Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1882-06-30

and caught the birdie. Two others
Joined the first, who halted me. The
two last corners covered me with their
rifles, and in no very polite terms told
me to get off my horse.
With two rifles. and pistol at my
head did not long delay. was in a
trap. They had me. gave them my
sword and pistols, and was marched off
in an opposite direction from our
camp. I was too mad to say anything.
Had / not boosted that l never
would be captured? No Libby prison
for me. That would be sure death for
me, 50 death before capture.
Captured on the battle field,
after doing my best, but quietly picked
up by squad Of home guards.
All my hopes of doing something
creditable-of winning glory in this
war-ended in this humiliation-in this
disgrace. The more / thought over
the situation the meauer / felt. If |
had my pistols back | would have
taken the risks. But one look at the
men in the gloom convinced me that
they knew what they were about. They
joked and laughed as if they had done
smart thing, uRtil | was actually
amused at their coarse humors. And
so we went on deeper into the under
growth. Following the path, in short
time we came to their camp-not much
Of a camp-about thirty horses tied to
the trees. Groups Of men were scatter
ed about, a few fires were burning, and
the smell Of fried bacon reminded me
Of the mess table not far of. always
looked after that, and drilled the cooks.
We didn't starye ourselves in those
days.
/ imagined could hear the general
say, "Where is Dickey to-night?" And
the doctor would answer, Oh, he's
thinking Of that young perhaps
has gone to win the wager. | guess we
had better have Bill save him some of
the fried chicken. The lieutenant
bought the chicken of the widow to-
day" My present prospect was a
smell Of fried bacon; my future Libby
and starvation. | sat down on a log
and some Of the fellows stood about me,
making pretty free with their remarks.
They said their captain was out some
where. They shared their corncakes
and bacon with me and joked good
deal at my expense, while | smoked
my pipe in apparent unconcern, wait
ing for something to turn up.
AS the night passed on, all except
the guards went to sleep. Nothing but
the frogs and mssquitoes broke the 81
lence and disturbed repose.
About midnight some one came into
camp, and the command moved of. |
was put on horse with a guard behind
me. 1t was dark ride through the
woods. After reaching the high road
we went on some time ever what SEEM
ed familiar ground. Hating near
house, the troops entered wood near
and my guard took me 10 the house.
] recognized the place. 1t was the
plantation where we stopped at noon.
a man came out who was called cap
tain. Ii was young Williams | knew
his voice at once. He told the guards
he had sent for the boys because they
had little job ON hand. Before he
noticed me he told them about his cap
ture. They laughed good deal, while
he swore old Gen. A. was deylish fine
old fellow, and he had fine staff
pretty good fellows for Yanks
lie wis DTOlllGf Dill. j
was afraid Ma and Kate would say
something, but they had sense enough
to keep still. Kate kept the niggers
away, and no one suspected me. But
who have you got here, boys" Come
in, let's have u light"
followed into the house Just as /
came in Mrs. Williams and Kate came
in with lights. | couldn't help but join
in the laugh Us the light shone on my
face. Their surprise and my ridiculous
situation Invested the affair Of all seri-
business.
Said |: "Ladies, pardon me for in
truding myself upon you SO soon again,
but you see, circumstances over which
if it were DIR. Bingham there would be
some excuse, but for me"
"Well, WE'LL said Mrs. W., Jim
mie'll take good care of you, lieuten-
ant, and the best thing he can do for
you is to put you to bed. People ought
to be asleep ut this time of the night or
rather morning"
Lieut.. Dickey, you are my prisoner,
and you must pronounce, on your
honor, that you won't leave before
breakfast" said Kate.
The captain and did not sleep We
sat on the front porch while he told
me he was glad to have the chance Of
doing me favor that | could give my
my word not to reveal his plan, part of
which | had overheard, not 10 give
numbers and location of his command.
He returned my sword and pistols, and
just rs the light in the east was appear
ing we sat down to 4 splendid breakfast
was treated rs friend, and as belt
ed on my sword and pistols and rode
away there was neta jollier lieutenant
III the sunny South.
A rapid ride of few miles and
caught up with the command. The
general and staff had been in great
anxiety about me. A search had been
made for me, the deserted rebel camp
discovered and my probable capture
concluded. As we had no cavalry, no
pursuit was made. My story was soon
told and not repeated, rs the capture
would be no credit to our staff. The
doctor willingly increased his account
with the sutler. when | gave him such
a glowing description of the charming
conduct Of Miss Kate
Three years ago | was in Denver, the
queen of the plains, sanitarium and
a paradise went to the pos.otfice for
my mail. | inquired for John A.
Dickey. \ gentleman who was pass
ing, stopped, and after looking ut me
moment, grasped my hand "Dickey,
is this you? God bless you; how are
you?"
| did not at first recognize my old
coRrade, DIR. Bingham, but in mo-
ment his face became familiar. | must
go with him; Denver was his home:
his wife would be delighted to see me
had seen me before.
He took me TO his beautiful home
4 home Of elegant refinement and lux
ury He was prosperous. This was
his home, which he had pictured to me
As We sat by the camp fires long years
before. He had been married ten
years. As we sat in his coy library
the door opened and sweet little girl
came iii, followed by lady whom |
had seen before. Yes, | needed no in
PRODUCTION. Mrs. Bingham, | am
your prisoner again, and promise you
not to leave before breakfast"
1t was delightful thus TO meet an old
comrade in his beautiful home, sur
rounded by all the advantages Of wealth,
aud bla,SoI J.