The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-06-07
GOODBYE TO DIXIE.
TomeEard Bound at Last---The Hap
py Sequel 10 Sad Story.
d. John = Htr. @. z, SOD o vi


soldiers and officers came in he see Us. and after
we bad cone 10 bed an independent string band
appeared in front Of the quarters we were ia
and gave US a ser1nade. We had the best OF a
soldiers be3-a bunk-with half dozen good
blankets over u.s. We were aroused early the
next morning by reVeflie and roll call. low
natural Yves the sound!
asked St5okey how he thought we would
be reported.
We did not rise until after all tie soldiers
had breaktasted, and before leaving our quar-
tiers we agreed that the roll should be called
once more. Into line we went, dressed right,
and eame to parade rest.
Smokey"
Here
"HIl2n
"38ere"
"ThGnpson?"
"Here"
"Run-a-way blue rats all present OF ae-
counted for Hurrshi Hurrahi"
Breakfast was hardly over before an orderly
waited upon us stating that Colonel White
wished to see us. We followed him TO the
coloHes headquarters, which were on the
second f0or OF what had once been q fine
dwelling house Of some old aristocrat We
were met lty the colonel in a very frank,
frienaly manner. He ordered us to be seated.
said he iai heard we claimed to be escaped
Union soldiers from a military rebel prison,
and told Us he wanted to know the particulars.
So acting as spokesman, I began by saying
tiat NC were Oaio soldiers, and gave him an
account OF our capture prison life and escape,
down TO The smallest particulars and Up TO the
day Of Uur entrance into the Union lines. The
colonel thcn inquired VINO were the officers Of
eur regiment, from The colonel down TO the
leutcuants. This we told MIN il a straight
forward manner Thcn he put Us through
rigid cross-e2alIInati0n as to what we had told
y g.
poison life, escape and arrival inside of his
lines and when VIC had answered all his ques-
tons there was pause for some time. When
the colonel nezt spoke he addressed us nearly
as follows:
TRUE BLUE.
81 have 20 doubt now in regard to your
identity or LTuthlalncss. We have at times to
be very careful, OF we might be imposed upon.
/ now believe your whole story. What yod
tel me abous some 0f The officers In your regi-
meHt / know to be facts, for l an acquainted
with these men myself They were with me
Ia the three months service. You boys have
done nobIy and deserve attention. Ii there is
any thing can do foT you, just name it; j VIII
be EDur seFyant-draw on me-
We replied that our first desire was that he
and all others should not think NE were i'm
posters, for the trials and h2rdships through
which we had passed had been as great as
mortal endurance could bear. Our second and
most earnest desire was 10 get back TO our
homes IN Ohio, and then, after we had re-
cruited cur strength, to rejoin the army. To
this end, If lie could help and assist as by
giving us passes furnishing transportation, or
IN any other way, we should be thankful. Our
conference here closed by the colonel telling us
TO call that afternoon at O'Clock. We were
glad TO get out as our examination had lasted
over three hours.
AT the appointed hour we reported. The
al a-sn WIS IN x1hor,1 x-a
had first an introduction-not in mere military
form. but with many hearty and friendly
hand-shake. Then, by way Of business, the
colonel said he would irstsend US to Brigadier-
General Scamla0n, at Iharlest0wn. who COM
manaed the Department OF West Virginia, and
furnish rs with passes and transportation that
far. together with personal letter TO General
Sczmmon In oar behalf. He 1old Us we were
nj liberty to remain at his camp as long IS we
pleased &c recruit and he would notify Gov
ernor Todd, of Ohio, by telegraph Of our ar
rival at the camp To this last proposition we
objected, however, as we ourselves wished to
be the first ones 10 announce the news Of our
safe arrival
The clothes we had on-the gift Of the bows
Of the night before-did not 1T as the tailor
had intended them: besides, they we're old
and somewhat worn. The officers present no
ticed this, and made the proposition that we
should have new suit al round from head to
y
tie first one to second the motion and OF we
Went to his apartments, and il a short time
each came out equipped in the best suits that
could be found. We felt better now, and ]
thought Thompson was not fer from right
when he sad, by golly. we are pretty good
looking chaps, after all" In Tesp0nse 10 press
ing Invitation from the commander, we took
tea with hiIn, and in the company of the other
officers OF the post we spent q very agreeable
hour discussing the topics Of the day and
sanlIling the novel dishes that only soldiers
csn get up.
While at supper the chaplain Of the Twelfth
Ohio lnlantry presented US with thirIy-iig u
dailaFs, being gift from the boys Of the post
IN our simple way we acknowledged With
much gratitude this timely and serviceable do
nation. We told Colonel White that it was on
1itcnt5on 70 renew our Journey the next morn
Ing Ter we were moi positive that our friends
81 hame lad heard an thing from US since tht
memorable battle Of Chiekam2uga, and he di-
rectel us To call u The morning foT our papers
aid sad thSt, as z wagon train was going
down 70 IhzElcst9Rn the 2e1t day. lie wolit
1nElllah us transportation and provisions tina
far When We returned 10 cur quarters for tn
night we fgund That the minstrelz OF tn
Twelfth Ohio had g0ttea mp al entertainment
Tor our amusement. Who has more generosity
IN hls SOIL than 4 true ssidier2 We though
that he GRjOnists beyond The lines were yer1
good 70 us,-sna 50 they Were,-but there va
al The deeds Of cur own soldiers a spirit Of c0m
Taaeship that Distinguished them from the act
O. III Others.
BOUND FOR HONE
Early the next morning we were up an,
ready to resume our journey. After receiyint
our passes and letters from Colonel White, w
bade oar good friends adieu, and took seat il
great empty army wagon, but, as the road wa
ToHgA and stony, and We were ioited Rnlerci
fuiiy, SIC turned out aud followed on foot he
hind that being the method Of travelling &
which We were most accustomed We reache-
Camp Fenwick By neon, and took dinner viii
company Il, Twelfth Ohio infantry, on detach
ed duty at that point. As il was my regimen
tllat had built these quarters in 1852 enj0ye
looking around at the old scenes sti1 fresh i
my memory. Here we concluded to leave th
wagon train and travel by ourselves In tia
afternoon we crossed the Cotton Mountains I
the hansWha River, al the falls, just below tn
mouth CT the GaHlv River, where We found
portion Of the Fifth Virginia infantry Union
on duty. We remained All night with CON
pamy il, and the next morning were set acros
tic AauaWha River IN skill. and proceeded
Oh foot, down EHe river. We took dinner at
farmers house just below Camp Ruth Udei
alsG ln the afternoon Went TO Camp Piait, whcr
We remained over night with company Of tn
Second lrglnla cavalry. The next Inornins
al an carly hour, we reached Ghariestoyyn wher
We mct the boys OF the Twenfy-third Ohio il
fantsy and the Thirty-fourlh Ohio infantry
zoUaves. As my regiment had been On duty