The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-07-24

himself and the devils after us, trying to get us
all That was the only time that the old 9TH
Ill Cav. had to turn tail, and get up and get"
without any showing. But the stransest part
Of it all was that we were left all alone to con-
tend with Forests forces for two or three days
without receiving re-enf0rcemeHts, when we had
some Is, 900 troops lying around Grand Junction
doing nothing. 1t has always been puzzle to
me- and even at this late day it would be
satisfaction to know, and if any comrade can
furnish the facts, hope he will do so. 1t was
8 p m when we got into our camp at La Grange.
1t was impossible TO tell how many were miss
ing. Stragglers kept coming in all the next
day (the 9th, and by the 29th we found that
there were some 90 missing. The morning OF
the 30th the regiment was ordered out on
scout; went in the direction of Lafayette:
crossed Wolf River; circled around through
Poeahontas and Waterford and arrived III camp
the evening of January ], 1864, cold, wet and
tired. As a result of the trip we ascertained
that Forrest had made good his escape. We
captured a few guerrillas, and reduced our
horses in flesh and valuation. Many of the old
comrades will remember distinctly the begin
ming of the year 1864. Commencing the morn
ing Of the last day of the old year. the weather
continued cold and disagreeable, with alternate
rain, snow, sleet and freezing, until the 11th In
the meantime box had arrived from home filled
with turkey, chicken, mince pies jelly, dough-
nuts, cream and socks-T;ght from home Besides
myself there was one other lucky chap in the
same mess, Jack Ross-eceentric old Jack, de-
signed. by nature TO be an old bachelor. All
ideas advanced by Jack were original Jack
had horse, whose name was Bill, as odd as
himself; but Jack had heart in him as big as
halfbushel. haven't any idea how many
beats there were to the measure that night
He chased me through camp in his shirt-tail.
Dot Toush yon, Dick, If you pull the bedding
OF me again I'll chaw you up" Jack and
useg, to bunk together. And-well, our mess
had a New Years supper, you bet.
THE SEVENTIES THEATRICAL COMPANY.
1t was no uncommon thing to find men Of
nearly all professions in regiment in the vol
unteer service, and the 9TH Ill. Cav. was not
without its share. Among the number was
"star" actor-tragedy or comedy, just as you
wanted IL served up-and | assure you he had
no trouble in finding supporters sufficient to
make up troupe of rare talent. An unoccu
pied building was found in La Grange, which
was converted into theater. We had full
houses every night with reserved seats for ladies'
One night the members Of the Sd Mich. Cav.
attended the theater in force, and being in the
majority, took possession of the building and
elected the 18th Ill. talent. But the boys re-
paired to the regiment obtained REINFORCE
ments returned to the theater and in turn
ousted the Sd Mich. boys, drove them TO their
camp, took possession of their artillery and
turned the guns upon them. Matters began to
look serious Ia tragedy was looked for in reality
The commanding officers of both regiments
consulted together, and the infantry sta
toned there was ordered out 10 quiet the dis
turbance. The night was dark and the excite
ment intense, but quiet was finally restored.
Well, TO be sure, there was some feeling for
awhile, bat that died out and the affair was
talked about and laughed over as a big joke.
1t was now drawing towards the last of the
month aud the re-enlisting question became the
topic of tho hour. January . we received
orders TO move camp TO Germantown, Tenn. !;
from which place, on the expiration of the
three years term, many of the cid comrades
went home to stay, while others remained and
re-enlisted for three years more or during the
war.
Battle Creek. Mich