White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-11-19

and steving savory meat over the Goals, and here
and there dirty negro was superintending the
roasting of sweet potatoes. Two or three beeves
were suspended from the lover branches Of the
trees, which men were skinning and cutting up
for the different camp messes.
1 Every one appeared to be busy or enjoying
themselves. Loud Jokes and peels Of laughter
rung round the forest encampment; and yet these
men cow 50 thoughtless and happy, were called
upon 10 face death almost daily in conflicts and
skirmishes with bitter and unrelenting enemy.
Such were Marion's men-uneducated most Of
them, but full of rude hoaor and patriotism. s
"The General. the General" cried numer-
Gus voices, As the band saw Castleton and his
companion ride into the camp. Yes, the Majors
unknown comrade was Marion himself.
A small guard turned out, presented arms, and
the bugle saluted him with lively tune as he
rode in the direction of his tent, beckoning Cas-
tleton to follow.
They reached 8 coarse canvass marquee. the
only one in camp, where they dismounted, CIV
ing their horses to an orderly. The interior of
the tent was occupied by . few rough benches,
and rude table upon which black boy was
placing the supper utensils, then nearly ready.
"Sit down, sir. You see am not surrounded
with the delicacies Of even a plain farmers
dwelling, but still we are as comfortable as q
swamp life can be. We have plenty Of food such
as it is. though rather rough in style Of bakery.
We sleep soundly at night, when the rain does
not fall too heavily, and pass away the hours as
pleasantly as we can on the marsh. There isno
life without pain or pleasure, and we, suppose,
l get our share, when we take into consideration
that we live in per;lous times and amid periTous
duties. Now, sir, your dispatches from General
Greene"
Castleton handed him the dispatches, and the
General quickly broke the seal and run over the
contents. After perusing them twice, he paused
for moment in thought. At length he said
"Greene wishes to strike Stewart at the Eu-
taw, before he is joined by too many tories. The
plan think is good one. He orders me to- join
him unless have some immediate movement
on hand, and if have, to join him as soon as
execute it. How many pieces of artillery has
Greene"
"Four"
"And the weight of their metal1"
"Three and six-pounder guns"
"ColOnel Stewart, my last spy tells me, has
six brass pieces, all siK-pounders. He is supe-
rior in artillery, therefore; but when I join
Greene, we shall out-number the enemy in cav
airy, which will make it up. How did you leave
Williams and Howard7'
"Col. Ohio Williams has been indisposed, but
is now as active as ever. Major Howard is with
his battalion, and well.
"Kirkwood and his Delaware men are with
Greene, I'suppose'"
ayes, SIR
al pereeire," said Marion, 1" that the bearer
of these letters is Major Castletsn; otherwise
: Mad Jack You see your fame has preceded
you"
al am Major Castleton, sir; my poor services
have received greater fame than they deserve"
"No, no." answered Marion, laughing, "
have heard from some of the lips of the British
officers l took prisoners, as well as from our
friends, of the wild exploits Of a certain Major
Castleton, who went into Tarleton's camp on
the Congaree, in broad daylight, passed himself
off as an officer of the new army levies, hob
nebbed with Tarleton himself over some old
Madeira at dinner, pumped everything out of
the usually cautious British Officer, in regard to
the next campaign, and was dismissed from camp
under military salute, with a present of Tar.
Ieton's own pistols. But come, supper is ready.
My staff is absent, and we will fall to-"
: The supper consisted of stewed and broiled
venison, beefsteak, corn hoe-cake and roasted
sweet pOtatoes-plsin, but substantial and rel
ishing fare to a couple of hungry men, for Cas-
Teton had tasted nothing since breakfast. Their
drink was flask of whiskey mixed with the
cool spring water. They had nearly finished
their meal, when the young officer whom Cas-
Teton had first encountered entered the tent.
"Ah. just in pot-luck time, Middleton. Draw
up your stool, lad-there Is plenty left. Major
CsstletOn, Lieut.. Middleton, my officer Of all
work-secretary, adjutant. 10 iH.5
The Lieutenant bowed, took his seat at the
board, and ate with an appetite that denoted q
long fast. Having satisfied his inner man, he
turned to Marion and said =" Thank God! we
have got the scoundrel."
"Thank God, indeed! Where is the tory
Eretchl"
"Under guard with hands and feet tied"
ain half an hours time" said Marion, grind
ing his teeth, "there will be one less murderer
in Carolina. Call all the officers in camp togeth.
er, and bring out the prisoner. Summon the wit
nesses-he shall have airtrial."
Marion paced backward and forward, bis dark
eve lit up with unusual FIRE. He stopped abrupt
~. "Major Castlston, request you will adVo
cate as Judge in this case. Knowing none o.
the parties, you can serve impartially, and yoT
will see specimen of eur stern justice"
Five or six officers came into the tent, and &
row of benches for the court were ranged out
side. It yet wanted aquarter of an hour Of sun
set. It was a strange Wild place to decide uPor
. the life or death Of fellow mortal. The pris
oner was brought in front Of the court, his hand
pinioned behind him. In truth. his face bore thu
. brand of CAIN bloated swollen one, mArkst
With severity and cruelty in every lineament
, John Hinchman," said Marion, in = toni
and with a look of disgust "What have yoI
T to say for yourselfl"
"Ibope you amt agoin' to murder pris'ner
: GsnersI1" said the trembling villain.
" Murder rou. The witnesses are here; pro