The National tribune., 1888-05-10

wounded rebels on their way from PittsbuTg
Landing Volunteer engineers and firemen
were called for. and soon the greater part of the
brigade. including the oath and 1871 IL,
mostly Chicago boys, were ordered on board of
trains and away we went. DISTINCTIONS had
been placed on the track at several places, but
were soon removed. The water-tanks along
the line were destroyed. ana we had 10 form
water-pail brigade and so managed TO keep the
old locomotive going.
The next afternoon the train was suddenly
stopped at the same time the command, Fail
in-quick . was given, long-roll beaten, and in
Eve minutes a rush for the front was made.
Here we discovered the cause. There was the
great bridge across the Tennessee River in
front Of Decatur, Ala, on fire. I'm the middle
the drawbridge Y8s wide open, and on the De-
catur side large brcastworks of cotton bales
with a lot OF Johunics behind them, staring rs
in the face Immediately the WATERFALL bril-
gade was formed. and after an hours hard work
we succeeded in cxtinguishing the flames and
saving the bridge Quite a little firing was in
dulged in by the reLs. but no harm was done.
Towards eve a small slif emerged from the
other shore and headed for the drawbridge. A
Union man, German, whose name have for
gotten, steps ont Of the skiG, climbs up under a
Yolley Of the J0hnnies, swings the bridge
and ia less than 10 time Decatur is ours. The
rebs left their camp and lots of cOmmissary
stores bchind.
was then only IS years OF age, and hav-
ing got hardly any sleep for two nights and
nothing warm to eat for a couple of days, you
can imagine what pleasure / enjoyed IN going
on pickct and being i'm the face of an enemy
whose numbers we didn't know. Prospects for
such luXurics as sleep ana warm meals were
thin. Our picketrcseTve was stationed about a
quarter Of mile from town, near large piece
OF timber, and our detail Of outpOsts placed
right along the edge Of the timber. Near by
was a large barn, which we examined, but
finding the doors locked, and il being very dark
and quiet, everything seemed serene. Sud
denly a great upr08r took place in the barn,
like trampiug Of feet; then another great noise
as If arms were taken. In a few minutes the
reserve was Informed, and appeared silently
and stealthly. The barn is At once surrounded.
Another tumultuous running inside to and fro.
Now thuEdeTs ont our Sergeant lWetter) /:
"Open the door, Surrender! You are my
prisoners." With bated breath we wait the
result. Another terrible stampede follows, but
no door is opened. Bring up some rails
quick They are soon on the ground. After
another call for surrender, orders are given to
fix bay0nets. Ready, Bust the door, boys
Hurrah aud down goes the old door in a
Thousand pieces but at the same time down
goes the guard unanimously 20 the ground
totally auuihilated. as ii were-ab0Ut % big
horned goats rushing over rs knocking US
head over heels These were the cause Of the
racket, and away they made for the timber.
soon a hot pursuit cnsucs and ! took the first
prisoner, catching him 10y the hind legs and
soon lad him mum. When the guard rallied
five trophies oats-were brought in, and you
can imagine what q glorious warm meal the
guards had IN the morning. ! tell you. this
goat SOUP a Ia Decatur was one Of the greatest
delicacics ] enjoyed during the whole war. Ny
hayersack was stuffed full Of the meat, and !
ate the last piece two days later at Tuscumbia.
Gus HARGEsHEIaIER. Corporal, Co. E, oath
H. Rochester, Iinn.