The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-10-19

Y, D. c., THURSDAY, OCT0I
saulting the gates but either plan would
have resulted in wholesale slaughter by the
guards, and wiser counsels finally prevailed.
The third day, fortunately, the men pre-
scnted their ranks unbroken and the usual
ration was issued to us The ratiOns that
had been withheld, however, were never
rcrtored, and we felt the pangs of star
walton. That afternoon Wirz came into the
camp unattended, and he had an unexpectedly
warm reception. The prisoners not only
hcaped imprecations-aga which he was
proof-upon him, but assailed him with clubs
and everything they could lay their hands on,
and he was forced to beat a hasty retreat lie
drew his revolver but the crowd made rush
for him, and he was too badly frightened to
fire. | have said that he was by nature
coward, but a brave man would have had little
chance of escaping with his life at such close
quarters. 1t was a long while before Wirz
ventured into the prison again, and then he
took the precaution to bring a strong guard
with him. He never forgot the treatment he
had received, and he grew daily more cruel and
yindictive.
THE VOICE OF THE TEMPER.
AS the days went by and death and starva-
drew closer to us many of my comrades gave
way to despair, grew Indifferent to their fate,
and fell easy victims to disease. | was of the
number, however, who never lost heart. 1t
was my habit to go down to the miserable little
stream, which ran through the enclosure, every
morning and have a chat with my acquaint-
ances about the dear ones at home whom we
hardly dared to think we should ever see
again, or recall our experiences in the field, or
talk over our chances of escaping or being eI-
changed. If ever Misery loved company it was
at Andersonville! This morning conference
ended, it was my wont to take my stand at the
gate by which the ration wagon entered the
enclosure and new arrivals of prisoners were
admitted. One morning, rs I was lettering
there, confederate soldier called out TO me
from the other side of the gate: Il say,
Johnny; how would you like to come outsider"
Naturally, | replied: Very well, sir!" At
this he disappeared, but returned shortly with
a permit from Wirz to pass me out. l did not
understand it at ALL but l concluded to avail
myself of the opportunity to see the exterior
quaintance as | soon discovered, was private
in one Of the companies of the Twenty sixth
Alabama, and although nearly twenty years
have elapsed since | met him | still recall his
name. 1t was Louis Jones' His regiment had
been almost wiped out Of existence under Lee
and had been ordered to Andersonville for
guard duty and recruiting. Jones had q brother
in the regiment who held Geutenantcy, and
1t was through him that he procured the per-
NIT to pass me out Of the stockade. The rcgi-
ment was encamped but short distance from
where l was introduced to some of the men and
given something to eat. II did not take long
for me to ascertain why l was sent for. In
fact, the manner Of my introduction
solved that mystery, for l was referred
to as "the little pet Yankee from the
prison, who is going to play the drum for US"
And, sure enough, after dinner my escort
summoned the fifer and the regimental drum
mer-there was but one, and my professional
Judgment pronounced him very poor one
and marched US some distance through the
woods to a rude chapel that some piously-
inclined persons had erected for the regiment,
and ordered us to strike up" We played
few tunes, and 1 suppose my handiness with
the sticks must have given satisfaction, for the
question was then directly put to me whether
l would not serve as drummer to the regiment
during its oncamprnent there. Assurances
were given that ! should be well treated, and
have enough to eat, and, as | hestated, it was
insinuated that there could be nothing
wrong" in my accepting the offer. I would be
paroled on my word of honor, and within
certain limits / would be allowed to do pretty
much as pleased" 1t was great temptation,
and there was no friend at hand to whom /
could turn for counsel. But the more l re-
fectcd the more / shrank from the idea of
marching at the head OF a confederate line and
playing the Bonnie Blue Flag" l felt, boy
though was, that it would be an act Of treason
and disloyaity to the cause l had sworn to
maintain, and I said as much to my escort.
"Wen," he replied, a will have to put you
back in the stockade." And thither we di-
rcctcd our steps. On the way he several times
tried to persuade me TO reconsider my decision,
and | could see that he was 10th to let me go,
but my mind was made up and ] turned deaf
ear to his arguments. Once within the stock
ade again l related my adventures to my
friends, some of whom approved my action
and said they were proud of my loyalty, while
others, who were particularly concerned about
saving my life, rather intimatcd that inasmuch
rs was not asked to take the field with the
regiment, it would have been just as well had
! accepted the offer. A few days afterwards
the confederates found both ffer and a
drummer in the prison who were perfectly
willing to perform the service required Of them.
They had served in the Regular army, and
were far more skillful performers than l.
However, l have never regretted that l did
not yield to the temptation.
10 be continued