The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-11-02

the mouse, he was wondering at what point
he should strike to disable his victim soon
est.
Grim minded and sour-tcmpered was the
third man OF us, and wars horrors delighted
him. When he had taken his second look
at the little party sitting on their horses on
the open road, wicked smile crossed his
face, and he whispered
"By the hundred gods of the heather
but-that chap on the left there is old Stone.
wall jackson, and Pm going to drop him v'
Old Pete, our sour-tempered, conpanion.
had frst-class Minnie rife with him. He
had carried it for several months, in some
way escaping the attention Of the inspector
and in some way always secured ammunition
tor 1t. L saw him in at least half dozen in
stances shoot down videttes or skirmishers
who seemed to be half mile away, and he
was known throughout the regiment rs a
| dead.shot.
There was considerable firing around US
| from toragers, stragglcrs, and men cleaning
their guns, and shot from the window
might not attract particular attention.
Resting the heavy gun across the window
sill, and having as steady rest as hunter ever
asked Tor, "Old Pete' was ready to keen
his word.
1T SEEMED LIKE CoLD-BLOODED AssAssI-
NATION.
could almost count the buttons on Jack
sons coat, and there seemed no escape for
him. was watching him when the rife
cracked. He had a field glass to his eve,
and the only movement we could sec was a
quick motion Of the head, as if the bullet
had cut close to his ear. The glass was not
even lowered. "Old Pete swore terrible
long string of oaths as he realized his fail.
ure> but IN minute WAS r. ad = aagGGin--
ri Hope to never draw another breath if
| don't kill him stone dead !" he muttercd
as he knclt down. Jackson did not face us
as before, yet was a good mark, even for
musket. We watched him as before, and
this time the bullet must have swept past
his face, as he lodged his head backwards
The glass was down then, but he raised it
in an instant and went on with his-survey.
|" "Have got to be fool ! or have grown
blind!' howled "Old Pete," as he looked
down upon his unharmed victim. "1'lf Kill
him this time or shoot myself in this cham
Der.
1t was dangerous to remain there longer,
as the cavalry had crcpt nearer, and Jack
sons aids seemed to have got the idea that
sharpshooter was posted near by. Yet
cold Pete" would have had third shot if
the Confedcratcs had been in the house
THE TARGET WAS AS FAIR AS BEFORE.
He took more careful aim, and yet when
he fired we saw splinters fly from 4 rail way
over beyond the General. The cavalry
were then close upon us, and our two mus
kets were lost in the hurried flight from the
house, Half an hour after that Jackson
was driving our brigadcs and divisions as
he wlled.
"Ill measure off the same distance, off
hand, and bet my life that can hit sol
dier's cap nine times out of ten !" growled
"Old Pete" as he hurried forward, and,
suddenly overcome by indignation and cha
grin, he battered his cherished gun againt
Il tree and destroyed it. AS if seeking per-
sonal revenge, Jackson's legions passed
right by us. The nearest brigade Of Siga's
corps was picked up and dashed to pieces
as a strong man would lift and hurl child.
Running along with. the Omqzed and fright
ened men, but bearing off towards our own
division, we picked up other muskets to re-
place our lost ones. Reaching knoll from
which we had another view of the turnpike,
we halted for a last. look over The heads Of
the frightened, fleeing soldiers-over the
ground strewn with arms and accoutrements
over the blue smoke. just beginning to
rise
| WE SAW JACKSON AGAIN.
He was far away, but it was Jackson.
Course him but he has got a guardian
angel" howled "Ol1 Pete," as he shook his
fist toward the turnpike.
| No other man ever yet had rife drawn
on him at such range and escape three
cool, carefully y-aimed bullets. His escape
sent thrill of superstition through each
mind, and from that hour to the moment
when the news reached us "Old Pete" new
er spoke word. 1t was puzzle he could
not solve. AS we lay in line, every eye
peering through the darkness to catch sight
Of the gray line coming on again, an aid
came hurrying along and shouted out
"Wc're all right, boys. Stonewall Jack,
son has been killed up the road there!'
"Od Pete" lcaped up, whirled around to
face the bearer Of the news, and savagely
shouted back:
"You lie you lie you lie Stonewal
Jackson can't be hurt by shell or killed by
bullets !"
BUT 1T WAS so.
Lying in the arms Of those who loveC
him, SO near us that the cries Of oul
wounded must have reached his ears, wa
| u, Al.