The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-07-07

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THE BLACK CHARGER "REB."
THE CAPTAINS STORY.
[rrom the New York Weekly Berald.l

"Devl take the iuck," was my angry ejacula-
hon as I.crawled, covered with blood and dust,
irom under the body Of my poor horse, who had
fallen dead, q cannon ball having pumped into
his shoulder within few inches Of my knee. Down
went the poor beast and the captain Of one Of the
finest companies In the finest cavalry regiment in
The United States service (your humble servant)
found himself suddenly transferred to the infantry
In much shorter time than it has taken to re-
sount the fact. We were just making charge,
and it was deucedly unpleasant to be 30 suddenly
arrested. consoled myself, or endeavored to do
90, with the reflection, Better luck next time;"
but somehow did not feel any great satisfaction
ct the thought, and was fast becoming morose
when I saw our boys returning. They were not
~ numerous a. when the charge Nas first made;
but we thought little Of that. We had become &C
eustomed to 1t now.
'What luck, boyss' was my eager inquiry.
Complete success. Captain. We drove the
seceah on like sheep; killed . lot Of them, and
captured some Of their horses:
This piece Of information received with great
pleasure. could now choose from the captured
bot . charger.
"where are the horses"
'Be here in . few moments, Captain" The
words were hardly spoken ere saw them coming
up the road. They were In charge Of some contra
bands who had just joined ~. and were guarded by
several Of our soldiers. We concluded 70 remain
where we we're that night, and as the boys were
cooking supper had ample opportunity to inspect
che horses. sorrier set I scarcely ever beheld..
There was but one horse in the lot that would
have ridden, and he was . tail, ungainly Roman
nOsed brute. He was black - . coal, was in good
condition, and had the appearance Of great
strength. Without further ceremony took pos
session Of the captive.
Here, boy, get my saddle and bride of that
dead horse and clean them up. Take care Of them,
Of this black horse and Of my traps when we get
to camp. take you into my service. win give
you twelve dollars month, thrashing once
week, and my old clothes when have any. Ia It
. bargain,'
"Golly, massa, guess II is. Twelve dollars
month! Whar all dat money to come, nom, Isn't
desc clothes DID, NASSAU The rascal snickered as
he said this Ny uniform was new, and fsttered
myself that looked quite the cheese in 1t.
"I say, Sambo."
"Ike my name, massa Ike, de good boy, my ole
missis used to call me-" Here he grinned from
ear to ear, showing an amount of ivory that would
have driven an elephant mad with jealousy.
"well, Ike, n you 90 on this way shall change
my tsrms make the thrashings more numerous
and ssy no more about the money"
"Whar dat dead hoss, massa! Just let me git
dem saddle and bride. In Dc mornin' You find oil
bright as new dollar you ain't seen desc two tree
years." Ike hustled away, and saw NO more Of
him until heard his voice raised In bitter alterca
tiCn.
what dat you tryin' to do, Put down dat sup
pr. just leave II OAR. rs De Captains boy. !
take care Of him. Go way, man; 60 way"
Istepped ont, ended the dispute by taking up
She meal myself, and informed the boys that for
sAs future Ike would wait upon me.
"You hear dat,n said Ike in triumphant tones.
He began some farther remarks, bat closed them
sbruptiy, q he was warned that II he didn't dry
up' he would got no supper.
At daybreak the next morning found all my
shings in nns order. The black horse, saddled and
bridied, was h readiass. Thus acccutred. he
looked much better Than when first saw him; but
nothing could hide that tremendous Roman nose
Of his. mounted and put him through his PAGES.
He totted well, had . long, rapid gallop, and was
IN extraordinary jumper. His muscular power
vas really wonderful. I found my courage rise Is
] ascertained the capabilities Of the noble
we're almost dangerous. He took them
al brsvely, sprsng at them with . snort
of defiance. and cleared them with power and
agility rarely equalled. The boys looked ON with
admiration. Ike was ~ proud Is peacock when
] rode back and resigned the horse to him. He
patted him and caressed him. Suddenly he
shouted:--
"Massa Jack" Che had asked me my name),
"what You call dis hossr ~
by Jove, Ike, don't know. What shall We
call hmr'
General Lee," suggested Ike, with . meek
look. but trescherous smile.
Ike, you win get sent up 70 the contraband
pen st Warrington. fear"
lord. Massa Jack, you can't do without your
boy. was only jokin'."
We thought Of several names for the black horse;
but none OF them suited me. At last Ike hit upon
IN appellation which was adopted unanimously.
"Msssa Jack. s'pose you call dat hoss Rebel.
he just caught, you know"
"well, IKE, that will do--Rebel ID . very appro-
pirate name for him." and A. Rebel the black
charger soon became known 10 oil the regiment.
Weeks Of inactivity succeeded the event referred
70 In the CONNIE ncement OF this narrative. Rebel
waved fat and strong under the care Of he, the
latter waxing fat and saucy under my care. The
confounded niger was singular compound; but
thing soon ascertaincd: he was honest and this
quality was worth host Of others, tssides which
be became profoundly attached TO me. ! was
touched by his many evidences Of this feeling and
In my turn became 20 accustomed 10 Ike that
should have been quite miserable had lost him.
Al Ian The regiment received orders TO move,
and right willingly we took up our line OF march.
We we're 70 make raid n.o the encmy's country.
We did 20, and inflicted a deal Of harm upon the
rebels We met the foe several times, but always
srove them before rs, killing apd capturing
.ssny "Reb," my black horse, had become
famous a. . most extraordinary charger.
lie would always lead IN as attack; there
vas no restraining him. lie dashed headlong AZ