The National tribune., 1890-05-22
SHERMAN'S RUNNERS.
How Co. Z. Gsth Ohio. Lost tLeEr Mule md Ga

How Co. L, Goth Chic, Lost their Mule and Cart.
EDITOR NATIONAL TR1BUNE Soon after the
arrival of Sherman's Army Mt GOldsbOr0, N.
Co. and while the troops were fixing quarters
for few days rest. three boys of Go. H. Goth
Ohio (rwentieth Corps) procured passes to 20
outside the picket.lines and find boards for
flooring their quarters, building hunks, etc.
At that timo there was no comm ssioned officer
with the company, and the Sergeants in COM
mand had in their possession q large sorrel
mule that had carried thoir blankets, cook ing
utensils and other traps on the campaign just
ended; SO with this animal hitched to cart
they started on their errand. About mile
outside the lines they found q deserted farm
house, which they at once commenced to strip
of weather boarding.. Serg't Smith Tor Stubby
rs was the cOgnomen given him by his mates)
was bnsily engaged in this work on tho outside
and Belta and Bob JOrdon were investigating
the inside of the house. A squad of rebel cavalry
rode into the yard and inquired of "Stnbby"
what command he belonged TO. At first, think
ing they were Yanks, he did not pay much at
ton To them but simply answered their ques-
ton. Another glance showed him they were
JOhnnes, and having been soiourner among
them in 1862, he did not care to go to their
Summer resorts so early in the season, so he
bado them good and broke for the timber,
only short distance away. Several shots were
fired at him as he ran, but they happily missed
h4Ihi anu ABOUT DARK nc arrived III camp COW
cred with swamp mud and minus his gun,
which he had left leaning against the house.
After his departure the rebels directed their
attention to the boys on the inside of the house.
In the meantime they had heard and seen the
commotion in the yard, and young Belta
crawled into a feather bod which was on tho
floor, while Jordou boldly faced their callers.
They wanted 81 know of him where the other
man was, as they had noticed three of them
nhDut tho nlopa IIp told tbot,, hn ho IL
one in the house; but they doubted his veracity,
and one Of them drew his saber and began
punching around among the feathers. and
Billy Belta had TO come forth. They marched
the boys away, taking with them the r. lie of
Co. Il.
This was late in the afternoon, and some
time after dark as they were going through
swamp, Bolta mado an excuse to lag in the rear.
lie WAS guarded by boy but little larger or
older than himself aud he concluded lie would
make n break for liberty. SnatChing limb or
fcnce-ral by tho roadside. he gave his captor a
blow from the rear and leaped into the swamp
aud was soon lost TO view. The Johnnies made
but little effort TO recapture him, at that stage
oftho rebellion one prisoner more or less. was Of
no consequence. Early the following morning
Belta came limping into camp looking as if he
had been treated to coat of tar and feathers
Bob JordOn never returned to his company,
but suppose he was duly exchanged. He was
substitute, aud the boys did not take the
same interest in him rs thoy did in Smith and
Belta, who were vets of 81. Bclta was one of
number of boys brought TO Delaware, o., from
the Five Point Mission in New York about
1856 or 1867, and enlisted as drummer, but
was soon able to carry an Enfield, which no
preferred TO a drum
i have sent you this little incident, hoping
that If published IL would bring out other
"reminiscences of our regiment that would be
interesting to your many readers.-W. II. T.,
Sergeant Co. l., 66th Ohio, Delaware, o.