The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-10-24


boat into the centre Of the stream We
proposed to float quietly past the ferry,
bu. Just as we got to it, our boat struck
a snag, making noise which alarmed
the sentinel on shore. "Who'S in that
boat ?" came ringing across to Us. We
made 10 reply, and after challenging US
three times, the alarm was given, and
boats put out, going each side of the river
down the stream. We could see them
by their torches, but they could not see
us. We felt that our time was come, but
making desperate effort We released our
boat and padded to the shore, retracing
our steps up the river, until We came to
the woods, where we put on our 'oint-
lnent" BY this time, both sides of the
ylver were alive with our pursuers, car
rying torches and bringing out their dogs.
We struck across an open LOT to large
oornfeld where we concealed ourselves.
Our pursuers came near US and all around
us. The dogs could not get the trail but
would continually return TO the place
where we landed, and follow our track to
the place where we creased up, when
they would lose the scent. This was a
great puzzle to the Iebs, and we could
plainly hear their wonders at the unusual
conduct Of their dogs. Finally they
moved away from the vicinity of our hid
ing place, when we quickly took to our
heels. and did not rest until We gained
an elevation of ground half a mile from
them, where we encamped. We could
see them most all night, securing the
country with their torches, and the deep
baying of the bounds was anything but
pleasant music to US. Finally becom-
ing tired Of the pursuit, they gave
it up.
The next night we struck of into the
country several miles from the river, and
for two days travelled as nearly parallel to
it as we could
On the Both we came to an old planta-
tion which after carefully recOnnoitering
we found was only inhabited by negroes.
We made our situation known to them,
aud one old darkey took US to bis hut and
baked us up nine loaves Of corn bread, of
which, although we were nearly fami5hed,
We did not allow ourselves to consume
but Que Of these dav. We paid the
darkev SIS for the bread five dollars for
a double handful Of salt, and five dollars
for plug of tobacco. He also gave US
directions which way to travel, and told
US that the confederate cavalry were
around that vicinity with packs of hound,
looking for deserters &c. HIS wife was
q white woman, and chewed snuff. He
was free negro, and had charge of the
plantation, the owner of which was at the
North, with his wife, having made his
escape 10 our lines some time previous.
The next day we discovered canoe on
he opposite shore of the river, and near
The plantation. We concluded to swim
the river which was very wide, and secure
il, having cast lots to see who should make
the attempt. While waiting for the
evening to cover our undertaking, we
were delighted to see the overscer come
down to the river and cross over to our
side, hitching his skiff within few feet
Of our ambush. AS soon as he was at a
distance we took possession
Of the skif aud pushed down the river.
In this way We travelled for three nights,
hiding our boat and ourselves IN the day
time.
On the morning of the Sd of Novem-
Der, we found ourselves at the head of
the Choctawhatchie bay, and here we
to have found our gunboats but
in this we were disappointed. Both shores
of the bay were liued with an impenetra-
bic swamp, and the water was very rough,
- much so that our boat was in danger
of being swamped. We pulled our boat
into shore, and being entirely out of pro-
visions, we tried to catch some fish. But
not bite could we get. Determined to
have some food we started into the coun-
Try, and by good luck came across a de-
serted plantation. Not soul could We
find, SO we took possession. We soon
found a guinea hen, whose days were
numbered. We made up a FIRE in the
house, hunted up a Dutch oven and put
the fowl roasting. We continued our
search aud found barrel Of corn, and also
a coffee mill. In this We cracked up
about peck of corn aud made some
Johnny cakes. FamIshed as we were,
this coarse food was delicious. AbOut
dark flock Of goats came to the house.
We were not long in securing fine kid,
ADD bis carcass was soon roasting before
tho FIRE. AS soon as he was in any way
in an eatable condition we commenced
our attacks upon him, and did not desist
until we had nearly devoured one third
of him. Fuding some cotton in the house
we strewed it on the floor and for the first
time for many months enjoyed sleep be-
meath a roof. We were so much ex-
l. Nt,oH -