Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1864-07-26
LOVE AND ENTERPRISE

So small a thing as the scratch of
| nail sometimes affects the history of life
time.
w had ridden all day at a smart pace,
pausing only now and then in the shade Of
wayelde forest stretches to breathe our
rses, jaded and worn by long travel. We
had set out, with high nodes and resulute
purpose. to inf1ict blow at the very vitals
of the COnfederacy and under Grierson's
gallant lead we had, so far swept every
thing before Us, scattering in dismay the
bands of rebel troopers marshaled to resist
our progress, and leaving on every side the
evidences of our aTenglng presence. In
sPlred by success running over with the
love of adventure. We dasned alopg-past
thrifty fields, past scattered houses with
aft lighted Inmates peerlng from 6Ocr and
window, past villages too cpGtemptible for
our nvtiGe-singIng. laughing ss we rode,
careless of present danger, ind different alto.
gether to the probable bazards of the iu-
ture.
While, however, we had so far been sue
cessful at all points, we had not escaped
conflict and slight loss. At several points
in our excursion we had been sharply en-.
gagged and while many of the enemy had
been made to bite the dust, few of our
own gallant riders had been left to keen
them company un the field. But, n0twith.
standing all this, we swept gaIly forward,
spreading terror everywhere, even with
smiles on our faces and laughter on our
tongues.
We had ridden smaTtly all day, and now
in the twilight detachment of us were
sweeping int EuteFpr Sc, Mississippi t. the
# Of the route pursued by the main col
umn. We knew the enemy had coDcen-
trsIed there in some force; but that Only
height ned our interest in the place, and
With firm and steady columns we charged
straight into the town. Before the stars
had come out we had ught and vsnquish-
ed the rebels. and, with our horses picketed
in the streets, we're iOrsgiug for such cheer
as We could obtain from the inhabitants -
In the main. they were by no means the
hJspitsble people we had expec:ed to find !;
but we managed, Notwithstanding their
cjClness, to make ourselves very comforta-
bic, taking some liberties, it must be con
fsssei, which prot ably strict chnstruc-
ton of army regulations would hardly have
permitted.
But we could not Litter lOng-it was q
iong way yet to Baton Rouge-so, after
! resting our horses and refreshing ourselves
we prepared to mount and be of had
taken supper just on the edge Of the town,
with an cid man and his daughter, occupy-
ing q neat little house, and had been treat
ed With great kindness. said my adieux
therefore, in my very pOlitest style, and
started for my horse, most of my comrades
having already mounted. But was to ride
no more, that time, under Griersou's brave
lead. As l leaped toward my horse in my
haste to join my comrades, pail project.
ing from the side of the gate eau ght my
coat. STOPPING hurriedly AID with a cert
Ct blind Impotence to eztricate myself from
the annoying duress, another sharp point
struck me straight under the eye, and
with howl of pain l fell back, stun
ned and bleeding. being biiud, indeed,
TOR the moment, from the agony of my
hurt.
An hour after, opening ny eyes.
lying Cd faded lounge, with the old man
whose hospitality / shared sitting by me.
A candle, standing oD q table. gave fee
BILE light, which made my lace ssetn spec:
trail in the little looking glass just Oppo-
site.
In a moment comprehended the 'situs-
| dObI anu IuHuIIcuB heTNOuSiN
Where are my contradict Have they
all gomez
| Yes, an hour ago.
q moment added, bristling, and among
enemiesP
ALI alone, sir, but not among enemies.
They didn't know perhaps, you were not
With them. 1t was dark, and they didn't
| -,
assure me, he continued: But you need
not be afraid, sir; we'll take care Of
you
But my horse 1 said, what has become
Of him?'
i cut him loose and let him 90 some
time ago ) it wouldh't have done for any
Of the neIghbOrs to have found him picket
ed before my door. No doubt he hes fol-
lowed the others
Here was FIX, indeed left alone, hall
blind with singing pain in my face and
eyes, with not loyal man, probably, 10 all
che town, liable at any moment to be taken
out 81 some gang OF rebel caDnibals, and
hung up, or chartered; or buried alive. !
had started to ride through the bowels Of
the Confederacy to Baton Rouge. but Vas
likely only to ride into the bowels OF some
rebel Hades.
The old man evidently cOmprehended
my thOughte.
Don't give yourself any uneasiuess. he
said. We haven't forgotten the old flag
in this house aud glow came over his
face, and we will be glad to keep all harm
from one Of its defenders janet
Here, father 7 and q moment after the
daughter stepped into the room. l looked
at her more carefully row that was like
" to be her guest for q season. She WAS
a round, rosy little body, with clear black
ewes aud thick wavy hair falling ever her
face. and soft, CHEEKY tone in her voice
sL.As ,-ah Iifa Ti1Tlaio