Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1876-04-27

ON the railroad, aud Bell could not per-
suade them to do so. Sergeant Scales
Joined with the men in saying that
such an attempt would be useless.
Bell, though secretly glad OF the turn
affairs had taken, told them they might
follow their own inclinati0ns, but he
should mention the facts to Gen. Chal-
mers. On their return, he did so, and
thus relieved himself of the response.
bility. The General, however, was
much pleased ut the account of the
manner in which Bell saved his men
by his presence of mind.
He found Gen. Stephen d. Lee, a
nephew of Gen. Robert E. Lee, in con-
sultation with Gen. Chalmers. Bell
was called in and closely questioned as
to the strength of the Federal garrisons
on the line of the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad. It was evident
that they intended a movement in
force upon some portion of the road.
The questions were put vaguely and
generally, to prevent Bell from obtain.
ing any information of the proposed
point of attack, but he was quite GER
tain, from various indications, that it
was to be at Moscow. There was a
railroad bridge across Wolf creek at
this place-the only one between Mem.
phis and PocahOntas, a distance of
seventy miles. He also learned that
reinforcements had been ordered from
the interior of the State, and he there
fore judged that the movement would
be quite formidable.
The scout determined that Hurlbut
should know of the proposed attack in
time to prepare for it. He obtained a
furlough from Chalmers to visit Gren-
ada, Mississippi, place sixty miles
distant, in the opposite direction from
Memphis. He proceeded to Oxford on
the road to Grenada, and remained
there until night. He then mounted
his horse and rode ON, still in the same
direction. Having proceeded about
ten miles, he turned abruptly to the
north and rode toward the Tallahatchie
River. He reached it by dawn the
next morning, swan it, and continued
on his way toward Memphis. He was
in full Confederate uniform, and de-
signed to go to the hollow tree in the
forest where lie kept his citizens
clothes, and change his apparel. On
going to the tree, however, he was
very much chagrined to find that some
one had discovered the place and
stolen the suit. He had no other way
now to enter Memphis than to surren-
der himself to the pickets and ask to
be taken to Hurlbut.
He was quite near the pickets on the
fernando road when he saw 4 man
riding toward him whom he recognize
ed. when closer, as Confederate scout
by the name of Barton. There had
never been much love lost between
himself and Barton, and he knew that
the latter had suspected him for some
time. He WAS attempting to invent
some explanation of his presence so
near the Union lines, as his fellow
scout came mp.
When Barton was opposite him in the |
road Bell was surprised to see him
draw revolver and cock it.
Il am delighted to meet you," said
he. ''You are my prisoner -
saint you laboring under mis-
':Oh no, not in the least replied
Barton, his pistol correctly aimed at
Bells head. ''You are my prisoner y
For what reason :" inquired Bell.
"What reason - said Barton.
'plenty of reasons. In the first place.
here you are, going directly into Men,
ohis in full uniform. Mr.. Pierson,
his sort of thing is about played out.
Disarm yourself -
''You are very insolent,'' said Bell.
Suppose | won't -
''Then l shall shoot you in just
.bout minute. That would be a pity,
:or want to see you hanged.'
''Indeed!' said Bell. "Your kind
ness nearly overrowers me"
1T will completely oyerpower you
before l am through with you. Hand
ne your reyolvers."
Barton's pistol was pointed directly
It Bells head, and an attempt at re-
'istance even if it had been desirable
" polite at this time, would have
)een useless. Bell still hoped that
Barton merely entertained suspicious
If him without any evidence.
He took his two pistols and handed |
hem to Barton. but the small four.
oarrelled revolver which he carried in
! pocket in his pantaloons was still |
ready at hand.
"You will be sorry for this before
you get through with it," said Bell.
"Oh, no, guess not" replied Bar.
ton. have got you down to a fine
point
Barton seemed satisfied on receiving
the pistols. supposing that Bell was
now entirely disarmed. He asked |
however:
'.Are these all your weapons
''Perhaps you had better search |
me-" replied Bell, as am your prison
er."
II should not hesitate to search you
if felt inclined to do so," said Bar
ton.
''Well, why don't you :" asked Bell.
"Well, l don't choose to!'' replied
Barton. Fl. ....
II demand to be taken to Gen. Chal-
mer's headquarters immediately said
Bell.
''That is where I propose to take
you,' was the response. "That is the
very place for you. You will be kind
enough to ride little ahead me. II
like to observe the shape and style of
the famous Scout and Wild RIDER
Bell rode on as directed,
''You will take notice. remarked
Barton, very cody, ''that if you make
any attempt to escape l shall shoot you
in twinkling.''
eff you will hand me one of those
pistols" answered Bell. II should be
glad to reciprocate the favor
When they had started, Barton
said:
stIt mon oonaolo uo,, Mr. D;orao,,. 70