Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1889-11-01
THE CAPTURE AND ESCAPE.
History of the Experiences of "Doc." Jones Dur
ing the War of the Rebellion as Told by Himself

4 SCCluueu SpOJ on tnc lHOunuilH, We
built n fire, and warmed and rested
quite comfortably until night. Had
there been no snow on the ground,
VIC would have got as far away from
Doans, rs possible I; but rs IL was, we
feared TO expose ourselves too much,
and the less travelling we did, the less
tracks wo would leave TO be followed.
AS II was approaching the last Of the
month OF March, we wisely concluded
that the snow would about have disap-
peared by evening, and we anticipated
good nights march, concluding to
start earlier than usual. Accordingly
about dusk we bade adieu TO our camp
fire, with prospects of making good
time. In this, however, we were
doomed TO disappointment; to begin
IL took vast deal OF time TO find n
path, and when found, it seldom II
ever, took the direction we were
desirous Of going. To add to this
difficulty, we could not follow the
ridge, because we continually come in
contact with steep rocks, and several
times came very near plunging down
steep precipices that would have been
instant death to us.
We finally succeeded in finding n
path running along the side Of the
mountain, but going little more to
the west than was agreeable to us !;
but after consideration, concluded to
follow It. After travelling for some
time, we realized that it was getting
very dark and suggested that we were
in for another storm, which proved
correct, for in little while it again
commenced showing, and If ever I saw
it snow, it was that night; but we
finally resolved to continue our march.
Before an hour had elapsed the storm
become so intense, that in view OF our
naked condition 1t would be necessary
for us to find shelter. Wood, however,
insisted on continuing the journey,
which we did for a little while, when
we came in sight Of a house near the
foot Of the ridge or mountain. The
| light we noticed in the window was
reflected from the fireplace, as COM
rade Wood discovered after a little
reconnoitering. AS we were thoroughly
chilled, we decided to ask for admission,
and acting upon the decision, were
met at the door by an old lady. After
rehearsing our little story. we were
admitted. When seated, the lady
called up the old gentleman, who was
lame. Both had been in bed previous
to our interruption.
We very soon learned that they were
intensely rabid in their rebellious sem
timents, as they charged us with being
rebel deserters. OF course we related
our Vicksburg story, and laid particular
stress on the fact that we were paroled,
and were going home to the Ben Fork
OF Coal to procure clothing, and were
then going back to our regiment, the
18th Va. We did not care to be de-
layed by the detail las they called it,
until we had gone home and secured
some clothing, then we did not care.
The "datail' consisted of % old men
and boys in each county, whose duty it
was to catch deserters. l neglected to
say that we had been given some cloth
ing by the union men with whom we
stayed one day and part of the night,
and though they were quite ragged
and thin for that season OF the year,
still they looked quite reb-like.
We had scarcely completed our story
to the old folks, when there came n rap
on tho door, and in stalked two rebel
soldiers with guns on their shoulders.
This was a variation of the program c
not very much to our liking, but put
in situation we had to make the best
OF.
AS soon as the son had greeted his
parents, and the son-in-law had walk
ened his wife and had talk with her,
telling that they would have to return
next night according to promises, they
turned their attention to us, as the old
man had already told them who we
were. OF course told them the same
story had the old people, and at it:
conclusion the son-in-law asked per
mission to look Mt our paroles, said
''you are aware that we were parolet
there by regiments and brigades.
He said he remembered that we were
after which in a very pleasant manner
inquired If he had any objections u
letting me see his pass, as understood
him to say they had pass for forty-eigb
hours.
fro DE Continued