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


peeping over the river banks.
; "Dod rot 'im--bet spilled that'ns pictun,"
said Tom, reoading his gun. "Ef they'd
only let me brung my rife I'd laid out
more'n one on EN-"
J The boats soon carried them beyond gun
shot, and sped peace fully on their way
TO Cairo, each now feeling that Belmont had
been a great victory, and that he had contrib
uted his share toward II. Captain Mason
had cause to be proud of the work he had
done toward establishing the right Of that
grand old flag TO wave all over the United
States OF America.
Every man in that conflict, small and in.
significant as 10 was compared 70 the strug-
giles which followed, gained confidence in
himself and that quiet, stern commander,
who was destined to lead the armies Of the
Nation To final victory.
The boats returned 10 Cairo, and long
period Of inactivity followed. A few days
after his return from the battlefield, Luke
| received letter from Lille Nef. They had
| returned shortly after the troops passed
| by their house, and learned that he had by
his gallantry saved IL. She stated that she
prayed daily that he and her brother might
be- spared, and that this cruel war might
come TO an end. Her letter concluded with /:
"Blackhawk has disappeared from the
neighborhood, aud IL Is supposed that he
has run away do not understand that
strange negro. He has been an enigma to
me ever since was a child. When but q
little girl always shuddered when his yell
lowish black eyes met mine, and then
thought him in league with the Evil One
| and, oh Luke, fear he hates you; IL 20,
should ever meet him, beware OF him
Brother wrote me Of your saving his life
| oh can not thank you too much. Should
you meet him again, dear Luxe, be it on the
battlefield or wherever IL may, remembe,
that though he is your enemy, he is my
brother, and, IL possible, spare him"
Eyes, yes; / have spared him, and will
spare him." sighed the young soldier, bow
ing his head in his hand. but IS not this,
after all, battle between brothersl Oh.
cruel indeed is war at best, but this fratri
cidal strife Is swapping the heartstrings Of
the best IN the land"
He promptly answered her letter In as
cheerful strain as he could, hoping that
their difficulties would soon be removed
and peace spread her white wings over the
land. From beginning TO end his letter was
replete with expressions Of tenderest love.
The month OF December, 1861, was spent
in drilling and disciplining the troops for
the long, hard marches, sieges and heavy
battles that were before them. Occasion
ally small scouting parties were sent out
into the country for the purpose Of recon
noiterlng. Camp life had grown irksome TO
Luke, and he gained permission TO go with
q small body OF cavalry on one Of their ex-
petitions into neighborhood in Kentucky
reported to be filled with rebel guerrillas.
As Luke was leaving he met the captain OF
the steamer on which he had gone TO Bel
mont, who informed him that shat Niger
fireman, Blackhawk, had deserted them"
He is strange being" said Luke,
thoughtfully.
"I'll have him tied up and whipped il
can find him." the oficer retorted. ...
Luke mounted his horse and rode away
TO the boat, which conveyed him and his
party across the river 1t had been raining
that morning, and the woods and earth
were still damp from the food. They did
not reach the Kentucky shore until late in
the afternoon, and the heavy mist which
enwrapt hill, valley, grove and town hid
them from any prying eyes which nigh,
be on the watch for them. They Travelled
slowly along the wooded road long after
nightfall had set in. Their guide was a
trusty fellow who knew every foot OF
ground. They were liable to be fred upon
by bushwhackers at any time, consequently
the Officers carried pistols and the soldiers
carbines ready cooked in hand to defend
their lives against an attack.
Luke and the Captain were riding side
by side just behind their guide, when that
parsonage drew rein and said;
There's sum wun ahead o u.s."
The officers could make out dark figure
approaching them, and instantly both lev.
eled their pistols at IL.
"Hole on dar, Nasal don't ye go fur
Z shootin' dis ere niggshw said q husky
voice. Use come heah ter show ye to de-
house whar am some rebs n bush
whackersh
There was halt and q few moments con.
versation. and then they inquired about the
numbers OF the enemy in the house, and
informed that there were but six.
Lead the way" said the Captain OF the
cavalry, and they rode slowly forward until
their dusky guide halted upon hill and
pointed down into q dark glade where there
was a light cleaning II came from the
window OF one of those log cabins occupied
by squatters so common in certain parts OF
Kentucky at the time Of which we write.
what Is going on down therep Luke
asked. as the sounds Of q squeaky fiddle
came 20 his ears.
"Daucin'," said the negro.
They crept a little nearer, and discovered
q number of horses hitched To the trees
about the house. So secure were the rev.
elers that not even guard had been left
without TO give note OF alarm in case an
enemy should approach.
Leaving the dragons but short distance
away, Luke and the Captain crept down 20
the log house and through the chinks got
glimpse within. Here ascene greeted their
eyes.
A dozen Confederate soldiers and officers