The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-06-01

by Its real designers anu perpetrators 'ha"
this has been. But the way TO greatness
mas many times led through the Blood OF
the Innocent
This general night alarm was extraordi'
nary, for reasons stated, and the fact that
when n general engagement Is imminently
impending, the forces are usually as
much as possible concentrated within
the area over which 1t Is expected
to take place. Or, AT leas, the main
body is thus established, and prepa-
rations made as to outlying reserves
being brought up should the turns and ex-
igencles Of battle require this. Sudden
night alarms and surprises are hardly re-
markable; but they are rather local. In
this case the alarm, so sudden and general,
over 80 wide a region, and so wholly unex'
pecred, at dead of night, rendered 1t phe-
nominal, familiar though we had become
with strange and unprecedented methods,
False or otherwise, II Is for no one to
reason nor question. A movement afoot,
the field hospital outfit must be packed
and ready at the moment named In the
order for IT, At that time ours was very
cumbrous. think we entered "the field
with six transport wagons, but we're now
reduced to three, Required special de-
tail to break and pitch that part OF the
regimental camp "The boys" who fortu-
nately ESCAPED need of throwing them
elves on the hospital" we're overheard often
to express themselves disguised with the
additional labors that establishment i'm
posed on them.
All ready for movement, awaiting the
last order, the Coils command was to
"Stack Arms! Rest in order, at will"
That is, not to break ranks; keep near to-
gether; sitting or lying upon the ground,
as Inclined We did; ali save sentinels
and temporary camp guards. / Slept the
sleep of the Just, awhile under the sweet
j une stars,"--it was clear and beautiful
night and they shOne soft and serenely-
till awakened by Mr.. Summers (steward)
with the announcement that the alarm had
proven unfounded, and the regiment would
advance to La Grange; that the move.
ment would necessarily be slow and irreg-
ular; the line was picketed; the sick
were well disposed and comfortable In
81, ,I,,Ia ODD that II
would probably be proper and safe, If
disposed, TO continue my rest-which |
greatly needed-fOr some time longer;
nothing to be gained by mounting my
horse and dawd'ing along; could make the
distance after daylight, when the way was
clear, In short time
Fully awake at daylight to find myself
alone, save an attendant or two, at once
departed for La Grange, taking a direction
somewhat devious, as 1t proved. One of
my first encounters was picket post.
Though some of the men were of other
commands and they were charged with
orders to pass none without the counter
sign, fortunately, the sergeant was 53d,
and | was graciously permitted TO pass.
Far from being an oflense, his strictness in
duty was most cOmmendable. His orders
were peremptory and he had no discretion
beyond the very letter of them. My ex>
PLANTATION as to Struggling" WAS, however,
h,,t NDNa ca
well, that the case was plain. was not a
person. Besides, he knew If
questioned concerning the technical de-
parture, should be his efficient advocate.
Further along appeared rather spacious
plantation mansion, on the summit of a
gentle eminence, commanding somewhat
extensive view of the surrounding country.
Around II was posted four-gun battery
a gun and caisson at each angle. The men
and horses were out of view save the usual
sentries. | afterwards learned the battery
had been planted there not long before in
expectation of battle; the position re-
garded strategical; also that the "lord of
the mansion" Mickey by name, was man
of might, influence and dominatiop,-in all
these parts, with vassals and serfs at his
feet" till the invading Yankees had
rudely disturbed him, when he had mount
ed his fiery barb" and was off to the
wars, "repelling the dastardly invaders of
sacred southern soil.'
My way, little Indirect, lead me in
part through forests. All was quiet,--no
hint of danger but, In time of
uncertainty, with "menaces in all the air"
a non Combatant rather prefers the refuge
of his proper command, to ranging In the
open" with instant liability to capture,
Emerging from the woods, charming
greeting met me. | had entered the con.
fines" of La Grange, and there appeared
in view large and spacious building, the
La Grange college with flag staff rising
from its dome from which was gently,
grandly, waving the American Flag! 1t
was rather large for the staff, but there
was breeze enough TO keep it extended in
gentle, most graceful fluctuations. 1t had
nayar lnokal mora haautiful than than