Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-06-20

his expense, and old Tom recovering his
plug, just as goose was running after it,
laughed himself at the infuriated woman.
Breakfast was prepared under many
difficulties and quickly dispatched, and the
soldiers, loading themselves with pro-
visions, bade their unwilling hostess fare
well. She, wishing them in lower and hotter
regions, slammed the door after them.
Next day Cairo was reached. Here they
found General q. S. Grant with consider
able force. They drew arms and uniforms,
producing a wonderful change, as they be-
gan to look like soldiers.
The officers received their commissions,
and the men were Immediately put under
military training and discipline.
Though the men were tired enough when
they reached Cairo, few days of camp life
made 1t irksome TO them, and they were
anxious to be upon the march again. At
Columbus and Belmont the enemy were
strongly posted to prevent the passage of
Union forces down the Mississippi.
81 don't see why in thunder they don't go
down N take Columbus" said Corporal
Max, whose propensity to grumble seemed
to increase.
I'VE haint ready yit," Arkansaw Tom
answered.
"Haint ready, ar we gwine It wait till
doomsday fore we git ready"
Arkansaw Tom was lying on the shady
side of pile Of logs, his hands forming a
pillow, while he gazed up at the sky.
We've got ter git mo- men, an hev 'em
better drilled"
MO men, jimmy" cried Corporal
got tents fur"
''They amt nuff t. take them towns; be-
sides, we're not drilled.''
drilled, WY, La help me, how much more
drillin' dye want. I've wore out my legs a
marchiu', an my hands, arms an shoulders
a handlin' that blasted old gun"
81 wush ter goodness they'd let me a
kept my rife" said Arkansaw Tom. 81 kin
knock out center every time with it. but
with this blamed old musket it's much as a
bargain & hit the side o. barn two hundred
yards"
General U. S. Grant had superseded
General Benjamin S. Prentlss at Cairo, and
was waiting for sufficient force to strike
some decisive blow at the enemy.
Colonel Richard Oglesby was still in Mis-
souri, guarding point which it was thought
necessary to hold, and General Grant, learn
ing that Oglesby was threatened by force
OF rebels from Columbus, determined to
make move which would detract them
from Oglesby
For a month Colonel Smart's regiment
had been lying inactive at Cairo, and, with
many of the others, Luke was growing i'm
patient.
On the morning of the 9th Of November,
1861, he had taken his company as usual out
for drilling, and they were returning to
quarters when the adjutant told him to re-
port at the Coloners headquarters. He
found most of the commissioned officers of
theregiment in the Colonel's tent.
We've got marchin' orders at last, y
said Colonel Smart, his face glowing with
excitement. "Be in readiness to 90 aboard
the boats tonight"
"Where are we goin'!" one of the officers
asked.
20, that's secret with Grant and Nc
Clernand," and yet with a knowing wink
he added: 'Il bet I know where we're
bousd; get your men in readiness with
three days rations an forty rounds, an
we'll see."
Though no positive information had es-
capped from headquarters by which they
could possibly determine the intent of the
Lommanding officers, yet it was understood
that the expedition was either upon Bel
mont or Columbus.
Going TO his tent Luke hastily penned 9
few lines to Lille, informing her of the
dangerous expedition on which they were
about to engage, hoping he would come out