struck the road that led to the city, there was a heavy guard to keep stragglers out, for they said the Yanks would take possession that night. The officer pointed out the two drunk men who did not belong to the detail, and the guard made an at- tempt to arrest us ; but T told them that our horses were hungry and that pard and T were going to feed them, if it was in town. The guard was infantry, and there was an officer present who seemed to have charge. They were now close up and around pard, and I with the detail passed through. T put my hand on my six-shooter and said: "We are Texas boys; clear the way." The officer said : ' ' T^et the damn drunken fools go. " So we were soon with the detail and got forage and remained in the city as long as we wanted; found a dozen or more cavalrymen on the same mission as ours, which was to take in the city, less that part where the enemy were shelling. They .seemed to have been put onto the whereabouts of am- Capture and Escape. 173 mimition storage and they kept up a continuous thump at that point from their artillery— but it was said to have all been moved. Pard and J passed out where the guard was, about ten o'clock, but all were gone. We went about a mile further, rode off the road into the woods and camped; gave our horses a good feed and were up and riding back to the city early the next morning. When we arrived in the citj, all was quiet; but it did not stay that way long. I had heard no talk of sacking the city that morning, or evenin(>; before; the enemy had not crossed the river and taken possession. In our ram- bles we struck a man who asked if we could use some cotton or woolen cards, as he did not want them to fall into the hands of the Yankees. We accepted, as we knew something of their scarcity and value, so he gave each of us two pair of cotton cards — one of my cards proved to be wool, after it was too late to correct. By this time there were about the same number of rebel stragglers that there were the evening before. From what I could see, however, they were all good men, out of place, how- ever, as the last one of us should have been with our command. There were groups of the under grade of whites and some negroes gathering in the business cen- ter of the city. We had concluded to go out and I guess the most of the other stragglers were of the same mind for it was time for the Yanks to have laid their pon- toons and commenced crossing. Just as i)ard and T had gotten through the princi])al part of the mob, on our way out, we heard a crash and a great confusion of voices behind. When we looked, we saw all rushing for the point of the noise. We turned and did likewise, and as far as I could see, the balance of the straggling Rebs did the same. We found that a front door of one of the fine dry goods houses had l)een forced and the mob crowding in, so one after another front was burst in. Some one of the straggling Rebs crowded his horse onto the side walk and fired a few shots over the head of the surging mob inside and hollowed get out. From this, the mobs in other stores were shot over and it was 174 Capture and Escape. surely amusing. Men and women were packed and grab- bing — some had large packages on their shoulders ; but when a shot was fired, all dropped their goods, turned and made a rush for the door; and from the way they jammed and piled, there must have been some hurt. I only watched this performance a few minutes and rode away, as it would have been a good place to have been captured. This was certainly a rough mob and they seemed to have no regard for fine glass fronts; they would batter them down, as if they had no value. How far they went with their plundering I do not know, for the first sight of the break and wild rush satisfied my curiosity, and T thought if the bq^vs who were doing the shooting to frighten had only done it at some of the lead- ers, it would have had a better effect. Pard and I got a good dinner that day for the cotton and woolen cards, and the woman who furnished it thought she was fortunate, and said she had fed a good many Rebs that day and the cards were ample to pay for all, if one was woolen. One rarely sees cotton or woolen cards now, but they were a great factor during the war, and how the South would have kept clothed without them would have been a serious question, and would have added far greater suffering. I traded my pair of cotton cards for a good pair of pants and both the receiver of the pants and the cards were made happy. After the evacuation of Columbia, the Rebs did not seem to be much in Sherman's way, for we seemed to be very much on the run. The Terry Rangers were moving one day, which was said to be only a few miles out from Raleigh, North Carolina, when the Yankee cavalry sur- prised them. This was my first experience of being with a body of surprised men at rest, but it was soon over, and the Yanks were on the run. It looked like some of the boys who did not saddle horses were expert bare- back riders and were in the charge among the first and seemed to handle self and their horses with ease. The last time 1 was on the firing lines, was said to be near Bentonville, North Carolina. I was near Colonel Cook Capture and Escape. 