The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-03-02
WAR MEMORIES.

Z" After Corinth. Out of the Wilderness
My last left me out In the woods, aoan
doned with the deserted camp OF the
fourth division which had been for rela
lively many days my independent hospital
on the upper waters of the Ha'chie, My
position, though easy, was critical. Theo
retically, nothing was 10 be done but still
patlently await orders. Practically, myself
and charge were in great danger Of zap
propriation" by the beleaguerers OF Price
and VanDorn. A complex question for
cibly presented In this urgent quandary
To what limit did my responsibility extend
or my powers; what was to be done, and
how? had no definable warrant Of com
mand But S0methiHg must be done at
once. The "nOises in the air have become
increasingly portentous. Tonight nois-
Ter revel proceeds at the log cabin on the
overlooking hill than any yet, since ii be
came an evident rendezvous for my specia
enemies. The responsive whistlings
spoken of before, and exchanges of Other
Signals have become demonstrative. lndis
tinpuishable voices are heard near by
and murmuringly In the distance; for il Is
a calm, still night in June. But my impro
yised guards are faithful, and will apprize
me of an Immediately threatening danger
Therefore was lett to undisturbed cOgita'
lions how TO determine my difficulties;
deciding that with dawn of morning
would repair TO Corinth and present my
case to Gen. Halleck, who had been our
ostensiDle commander went
The General, being of the ancien regime
with quarters In house convenient for all
his purposes, had "hedged himself about
In so much state as not readily to be ap
preached Sentries vigilan'. Was moi
provided with the countersign. My
STRAPS" had usually been recognized at
headquarters with salute; now met with
challenge. What next? Turned aside,
lettering and bordering, when Col. (now
generaD J. G. Kelton, Adj General, ap.
preached, and evidently experimenting difli
Guilty, pleasantly asked If | was looking for
some one, and What he could do tor me-.
Stating my case briefly, and asking the
location of my regiment, he examined
some maps and papers which he took from
his pocket and described II as about sever
miles east of Grand Junction. Crossing
of the Mobile and Ohio with the Memphis
and Charleston railroads) Referring t,
my doubtful situation and desire to be re
lieved, he suggested that | report to Gen
Geo H. Thomas commander of post a
Corinth.
Relating my case to the General, In hi'
usual calm, deliberate manner, and deel
voice, he inquired:
"Who Is the ranking officer Ia com
mand Of the camp you represent"
There is no commissioned officer pres
ent there, General"
You tell me that il is your hospital"
eyes, General, but | Am only surgeon
non combatant, and with but an assimilateC
military rank"
Il see, sir, by those straps you bear the
rank Of Major of cavalry, If there be NJ
officer present there of higher grade, you
are, by virtue of that office, In absolute
command and responsible for all the meI
present, the women 10 whom you refer
also those commissary stores, and whatever
other property there may be there"
But, General, for many years have
been under the impression that non-com-
bttants, az surgeons, had but what Is calel
an dsSimjlated rank, as of courtesy"
Formerly it was so. Now, all ranks ii
the United States army are absolute, II
whatever department and each commits
stoned officer has power and responslbillt,
accordingly And, Major, refer you Il
Col. j. B. Mcpherson, afterwards Maio
GENERALLY chief of transportation, who will
'iuti yum camp laheu up, duu provide
you with proper transportation to your reg
iment."
The General was stern In voice and bear
ing, Dut altogether courteous.
The staff officers of General Thona
We're prompt and accommodating, givinl
all due directions, each enteavoring {,
provide me the best possible facilities
withal, ordering the shoeing of my horse
badly needing 1t. Col. Mcpherson had
box car provided TO take him to Gran,
JUNCTION. When about TO leave, Charlie
Clark asked the privilege of riding hin
across the country. Injudlciously assent
ed, inconsiderste Of the danger o
bis almost certain capture. But "Ol,
FAKE" was feet, though heavy
Charley Was SLY" observing and eau