Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-06-27
CHAPTER VIII
FORT DONELSON.

On the 7th of November, 1861, the Missis-
slppi rlver was low, so that the banks were
higher than the heads of the men standing
on the upper decks of the steamer. From
cornfield, woods and all along the shore
Confederate rlfiemen were blazing away at
the retreating boats. The rebels were back
some distance from the river, so their fire
was high and did but little harm. The
smol1e-stacks were thickly peppered with
bullets, but only three men were wounded
after reachiDg the boats, two of whom were
soldiers, and one a member of Captain
Mason's company.
On reaching the boat, Blackhawk. the
negro wonder, had laid down his musket
and resumed his place as fireman at one of
the great furnaces.
On reaching the deck General Grant, al
most completely worn out 10y exertion and
the nervous strain, went to the captains
room adjoining the pilot-house and threw
himself down on sofa.
Luke saw him go in, and also noticed a
body of rebel sharp-shooters running along
the bank
General" he said, looking in at the door,
81 don't think you are as safe here as you
would be below. The rebels are pursuing
US along the shore.''
"Are not the gun-boats replying to them?''
asked the General, springing to his feet and
going TO the dooS where Captain Mason
stood. At this moment there came a crash
and musket ball entered the room, passed
through the head of the sofa where the
chief had lain and lodged in the foot.
General Grant cast glance at the couch
where he had been reposing, and, taking
the young officers hand in his, with quiet
smile. said:
Captain, you have saved my hte.n
They went below. The gun-boats, open
ing on the enemy, sent shells shrieking and
exploding into the wood and cornfield. They
were well out in the stream and some dis
tance down, so they had to give but little
elevation to their guns TO clear the banks of
the river. Their position nearly enfladed
the enemy marching through the cornfield.
Luke began to look about for the members
of his company. He found Arkansaw Tom,
Ned Cotton, Corporal Max and Bill Snow
near the stern, firing as rapidly as they
could at the heads of the rebels who were
peeping over the river banks.
"Dod rot 'im-bet spilled that'ns pictur, "
said Tom, reloading his gun. ''Ef they'd
only q let me brung my rife I'd laid out
more'n one on 'em."
The boats soon carried them beyond gun
shot, and sped peacefully on their way
TO Cairo, each now feeling that Belmont hao
been great victory, and that he had contrib
uted his share toward it. Captain Mason
had cause to be proud of the work he ha6
done toward establishing the right of that
grand old flag to wave all over the United
States of America.
Every man in that conflict, small and in
significant as it was compared to the strug
giles which followed, gained confidence il
himself and that quiet, stern commander
who was destined to lead the armies of ths
Nation to final victory.
The boats returned to Cairo, and a Ions
period of inactivity followed. A few day.
after his return from the battlefield, LUX,
received letter from Lille Neff They haG
returned shortly after the troops passed
by their house, and learned that he had b,
his gallantry saved it. She stated that sh,
prayed daily that he and her brother Nigh
be spared, and that this cruel war nigh
come TO an end. Her letter concluded with
'.Blackhswk has disappeared from tn,
neixhborhood, and it is supposed that b,
has run away. l do not understand tha
strange negro. He has been an enigma {.
me ever since was q child. When but
little girl always shuddered when his vel
lowisa black eyes met mine, and theI
thought him in league with the Evil One
and, ohi Luke, fear he hates you; if yo,
should ever meet him, beware of him
Brother wrote me Of your saving his life
OIL can not thank you too much. Shoull