175 of the Rangers when he was seriously injured. He was shot at long range, across an oi)ening — just when this happened we were forwarded in column some distance, in a sweeping lope, running into the Yanks who were near cutting us off from the bridge. T made an effort to make a large scpiad of the enemy surrender, by run- ning to their front when they were doul)le-(iuicking to their rear. 1 was about fifty yards to their front de- manding, "Surrender," thinking they were cowed; but two shots from the bunch made me think they were not a surrendering lot, so I got out of the foolish scrape, scared but not hurt. After their two shots, I was satisfied they were onto their job and were run- ning in mass to form hollow square to guard against cavalry charge, and were reserving their fire or they would, no doubt, have em])tied my saddle. I have often thought, of all the simple acts of my life, this one headed the list, and it is noted among the unexplainable. After this, bullets seemed to make a greater noise than usual and one would hear, now and then, a woi'd of discourage- ment as the men had been driven so nuich that there was a muttering of disai)proval of those in authority of their mode of warfare. This was the first and only symptom of dissatisfaction that I ever heard. Surr<»iicled man, T do not know. Fortunately, however, the spell was soon broken; and I awoke, as it were, to realize that there was a future. T have ever been thankful that during the war and since, T cai-ried no hatred a.«>ainst the victorious foe: and T soon learned that they looked upon the cause of the strife as T did. and performed it as one of their most sacred djities. The in- cident that made me a reasoning being was verv sim?)le, and crude: but throutrh life T have at least made it mind's comfort nt times, when thinj>-s did not ^'o my way, by e-ettino- in the band waffon, as it were, and bend an in- fluence and not stand off and curse and make iiiatters worse. Now for the incident. It wms a few days after the armistice had been in force, tlint the cavalry was movina: at night and we w:ere passins- through a piece of woods in a well worn countrv road. At this point the road bad been worn down considerablv where ])assina- over eleva- tion, and there was not sufficient room for two columns, so it seemed that the infanti-y at that p(nnt was movinir 178 Surrender and Returning PIome. also and had given the road to the cavalry and were ly- ing on the bank to our right. There was, as usual, some talking between the cavalry and the infantry, I was napping, or nodding, as it was near midnight, when I heard one of the cavalrymen a short distance ahead, ask what regiment was that. The reply was North Carolina Regiment, giving the num])er. Then the cavalry boys began to say "Tar Heel," when one of the Carolina boys drawled out, in rather a long tone: "Boys, have you got any bacon." The reply from the cavalrymen was: "Yes." The North Carolina man then said: "Grease and slide back into the Union." The remark and the novel way of the use of bacon, forced a laugh from several. I joined in and we were soon discussing the merits of the North Carolinian's advice. I laughed and thought, and had not ridden far before I made up my mind to follow the lesson taught by the crude advice; so from that I commenced to think of the coming civil life and day by day the sunshine of my being grew brighter. In a few days there were about one hundred and fifty of us started for home, without permission or parole. We rode out of the army lines at night — we had a lieut- enant as commander, and passed over country in some places that knew nothing of the ceasing of hostilities. At one small town we passed, the town authorities opened quite a large storeroom of army supplies of bolt cloth, and such like. The news of the opening for the soldiers soon spread and the citizens gathered in considerable number — the soldiers went in, but got little of any use. The most of the boys cut off i)ants patterns. There was no attempt to close doors after the soldiers came out, for by this time there was a jam of citizens who seemed to want all they could get while the opportunity offered; so they soon filled the house, which had a ]ilatform — and there were some amusing incidents seen, both men and women were in the grab ; and when a fellow inside would shoulder up a bolt of goods, his rights would soon be contested; therefore, there would be a scuffle and un- rolling of the bolt with a run for the streets and there SURI^KNOFJ^ AND IvF/PrHXTNO TToME. 