The National tribune., 1881-04-01


BY order Of the Secretary OF War.
"E. o. Townsend
ASSISTANT Aajutdnt General
a'Col. LAwRESCE w AuroN U. S. a.
Special Inspector General"
They also presented the following forged letter from
Gen. James A. Garfield Chief Of staff for the Depart
Ssent of the Cumberland
4 ."HEADQuARTERs DEPARTMENT or rnE CUMBERLAND.
" "MrRFREEsBoRo', Tenn, May 80 1864
Colonel The Major General commanding desires me
TO say to you that he desires spare the time
present that you will inspect his outposs before drawing
mp your report for the War Department Washington
city All commanding officers of outposs will aid in this
matter to the best Of their ability The General desires
me to give his respects to you remain, very respect
fully, your obcdient servant,
nVolumieer Chiefof str6 and Acting Adjuam General
.'Col. L. w. AuroN, Cavalry,
Especial Inspector General
They represented Col Baird that they had been sur
prsed by party Of rebels while taking dinner house
Eageyille, little village miles distant the
direction of Murfeesboro that their ordere overcoats
and baggage had been captured and that they themselves
had barely escaped with their lives which accounted for
the fact that they had strapped to their sad
dies citizens overcoats They represented themselves
being destitute for that of many necessary articles
as well as money that they desired very much TO go
Nashville that night, and requested of Colonel Baird
loan of $5o which he advanced to Williams once TAX
ing his note for that amount After partakng of
ereshments and apparently in the most cheerful man
ner, they started in the direction of Nashville Just as
they Were passing out of the fort Col Lewis D. Watkins
of the 9th Kentucky Cavalry entered horseback fol-
lowed by orderly. AS he passed Williams he caught
glimpse of the side of his face and consciousness of
recognition came over him, though he could not
determine locate the individual who had attracted his
attention. Riding up TO Col Baird who at
hand he inquired who the men were he met as he came
into the fort Col Baird replied replied They are in
spectng officers of the United States army who have just
been making us visit. Col. Watkins remarked that
. there must be mistake about this, think
cognize one OF those as an old army officer"
NOW IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY.
After moments consultation for there was no time
hal lngf al w MS lnm diafnl
started in pursuit, determined to overake Williams and
Peter though though the latter riding rapidly to-
ward Nashville Giving his orderly instructions to
sling his earbile they rode along, and to fire the
they pursuing if they refused to return with
shem they overlook the selfconstuted inspecting of-
about $50 yards from the fort Without betaying
any excitement in bland aud pleasant tone of voice, Col
Watkins rode 10 them and politely requested them to
return Col Baird desired TO them again before
they Nashville, and suggested that perhaps
escort should be furnished them for their protection
she way. Just Andres presence of mind forsook him
at the supreme moment when he brought face face
with tremendous danger these men failed for an in
atant comprehend the situation and in that instant
their doom was sealed Williams during the moment
when their destines hung in the balance had some mis-
gvings put his hand upon his pistol and almost deter
mined TO fire upon Watkins, put spurs TO- his his horse
and probably he could have made his escape without
much difficulty but ulled into security by the easy tone
and manner OF Col watkins seeing no others IN pursuit
but the have mentioned and confident that his own
adroitness and skill would find way out OF any trouble,
courteousy consented to return to the fort This
all the remarkable as they were well armed and
mounted and their escape almost certain they made
the attempt But fate had decreed otherwise and they
returned the inevitable destruction On their way back
Col. Watkins remarked "Gentemen will not trouble
you to ride back TO the fort but you will halt at my
quarters which the turnpike, will send for COL
Baird and he and YOU" To this they con-
sented and having dismounted, entered Col. Watkins
tent where guard without their knowledge instantly and
quietly surrounded them They became nervous and
manifested mpatence at the delay caused by the non
arrival Of Colonel Baird Presently one of them looking
ont the door of the that they prisoners
s'What does this mean, Col Watkins?" they instantly
asked Ii means replied Col Watkins g that you
suspected, and for the time being you prisoners
you whatyou represent yourselves to be- you will only
be detained short time but must be convinced o.
the fact before you are released" They stormed anC
raved greatly and threatened denounce Coonels Wat
and Baird to the Secretary of War for the outrage
they perpetrang in delaying officers special dut
from Washington, but the cool demeanor of Col. Wat
kins was proof against such demonstrations While thi
conversation in progress Col Baird entered. LIE
ane see your papers again. please said he Col Williams
The papers, letters and orders glanced over AM
turned. Turning to Lieut. Peter he said " Let me sc