The National tribune., 1889-02-07

perceived that resistance 10 such force would
be useless. They prepared 10 surrender and
make the best of their misfortune Bat before
the gang-plank had been run cut one OF the
shrewdest Of them observed that the formld-
able force was babited in the Union uniform,
though il was so sadly covered with dust that
il could easily be mistaken for the Confederate
gray.
An officer who was among the passengers
brought a field glass 70 bear on the party on
the bank He was an old friend Of Capt. Wins
low. the Ouarternaster Of Gen. Curtis's army,
and was not long in making him out, in spite
Of the dust that covered him and his generally
bedraggled appearance after his long ride.
Holding aside his glass, he shouted:
is Capt Winslow theTe2"
"Here am, was the reply, aud here are
the rest Of Us"
"AiI right, Pilot" said the officer; you're
safe enough now. You're captured by our
friends"
In q few minutes the boat had been made
fast 20 the shore, and Gen. Washburne came
on board accompanied by Capt WinsloW, Capt
Noble, of Gen. Curtis's staff, aud several other
officers There was a recognition Of old friends
and introductious all around. The new arrlv-
ais were treated to the best the steamer afforded,
and the officer who had charge Of the boat asked
what they could do for the weary and dusty
crowd.
"Give rs whatever provisions You can
spare said Gen. Washburne, and then hurry
up to Memphis as fast as you can with Capts.
Winslow and Noble. They'll get supplies for
Us and have them shipped down here to meet
the army by tie time it arrives"
The boat was not well provided with stores,
as she had no occasion for anything beyond
sufficient to feed her company TO Memphis, but
whatever she had was quickly rolled on the
bank and handed over 10 the QuarteTmaster OF
L. 4 eNa1
Immediately steamed away for Memphis, 80
miles up the river. She was obliged 10 lie at
anchor during the night, owing TO dense fog,
and did not reach Memphis until the following
forenoon.
Supplies were Immediately shipped TO Helena,
and By the morning Of the I4th they were
piled on the bank-a welcome sight TO the sol
dieTs, that marched In as closely behind the
cavalry as Il was possible for infantry to follow.
The march from Clarendon was accomplished
in little more than two days, and not a wagon
was lost or left behind. BY the evening Of the
18Th al the divisions had arrived, aud anxious
il waited the provisions which came 10 them
on llIe following morning. Hundreds OF hands
were ready 10 assist IN the landing, and rarely
has steamboat discharged her cargo with
greater celebrity
The column was followed By great number
Of negroes. who feared the treatment they
wouid receive from their masters after the de-
pariure Of the Union forces from Clarendon.
Al one time it was remarked that there were
more negroes than white men in Helena, and
the support Of the c0lored population became a
matter Of serious consequence. The difficulty
was partially solved a few months later, when
j was decided TO enlist negroes as soldiers, and
several regiments Of them were formed for in
fsntry aud cavalry service Thousands Of able
bodied citizens of African descent were enroll
ed IN the army, and though they had their de-
fciencies they did credit to themselves, besides
exasperating the rebels Ia an unwouted degree.
Many Of the rebel officers subsequently de-
clarod that their greatest mistake was that
they did not arm their negroes early in the
war, promising to give them their freedom at
TIE end.