Louisiana capitolian., 1879-06-21

spirit of the once proud rider. The
little scarlet flag trailed sadly along
the staff. And thus in doleful mood
the cavalcade moved toward the near
est post Of Federals to offer them
selves as prisoners.
"Adjutant," says Col. Gobler, Ego
and tell you that blue-bellied cuss Of
a Yankee Major that Col. Gobler has
come to surrender to his own commits
sary and quartermaster.
Presently the Adjutant returned
and reported:
"He says 60 to h-ll; that he won't
receive the surrender of a rebel out
law and guerrilla"
"He won't, won't he 2" and the Co.
lionel unsheathed his blade, and cleft
off the branch of q tree overhead.
"Tell Cap'in Brown to take three
companies dismounted round yonder,
and tell Cap'n Canister to unlimber
the ijackass battery"
While these dispositions were being
made, the Federal officer was sitting
quietly in his tent.
"Damn the impudence Of the bush
whacker," said the major, che ought
to be hung, not paroled. I'll raise
YOU two dollars and a half"
81 call you," said the officer whom
he addressed, laying down his cards;
but at that moment voice without
sang out: "We're surrounded" which
was true, for the rebels had thou
sand men to the Federals' two hun
dred.
"The devilv" cried the Major.
"That's just what l say" replied
the other officers, throwing down the
cards and running out of 4he tent.
Sure enough the guerrillas had snr-
rounded the little handful of Federal
troops. The shrill cry Of the bugles
called the troops to the horse, and in
q minute the little command was
formed.
"Now," said the major, drawing his
sabre, "if any man be afraid let him
fall out of ranks, and 90 to the rear"
"There amt no rear" said some
body.
.'Then don't 60 there" said an
other"
| At this moment the same rebel ad-
jutant was seen approaching with a
white flag once more. He presently
came up, saluted and delivered to the
Major u paper, which read as follows:
"Major Jones, commanding Detach-
ment U. S. A.--Sir: You are sur
rounded by six times your number.
My troopers are in your front, my
dismounted men on your flank, and
my jackass battery commands your
rear. give no quarters, and always
lose my prisoners. Accept my sur
render, or go up.
"Yours, GOBLER."
1t may be guessed that the Majors
surprise at being forced instead Of
make a surrender was only equaled
by his great feeling Of relief.
In ten minutes the gray and blue
soldiers were laughing and smoking
, together, while the major invited the
terrible guerrilla chief to have drink
and ten detailed clerks went to max
7 ing out the paroles.
Then the rebel regiment formed il
line, the color bearer delivered thu
flag, and Col. Gobler offered his swort
| to Maj. Jones, which the major, il
: imitation of Gen. Grant, declined tx
4 accept.
= "The paroled soldiers are permitted
4 to return to their homes, retainin!
? their private property" etc, said tn
r Federal major, repeating the terms 0
the cartel under which the surrende
: of Lee was effected. o
q Upon the heel of great distress ant
L depression, a slight change for tn
: better oftep elates the spirits wonder
o fully; and SO, as the groups Of horse
G men bade farewell to their late colo
n mel, and rode away to their homes
r they, were gay and frolicsome as
: going on raid.
d The guerrilla chief watched tb
: departing squads until the last lag
o gard was gone, and turned sadly t
# where his mare stood saddled, the
# looked at the folded red flag whic
Q the major had set up against his tent
It The colonel began to walk to and fir
is before the tent, seeming in deep al
d straction; then paused, with folde
d arms, and addressed the major:
o "Major, you're a gentleman and
is soldier; won't you give me that flag
II Taking it in his hand.] "You kno'
% made you take it.s You never coul
q have gotten it from me else. Sc
n here, in these bullet holes and stair
q