The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-01-10

my great, strong friend was hurt; the next
moment the truth flashed over me-he was
shot. The battle ragged for hours after this;
then, about halfpast u o'clock, we began to
retire in perfect order. My regiment took up
its line of march back, in the direction OF
Springfield. That we were whipped, aud on
a retreat never entered my mind for mo-
ment. ] supposed, as / was getting very hun
CRY, that we were only retiring from the field
q while, TO get something to eat. and rest, and
then Tight into them again" We had not
gone over three hundred yards when soldier
of my company remarked. " Yonder's Moody,
and he is alive yet" CHANGING off to one
side ] saw him, a few steps away, IN the
midst Of great number of wounded soldiers,
whittier he had been carried for shelter from
the flying bullets. Without moments hest
tation ] sprang out of ranks and ran TO him.
/ found him entirely conscious, but suffering
intense pain; he had been shot through. the
ball having entered his breast and made its
exit somewhere between his shoulder blades.
As soon as he recognized me, he urged me to
leave him and join the command, otherwise
would be captured; but l positively refused
to do this, and Immediately set about to try
and do something for him. / took my hat,
filled it with leaves. and placed it under his
head gave him what water ] had in my can
teen. as he complained that he was dying OF
thirst; then / sat down beside HIM and en-
deayored to cheer him up as best 1 could, re-
manning with him until some time after the
last of our troops had left the field. While
sat there, troop of rebel cavalry came sweep
ing by; on hearing their approach, at the sug-
gestion of Moody, threw myself down beside
him and fejgned death. As soon as they were
gone, he again importuned me to go, which
reluctantly consented 10 do. After again max
ing him as comfortable as possible under the
circumstances, i sadly took his hand and babe
J. "a h-- Y irf,o
ON HIS WAY BACK TO CAMP.
Shouldering my musket-bare- headed and
alone-I struck out In the direction of Spring
field. Leaving the road and trails of the army, /
made my way through the brush: after going
distance of perhaps TWO miles came 70 a large
brick farm house, and, after satisfying myself
that there were no troops about the house,
rentured up TO the front gate. In the yard
found a nliddie-aged woman and her two
daughters, wringing their hands, and almost
insane with grief and fright As soon as they
saw me, they came towards me, and asked who
/ was and what wanted replied that / was
Union soldier. trying to find my way back to
Springfield, and / wanted something to eat as
j was exceedingly hungry. At this. the mother
caught me and literally lifted me in her arms,
exelaiming, Oh, God TO think that this child
has been IN that great batttle-he's only a
child! I" Ithen learned what the trouble with
had pressed the husband and father into sery-
ice, TO guide him around in the rear OF the rebel
camp. As soon as this service was performed
he was to be released and return home. The
women had heard the battle raging all day, but
the father had not returned, neither was there
any tidings of him; his family believed him
dead. These grief-strieken but kind ladies,
gave me a bountiful dinner, and then filed my
haversack TO overlooking with good things TO
take with me-
THE BODY OF GENERAL LYON.
An hour or more after / left this house came
into one Of the big roads leading into Spring
field. Soon after this / was oyertaken by an
officer and few mounted men, escorting an
canvas sheet for cover. inquired of the Off
Ger what was IN the wagon. de replied: i" 1t is
Gen. Lyons BODY ] asked if he would permit
me to see the body. He kindly gave the per
mission, ordered a halt, and admonished me to
| be quick. ] raised one side Of the wagon cover
and there was the well-known features of ous
! gallant and beloved general; he looked almost
as If he was simply taking needful slumbel
after the great iabors OF the day. gazed for
a few moments at his marble-like face, stepped
aside, thanked the officer, and the escort moved
on. This must have been as late as o'clock il
the afternoon. Why the body was in common
| wagon, getting in at that time OF day or whs
was the officer in charge, never inquired and
never knew. / found my regiment that nigh
about 9 O'Clock. The boys were greatly sur
prised at my appearance, as they had given IN,
up IS captured. RoBT. A. FRIEDRICH.
] TOPEKA, KAN.