179 was quite a \)\\in of those wlio retained their hold too near the edi>e of the i)latform. Tlie whole street front was soon a struggling mass, with numbers of pocket knives being used to get a part of the l)olt at least; and in some instances the cut was very small. It was all done in a good humored, noisy crowd, but the divide was not an equal one, by any means. We soon rode off and I guess the authorities shut the doors on an empty room. As we rode out of town, we struck a fellow who had whiskey for sale. I rode by his place and got my can- teen filled, so with others doing the same, we had plenty of whiskey for the souad for all time, if they stuck to that brand. After I had taken a drink and passed to those who wanted, I took the second drink to see if it tasted as bad as the first — it did, and I soon thought, from its (juick-acting qualities, that 1 had not grown rich from its effects, but sick. 1 soon felt too sick to live, but not sick enough to die. I soon drew the stop- per of my canteen and emj^tied it, and I thought after seeing its contents, of all the men in the world, that town had the meanest in that whiskey peddler and that he would be out of luck if he passed that way while I was so sick. I don't. think that there was ever a greater amount of chewing tobacco used in whiskey, or I got the dregs of the barrel, for in emptying the canteen the mouth would nearly stop by pieces of cut plug tobacco. We rode into camp after dark and this was my first and only time that I remember of failing to care for my horse. 1 managed to unsaddle him and ])our corn on the ground. T made no attempt to si)read blanket, as any place was acceptable. Sickness soon wore off, and I got a fairly good night's rest; but it was some time before 1 tried the "get rich quick" plan again. On this trip my horse had about given out and I asked the lieutenant for his consent for one of the other boys and I to re- mount, and I would see that the mount would give his command no trouble, as T was going to get it from the Rebs, who did not know the war was over and that all our armv stock belonged to the ^'anks. lie consented 180 Surrender and Returning ?Iome. and j>ave me directiony of ti'avel so I could catch up with the squad. So the next day, just before noon, we passed through quite a town and I told the officer that I would drop out near the outskirts. When we jiassed through, there were quite a number of government teams parked near where we entered the town. The squad only halted a short time in town to inquire the way, but said nothing of Lee's surrender, or Johnston's and Sherman's armis- tice. It looks strange, in this day of progress, that not so many years hence, the news of so important an inci- ent traveled so slowly in a well settled country; but such was the condition then; for we traveled some distance before the news that hostilities had ceased, was known. After passing through the town about half a mile, pard and I turned to our left and rode off the road about two hundred yards, unsaddled and rested the balance of the day near a small stream of water. Near night there were two fine four-mule teams driven up and went into camp on the opposite side of the stream. I remarked to "j^ard that we were in luck and to saddle up and mount. He did so and we rode about a quarter of a mile in the road that our command had passed on, then we turned to the left and went into woods about two hundred yards from the road and unsaddled, and turned our horses loose un- der pard's protest, he claiming that we at least should tie our horses, so that if we did not succeed, we would still have our horses. I re])lied that if we did not, that we would make l)etter time walking, and that was what I proposed doing if 1 found I was too cowardly to mount a government mule when they now had Yanks for owners. His next objection was that we would not be able to find our saddles, and I said: "Yet you propose to tie your horse where he will probably starve, if the place is not found." I, by this time, saw I had a weak subject and could not depend on his aid. When we got within seven- ty-five yards of the teams, we stopped for a few" minutes to take observation. I could see from. the small camp fire that all was clear and that the two drivers had turned in foi* the night, so I. suggested to pard that he SlM^REXDKK AND l^KTrHXrXCi IIoMK. 1S1 go to the nearest team and i>et a nmie, and tliat 1 would go to the fartherest. He \Yeakened and said he could not take the risk. I then said : "If 7011 will strictly obey in- structions, 1 will mount you; hut if you think you can- not, return to your horse, and saddle and ride on," He agreed, so I told him to remain at the point he was then standing. I was soon examining the first team. Tt was at the front of the wagon, and did not take kindly to me and made some noise; and there was soon a head and shoul- der seen in front under wagon cover. I was looking for the driver to be aroused so I stayed squatted between the mules until he drew back, and then T continued my examination for a good mount ; and as I had my idea set on a mare mule, I was delayed sometime in finding one and feeling of her limbs to see if she was sound. When I had made my choice, I soon made friends and very ([uietly unhitched and led off. I soon found my man and handed him the halter and told him to rub the mule's head and pet, to keep it from braying, I returned and unhitched another and it was contrary and made a noise but I had time to squat and pass under, unobserved, by each teamster looking out and why they did not miss the mule that I had taken was a mystery. They were soon back and quiet, as I went to the side of each wagon and from their breathing they were asleep. By this time the mules had somewhat familiarized my presence. 