The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-10

sparkles with fire; this is Gen. Ben McCul-
loch, of Texas.
A little back and behind the rest stands
youthful form. Surely We have seen that
face before-yes, it is Zera
The center of the group, and the object
of every eye an old man; not even
clad in the glitter and show of uniform,
but attired in much-used plain civilian
dress his frame is tall and heavy -
hair as white as snow, clipgs to his brow and
waves around his head; and from the full gray
eve flashes out wild, deep light. Know you
not this man issouri's idol? 1t is General
Sterling Price within whose hands rest the
lives of those 10000 men, with the honor OF
the new flag in his keeping
Even as we gaze upon him, he raises his
head and speaks
eyes, gentlemen, these papers show US all
we need to know. We will commence our
march at once; and if Lyon does not meet us,
we viii attack him in Springfield"
at is better so" replied McCulloch, ''but
can we find no means of rewarding this boyY"
turning and looking at zera with deep ad-
miration kindling in his eyes.
cit does not need" she hastily replied,
81 am too young to bear a soldiers honors,
and for other reward, I would not take it
let the matter pass"
"No, by my soul! Nay, lad, come over to
the Texas camp, and we will see if we cannot
discover an aidship for you"
81 am obliged to you, general, for your
kind intentions, but / must remain with my
cousin. am but lad, as you see."
"Weu, gentlemen, to your posts we must
move from here" said the old man, and the
council broke up.
In a very few moments the hurry and tu-
multi of the camp were renewed. But the oc-
casion was different Now JOY and happiness
flashed from every eye, for soldiers are
always best pleased when ordered on
military service. Aids dashed in the di-
rection of quarters assigned to command
ers of division with orders, and fastened
back at the same headlong speed. The bugle
of the cavalry sounded out clear and wild its
''boots and saddle" and in answer to its call
the squadrons began to form into line and
prepare for the route.
The trains of wagons with their white tilt
and long teams of mules formed into squares
and waited the movements of the column to
which they were attached. The ambulance
! corps, too, were in motion I; the sick had been
safely slowed, and the vehicles were ready for
| the road.
We can record only the salient points of the
picture The minute details will readily oc-
cur to the memory of those who have seen a
camp breaking up for the march.
| An hour later the spectacle changes Let
us see the change; let us look on the picture /!
Far in advance are beheld the cleaning arms
| of the advance guard. Some little distance in
the rear, the staff officers come riding in their
| chivalric array. And in the far distance,
winding with every turn and sweep of the
road, the columns of marching regiments. bat
talions and squadrons of soldiers, their arms
| glistening in the CLEAN of the sun-the bright
rays dancing on sword and bayonet and flash
ing around the brazen muzzles of the artillery.
| And behind all these the baggage train of q
thousand wagons winding over hill and valley
its slow and tortuous route.
Behind all this glistening array came the
rangers. Theirs was no holiday service-nc
sinecure did they fill. Already had they
won fame and honor on the scout and in the
field. The name of their young leader had
become synonym for all that was adventu.
rous and daring, for in many a wild encoun
ter with the enemy had his genius and cour'
rage secured them the victory. Now they
formed the rear guard of the army, which was
destined, in few days, to mark the annals o.
revolution with an episode as startling in its
wild grandeur as that whichsurprised Europe
into admiration of the achievements of Lodi
In the meantime all was activity in the
army And on the march and in the camp
the utmost exertions were made to have every
thing in readiness for the engagement that al
saw was approaching. Days glided past til,
armies were slowly coming together, and tn
light troops sometimes met.
The rangers performed much of that ser
vice on the part of the Confederates, since b,
their skill, their fidelity and acquaintance will
the country, they were admirably qualified
for it.
1t was the day before the final engagement
that the general felt desire to reconnoite
the road leading into Springfield, havin
some doubts whether the disposition of tn
enemy's forces had been accurately reported
On this service he ordered the ranger captain
and his troop. At the entrance of a little ascen
ing ravine, the captain was attracted by tn
appearance of some light cavalry, which wer
occupying the brow of the opposite hill; ye
so perfectly were they disposed that he coulc
neither ascertain their numbers nor the objec
of their being there. Sending forward few
of his men as skirmishers, under the charg
of his lieutenant, the captain formed his trooI
into line and slowly moved after them. Not
withstanding this movement on the part o
the Confederates, it produced no perceptibl
change in the disposition of the enemy, ant
they seemed to be awaiting the approach o
| I