The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1865-12-01

In the evening we started onthe march; our
destination could not learn. Iresolved to
watch my opportunity as soon as dark set in,
and leave my command for season, which |
did without any Inconvenience whatever
dropping into way-side house on the pre-
text of getting some water to drink.
soon reached the Ohio river, which
crossed in ferrv-boat. | reached Ports
mouth, Ohio, on the last of September, lSG2S
where tn anked n mcrciful Providence for
my deliverance, and where felt safe, although
felt somywhat embarrassed pecuniarily and
physically Ny debut was not the most pleas
ing character, and became a laughing-stock
to the gazing public. Ny appearance was
ludicrous enough, my pants only reaching to
my knees, without any coat or hat, and
an old pair of worn-out shoes tied on with
strings. AT this town we were treated very
unworthily by the nhabitants-which lead
US to infer that the most Of them sympathiz-
ed with the rebel cause. Even the Post Com
mandant, treated us most shametully.-
But we found friends, in the country-ftteen
miles distant---the right kind of friends
! friends who had hearts of f!esh--and
| loved the glorious Union, who soon re-
plenished ourw ardrobes, after which, set out
to join my command, which learned was at
Oakland. made an effort to get on the cars,
SO as to rest my weary limbs, but was refused
by the unworthy conductor of the train, so
followed the track, on foot, as | had the war
path many a long hsur and day in succession
before, and felt it a duty-nay, privilege,
believing there was no sacrifice too great to
perform for the sake Of my country.
walked thus some fifteen miles, when
became completely exhausted and set down
by the roadside to rest; and was reclining
against tree, with my thoughts upon the
ungratefuluess of the human race generally,
when a lady and gentleman, who were pass
ing. approached me, and seeing was in dis
tress, the gentleman accosted me with
"What is the matter?H
Myhcart was so depressed, could give no
utterance TO my choakeu WORDS.
"You seem TO be in distress
~ nm resting" finally replied.
"Wherc are you travelling"
a. am endeNvoring TO reach my command"
Where is your commando
al understand it is at Oakland, Ohio
"Whut regiment do you belong to o.
"The End Tennessee Cavalry
"You are an East Tennesscean, then "
eyes,
Go with mo to my house, and stay with
me for the night and " tomorrow you will
be better able to stand the fatigue Of travel
can never see an East Tennesseean suffer.
They are brave and patriotic people, and
deserve tho assistance Of every true and good
lover of the Union !"
His words were TO my heart rs sunbcams to
the flower felt renewed, and gladly ac-
ccpted his kind offer. | had not eaten any
food for nearly thirty hours, and you may
well surmse the relish had for the many
deicacies this good Union man Get before
my HuHRIS BNLs OH tu"t orN"s'V"' was
without money or might have had plenty
or, had been like many soldiers, take what
needed by force, would have lacked for
nothing, but was in country whore the
laws were in force, and had ever been in
structcd by kind parents to respect the laws
of my country, and to do no net which would
bring the blush of shame to my cheek, or that
would bring reproach upon them.
when the morrow came, and was about |
to take my departure, my kind host, remark
cd
"Tfove you no monCy?'
" None in the world
Then, you must have some,' he replied
and taking his pocket.bo out, he handed
me q ten dollar bill, saying;
"This will do you untllyou canrcoch your
command. Go to the next station, and take
the train for Oakond-Nnd may good luck
attend your
shall not soon forget the expression Of
the countenOnce Of this worthy philanthropst |
as he placed tho money into my hand. lie
was one Of the few who appreciated the real
condition, the trials, the hardships and the
sufIcrngs Of the soldier,