The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-08-04


ditiOn. He says in conclusion.
81 cannot express the torture of my
feelings, when l reflect that q campaign
so auspiclously begun, and which might
be so soon and so gloriously terminated,
Is likely to be rendered abortive, for the
want Of supplies. For Gods, sake pre-.
vent SO great an evil"
AS the baggage-wagons were loaded up,
and the men fell into marching order, the
palpable evidence Of the failure of the
project on which he had 80 deeply set his
heart, and the disgrace that awaited his
army, became so painful, that he could
not endure the sight and exclaimed in
mingled grief and shame.
"lf only two men will remain with me,
L will never abandon the post
"You have one, Generalr exclaimed
Captain Gordon, Of the spies, who stood
beside him.
The gallant Captain Immediately be-
gan to beat up for volunteers, and it was
not long before hundred and nine brave
fellows surrounded their General, swearing
to stand by him to the last.
The latter then put himself at the head
Of the militia, telling them he should or
der them back, if they met provisions near
by. They had gone but ten or twelve
miles, when they met hundred and fifty
beeves on their way to the fort. The
men fell to, and in a short time were gorg-
ing themselves with halfroasted meat
lnvigorated by their gluttonous repast,
most Of them consented to return
One company, however, quietly resumed
its journey homeward. When Jackson
was informed of it, he sprung into his sad
die, and galloping a quarter of mile
ahead, where General Coffee with his staff
and a few soldiers had halted, ordered
them to form across the road, and fire on
the first man that attempted to pass. As
the mutlncers came up and saw that liv-
ing barrier before them, and in front of it
the stern and decided face of their COM
mander, they wheeled about, and retrac-
ed their steps. Jackson then dismounted
and began to mix among the men, to al
lay their excitement, and conciiate their
feelings. While he was thus endeavour
ing to reduce to cheerful obedience, this
refractory company, he was told, to his
utter amazement, that the other portion
of the army had changed their mind, and
the whole brigade was drawn up in
column, and on the point of marching
homeward. He Immediately walked up
in front of the column, snatched a musket
from the hands Of n soldier. and resting it
across the neck "f his horse, swore he
would shoot the first uIan who attempted
to owe. The soldiers stood and looked
in sullen silence at that resolute face, un-
decided whether to advance or not when
General Coffee and his 5 aft galloped up.
These, together with the faithful compan-
les, Jackson ordered to form behind him,
and fire when he did. Not word was
uttered for some time, rs the two parties
thus stood face to face, and gazed Oh each
other. At lenght murmur ran along the
column,-rebellion was crushed, and the
mutneers consented to return. Discon-
tent, however, prevailed, and the voun-
teers looked anxiously forward to the 10th
OF December, the time when they sup
posed their term Of enlistment expired
They had originally enlisted for twelve
months, and counting in the time they
had remained disbanded, after their re-
turn from Natchez, the year would be
completed on that date. But Jackson
refused to allow the time they were not in
actual service. Letters passed between
the officers and himself, and every effort
was made on his part, to allay the excite-
ment, and convince the troops Of the JUS
tice of his demands. He appealed to their
patriotism, their courage, and honour, and
finally told them If the General Govern
ment gave permission for their discharge,
he would discharge them, otherwise they
should walk over his dead body, before
they stirred foot, until the twelve months
actual service was accomplished. Antici-
pating trouble, he wrote home for rein
forcements, and sent off officers for re-
| cruits.
In the mean time, the 10th OF Decem-
Der drew near, and every heart was filled
with anxiety for the result. A portion Of
the army was resolved to take their dis
charge, whether granted or not. 1t was
not sudden impulse, created by want
and suffering, but well-considered and
settled determination, grounded on what
they considered their rights. The thing
had been long discussed, and many OF
the ofiiceTs had given their decides; opiii-
ion that the time Of the men actually ex-
pired on the 10th. Jackson knew that
his troops were brave, and when backed
by the consciousness Of right, would be
resolute and firm. But he had made I'D
his mind To prevent mutiny thnu0h he