1 was soon out with pard and handed him the halter that I held, and said: "You have my mule. Pard 's mule brayed once while we were leading them away, but the boys were not disturbed of their rest. We were soon at our saddles, but saw nothing of our former saddle horses and I said to pard I was more courteous to nir horse than he, for I had patted him and said good bye and wished he would fall into the hands of a better master. We were soon mounted; overtook our command while they were breakfasting the next morning. My mule was all one could ask for; gentle and a fine saddler and car- ried the C S. brand. Pard's mule was good, but a poor saddler. We were soon through with breakfast and on 182 Surrender and Returning Home. the inarch. We passed through a small town and were halted some time. The officer was onto his job and had pard and I ride at the head of the column and the boys in the rear posted. While we were halted, a run- ner came to the front and said we were followed by two men. Then Lieutenant Littlefield ordered us to hide be- hind the court house and when our pursuers passed on, for us to take a ])arallel road to the right. The squad was soon moving and all of the boys had caught on. The pursuers whipped by, bareheaded and without saddles, and were unmercifully guyed as they passed. They maintained a sweeping lope as long as I sighted them, and seemed intent on overtaking what they would have termed thieves, although they had no arms. We took a parallel road, as directed, for a few miles, then we re- turned to the main road. Pard Y)rotested and asked what we would do if our pursuers met us on the return. I said: "You saw that they had no arms; so, neither would be hurt, and I believe I would like to meet the boys anyhow and try and repay them for their honest effort to regain the mules, which I would do by telling them the war was over and to hitch up and drive as straight for home as they could, but to keep a close watch for, if they didn't, they would wake up some morning with the balance gone." We saw no more of them and were soon with our com- mand. Our number was decreasing daily by the men dropping out to visit relatives or friends, and I think that by the time we were a short way in Alabama, Fox Trammel, John Pipkin and I were the only ones of the original party who were holding to our westerly course. So we journeyed on as a party of three, found as a gen- eral thing, plenty for man and beast, and especially in Mississippi ; and I think I saw more corn housed in one section of that state than I saw on my whole travels. We took advantage of this plentifulness of corn and moved but a few miles per day, feeding and resting our horses. W^e usually stopped early of an evening and Surrender and RETURNiNCi TTome. IS.'} would get our ))i'ea(l baked at some near l»y lionse, leaving one of the i)arty as cani])-kee])er. One evening, while we were in Alabama — it was Tram- mel's time to stay in camp — we were sto])i)ing a few hundred yards out from what looked to be a small vil- lage. John and 1 had taken our meal and were going to the first house to get bread baked. We saw (piite a numlier of tenement houses built in two rows and facing each other, with a wide street between. We leai'ued that it was the quarters for laborers for some iron industry, and from what 1 have learned since, it must have been near Sheffield. On entering the yard we saw quite a number of large, long poor rats and an old dog lying- down. The rats seemed to have no fear of the dog and but little for John and me. Our curiosity was excited ^Vhen we went to the house, we found a mother, two daughters and a ten or twelve year old boy. We asked if we could get bread baked and they readily agreed. Our next query was: Why that dog did not kill the rats we saw running over and near him, and how came there to be so many. Their explanation was, that the Con- federates had been for quite a while gathering commis- sary supplies and storing in the company's house and shop, and that there had been a great amount of corn handled through them and the rats had multiplied to such an extent that there were thousands of them bur- rowed in and about the storage rooms; that a short time since the Yankees had raided the place and burned all, but had let the people near l)y get out a lot before firing the buildings and that they had gotten out corn enough to bread them for some time, but the rats, from all n])- l)earances, to a large extent, escai)ed burning and had left the burned district and scattered among the near settlers and it looked as though they would devour all the food su]iply. That there was a good supi)ly of chickens among the peo])le and that the rats had eaten all but one old cock — that he liad, from some cause, roosted well up in a tall ticc and as yet they had not been able to get him, and that the oc('ui)ants of the 184 Surrender and Returning Home, house next to them had a sow with six pigs a few weeks old, and that they had all been eaten. I had read of rat stories, and thought they were all highly colored; l)ut from the number of rats 1 saw about the place and their starving appearance, 1 credited the statement. They said the dog killed rats by the dozens when they made their first appearance, but had apparently given up in disgust and would