The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1883-08-17
A COFFIN BOAT.

AT one time we had great deal of
trouble with illicit distillerS in Arkan-
sas. There was one neighborhood
especially where it seemed impossible
to discover the outlaws. This commu-
ficer after officer had been sent up, and
quite number of them are there yet,
although the department did not re.
ceive notification that they intended to
leave the service. One day the news
came in that one of our best men had
just been killed at Dripping Springs,
by which name the dangerous neighbor-
hood 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"
"They've been found trihe too
often, l suggested.
"That's fact" the marshal agreed.
"but not by the right man. Now 1
want you to take as many soldiers as
you want, and go to the place and
break up the business"
| reflected for moment and replied:
al think that our mistake has been in
taking too many men. 1t is almost
impossible for a party of men to find a
wildcat distillery. Their approach is
soon heralded and disaster is certain
to follow. l will go alone and discover
the nest. Then ! can return and cap
ture the entire outfit
Rather hazardous" the marshal
said, thoughtfully scratching his head.
Not so dangerous as the course
hitherto adopted"
ment."
The next day l started on my peril
GUS expedition. | went horseback,
and my progress was very slow. When
at last l reached the place l found a
beautiful, rich country, with grand
hills and little valleys luxuriantly car
petel with grass. l could see no signs
of lawlessness, but on the other hand /
was kindly treated. l stopped at the
house Of a man named Anderson, a
well-to-do fellow, with some education
and bright-eyed daughter, who
seemed to be devoted to her father. l
saw at once that Anderson was an
honest man, and when | learned that
he had been in the army felt secure
under his roof. Still l did not care to
tell him my real business, but in an
swer to a question stated that | was
looking for land in a leisurely sort of
way, having just been discharged from
the regular army, and especially desir-
ing rest from that dangerous activity
which all army officers incurred.
"Well, sir, you are welcome at my
house, and l hope you'll find your stay
pleasant. My daughter, who can row
aboat to perfection, will cheerfully con-
tribute to your enjoyment"
Il understand" looking at him,
"that several government officers have
been killed by illicit distillers in this
neighborhood."
Yes" he replied, "shamefully muir
dered. Well, L won't say murdered,
for the distillers no doubt considered
it self-defense. Up in the hills here,
somewhere, there is large distillery,
but it will be a long time, l think, be-
fore the government breaks it up. 1t
is almost impossible to conduct party
of men through the hills, and it is al
most certain death, for tie distillers
can see almost every turn. My advice
would be to watch for the whisky
that's sent away, capture the men
handling it and compel them to show
the exact location of the distillery.'
Sauaral Hauc nacsa6 and cti1l | naI a
no progress. l was not regarded in
that light of suspicion which thought
would characterize my appearance
among the people, and l was soon con-
WINGED that the farmers around were
not in sympathy with the distillers.
Finally 1 told Anderson my bust
ness.
WELL" he said, elf l can do any
thing for you I'll do it cheerfully, but
Jet me advise you not to go into the
hills. Watch the river, as that is the
snly way they can possibly ship the
}tutf. l am going up the river to-day
after some walnut lumber and if you
will accompany me we may make a
discovery. AS you have no doubt
noticed, | make great many collins
Not for government officials" he added
with smile, "but am supplying cheap
collins for the New Orleans market
During an epidemic it is almost i'm
\ possible to get collins to the city fast
enough, and at such times L employ
quite number of men. Come and
I'll show you my place of business"
The shop stood near the river bank
Several workmen were employed in
dressing walnut lumber Collins were
stacked up all around, and fiatboat
was being loaded with the deathly fur
niture. | did not go up the river will
Anderson, but took boat ride will
his daughter. She was not devoid o.
charms, and she chatted gayly as sh,
rowed.
Il want pa to leave this place" sh'