Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1889-07-11

General Grant, with his aids, was rapidly
getting them in position.
Luke saw no sign of an enemy. On the
right was field of tall corn, the overhang-
ing blades of which would conceal any OBJ
jet from view dozen rods away.
Before them was a hill, covered with what
seemed a dense growth of timber, but
which was really formidable abattis, COM
posed Of trees felled in such way that it
seemed impossible for men to squeeze
through them.
"We're been foolin' about here so long
that the Rebs hev got plenty time t. rein
fo'ce," growled Corporal Max.
"Silence in ranksv'
But Max was correct. The delay had been
unavailable, it is true, yet 1t made it so long
after daylight that the soldiers and trans.
purts i.IuIng above Belmont were dlsCUv-
cred, and the Confederates made prepare
tons to give them a warm reception.
The attacking army at last began to i'd
vance in two long lines extending through
part of the corn-feld and the tall bottom
grass. The fog rapidly rolled away, and
the FURNISHED arms of the blue-coats gilt
tered with dazzling brightness in the morn
ing sun.
Before the foot of the hill was reached o
halt was made and skirmishers deployed.
Captain Mason with his entire company
was thrown forward upon the skirmish
line. He first deployed in platoons, then
in tours, and finally placed each man q rcd
from any of the others.
All was quiet. A peculiar solemn hush
seemed to have fallen over the scene,
broken only by the crushing tread Of some
soldier making his way through the tangled
thicket. Luke began to half believe that
the enemy had deserted the camp.
A crow, cawing loudly, was soaring above
the tree tops, doubtless annoyed by the
presence of the advancing warriors. A
blue jay chirped and screamed as it fitted
from bush to bush and tree in front Of the
advancing skirmish line.
Luke was pressing his way through an
almost impenetrable jungle when shot
rang out on his left. It was the first sound
of an enemy. The men had really began to
secretly hope that they would find the camp
deserted. For a single instant the heart OF
the youthful Captain beat faster, while the
blood forsook his cheek.
Bangi bang! bangi three more shots in
quick succession on the left pronounced the
skirmish as begun. And now the music be-
gins on the right. First, half q dozen shots
lead of. followed by a score, and then
hundred. The crow and blue jay fly away,
and every soldier, more eager for shot
than prudent, pressed forward.
Luke strained his eyes for a glimpse Of the
enemy, and was at last rewarded by dark
object moving about among the leaves
Whether one man or q score he knew not,
for the bushes almost completely concealed
them.
The ball opened in front, and fire, smoke
and leaden hail were poured in upon the CEN
ter Of the Union skirmish line. The soldiers
stood their ground and fought with wonder
full desperation and GOODNESS.
"Why don't they reinforce u.s." cried
Lieutenant Smith. "We're fghtin' hull
army"
A few moments later the skirmishers
were reinforced, and gallantly pressed for
ward, pushing the Confederates back two
hundred PAGES or more up the hill, where
they made another stand.
A roar of musketry met the advancing
skirmish line, and the woods seemed alive
with leaping flames. The bark few from
the shattered trees, limbs, twigs and leaves
fell in showers, and bullets whistled like
rain about the ears of the soldiers
The man on Luke's right was killed,
one on the left fell MORALLY wounded,
Lieutenant Smith received . shot in his
arm and retired to the rear, Corporal Max
was Knocked down BY . spent ball, and for Q
few moments the young Captain seemed to
stand alone before the enemy.
"Cap. be cussed cf We hain't got ter
GIT out O. this" cried old Arkansaw Tom.
coming up At this moment "We'refzhtin'
q line o. battle"
Luke had realized this some moments be.
fore, but had held his ground hoping soon
to b reinforced The fire was 30 heavy
that the soldiers had begun to Ay.
"Come on, Cap; fur Gods sake don't
stand thar n be killed" cried old Tom,
seizing his arm and trying to drag him
sway. Tho dense smoke Of battle had
settled about among the woods, rendering
objects invisible twenty paces away.
AZ Luke was about to comply with tho
old scouts request . Confederate o6Rcer
followed By half dozen men ran forward,
shouting:
Surrender or diep'
Not b. jugful, !" yelled Arianssv Tbm,
md quick - hash be brought his IN = II
shsaldE and lsysaed \ g his AeaEt