notice them only while eating. The house was a double pen log house with entry be- tween. They used one room to stow their corn, which they had in boxes and barrels and some in sacks hung by cord to joist; and they had found no way to keep the rats from eating it and had already lost about half of their supply — said they made it their daily business to stop all holes that were gnawed through during the night and that they had used all devices that they could think or had heard of to destroy them; but were now nearly ready to give up, as they had no iron vessels to put corn in. John and I gave the outside of a room a thorough in- spection; found quite a number of holes that had been stopped and a great number of places that were almost gnawed through. To the reader it may appear that the saving of about one dozen bushels of corn against rats would be a simple matter, but from my viewpoint it was not. We received our bread and were invited to return af- ter supper and they w^ould sliow^ us the most practical way that they used to destroy the rats. But with the great amount that they had killed, and their neighbors doing likewise, with no perceptible lessening, the onlj remedy was starvation, as it looked to be a hopeless un- dertaking to kill them. John and I returned about dark and from what we could see and the noise we heard, we concluded that a large percentage had not been reckoned by us from day- light observation. On our way to the house, John and I settled our claims to the young ladies — the old,er was mine and the younger, John's; so when we reached the liouse, each showed his favorite a choice and the young SURKENDEK AND HeTI^HNING IIo.MK. 1 Sf) ladies proved to l)e nice, iiiaiiiiei-|y and sociable. This we did not learn on our bread-bakino- trip, as the mother did the talking for the crowd and the tlienie of conver- sation was rats, rats, and what was to become of her and family. After we had pleasantly conversed for a short time, we reminded the young ladies of their prom- ise; for John and I seemed to be in the mother's condi- tion, and, as it were, had rats on the brain. The boy was instructed to unstop a certain hole in entry, which gave the rats free access to the room and to get the sack, which looked to be a corn sack of usual size. The rats were watching the boy, T gueas, for they seemed to com- mence entering' the room at once, and from tlie squeak- ing and noise, John and I got excited at once, as we were sure there was a sack full of them in the room. The girls demurred, but John and I insisted — so John and his girl held the mouth of the sack over the hole, and my girl, the boy and I took a light and entered the room. The rats were not cowed by our entrance and several times I jumped backward to keep a grinning rat on a bar- rel or box from jumping on me, if such was his intention, for they surely made me think such was their aim. We ran a small amount in the sack, but there was quite a lot that would not return through the hole. So, after chas- ing and thumping for a while, we went out and were told if we had listened to them, we would have caught more rats, as killing rats in a room was not the game. We made no attempt to do so. The chimney hearth was of stone, and 1 took the sack as instructed and swung it up and gave the contents a few hard lilows on the hearth and then emptied; and found thirteen dead rats. The girls pleasantly reminded us that "Men do not know every- thing," and if we had taken their advice and waited a few minutes longer, we would have gotten a sack full ; and that without chasing a few straggling rats that did not want to go out. John and I promised to be good, and were. The hole was left open and l)y the time we had the rats killed and counted, there seemed to l)e all that was needed; but as John and 1 had promised the 186 Surrender and TJeturntng TTome. g-irls to let them call time, we kept mmn. So we waited several minutes and as the rats were on my brain, I felt restless, but the girls were more used to the fun and seemed to enjoy the conversation, I thought to extremes, when there were rats to bag. Time was called and my girl and I took the sack, and after she had instructed me how to spread and hold the mouth of the sack, and said "All ready" John, his girl and the boy entered the room. I could hear John now and then, and he acted as though he was scared, but I knew he would come out with all honors, as I did; for the presence of his girl would hold him to his job. The rats commenced pouring into the sack as fast as they could singly pass through the hole. It was soon crowded to overflowing and my girl had not called time — a rat crowded out and was making fast flight up her clothes. She was up and dancing all kinds of ste])s. She finally got rid of the rat and quieted down. 1 could not enjoy the fun of the woman and the rat to any great extent for when she took her hands from the side of the sack, the rats commenced pouring out and I grabbed my side and stood up and then began shaking to settle what I could to the bottom, so I could close the mouth of the sack without getting bit. The rats were killed in the same manner as at first. When counted, there were twenty-three ; so from the bulk killed there were at least as many escaped, for they had crowded in until the sack was full. I asked the young lady why she did not order closing the sack be- fore it got so full, and she said that they were running in so fast that she got excitetd. I said we were now even, as I knew better; but I had agreed to be good and had done so; but I learned that women were somewhat as they had said of men: "That they did not know it all." We were soon in camp and comfortably stowed for the night. After entering Mississippi, we concluded to head for Natchez and make our way across Mississippi River near that point, dodging the Yanks so as to keep our horses. We had no idea, as vet, as to how we would be treated SURHKNDEK AM) KeTURNIXC; IIoMK. 