The daily gazette., 1876-04-08

was in such q tumble-dewn condition
from various causes, that most of the
interior was exposed to view from the
outside.
Overlooking the mill, almost at the
summit of Ibis hill, was an old log
house, and whoever had possession Of
that virtually held the key of the posi-
ten. One difficulty removed, another
presented itself; how can we get to
that house? There seemed but one Of
two ways by which il could be reach
Ell. One was by detour, which might
give The enemy chance to escape. and
the ether was to make sudden dash
for \ small footbridge over the Fork "a
few reds below the mill. The latter
plan was decided upon, as promising
better results, though the mole danger
Gus. 30 quickly was the charge made,
and so nearly in the direction Of the
mill itself, that the enemy, supposed
an attempt was being made to take it
by storm.
Their mistake was not discovered
TILL the bridge was passed, and the as
cent of the hill begun, when the object
OF the movement flashed upon their
minds. Not moments time did they
lose. With yell they leaped from the
rear end Of the mill to the hill side, and
began clambering up as best they could
grasping shrubs and limbs for aid, as
they struggled along. The race was
nearly an even one, and it was doubt
ful for time which party would out.
strip the other. The greater smooth.
ness OF the country road decided the
matter, though our men had just time
to assume some sort Of defensive atti-
tude, outside the house, when the
enemy were upon them. A contest
ensued, very little resembling those
usual between armed men. a..
Few shots were fired, but muskets
were dubbed and terrific blows given
and received. For q few seconds neith-
er party was victorious, neither defeat
ed. All aims were centered upon pcs
session Of that pile of logs, which all
the time remained 80 indifferent to the
result OF the combat SO near. Thus
matters stood fer what seemed hours
Of time, when from the east of the hill
came to our glad ears the sound of
hurrying feet, and on the Instant
double quick, march!" rung out
clear and distinct upon the morning
air. The detached party of the morn.
Ing had come up in the nick of time.
One look was enough fer the enemy
Back toward the mill they turned, with
pursuers close upon their heels.
Everybody for himself was the order
of the useless fight. One by enc they
were captured, till the greater number
were prisoners. This little affair last
ed only about an hour, and, Though
devoid Of. bloody incidents and harrow
ing details, was productive of good re-
suits in that immediate locality. That
rendezvous was effectually broken up,
and the enemy was taught that such a
state Of affairs could not exist with
impunity and within sight, almost, of
the the post of Riaco. AS a further
result, faces which had'been seen on
the streets, and in the camps even,
we're now missed.
A rather significant fact, and one
much commented upon at the time
The ac,ors in this action at Rolling
Fork passed through many and bleod-
ier scenes in the terrible conflict which
ensued. But it is safe to say that no
after event produced a more lasting
impression than did this, their first ex-
pcrience. 1t was one of many small
beginnings whose elimination was
reached at AppomattoX,