The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1863-05-22
Oriaiaal Stpra.
For the Pioneer.
THE UNION PICKETS
A TAhE Or TIIH POTOMAC.
-o
by o. j. POWELL.
BY o. J. POWELL.

1t was cold clustering night in the
winter Of '62, the wind blew pefect hur-
ricane, and the giant trees along the river
swayed to and fro, making low and dismal
sounds which cast agloom upon the scene
that was almost perceptable. While Old
Boreas was playing his antics along the
banks Of the Potomac. two Union piskets
were standing guard at one of the
most prominent military post along the
Federal lines They watched In gloomy
silence, casting their eyes in every direc-
ton. The sky which had been bright
and clear, now assumed different aspect,
and anon arose in the western horizon
black and murky clouds, and from their
threatning appearance indicated that a
terrible snow storm was soon TO break in
all its fury upon them. The soldiers drew
their blankets around their almost freezing
forms, and gazed upon the deep blsckness
of the heavens. Whilst THUS meditating
upon the scene that presented itself to
their view, their attention was attracted
to large clump Of bushes that grew in
close proximity to the place they were
standing. Suddenly they espied dark
object cautiously moving towards them,
They immediately challenged it, not GER
tain as to what 1t might be-
"Who goes there?" was asked in
stentorian voice. Before proceeding
any farther with tho narrative, 1t will be
necessary for the author to give names,
description, &c. Of the heroes of our story.
We shall call one Tom Elvert, and the
other Bill Norton. Tom was we'll pro-
portioned, and very resolute. looking de.
fiance out of his eyes; and often in camp,
he would remark to his fellow soldiers,
"that he could whip dozen greasy rebs
before breakfast" Bill was somewhat
stouter, and as active as cat, fearing moth
ing,and wouldas soon shoot traitors as eat
He was always full Of sport, and casual
observation would show plainly that de-
termination was written upon those rough
features.
No answer.
"Who goes there?" was again repeated,
and still no one replied, bat it still drew
nearer.
1'll ask once more, and then il you
answer not, be you friend or foe, beast
or fend, you must abide the consequen-
ces," said one of the pickets as he placed
his rifle in position to fire as soon as the
was given.
"Who goes there?''
No reply. ....s
He fred, and the dark object that had !
been prowling around them, gave bound q
in the air and fell dead upon the ground. Y
But, alas. this was but Just the com {
Of bloody scene that will
aver be remembered by the brave pickets.
The storm was of short duration; and !
loon the moon arose, shedding her silvery
ight across the bleak and dreary plains, 9
which was Of untold advantage to the
,ickets, as they could see far down the
liver, and discern anything that might be n
coutiDg around. whilst they were ehtire- S
y hid from view. '
Just as the rebel was shot, the elatter S
Il horses hoofs was heard, coming 10 full
seems that they had sent this .
me that was killed. out as spy. whilst !
he horsemen awaited his return to report .
What he saw, and when they heard the Ii
eport VI the rife. they at once started of
inosipg that Union soldiers were about