The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1865-11-03

generally found out and tried by Courts Mar
tal for acts unbecoming gentlemen and of.
fcers-a"d at times, examples are made,
when they are dismissed the service in dis
grace.
But 7 soon learned to love clmp-life, and
after having crawn comfortable suit of
cloihlng, was well pleased with my new po-
stion.
We were continually sent out to the front
TO watch the enemy-very frequently getting
into skirmishes, sometimes being too weak
for our ioe-then again, driving them helter-
skelter, through the mountain passes, back
upon their main force. Thus fortune varied,
with no immediate or permanent good being
accomplished for the success of either side.
It was in one of these engagements that
| came near loosing the grant of fresh mir,
which had managed to secure in my infan-
cy. Our company was sent to the front to
ascertain the exact position of the rebel
forces. We left camp about o'clock in the
same day. We secuted over most miserable
road-until we reached the neghborhood of
Cumberland Gar--we discovered the camp
fires of the enemy. mentioned to my Captain
my apprehensionS of having proceeded too far
-beieving that there was an advanced pick
ct guard of the enemy secreted in the noun
| toipo J,.t to III Ia,
aie u.s. and thus insure our capture or de-
struction But he did not seem to pay much
attention to my suggestion, and pushed for
ward until the aforesaid rebel camp came full
into view. Taking out his glasses, he sur
y"yed them calmly; then turning to me, re-
marked, "they have discovered us, and are
| preparing to attack us-what shall we dor.
took the glasses, and one glance was suf-
| fcient to satisfy me Of our perilous condi-
tion. There was column Of at least two
hundred rebel cavalry coming at full speed
down the mountain slope, and but fifteen
minutes could elapse ere they would reach
the position We occupied. To have attempt
ed to risk an engagement with our inferior
| force, would have been the height Of folly,
and told the Captain, that if we did not
make haste and get to the rear we would GER
tainly all be captured or killed. He, this
time, became fully aroused to Il sense of his
danger, and ordered retreat; but, as | an
| ticipated, the order was deferred lill it was
| too lNte--and we had scarcely gotten mile,
when the rebelsbeing mounted on fresh
| and fleet horses, came up in our rear in thun-
dering-charging style-with yeIls, such as
no other human beings can utter, save rag
ged rebels. found my horse was fast losing
strength, and that soon must fall into the
hands OF my pursuers. Already had some
Of our brave comrades been run down and
captured by our relentless followers, and ev-
cry moment added more Of Us to their ayuri-
ciOus grasp.
Thus we splattered along through the mud
and ponds of water for about three miles
wher 10 and behold, we came full! upon
number of trees which had been felled across
our narroy pathway This was no more
than really expected, and proved the truth
of my previous apprehensions mentioned 70
my Captain, We had scarcely rened up our
faithful steeds to consider the best plan to
escape the rayenous blood-hounds at our
heels, when volly of musketry was fired
from an ambuscNde, wounding two Of our
number slightly. We were Immediately or
dered to dismount and take to the bush
leaving our horses and Nccourtrements save
our guns, many Of these being also left to
the victorious rebs. They arrived upon the
spot in time to give us parting salute, and
then, with their prize return to their camps
in triumph,
From the overhangng cliffs, we beheld
them capture two Of our brave boys, who were
not fortunate enough to make their escape up
the steep sides of the cliffs in time, and be-
held their manifestations Of JOY over our de-
feat--whict was to us, most heart-sickcn-
ing affair. Now and then, they would, by
way Of expressing their qualification, fire off
their pieces into the thick underground Of
the mountain. Once was tempted to bring
down one Of the wretChes, who seemed to
make more noise than the others, and brought
my piece to bear directly upon bis breast,
when thought Of our poor comrades in
their hondj, and who had succeeded in my
design, might have been made to pay with
his life the penalty Of my net. ! therefore
made haste TO withdraw to more secure
place Of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES witnessed
their proceedings and departure. They march
their prisoners along before them on foot
Notwithstanding they had number Of our
captured horses leading. But this cruelty
was but drop In the bucket to what they
were generally In the habit Of torturug our
prisoners especially those who were
originally East Tennessceans. II seemed they
could do nothing too mean and barbarous
against the -" East Tennessee renegade Yam.
KEGS ......
At night We succeeded 10 collecting togeth-
or seventeen of our number out OF 6fty.two,
the remainder having been captured or seat
tered In Pine mountain. We made our way