Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1862-02-08
The Yankee Soldier.

The Springfield, Mo-, correspondent
of the n. Y. Times, gives the following
Interesting sketch Of one Of the men
who have become famous as guides
and scouts in the Western Army:
Another gentleman who has obtain
Ell considerable prominence as a scout
and soldier, is Mai. Clark Wright, who
commands squad Of the same charac-
ter as himself. Major Wright moved
from Ohio to Polk county, Mo. He
had just been married to woman of
more than ordinary intelligence and
determination, who proved herself en-
inently fitted for the duties which their
new life imposed upon them. He pros
pered finely, and in short time had
erected fine house, furnished in the
best style possible, and two young
children, an amiable wife, and a good
home, and was adding rapidly to an or
lglnal fortune.
Last winter, when the roar Of seces-
sion came up from South Carolina, he
heard 1T in common with others of his
neighbors, bat while avowing himself
III favor OF sustaining the Union, he de-
termlned to attend to lis own business
strictly. He had no hesitation III ex-
pressing his sentiments ofloyalty to the
government, but lie did it quietly, and
with view not to give ofense. Soon
after at Baptist meeting near his res
ldence, few of the brethren, after re-
treshing their spiritual appetites with
the sanctuary, took his case into con
Fideration, and unanimously dcterrGin-
cd that be should be made to leave the
country, appointing committee Of
three 70 inform him Of their decision.
One OF the party although an ardent
secessloniSt, happened to be personal
friend Of Wright, and Fastening away,
informed him Of the meeting, and that
the committee would wait Oh linn The
next day, Monday.
Wright thanked his kind friend, and
and then like dutiful husband, laid
the case before his wife, and asked her
advice. She pondered few moments,
and then asked if he had done any
thing to warrant such q proceeding.-
Nothing. Then let us fight p was
the reply, and to fight was the conclus-
ion. Wright was plentifuIIy supplied
with levolvers; he took two, and his
wife another, loaded them carefully.
and awaited further developments.
Monday afternoon three men rode
up and inquired for Mr.. Wright II.
walked out with the bait Of = revolver
sticking warily from his pocket, and
inquired their wishes. They answered
nothing in particular, and proceeded to
converse upon everything in general,
but never alluded to their Grand
Finally, after half an hour had passed,
and the men still talked on, without
coming to their mission, Wright grew
impatient, and asked if they had any
special business; if not, he had q press
ing engagement, and would like to be
excused. Well, they had a little bust
ness, said one with considerable hesita
ton, as he glanced at the revolver
butt.
''Stop!'' said Wright, ''before you
tell | wish to say word. know your
business, and | just promised my wife
IN my honor as man, that I'd blow HI
out of the mar who told me of it, and
by the eternal God I'll do it. Now tell
me your errsnd p said he; as he con
Guided, he pulled out his revolver and
cooked. The fellow glanced moment
at the deadly looking pistol, and took
IN the stalwart form Of Wright, who
was glaring at him with murder il bis
eye, and concluded TO postpone tie an
nouncelnent. The three rode away,
and reported their reception to their
principals.
The next Sunday, after another re-
ireshlng season, the brethren again met
and took the action upon the contuma-
cy of Mr.. Wright. The captain of
company of secessionists was present
and after a due deliberation, it was de-
termined that upon the next Thursday
he should take his command, proceed
to Wright's and summary eject him
from the sacred soil of Missouri.-
Wright's friend was again present, and
lie soon communicated the state of af-
fairs to Mr.. Wright with the sugges-
ton that it would save trouble and
bloodshed if he would get away be-
fore the day appointed.
Wright lived in a portion Of the
country remote from the residence of
those who were endeavoring to drive
him out, and he determined if possible
to prepare surprise for the worthy
captain and his gallant forces. 70
this end lie bought 4 barrel Of whiskey,
another OF crackers, few cheeses, and
some other provisions, and then mount
ing a black boy upon swift horse, sent
him around the country inviting his
friends to come and see him and bring
their arms. By Wednesday night he
had gathered q force Of about 800 men