187 by them. Early one day, when we were twenty odd miles from Natchez, we were overtaken })y an eldei-jy lady and son yet in his teens. They were in a li^ht waj^on be- liind a good team. They passed us and I said to the boys, "Let's ride up and see if we can't get the desired in- formation." They demurred on the ground tliat tliey might ])e spies; l)ut I said, have no fear for I take them to have l)een once wealthy natives, and if 1 was correct that they had no love for the Yankees. They agreed to ride up and let me do the talking. I was soon riding by the side of the wagon and Fox and John near behind. I })roceeded without fear, and soon was well posted. She said she w^as the mother of the boy and was once wealthy and that their mission to the country was to try and get some chickens and eggs and had nearly made a failure; that she was a widow and was living with one of her sons-in-law, who lived several miles out from Natchez. That the old family home was only a short distance out from the city and was in charge of an old trusty negro man and woman, and her son stayed there part of the time, but there was but little doing as they had nothing but farm and implements left. She was thoroughly busi- nesslike and asked me if T would sell the mule, as the war being over, she would inake an effort to restock her farm. I told her I would like to sell, provided the other two did, but could not if our stock was not sold as a whole, as we had agreed on striking Texas before }>art- ing, and if we were so unfortunate as to be dismounted, we would walk. She said she would give me one hun- dred dollars in greenbacks for the mule. My rei)ly was: ' ' What for the two horses ? ' ' She said, ' ' It is farm mules I want." I said: "The horses are young, a))le-l)odied ; fine saddlers, and one of them was among the s])eedy horses of the Texas Rangers and would eitber ])low or trade to advantage, and if she struck a sport that the bay, or Trammel's horse, would bring her a fine i)air of mules, and that she need have no fear of letting the proposed ])urchaser test its s])eed <|ualities. and if she made a fair offer on the horses, I would acce))t the ])rice 188 Surrender and Returning Home, offered for the mule." She then offered for Trammel's horse, the same as for the mule, and said for Pipkin's horse she would sell him to her son who lived a short distance ahead for ei^'hty dollars gold, which was about equal in price to the others. My reply was: '^I will see what the boys say and am in hopes they will accept, for under the conditions, your price is liberal, but we could get more liy selling in Texas, especially for Trammel's horse, as he was inclined on the sporting side of life and knew that his horse had good value as a racer." Pi]ikin and Trammel had dropped some distance behind and had beckoned me several times, but I did not heed call until the woman and T were understood. I told her that my mule was in the same condition as all first class mules of the South, with C. S. or U. S. branded on them and that mine was C. S. She said she did not think the Yankees would bother. I dropped back and the boys seemed worried at me and said that we had better shake the old woman at once as we would soon be within the Yankee lines if we followed her; and that she would then give us away and we would be dismounted and probal^ly detained. T told them that the woman was what she had claimed to be and to take my judgment for that. They started by pronouncing her a spy and T started to ]^rove my first impression correct and that I had found it so in everv particular; she only wanted my mule and had no fear of the G. S. brand. T said: "Boys. I guess that looks funny to you, as you have been guyins; me for a time about not being able to sell mule, and here I am. with mule the leader in a sale: so do as you please, and T will do the same; but you will have lost the chance of a sale if the mule is not a consideration now. Let's ride u]) and overtake her and talk to her before T acce])t as individual." So we were soon with the wagon, and she said: "See that house ahead? That is my son's place; if you young men wish to sell, say so, as that horse would belong to him (pointing to John's) and T want to pay for him." John agreed and in less than fifteen minutes had eighty dollars in gold ])Ocketed. She told her son to Surrender and RmTRxixG Home. 189 send to a place of delivory llic otlici- two lioi-scs and .i;-et liis. We then rode on a few miles