Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1890-09-04

IVY WH v uUOos DGlOT6 AL
'"AlA lanta, Georgia, OF
July %, 1854 His experiences before
the time from which we give our ex
tract will be passed over. Hungry
despoiled of clothing and everything
worth taking, he was in the hands O.
the foe when he wrote as follows:
July %, 1S64-Continued silence in
the direction of Atlanta. What was
the result of the battle? What does
the silence mean? Has Sherman fallen
back? Has Hood evacuated? Were
questions asked continually, but nc
reliable responses elected. One
genius said: "The Yankees can't fight
for awhile, all the live 'uns are busy
burying the dead 'uns"
SLOW long are we to be kept in this
miserable placer" "How long are we
to be kept on quarter rations ?"
Nobody seemed to know. We knew
that exchanges of prisoners had ceased
because of disagreement about the
status of negro troops, and there was
little prospect of the question being
speedily settled. The gloomy pros.
poet of Andersonville doomed up, and
careful mental consideration and adj
justment of chances for life resulted in
favor of a desperate attempt to escape
rather than attempt to survive Ander-
sonville. While thus contemplating
we were startled by the loud command
of the Confederate Major, ordering.
Fall in, prisoners Hurry up!" A
hasty formation into lines mo trouble
about baggage), march southwark,
the officers separated from the private
soldiers. Where are we going? Don't
know; can't ascertain; but toward
Andersonville.
Confederate officers rather provoke
argument on the subject of the war.
and many interesting discussions
ensue. No opportunity afforded
an invitation to attempt to escape.
Near evening we march through
Jonesboro, Ca, some twenty miles
south of Atlanta, situated on the
Macon Railroad. Inhabitants line the
street; first Yankees-great curiosi-
ties. Whites rather jubilant, the pity
ing chances of the blacks indicate their
sympathy. Desiring confirmation, au
opportunity was sought to converse
with negro. A beckoning. an. ap-
proach. stop that!" said the guard.
"Get back there, you nigger!" But
the mere prompt effort to respond, on
the part of the black man, was con-
yincing enough of friendship. Two
miles below the town we reach our
quarters for the night an open field.
A blanket is carelessly thrown among
the prisoners and falls upon the writer.
Providential, a great luxury, comfort
ing rest assured. A few fires, retire
ment, sharing the precious blanket
with o fellow captive. I wonder, sus-
poet. No-yes! Tt is not gentle
thong hts that "come DER me stealing"
But there's something's new enemy.
Retreat? Impossible, detachment of
the foe are already in possession; vain
attempt at dislodgement, And they
are -Confederates, too. Ravenous.
Sleep is impossible; escape is possible.
A guard approached.
Halt there!D said he.
II want to speak with you mo-
ment, said the prisoner.
"Well, what Is it?" asked the sentry.
From hiding place that bafled
former search a treasure is produced.
II have very fine watch here Can
old silver turnip), and if you'll do
me a small favor you can have it"
The sentry seemed to be averse to
winning the bride, and, looking visit
fully at it, asked:
"What favor do you want for it 2"
Turn your back and don't see me
pass out" said the prisoner.
agreed" said the sentry.
I'll be back in few minutes, said
the prisoner.
CA return to obtain canteen and
buy little bareback, whispered
3good-by," stealthy, reapproach.
Haiti Where are you going 2" de-
manded the sentry.
TITS only myself it's all right, said
the prisoner, approaching. aDon't
talk SO loud.
@stop, d. youl' bringing down
his rife.
"Thunder!"
The guard had been relieved; this
was new man. The clanking of an
officers scabbard approached the sem
try as the distance widened between
him and the chagrined captive, who
picked his way through the prostate
forms of fellow prisoners back To his
3mess, and cast his weary body upon
Mother Earth and slept until early III
the morning of
July 26. 1864 When we were grufY-
~ order to Fall in, prisonersls and
over dusty roads marched rapidly
southwark No rations. AT early even
ing we were corralled in large in
closure or pasture some ten miles
north of Griffin. Georgia, near Big
Sandy Greek. Again we have the
earth for resting place, the SKY for 4