The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1865-11-02


Lieut. Col. GODDARD, A. \. @.
! 1Current Series
The above order was read upon dress
parade to the gallant old --th in January
1868. The cotton fields and cedar thick
cts of Stone River were as yet scarce
ly dry from the loyal blood which had
there been given up to freedoms cause.
The regiment was struck dumb, so to
speak, and the Captain most of all.
w hat could such an order mean ? Sure
| ly, none deserved censure less than Capt
Carter He was the idol of the regi-
ment-a perfect specimen of manly
strength, bold and fearless in battle,
| perfect master of the ''sword" and
s'gloves." kind and gentle hearted, al
ways found upon the side of the weak.
He had been frequently spoken of by
his superiors for his gallantry. These
| thoughts passed through the minds of
| some after this order WAS read, but none
could give sufficient reason why he
should be thus relieved, for, said they,
does not the order imply disgrace But
these mutterings were not heard at head
quarters, and we're of no avail The
Captain retired to his tent, relieved him
self of his accouterments, called his
servant Tom, and set out for headquar-
ters with none but his sable companion.
Gen. ROsecrans was quartered in
Judge Ready's house, and had a private
suit of rooms on the second floor, with
windows opening upon a verandah. He
was sitting before bright fire on the
evening our story opens, in undress uni
form, with nothing but the buttons to
betoken rank. An orderly entered and
announced Captain Carter The General
arose quickly, and advanced to meet him
with that easy, smiling look, that put the
Captains fears at rest. The General
took him by the hand, while his counte-
nance assumed more thoughtful look,
or rather settled in repose, and said:
This is Captain Carter, of the = In
diana ?
1T is, sir replied the Captain.
You received q peremptory order this
evening to report forthwith
Il did, sir ; and have done so
Yes, yes take seat, Captain. lam
in want Of \ man of some experience
Captain, who has not only hand to do
and heart to dare, but also has Judge
ment to guide and direct both. Gen
Thomas, after quietly looking through
his command, has picked on yol and
have such confidence IN the .grizzIed OLD
hero that / have summoned vou here for
secret service. Are YOU willin. 20 an
dertake it with all its risks ?
Anything General, for our country's
good
Very well. sir; you will remain here
to night. Any of your effects you may
need, send for by the orderly at the door
During the night will inform you what
your duties will be-
General Bragg's headquarters were at
in semicircle, the rebel right resting on
Nashville, their left resting at the shoals
below.
General Van Dorm commanded the
eft, with headquarters at Spring Hill.
Our right rested at Franklin, which is
nearly on direct line between Spring
Hill and Nashville This much by way
Of explanation.
One morning in February, 1868, two
persons were making their way on horse
back from Shelbyville to Spring Hill
The first of these was dressed in Qua
Ser garb, and bestrode light built,
dample bay stallion, whose small. sinewv
limbs. broad chest and open nostrils be-
tokened both speed and bottom. Horse
and rider were i'll matched, but seemed
to have perfect understanding.
The other person was a negro, dressed
like his master, broad rim. white neckte
and all, mounted on q stout roadster
They were fast approaching vidette
post; were shertly halted by cavalry
man. They drew rain and dismounted.
is thee man of war 2 asked the
Quaker.
Don't know; reckon tho 1 mought
be. But what's your business. Quaker?
about here 2
Well l reckon 1 does; but he'll mis-
ter We if you call him that
We'll, I have business with him. and
I desire admtttance into thy camps
All right, old fellow; wait till call
the Corporal
Gen. Van Dorm was examining some
maps and charts. when an orderly enter
Ell aud announced that a Quaker desired
to see him
Admit him. said the Gen eral.
is thee Mr.. Van Dorm whom carnal
men call General 2
What is your business with me, sir !?
asked the General, without answering
the question.
Il am sent. friend Van Dorm, BY nv
society to minister comforts and conse-
latien to these men of war. and would
ask permission to bring in such things
as they may need or my means may sup
ply
Have you any recommendations 2
Yea, verify, and the Quaker produced
handle of papers and commenced as
sorting them out Here is one from
friend Broadbent, and here is one from
friend Quakerbush. and here -
Never mind, said the General, while
the corners of hismouth commenced 10
jerk, here, Mr..
'Thurston,' suggested the Quaker.