The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1864-01-27

forgotten. There were crouched seven brave
men who had resolved to be free. They were
armed with bowie-knives made out of case
knives Life, in their condition, was scarcely
to be desired, and the desperate chance had
arrived Suppose, as they emerged from the
GROUND, that the dog should give the alarm
they could but die.
But few moments were spent in this kind
of apprehension. The hour had arrived, and
yet they came. Fortunately-yes, providen-
tially-the night had suddenly grown dark
and rainy the dogs had retired to their ken
nels, and the sentinels had taken refuge under
shelter. The inner wall, by the aid of the
rope ladder, was soon scaled, and now the
outer one had to be attempted. Capt Taylor
/ (who, by the way, is nephew of old Zack)
being very active man, by the assistance of
his comrades, reached the top of the gate, and
was enabled to get the rope over the wall
When the top was gained, they found rope,
extending all around, which the General inn
mediately cut, as he suspected it might lead
into the Warden's room. This turned out to
be correct. They then entered the sentry box
on the wall, and changed their clothes, and
let themselves down the wall. In sliding
down, the General skinned his hand very
badly, and all were more or less bruised. Once
down, they separated, Taylor and Shelton GO
ing one way, Hockersmith, Bennett and Nc
Gee another, and General NJ. and Capt. Hines
proceeding Immediately toward the depot.
The General had, by paying SIS in gold
succeeded in obtaining paper which inform
ed him of the schedule time of the different
roads. The clock struck one, and he knew
by hurrying he could reach the down train
for Cincinnati. He got there just as the
train was moving off. He at once looked on
to see if there was any soldiers on board, and
espying Union officer. he boldly walked up
and took q seat beside him. He remarked to
him that Gas The nights damp and chilly,
perhaps he would join MIN in a drink y H e
did so, and the party soon became very agreea-
BILE to each other. The cars, ia crossing the
Scioto, have to piss within a shcrt distance of
the Penitentiary. As they passed, the officer
remarked, "Thsre's the hotel at which Nor
gan and his officers are spending their leisure.''
ayes, replied the General, s'and I hope he
will make up his mind to board there during
the balance of the war, for he isa great nui.
sance." When the train reached Xenia, il
was detained by some accident more than an
hour. Imagine his anxiety, as soldier after
soldier would pass through the train for fear
that when the Sentinel passed bis round at 2
o'clock, their absence mightbe discovered
The train was due in Cincinnati at O'Clock.
This was theshour at which they were turned
out of their cells, and of course their escape
would thin be discovered. In a few moments
after it would be known all over the country
The train, having been detained at Xenia.
was running very rapidlyto make up thesime
said to Capt Hines, s'it is after six: if we 90
to the depot we are dead mcn.& Now or new
er." They went to the rear and put on the
frakes. s'Jump, Hinesp' Off he went and
fell heels over head in the mud. Another
severe turn of the BRAKE. and the General
jumped. He was more successful, and light
ed on his feet. There were some soldiers
near, who remarked, 'swhat in the hi do
you mean in jumping off the cars here ?" The
General replied, '!what in the HI is the use
ofsmy going into townwhcn live here; and
besides, what business is of yours ?'
They went Immediately to the river. They
found skiff, but no oars: Soon little boy
came over, and appeared to be Waiting
"What are you waiting for - said the sGener-
al. Ct arn waiting for my load.' ssWhat is
the price of load ?" "Two dollars" swell,
as we are tired and hungry, we will give you
two dollars, and you can put US over" So
over he took them. "Where does Miss
live?" "Just short distance from here.''-
"Will you show me her house ?'' eyes sir"
The house was reached, fine. breakfast was
soon obtained, money and a horse furnished,
a good woman's prayer bestowed, and off he
went. From there, forward though Ken
tucky, every body We'd with each other as to
who would show him thesmost attention
even the negroes; and young ladies of refue-
ment begged the honor to cook his meals.
He remained in kentucky some days, fee
ling perfectly safe, and sending into Louisville
for many little things he wanted. Went to
BardsCown, and fonnd that Federal regiment
had just arrived there looking for him. Re-
mained here and about for three or four days,
and then struck out for Dixie, sometimes dis
guising himself as government cattle con-
tractor, aud buying large lot of cattle; al
other times Quartermaster, until he got to
the Tennessee River. Here he found all
m means of transportation destroyed, and the
bank strongly guarded, but with the assistance
of about thirty others, who had recoe nized
him and joined him in spite of his remonstran-
ces, he succeeded in making raft, and he
and Capts Hines crossed over. His escort
with heroic selfsacrifce, refused to cross un
til he was safely over. He then hired ne
gro to get his horse oyer, paying him $40 fol
it. The river was so high that the horse came
near drowning, and after more than one hours
struggling with the stream, was pulled out sc
exhausted as scarcely to be able to stand.
The General threw blanketover the horse
and commenced to walk him, when, suddenly
he says, he was seized with presentime en-
that he would be attacked and remarked II
Cap. Hines. "Wc will be attacked in twenty
minutes" commenced saddling his horse
He had hardly tied his eirth, when chang
bang" went the MIME balls He bounced OF
his horse, and the noble animal appearing tc
be inspired with new vigor, bounded off like q
deer up the mountain. The last he saw of hi
poor fellows on the opposite side they wer'
disappearing up the river bank, fred upon b.
| by whole regiment of Yankees. By rhi
time it was dark, and also raining. He knew
that perfect Gordon of pickets would sur
round the foot of the mountain, and if here
manned there until morning he would be lost
and commenced TO descend. As he neare
the foot, leading his horse, he came almost i
personal contact with picket. His first i'm
] nulse vas to kill him hut finding him aslee