The Hazel Green herald. [volume] (Hazel Green, Wolfe County, Ky.) 1885-19??, 1891-06-12

For u month COlOnel StnurtS 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,
1851, hc 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 Coloneps headquarters. He
found most Of the commissioned officers Of
the regiment In the Colonel's tent.
"We've got marchin' orders at last"
said Colonel Smart, his face glowing with
excitement. "Be in readiness TO 20 aboard
the boats tonight"
Where are we goin'p one OF the officers
asked.
30, that's a secret with Grant and Nc
Clernand," and yet with knowing wink
he added: "I'll bet I know where we're
bound; get your men in readiness with
three days rations an forty rounds, an
we'll see"
Though no positive in formation had es-
capped from headquarters by which they
could possibly determine the intent OF the
commanding officers, yet IL was understood
that the expedition was either upon Bel
mont or Columbus.
Going 10 his tent Luke hastily penned a
few lines 10 Lille, informing her of the
dangerous expedition on which they were
about to engage, hoping he would come out
safe; ifhe did not he had the glorious con.
ISOLATION OF dying for his country.
The troops were gotten in readiness that
evening, aud the transports with their
decks and yards fenced in with logs brought
in close TO shore. The soldiers were mus
tered TO quarters an hour after dark, and
marched down to the river. The gang
panks were thrown out, and they went
aboard Luke's regiment took quarters on
the upper deck, where the men stacked
arms and sat down.
The night was dark and foggy, but they
had experienced pilots who knew every
foot OF the river, and men and officers had
the most implicit con tidence in them.
One delay followed another until 10 was
near midnight before the transports finally
pushed Off and steamed down the river
The GOODNESS of the men made some Of the
officers ashamed Of their nervous uneasi-
ness
The great black smoke issued from the
tall smoke-stacks, the engines pulled, and
the ponderous paddles were set in motion.
Ere long the transports were in the middle
of the stream, speeding down the great
dark river.
As Luke gazed upon those gallant men he
began TO wonder how many Of them would
return from the expedition. Some were
eating, some telling stories, and Arkansaw
Tom was lying upon the deck buried in
sound slumbcr, rs il he was at his home or
hunting camp.
SHOW can he sleep-when tomorrow he
may dieW Luke asked himself. The young
Captain walked Off aud gazed for a few mo-
ments on the receding lights Of Cairo; then
he descended to the boiler deck, where he
was walking about, when some one touched
his shoulder He turned, and, by the light
OF the great furnace, discerned the ebony
face Of the colored fireman.
Don't We know me, massa" he asked.
What! Blackhawkl What are you doing
hereW
"Firin', massa."
"When did you comer
1.-TWO weeks ago"
did you run away from your master"
as tryin' ter save dis Union, massa,
Thought Id do all l KIN, an come down
heah fur job See you cherry day, nevah
fur away frum vel"
Luke gazed at the black for few mo-
ments in stupefed bewilderment, and then
said:
"Blackhawk, what is this wonderful mys-
terry about youi Why DO you follow mei
Who are you, any wayl"
"He'll know all bout il, mebbe, some day,
massa; but l can't told ye now, massa,"
and Blackhawk began shoveling coal into
the great furnace.
Luke returned 10 where his men were
Quartered lost In wonder and mystery,
while the ve ,sels sped down the river, con
veylng those brave men to Belmont. car
mage and death.