The weekly union record., 1864-07-02
Under the Old Flag.

sometimes affects the history of lifetime.
We had ridden all day at smart pace.
pausing only now and then in the shade Of
wayside forest stretches to breathe our horses
jaded and worn By long travel. We had set
out with high hopes and reselate purposes to
inhict a blow at the very vitals of the Confed-
cracy: and under Griersons gallant lead we
had, SO far, swept everything before Us. scatter
ing in dismay the bands OF rebel troopers mar.
shaled TO resist our progress, and leaving on
every side the evidence of our avenging pres
euce. Inspired BY success. running over with
the love of adventure, We dashed along-past
thrifty fields, past scattered houses with
affighted inmates peering from door and win
dow, past villages too contemplate for our
notice. singing and laughing as we rode. care.
less of present danger, indifferent altogether
to the probable hazards OF the future.
While. however. we had so far been successful
at all points. we had not escaped conflict and
slight loss. AT several points in our excursion
We had been sharply engaged and while many
of the enemy had been made to bite the dust
few of our own gallant riders had been left to
keep them company on tie field. But, not
wthstanding all this, We swept gayly forward,
spreading terror everywhere, with smiles on
our faces and laughter on our tongues.
We had ridden smartly all day, aud now iu
the twilight detachment of US were sweeping
into Enterprise, Mississippi, to the left of the
route pursued by the main column. We knew
the enemy had concentrated there in some
force but that only heightened our interest in
the place, ard with firm and steady columns
we charged straight into the town. Before the
stars had come out, we had fought and van
qushed the rebels, and, With our horses picketed
L. far ,k -
we could obtain from the inhabitants. In the
main, they were by no means the hospitable
people we expected to find, but we managed,
Notwithstanding their coolnees, to make our
selves very comfortable, taking some liberties,
it must be confessed, which probably strict
construction of army regulations would hardly
have permitted.
But we could not loiter long-it was long
way yet to Baton Rouge-so, after resting our
horses ard refreshing ourselves, we prepared to
mount ard be off. had taken supper Just on
the edge of town, with an old man and his
daughter, occupying neat little house. ard
had been treated with great kindness. | said
my adieuX therefore, in my poliest style, and
started for my horse, most of my comrades
having already mounted. Bat was to ride
no more, that time, under GFierson's brave lead.
As leaped toward my horse, in haste to join
my comrades, q nail projecting from the side
of the gate caught my coat. STOPPING hurried!y
in blind sort OF mpatience to cxtricate myself
from the annoying duress, another sharp point
struck me right under the eye, and with howl
of pain fell back stunned aud bleeding, being
blind indeed for the moment, from the agony
of the hurt.
An hour after, opening my eyes, found
myself in a pleasant little room, lying on q
faded lounge, with the old man whose hospitality
had enjoyed sitting by me. 4 candle, stand
ing on table, gave feeble light, which made
my face seem spectral in the little looking glass
just opposite.
In a moment compreheuded the situation"
and inquired nervousiv, "Where are my CON-
rades? Have they all gomez"
"Yes, an hour ago"
Aud left me here all alone?" Then in a
moment l added, brstliug, And among
enemies?' p
All alone, sir. but not among enemies. They
didn't know, perhaps, You were not with them.
1t was dark, and they didn't move in much
order" Then, as if TO reassure me, he
continued, but you need not be afraid, sir;
we'll take care of you"
But my horse,' said "what has become
of him.
Il cut him loose and let him go some time
ago; it wouldn't have done for any of the
neighhors to have found him pcketed before my
door. No doubt he has followed the others
Here was FIX indeed. Left alone, half
blind, with singing pain in my face and eyes,
with not loyal man, probably, in all the town,
liable at any moment to be taken out by some
gang of rebel cannibals, and hung up, or
quartered, or buried alive. had started to
L, 81 II bo ho,rol, Of tho fforfa1a-oov to
Baton Rouge, but I was likely only to ride
through the bowels Of some rebel Hades.
The old man evidently comprehended my
thoughts Don't give yourself any uneasiuess,'
he said I'VE haven't forgotten the old flag in
tiis house. and a glow came over bis face,
"and we will be glad TO keep all harm from
one Of its defenders janet
Here, father" and moment after the
daughter stepped into the room. l looked at
her more carefully now that was likely TO be
her guest for a season. She was round, rosy
little body. with clear black eyes, and thick,
wavy hair falling over her face, and a soft,
cheery tone in her voice that was Ike music.
Jane said the old man. as she came into
the room: where IS the flag -
She slipped ont moment, and then coming
softly back held out to the father little flag
with all the stars upon it. He fopdled it for
moment. I'VE have kept it, sir, be then said,
hidden away cut of sight for two long years
look at it every morning before go out; it
keeps fresh in my heart the memory of the good
old times before treason had tried to blot out
ii. stars You see you will be safe with Us if
you will only keep out of sight"
Well, irds safe for time-safe from the
rebels, civilians aud soldiers swarming around
US, but not safe from the little mink, Jane
Weston, who sat with me every afternoon in
the little room where they had slowed me away.
My eye was too much infiamed to permit of my
reading, so Jane read to me an hour or so every
day. OF course l very soon fell in love.
had8'l anything else 10 do in fact. Jane saw