Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-05-23
Che Ohio 6tatesnram
'sMY CAPTURE AND ESCAPED
A story or tho War.

regiment was sent to the advance of the FEEDER
al lines, and portions were sent out on pickle
duty. When It came to my turn TO advanc.
near the enemy's limos, / felt some apprehension
for my safety, and though l was a soldier
must frankly confess feared the rifles OF the
Confederate sharpshooters. Near whore our
pickets were stationed, was little, old fash
Toned log house that looked comfortable and
cheering, and often made me feel sad, when
seated 10 some nook or corner Of the bushes,
watching the enemy. How that old log house
made my heart palpitate. and drew from me
deep aud heavy sfghs. Not that had lost one
particle Of my patriotirm, CT felt any the less
brave and willing to fight for my country; but
1t would bring to my mind pictures Of home,
and of the many pleasant scenes had passed
with sisters and brothers and others around the
family board. noticed that the house was oc.
cupied, and fair forms fitted in and out, and
one In particular that drew my attention. I be-.
came deeply Interested In the inmates of that
house-and, as thought the matter over, it
seemed as If could not restrain nry curiosity,
but must visit it. Standing as it did between
TWO hostile armies, what could induce its in.
mates TO remain with destruction visible oil
around them. j ah'.D
IL was beautiful afternoon In the latter
part Of June, that was again on picket duty
In the vicinity of the log house. was deter
mined that day to safety my curiosity. Leaving
my companions, stole across O field or two,
watching with vigilant eye every bush and
renee to prevent surprise. As approached the
house heard q plaintive song, go sweetly that
wept, though felt ashamed of myself as
soldier for my weakness. l drew close up be-
side the house, and In crouchiDg position
silently listened. The song ceased, q heavy
hasty step sounded on the floor. .'E
"Father, what Is the matter?" I heard a
voice exclaim, that was mingled With On agita.
ted and mourniul culver. o -
my dear daughter, You and your mother de
part OF once. You must 20 to washington.
and from thence sou can fud your way to Mas
eaohusetts, where your uncle lives. Tell him
that l, his brother. implore him to protect YOU
until can reach you. Our country is torn and
distracted, and utter ruin heems to hang over it.
Oh, God, when will this endp'
And you George" believed this was the
voice OF his wife, "where are you going?'' =
"Where am | gong9" he gasped. 'God on
ly knowa" e'
"Whyi what on earth do you meant" fairly
his wife 8'T.'
mean this" he said more calmly: " l am
going into the Confederate army, not from my
own free will but from compulson TO save my
properly from confscation, to save q home for
you and Jenny"
"Oh father, do not join the Confederate
army, but fight for the old Stars and Stripes,
and for the country You have 80 long loved"
IND Jenny caught her father about the neck,
Ind kissed him.
could get but single glance al her face,
'ut how lovely she looked, pleading for her
country and her fathers hor0r The moth
y was standing beside, aud the great tears
lowed down her cheeks and dropped on his
lead. =.
"Come dear father, let us 40 north; Uncle
David is good man, and we Can live in safety
here" ...,.
The father sat listening to the pleadings of
is daughter, and these were joined by the wife |
nth such stirring pathos that he yielded and |
onsented to leave Immediately for Washing |
on, and join the Federal army. 80,
You have decided me; will go,'' he ex-
laimed, aud the terror that agitated him mo. |
nent before had entirely fed.
Bless you, father!" exclaimed Jenny, ss
be drew bsck an old board that was against the
'all, over the mantlepiece, and from lie secret
iding place drew ous small, beautiful Star
pangled Banner. ... II
ag you must fight, if you will 90 to war, but
OF beneath the Palmetto, the Pelican, and the
,rpent;" and she threw it around his shoulders,
hile his stalEart form braced up, and hls eyss
'ightened as he pressed the Stars and Stripes
} his bosom. ,n.s.
How l loved that girl, as she stood there In
l tho majesty of her pride, gazing ON her
ther.a Icould have fought regiment of reb.
Q at that moment, as many more as might
I'VE been brought against me. Had been
ady TO marry at that moment / would have
ade that girl my wife at least dozen times.
ut my thoughts upon that subject were Off
tort duration, for just as the father was about
make preparations to start from his home In
epped four rebel soldiers, under the command !
Corporal. IL
swell, Sir, we have called for you," said the |
orporal, "and don't think we came any too Z
on; and he snatched the flag from off the h
oulders OF the man aud threw it On the floor Z
d stamped upon 1t. That's the way we will
t our heels on the necks of the Yankee in. +
ders."
How my blood foamed; 1t didn't boil, but
we'd through my veins as II it would burst {
eE. i Suddenly Jenny sprang forward, and
shed the Corporal back with such force that a
almost fell upon the floor, and then snatch !
up the flag and haunted IL in his face !
As under 1ts folds tyranny was driven from | i
0 land, 80 shall traitors be driven out or hung
If were 8 man would punish you for n
. insult you have offered this dear flag of .
me-" ,sN ezra sr.ri
II didn't come here to fight the women, up q
ID the Corporal doRgedly. "Ccme, MI Da- 9
J, you have been drafted and must 60 to the D
my" -1. .'s t'} af q