The National tribune., 1889-01-17
CHAPTER XLYII.


A ADIsCovERY-THE WOUNDED REBEL-sToRIEs
OF THE RETREAT FROM PEA RIDGE.
Harry listened patiently while the negro
with much eircumlocution told him of barn
full Of provisions which had been accumulated,
about two miles out of town, waiting for IA
FoTable opportunity to ship them TO the rebel
army or TO Memphis, which was then the depot
from which a large part Of the forces in the
West were supplied. When convinced that
the negro was telling the truth, Harry quickly
reported the circumstance to Gen. Naudeyer
and q detail Of cavalry was sent to take posses
sion. The negro didn't want to 90 along with
the party, as it would involve him in suspicion
which would be bad for him in future, but he
gave such minute directions that there was no
mistaking the place
They found the barn and also the provisions
Ire owner Of the place az first denied all
knowledge that anything was concealed there
and said they were welcome to anything they
could find, but as soon as the discovery was
made he assumed a different air altogether.
he professed TO be a Union man, and explained
that he had hidden the stnff away TO save it
from going 70 the rebels. l would rather"
said be, see it all burned up than 20 into a
rebel mouth; that's the kind Of Union man I
an
lie wanted to be paid for the property on the
ground Of his Union sentiments. but a careful
cross examination Of the man and his neigh
bOrs revealed the fact that he had already been
paid for il with vouchers of the Confederate
Government or Of the State authorities, and
Therefore the provisions were legally subject to
confscation.
Every body from whom anything was taken
was prompt to declare himself a LOYAL citizen,
and IL he had given utterance at any time to Sc
cession sentiments il was bccause he was forced
70 do 50 by his impetuous neighbors No doubt
this was the case IN many instances. but If
u IL hn co in
those claiming 10 be loyal had taken a promi-
nent part 10 harassing and driving out men
suspected OF Unlonism. Many Of the iuhabit-
ants had the manliness to make no conceal
ment OF their Seeessi0nisIn, and one man at
Jacksonport actually built high board fence
around bis house during the stay of Gen. Cur
tiss army. IN order that neither he nor his
family shonid see the detested Unionists
visiting house IN the outskirts of Augusta
Jack found man who was recovering from a
wound ia the leg and little conversation with
hin brought out the fact that be was one Of
the wounded from the battle Of Pea Ridge. He
had been discharged on account Of his wound
and was greatly alarmed lest he might be Sc.
verely dealt with by the Union soldiers for the
part be had taken Ia the battle. Jack assured
him that the soldiers had no resentment for
those who met them in honorable warfare, and
he might consider himself perfectly safe. Two
or three soldiers happened along few minutes
tered into friendly conversation that speedily
treasured him and made his tongue wag freely
IL turned out during the conversation that
the regiment OF the wounded rebel had been
engaged with that Of bis visitors. and the com.
paTl-0n oi notes that ensued was interesting
Ihe following may be taken as a sample:
Union" When we were in that clump O
woods right IN front Of you we were conlnletely
cut OF from the rest of our line If you had
sent regiment round to our rear at the sam,
time you engaged as In front, we should hav,
been 10 a tx"
Rehel-@ We didn't know it. of course; and
besides, we hadn't any regiment to send W.
had al We wanted to do to look out for VOL
fellows and see that you didn't outaank us.~
Union" on got the drop on US when vol
opened FIRE while we were getting into line il
that condeid close to the little shed betweel
two dead trees. How long had you beel
thereg"
Rebel" We'd been there a quarter of Al
hour at least and perhaps longer We Nigh
have picked of one of your Generals; or, any
how, u was an officer who looked like one. ii
wore Mexican serape, and was so near Us tina
could see be had q long mustache."
Unlon-" That was Gen. Asboth; he's Hun
Rarian, who served ia the war for Hungaria
Independence in 1853. How did he escap
you2"
Rebel" Why, be rode right along in on
front as we were lying down in the bushe
where We afterward opened on you-he an
two Orderlies. He may thank his stars thu
We had strict orders not to fire until word wg
given that some other regiments had got int
the places where they were wanted He WASH
10 yards from the muzze of my gum"
Union" You talk like an intelligent mar
1suppose you are native of Augusta?D
Rebel-No, was born up North but hay
liTed here IS years and become identified wit
tne South Their fight is my fight, as ! b.