The National tribune., 1889-10-10
rnossdsd 70 make It rnther warm for May.

proceeded TO make 1t rather warm for May
day morning.
As the first rebel shell whistled high through
the air above us, Frank suddenly QUIT grazing
and held his head high. with ears sharp pointed
forward. listening. In less than half minute
another shell came and burst some ~ feet
overhead, without injury to men or horses;
but that was enough for Frank. lie knew
what that meant, for he remembered the other
Fredericksburg fight, and he wheeled ana gal
loped 20 the rear to where the calssohs were
safely sheltered behind the crest, got hehihd
spare wheel, and remained there without NOV
ing until the nights were carried by storm and
the firing ceased.
Does any reader propose to make me believe
that that horse did not have reasoning powers
TO, figure all that out7 Well, IL would be
waste of time. Frank did that same trick
several times afterward, to the intense amuse-
ment as well wonder of the men, aud when
] left the command to rejoin my regiment
left hlm with much regret
Instances are numerous where rideTless
horses in action have regained their place in
line, by biting and kicking If necessary TO
crowd in, and remained there until the hght
was over.
During the Charlottesville campaign, while
fighting across the hills from Fredericksburg
TO Salem flights, the same battery oil when
have written, was ordered Front. into bat
AtANs anu tue iGlb HAli gums NtiS 9t"' ~ - :"
furious galop 10 execute the order. Just be-
fore swerving TO the right TO make the long
loop TO turn the gun, the Sergeant oil one OF the
left pieces was shot through the shoulder ana
dropped out of the saddle. His grip on the
rein swung his little bay aside, but when his
hand relaxed, and saddle and rein was free,
the gallant little horse rushed forward, took
his usual position alongside the driver OF the
lead team, and guided that gun in as pretty a
loop as if a well.drilled rider had been in the
saddle. Gen. John Newton, our division COM
mander, aud Mai. Russell. of his stall, sat by
me and witnessed the wonderful performance.
When the gun was lnlmbered, the little bay
went with the Timber and guided the team
| over the second loop. resisting with teeth and
heels all efforts to hold him or lead him away
! from his place. The gallant and faithful little
animal was ridden next by the Corporal who
| took charge of the gun. but piece OF shell
ended his military career in the next days
/ fighting.
Gen. James F. Wade, now Colonel of the 9Th
| U. ). Cav. told me many years ago OF an incl
dent in the campaign OF 1864. at Treviliian
Station, while he was an Aid-de-Camp 10 Gen
Sheridan. trooper in one of the New York
regiments had been shot off his horse, and his
dying grasp on the reins had pulled his horse
out from the ranks; as the dying rider fell
| from the saddle. the freed horse dashed for.
ward 10 the charging line. The ranks had
been closed up; but lie knew where his right
full place was and fought aud bit until in very
| self-delcnse the men gave way to right aud
left and let the riderleSs horse take his place
| which he kept until the charge was over
] have heard il asserted by old troopers and
| batterymen, that new horses will learn the drill
as quickly as the average new recruit. ! am
not prepared TO assert that this is fact, al
| though j nave known instances where cavalry
horses showed evident familiarity with the
evolutOns of a troop. When the war Of the
rebellion began, there cavalry troop o.
militia at Cleveland, O.-the Governors Guards
or something of that kind-the members o.