Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-07-16


ever being able to assume the command
of a marching regiment, even if he es-
capped with his life, Hopkins was in
stalled as Colonel, to the satisfaction Of
every man in the ranks; for they had
long learned to love the quiet, gentle
manly man, who never dinched from
danger and had such a keen sense of
duty.
And who is going to be Major? was
the question at the bivouac.
''Tll bet even on Besant against the
field" cried Jack Gregory.
But there were no takers.
CHAPTER XIV
THE RIVER OF DEATH.
"Major Besant, let me congratulate
you. There is not man in the regi-
ment who does not hail your promotion
with pleasure, to say nothing of my
self. who have gained step by your
good LUCK" cried the jovial Gregory,
grasping Franks hand with an en-
thusiastic energy that made him vince.
''But, what do you mean-are you
crazy, Jack?" was the astonished de-
mand.
''Sane as a bench of judges! The
boys would hear of no mans name but
yours for the vacant post, and I'm glad
to say for once the popular cry was for
the right man in the right place, and
you are second-in-command of the
Fighting Fourth. Won't that be
scrumptious news to write and tell your
sweetheart"
cit would, indeed, if it were true, but
know you are chatting me-"
Chatting you! AS if I'd dare to chaff
a living Major-but here comes the
Colonel, and as he's promised me a
jObation for being late at roll-call, I'll
spare him the pain of an interview and
skip"
And when Colonel Hopkins, with a
smile OF delight in his honest eyes,
grasped Franks hand and wished him
Joy in his preferment, the young SOL
der knew that the glorious but i'm
probable news was true.
81 can hardly believe it now, SIR" he
stammered. ''What have done to de-
serve such honor?"
''Your duty, Frank" was the simple
answer.
Not until the leafy month Of June
did Rosecrans assume the aggressive,
presumably because he was deficient in
cavalry, and our young knight fretted
sorely because he could not use the
spurs he had won so gallantly; but the
time at last arrived when he h. L no
cause to complain of inaction.
With sixty thousand men the Union
General advanced against Bragg, now
entrenched at Chattanooga, and sue
ceeded in maneuvering him out Of his
position early in September. Rosecrans'
extraordinary delay excited universal
criticism, especially after his splendid
record up to that date. Having seized
the city evacuated by the Confederates,
and supposing Bragg to be in full re-
treat for Alabama, he advanced his
whole force after him, but the Southern
commander had been reinforced, and,
being assured that Longstreet's corps
from Alabama was close at hand, re-
solved upon retaking Chattanooga,
which. as a military position, was Of
vital consequence to either side. Both
armies had become much scattered over
the mountainous region; but on the
18th of September they were fairly con-
centrated upon the banks of the Chicka-
manga, or ''River of Death, twelve niles
from the coveted city.
The battle opened ON the 10th, and all
that day there was hot fighting, with no
pronounced result. During the night
that followed Longstreet's corps arrived,
and he was given command Of the Con-
federate left. Polk being assigned to
that of the right, while opposing them
Thomas led the Union left, and Rose
Grams In person the right.
On the dawn of the Goth the furious
onslaught began. Like rushing tor
rent Longstreet's men cast themselves
as though each had hundred lives
upon the gallant ranks that Rosecrans
led. Again, again, again-cach time
with madden fury, till. yard by yard,
they drive them back and break their
line. In vain Hopkins and Besant
rally their men to superhuman effort.
The tide OF battle is against them and
they can not withstand its irresistible
force.
And who are those two horsemen
galloping at headlong speed from the
extreme right, with their horses heads
turned toward Chattanooga?
General Rosecrans and Garfield, his
chief of staff! What does this mean?''
Colonel Hopkins cried to Frank in stern
dismay as they rested at crossroads
to allow their scattered men time to
gather round their standard.
They find the road they are taking
impracticable and are coming this
| way" Besant replied, as the riders
wheeled their horses and made for the
crossroads.
AS they reached the spot where Hop
l1ins and Frank stood they halted.
'Hark, sir!" Garfield said to his su-
perior, and pointing with his sword to
the left. whence came the regular firing
from Thomas division. THAT does not
sound like defeat!"
81 tell you," was the petulant reply,
cit is a rout-we are beaten, man; and
am of to Chattanooga to telegraph the
cursed tale to Washington"
MAY I remain?" almost pleaded Gar.
| field.
| ''As you WILL" was the ungracious
assent, as the hero Of a hundred
fights, seized with a at of panic sc
| difficult to understand in one with sc
brilliant record, drove his spurs into
his horses flank and dashed away.
| Follow me down this road. Colonel
| a. soon a. you can get your men to