The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1883-09-26
Capturing a Still

The other night, Major Griddlewood,
who long ago won his spurs as an eff
cient revenue officer, related the follow
ing story:
At one time we had a great deal OF
trouble with illicit distillers in Arkansaw.
There was one neighborhood especially
where il seemed impossible to discover
the outlaws. This community was away
up on White river. Officer after officer
had been sent up, and quite number of
them are there yet, although the depart
ment did not receive notification that
they intended TO leave the service. One
day the news came in that one of our
hest men had just been killed at Drip
ping Springs, by which name the dam
gerous neighborhood was known.
was sent for by the marshal, who said.
major, you have had considerable
success in hunting for distillers. Now
we want you to find those fellows and
bring them to justice. AS you know,
none of our men have been able to find
them and" Fa
"They'vc been found n trine too often,'
suggested. DOB .''N
"Thats a fact" the marshal agreed,
"but not by the right man. Now /
want YOU to take as many soldiers as You
want, 20 to the place and break up the
business"
/ reflected for moment and replied
~ think that our mistake has been in
taking too many men. 1t is almost i'm
possible for party of men to find a wild
cat distillery. Their approach is soon
heralded and disaster is eel tain to follow.
| will 20 alone and discover the nest.
Then can return and capture the entire
outfit"
"Rather hazardous" the marshal said,
thoughtfully scratching his head. .
"Not so dangerous as the course hith-
erto adopted"
"All right; use your own judgment. "
The next day l started on my perilous
expedition. i went horseback, and my
progress was very slow. When at last
reached the place, 1 found beautiful
rich country, with great hills and little
valleys luxliriantly carpeted with grass.
[ could see no signs OF lawlessness, but
on the other hand was kindly treated.
| [ stopped Mt the house of, man named
Anderson, a well.to-do fellow, with some
education and a bright-eyed daughter,
who seemed to be devoted to her father.
saw at once that Anderson was an
honest man, and when / learned that ht
had been in the Federal army felt SC.
cure under his roof. Still did not care
to tell him my real business, but il
answer to q question, stated that j was
looking for land in lcisurely sort o
way, having Just been discharged from
the regular army and especially desiring
rest from that dangerous activity which
all army officers incurred.
"Well, sir, you are welcome at my
house, and / hope you'll find your sta,
pleasant. My daughter, who can row {
boat to perfection, will cheeriully con
tribute to your enjoyment"
81 understand, looking at him, "tha
several government officers have beel
killed by illicit distillers in this neigh
borhood." Ct
eyes" he replied; "shamefully mui
dered. Well, 1 won't say murdered, fc
the distillers no doubt considered it sci
,defense. Up in the hills, here, som'
where, there is a large distillery, but
will be long time, / think, before TIL
government breaks it up. 1t is almo'
impossible to conduct a party of me
through the hills, and it is almost ce
tain death, for the distillers can ST
almost every turn. My advice would |
to watch for the whisky that's sent ava
capture the men handling it and comp
, them to show tho exact location of ii
listillcry."
Several days passed and still I MAJ
no progress. 1 was not regarded in tn
, light OF suspicion which l thought won
I characterize my appearance among u
people. and | was soon convinced tn
the farmers around were not in symp
thy with the distillers. Finally L to
, Anderson my business.
A "Well," he said, "if l can do an
J thing for You I'll do it cheerfully, b, b
! let me advise you not to gointo the hill
:. Watch the river, as that is the only WI
4 thew can possibly ship the stuff. L a
4 going up the river to-day after SOC
walnut lumber, and if You will accor
pany me we may make discovery.
e Won have no doubt noticed, l make
e great many collins. Not for governme
); officials" he .dded with smile, NJ NJ
y an supplying cheap collins T., ior oa;Sem taS M
l. Orleans market. During an epioem
!. it is almost impossible to get collins
u the city fast enough, and at suoh n t,n'
[ employ quite number OF men. Ooi
and III show you my place OF business
q The shop stood near the river pa'
10 Several workmen were employed
<, dressing walnut lumber. Coffins W. W.
he stacked up all around, and flat.D' @
ID was being loaded with the deathly iur
W ture. l did not go up the river w
Anderson, bpt took boat ride Wild