The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-06-28
CHAPTER VIII.
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On the 9TH of November, 1861 the Missis-
Sippi river 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 rlflemen were blazing away at
the retreating boats. The rebels Were back
some distance from tine river, so their fire
was high and did but little harm. The
smoke-stacks were thickly peppered with
bullets, but only three men were wounded
after reaching 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 captain
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
asked the General, springing to his feet and
going to the door where Captain Mason
stood At this moment there came a crash
and musllet ball entered the room, passed
through the head of the sofa where the
chef had lain and lodged in the foot.
General Grant cast a 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 life"
They went below. The gun-boats, open
ing on the enemy, sent shells shrieking and
exploding into the wood and cornfeld. They
were well out in the stream and some dis
lance down, so they had to give but little
elevation to their guns to clear the banks of
the river. Their position nearly enfiladed
the enemy marching through the cornfield.
Luke began to lock 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 let me brung my rife I'd laid out
more'n one on EN-
The boats soon carried them beyond gun
shot, and sped peacefully on their way
TO Cairo, each now feeling that Belmont had
been great victory, and that he had contrib
uted his share toward it. Captain Mason
had cause to be proud of the work he had
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 in
himself and that quiet, stern commander,
who was destined TO lead the armies of the
Nation to final victory.
The boats returned TO Cairo, and long
period of inactivity followed. A few days
after his return from the battlefield. Luke
received letter from Lille Neff. They had
returned shortly after the troops passed
by their house, and learned that he had by
his gallantry saved it. She stated that she
prayed daily that he and her brother might
be spared, and that this cruel war might
come to An end. Her letter concluded with
"Blackhawk has disappeared from the
neighborhood, and it is supposed that he
has run away. / do not understand that
strange negro .Nakas been an enigma to
me ever since was child. When but q
little girl always shuddered when his vel.
lowish black eyes met mine, and then
thought him in league with the Evil One,
and, OH Luke, / fear he hates you; if you
should ever meet him, beware of him.
Brother wrote me of your saving his life
OH can not thank you too much Should