and stopped at her son-in-law's. We Avere met at the front i)oreli and liad our clothes well dusted. T did not tell it, but 1 knew it was the first time L ever had the other fellow to do my dusting-, and as the other boys acted like they had been raised to such usage, I guess they were in about the same lilight as I; but T have since thouoht that we did not fool the negro servant, as we did not tip him, which was evidence that we were of the "poor white trash," or what the slaves of the well-to-do called the "poor white bucker." I don't know when, where, nor how the word "bucker" originated; but well knew its meaning, and that was, that a rich man's slave was better than a poor white man and was often used as a slur by a negro owned by the rich to one owned by poor white people. We were asked in and seated in a finely furnished par- lor. I don't think that the old lady sat down until she had paid us, as agreed, and stated^that Trammel and I turn our mounts in at a farm near town and her son would go down with the wagon, and John. We soon had a nice dinner, then returned to the i^arlor and enjoved music for a time. Then we started for the farm and were soon among outing Yankees, picking berries. I was fearful they would see the C. S. on the mule and as I had a large leather pouch or haversack, T put the strop on the ))omn]el of the saddle and let the pouch cover the brand. Mv fear was soon allayed as Qur i)assng did not seem to attract their attention. We soon were at the farm house and the old colored man took charge of our stock, and the old coloi-ed wonuin had a good su])])er prepared at the pr()i)er time. The young man sent to town and got an ami)le sui)])ly of whiskey for an all night's carousal. He seemed to be in the height of his glory and said he felt honored to have the ivrivilege of entertaining us and for us to eat, drink and be merry — and we surely did until about 2 A. M. None of us drank to get drunk, but the ])ast and future was no ])art of oui' rejoicing — it was the present, and we sure 190 Surrender and Returning Home. made each iniiiiite coimt. We liiig-g-ed, danced, sang- and halloaed to our soul's content and our young friend joined in. All our monkey acts would end up in a great ha-ha laugh. We got a few hours' sleep and were called for breakfast. The old colored man had a rig geared up and the mule was one of the team. I asked the old man if he was not afraid to drive mule into town, and he said: "I have brand to the tongue side,' and when he struck the city he would drive fast, which he did, and when we alighted at the hotel, he drove away fast; and I guess he got back all 0. K. — he told me he would soon have the brand blurred or ironed out, as he called it. W^e were soon in a hotel and registered. From there we reported at headcpiarters, were paroled and given trans- portation. Pii)kin and Trammel went via New Orleans, I to Alexandria, Louisiana. I changed boats at mouth of Red River. All seemed to be "busted" on the boat but we three; and we did the charity act by making (piite a lot of the old boys forget their cares for a time. I walked from Alexandria to my sister's, a Mrs. Allen, which was forty miles out, in the direction of my home. I stayed therg about one month and had an enjoyable time. My brother-in-law came to Texas with me; we drove through in a two-horse buggy. I left sister's with a twenty dollar greenback bill and got accommodations to Sabine River free, as no one would take it — for the want of confidence or lack of money of like kind; all seemed to be afraid of greenbacks. I was told by several before leaving sister's that the Texans were accused of a good deal of horse stealing during the war, from Louisiana, and I would do the wrong thing in traveling by claiming to be a Texan. I asked if none were taken by Louisiana thieves and run into other states and sold. Their re])ly was: "Texans were accused of it," so I again thought of the old saying, "Give a dog a bad name and you had as well kill it." Allen and I called at a widow's house late one evening, to stay all night. It was near Lake Charles, and if 1 remember correctly, it was in or near the sec- Surrender and Kp:turxin« Home. 191 tion that is called "Big Woods." Her son was a mem- ber of Company "F", 5th Texas Infantry, and was a fine young- fellow, and lie and I were (inite chummy. He seemed to think a great deal of his motlier and sisters, and often si)oke of them; and would hand me letters from home to read — and from their tone, their love for each other was mutual. He had often told me to be sure and call on them if I ever passed that way, so in time's onward flight, I received from his dying lips his last message on this earth to the mother and sisters, and I l)romised to deliver it, if in my power to do so. When 1 entered the yard, the motlier and two sisters, as I took them to be, were sitting on the front gallery. I advanced to the steps, and spoke — asked to stay all night. The old lady seemed to be terribly out of sorts, for her reply was: "No," and a shower of words that came so thick and fast that I could get no chance to exi)lain, so I stood and listened as long as my nature would permit; turned, went to the buggy and drove