Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-10-17
Miraculous Escape.
written by John Hall, inmate of Milwaul
Soldiers Home

IlG 0Eduu ARMY oI TIE h6puDIlC,
recently held in Milwaukee. There
were many effecting meetings of com
rades, who had been separated for {
quarter of a century, and many Incl
dents, thrilling. or humorous, were
rehearsed, that occurred during the
war.
The following is one of the many
One day during encampment week
while walking down Grand Avenue
scanning the faces of the "boys in blue
to see if I could discover any Of my
former comrades; an old soldier, seated
under one of the beautiful shade trees,
that line that beautiful avenue, extend
ing his hand to me, said, "What regi-
ment comrade?" Eighth Indiana, l
replied "Ohn' said he, Il am a mem
ber of the twelfth, Maine. We belong
ed to the same Division, be seated and
have a chat" Complying with his
request, he resumed the conversation
saying: II remember passing through
"a terrible ordeal one night, on the
Shenandoah mountains, Va. in the
company of an eighth Indiana man.
Language is inadequate to express the
horror of that night" There was
something in his voice that seemed
familiar to me, and after a moments
pause, I asked him, do look any like
that man? After a long scrutinizing
look he answered, Eyes, you are the
man." and seizing my hand shook it as
only comrades can shake under some
such similar circumstances. Pulling
out miniature canteen, he invited me
to drink saying, cit makes me shaky
yet to think of IT..
In the summer of 1864, we were
accidentIy brought together; both at
that time enroute to join our respective
commands then stationed at Winches-
ter, Va. Harpers Ferry being the ter
minus of the railroad and situated at
the entrance Of the Shenandoah Valley.
Picture a horizon bounded by towering
mountains, with zig-zag paths leading
to the little farms, located on the
plateau on the side of the steep ascent;
and you viii have a conception Of the
landscape that was spread out before
US at Harpers Ferry, made a historic
spot, 10y the exploit of John Brown,
previous 10 the outbreak of the war OF
the Rebellion. It was a wild and safe
retreat for the so-caHed Guerillas, by
which it was infested. After a short
acquaintance on discovering our
journey was il the same direction, we
agreed to travel together. / found my
travelling companion very accommda-
ting and we shared the contents of our
haversacks and canteens as we'll as the
trip. As was natural under the circum-
stances q warm friendship soon existed
between US, our wardrobe was light and
neither were we encumbered with
blankets, but we carried a revolver, OF
rather one each which we priced more
than blankets Arriving at the termi-
nus of the road thirty miles lay
between us and our immediate destina-
ton, Winchester. AS the day was well
nigh spent we concluded to seek food
and shelter for the night at some farm
house. We saw far up the mountain
side a habitation appearing in the
distance no larger than my hand. A
zig-zag road led to the house, and also
Wagon-road, that wound around the
base of the mountain. Thinking it the
shortest route we chose the narrow
path, and were soon making the ascent
Oft-times in order to preserve ou1
equilibrium in the rugged face of the
mountain, we were compelled to steady
ourselves, by clinging to the Laurel
brush, which grew there in abundance
Arriving at the house, hungry and
weary, we we're not very faYorably
impressed by its appearance, but as &
storm was evidently rapidly approach
! ing, we advanced and raped on the
dilapidated door. In answer to ouI
summons a middle aged woman made
her appearance and looking at us
inquiringly asked "what was wanted?
! We stated our business offering to pay
in advance, my companion at the same
time showed her a roll of green backs
and I could not help noticing that the
woman eyed the money closely. She
invited us into the house in a pleasan
manner, and asked us to be seated
adding. ''You look tired gentlemen.
Noticing the revolyers in our belts she
exclaimed, "Oh, gentlemen do please
put them horrid pistols away, they
scare me so; I don't want to see then
around, there is no danger here and
am sure you are not afraid of me- she
said laughing. ''No, no, we replied
''Then give me your pistols and I vii
take care of them till morning." We
thoughtlessly yielded to her solicita
ton and handed her our weapons
She busted herself in preparing tht
supper while Lon and I filed oul
pipes for a smoke. In a short time she
announced that supper was ready anC
placing seats for Us at the table invited
US to help ourselves. We were in a gooC
mood to relish the plain but substantial
food placed before US and had just fairl,
| started in to eat when a door leading I,
an adjoining room was suddenl.
opened and man made his appearance
having US covered with a doubl
barreIed gun. "Ghrow up your hand
YOU d-m yankees, quick, or [ WI
riddle both Of vou!' he exclaimed
Evidently he was in earnest and not I