Thomas County cat., 1890-05-01

sea. One bright Sunday in December,
1864, the Lieutenant was detailed to
take charge of the picket line in front
of Savannah, on the edge of rice
swamp. There was truce between
the pickets, and everything wore a
Sabbath-like stiffness.
Coryell had nothing to do, and was
out Of tobacco. How to get a chew was
the question. Finally a handsome
young officer from the Confederate side
strolled out between the lines. Cor
yell hailed him at once:
Il say, Johnny, sot any chewing to-
bacco over there?"
"1es, plenty of it-something good. :"
"Come overw shouted the Federal.
Il want to buy some. Got lots of Con-
federate money, but no tobacco"
Cant do it, replied the Confeder-
ate, "it's against orders to leave my
post"
well, then, come half way, and I'll
meet you"
Sorry, Yank, but I can't do that,
either" answered the Confederate.
Johnny" yelled the desperate Fed
eral, IF 1 come over to you I can get
the tobacco and return safely to my
lines?"
Come along, I'll treat you right"
"How do you know that I will not be
taken prisoner?"
you have the word of gentleman
and Confederate officer
Coryell thought a moment. He
wanted the tobacco, and the young
officer had spoken in manly way.
The Federal decided to make the
venture. He laid aside his sword and
belt and started across the high and
narrow dixie leading to the Confederate
line. On either side of the dixie the
water in the rice fields was ten feet
deep.
The Lieutenant reached the opposite
shore without any misgivings. The
Confederate produced some tobacco
and trade was made in no time. Then
the two fell into pleasant conversa-
ton.
Suddenly Coryell saw signal futter
from house some distance in the rear
of the Confederate line.
what does that mean?" he asked,
sharply.
Just then an orderly dashed up Oh
horseback and with dignifed salute
said to the Confederate officer:
Lieutenant, the General orders you
to take the Yankee officer to head
quarters"
Coryell was dumfounded. Visions
of Andersonville, Castle Thunder and
Libby Prison danced before his eyes.
He thought of his loved ones at home
and the disgrace attached to such
capture.
He cursed the Internal tobacco that
had placed him in such an unlucky
position. Then he looked at the Con-
federate Lieutenant and noted his hon
est eyes and his manly face.
"Am I your prisoner ?" asked Coryell
The Confederate extended his right
hand.
L offered you my protection" he
said. $50 to your lines. I will follow
You over the dixie, and if my body can
shield you from Confederate lead you
shall reach your command in safety.
Good-by and God bless you!"
The Federal started on his return
trip. He dreaded the enemy's fire and
fully expected a chance shot would
cripple him and cause him to fall into
the water, where death would be GER
tainty.
He was half way across when the
first shot came. There was another
and another, until a whole brigade
seemed to be firing at him.
g.
until he reached the Federal lines and
vaulted over the breastwork. Then he
looked back and saw his protector
standing on the dixie. The Confeder-
ate waved his hand, turned about. and
marched back to his own side. He had
kept his promise like true soldier.
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