some distance and sto])ped for the night. Allen asked if I was not going to deliver the message. I said, "no, how could I: for her words were not of the soothing kind, and she would not give me a chance to speak; and that I had long since tired of war tales of woe and abuse and I guessed I had done wrong, but my nature was such that my passion had overbalanced reason." Allen stopped at the place, on his return home and delivered the message, so the mother and sisters learned about the young man's ending. When we arrived at the Sabine River near Niblets Bluff, there was a long ferriage as the river was up. The ferryman changed without hesitancy my twenty dol- lar bill. I knew nothing of the difference in value be- tween V. S. currency and s})ecie, so he made the change to suit his own ideas and T received mostly gold which I found ui)on arriving in Beaumont to be at a premium rate sufficient to ])urchase a greater amount than twen- ty dollars in green backs, so as it were, the ferryman had jjaid to cross us over the river. T think of this incident 192 vSuRRENDER AND RETURNING HoME. every time I read of some fellow returning amomits to the conscience fnnd, but as yet have never divied up. We left the team on the east side of Neches river and crossed on the T. & N. O. R. R. trestle, which was under water. In Beaumont T found my old father and two small half-sisters. My brother and stepmother had both died of yellow fever and a young half-brother had gone to other parts and had joined the sporting element as a race horse rider. I found John Pipkin's old father, who was once a well to do farmer, following two or three worn teams, doing the draying for the people through Beaumont's mud, and ])reaching of a Sunday to the natives. He preached for the good, and not for the gold ; as he was of the old-time sort, and tried to make one feel better after talking than before; was a pleasant and fluent talker and lived on the bright side of life; per- formed marriage ceremonies of soldier boys, when called upon, and would accept nothing: but would say, "You boys have merited all you will ever get, and I feel it an honored privilege to have the opportunity to join in marriage, such men." John and I enjoyed our return to the full extent, I guess — as well, or better, than the boys of today would, returning under similar service to the present or im- proved Beaumont. John and I, before enlisting to full citizenship, or going to work, as it were, were giving but little thought of tomorrow, and were after a good time; and each of us had seen service enough to learn not to ]:;ine over the by-gone or carry hatred for a victorious foe. Our comi:)any, at times, caused considerable com- ment. There was at that time a company of soldiers stationed at Beaumont, and John and T were soon ac- quainted with a lot of the boys; found them to be nice, jovial young fellows, if they were born North of Mason and Dixon's line. The boys were well equipped with cash, and liberal. John and I, after going through with a four years' experience, had learned something about individuality, so, if it did not hurt our ])i-ide to take a SUKRENDER AND RETURNING IIOME. 193 (Iriiik with the Yanks, w(» had committeed no crime, and it was none of the other fellow's business. I was spoken to, upon several occasions, about John's and my friend- ship for the Yanks, and the surprise it was causing — coming from two young men who had borne their part so well during the struggle. My reply would be: "The war is over and I am following the North Carolinian's advice" (Telling the story). When Allen started to return home, I gave him what cash I had left to make the trip on — then I was "busted" and ready for work, so 1 made application for work at the Long & Carroll Sawmill. I had worked at the mill at different times before the war — my last wages were $35.00 per month and board. Long told me when I started to war, that if I came out whole, he wanted me to come to the mill and learn to handle it. I promised to do so. When I told him I was ready for work, and if there was an opening, I \^ould appreciate it, he said: "All right, Bill, and I will pay you one dollar per month greater than the other laborers;" that he was paying fifteen dollars, but would give me sixteen. I declined, saying: "Four years lost and wages cut." So I went home and gathered up father's old carpen- ter tools and went on a job at $1.50 per day, about one hundred feet from the place where I left off work. FINIS. h 1^)4 82 ♦ »^"I^ * ^p- -V.0 ^v,^ /,.:^. - ""^^K^" o*.»li^-^ ^-p/ : V-^' c^"^^^ ;* ^^^ U < &^ ■X cO^^>;^^"-o .^^\.^^X c°\ci^^% ^'^r ^^^■^ ' '*SK'' '\s'^'^'^' -^^fe"^ %'^^'^ ' •** i°-n^. .-^ .^' *^ .o <> *^t; •^^0^ •^ " >"" -o ' rSr' ^b. '•^^«' .o"^ '.V ■» o ^of ^ ? ^^-n^. "•••.■''** •r O r .oO-.^%e^ •• ^^^-^^ -•aiB'." .?^"^*. ".WISif-' **"*. ■ V. .v-^ ,0^ *<>. -.,, >* .v.. i-"-^^. V %.** .♦iKvX/'.-^s&r%.*^\''^i&- *• .^^""^^. "-^2^e^*- ^^^-^^ • • .% v>\.-^% -c^ .0 ^^^^^^ -^^': %^^^ -^Hm-: %/ --^^^ . . . ;* ,/\ --^^ /\ ^^-^K V .^^ rl<^^ JP-^^. <. ♦TTV ^«-o^ N 4 o • ' ^^ ^^0^ ; ^""^ ' o'^ . * • ». **% • ■V,.**.4¥i^- <> o«»' • • -* / V-^-^V V^^'^-o' X/^'-J" " 0^ fl»^ "\^ . » • O - *;* ^^^ ^ MAY 82 l!l=f!^ N. MANCHESTER, \.*^ .'