The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1865-11-10
THRILLING ADVENTURES
Lieut.. George W. Douglass,
OF THE EIGHTH EAST TENNESSEE INFANTRY
THE RENOWNED UNION SCOUT AND
PILOT.
COPYRIGHT SECURED.
CHAPTER XVI.
MoRGAN's RETREAT FROM CUMBERLAND GAP.

On the 18th Of September, 1862, Gen. Nor
gan, having become convinced that further
effort to hold Cumberland Gap would be
truitcss, and in fact, result in the disoomf-
ture or surrender OF his brave little army he
resolved to commence the dangerous altcrna-
i've Of evacuation in TIE face of a largely su-
perior force Of the enemy. Our source Of
supplies had already been cut Off by harass-
ing bodies Of MorganS cavalry, and to have
fingered, would have been inevitable ruin.
Accordingly, when twilight set in, every
preparation was made and the army wagons
and ambulOnccs commenced rolling out; then
followed the army in regular and excellent or.
der. Everything that could not be removed
conveniently, was destroyed by fire and 9TH
erwise to prevent their falling into the hands
Of the enemy. Among the many things de-
stroyed, were six fine pieces Of artillery,
which it was impossible to transport over the
rough mountain roads.
We were nearly all night getting OF the
mountain. had had the misfortune to lose
my horse, and was Nfoot, and was compelled
to remain so for .hc first four days when the
Quartcrmaster Of my regiment succeeded in
mounting me on al excellent horse After
which, rejoined my command, and took an
active part in clearing the advance and
skirmiShing with the rebels, who were con-
tinually lowering in the front and Hpon the
nNnks of our army, blockadng our passage
at "very point where it WAS possible to do so
thus delaying our progress in q most dis
hcartenng manner
Frequently, these delays were occnsioned
at points where 1t was almost impossible to
procure forage for our stock or subsis ence
stQrcs--Ond days would pass before anything
could be had TO sustain life Large numbers
Of our horses aud mules died from actual
starvation. But, Notwithstanding the severe
trials and hardShips suffered by our soldiers,
comparatively. little murmurng wasevcr heard
to fall from their lips. II appeared that ey-
cry one WhB uclcTmlncu 10 10 nlS WnOlc uu-
ty, and IL to perish in their psrilous UNDER
taking was 10 be their fate, they resolved to
meet II os true and devoted soldiers always
meet the destiny which awaits them.
have seen The sick soldier lying by the
roadside on the cold damp ground with the
spirit of life ebbing to It's changrless goal,
but with pleasant smile resting upon his
coun,cnance-so sad and yet so sweet that
one could not help believing that he was con
tented with his lot--nOy, happy In the though,
that bis humble life was spent In the noble
cause OF his country. have seen the same
pulselcss clay, with tho Same radiant smile
still resting upon II, laid In narrow, hastily
made grave, in tho sombre shade Of the noun
tain irees--therc to rest-penceiullr, calmly
til the day Of the resurrection, where the
falling forest leaves would soon hide forever,
the spot where rests the body Of Union
soldier.
They raised no, stone aud they carved no, line,
but hft him alone In hs rlory'
Our Skirmishes With the rebel cavalry we're