Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-04-22

preaching on horseback. As thew
approached the post they proved to be
the three who visited Lieutenant Pet
terson the night before namely. Gen.
Grant Gen. Sherman. and Gen. Good.
rich.
Gen. Grant quietly said: Potter
son, thank you for the effective serv.
ice to your squad. There is one more
matter l wish you could accomplish,
that is to silence 'Whistling Dick"
''Whistling Dick "a big Whit
worth gun) was the most formidable
gun at Fort Clinch. 1t was
supplied with redoubt constructed
with line OF stockade on four sides
about so feet square three rows OF
cotton bales on end inside OF that
next row Of piling still further in
side, and finally protected by an en-
bankment OF earth on the outer and
the inner side. In the centre. operat-
ing on the same circle rs on ship
board stood 'Whistling Dick. whose
breech was not more than FIVE or six
inches above the level parapet Thus
the big gun presented but a email
mark for the gunners' aim.
do you think. Peterson. you can
silence Whistling DickP'" says Gen.
Grant.
Il think. sir it can be done" an
swered Peterson land l have gun
ner who can accomplish it II cannot
myself"
Where is he?" said Gen. Grant
There he isp' said Peterson,
pointing to Lee of Rochester N. Y,
who. though Of slight build, was agile
as cat and had an eye like AN eagle.
Grant approached Lee. The lattcr
answering soma queries of Gen
Grant said: General. that gun has
used our boys badly. and / am going
TO try to kill it. sure as Hades."
Gen. Grant smiled ut the impulsiye
declaration OF tho sailor.
Lee then turned to Lieut. Peterson
saying How far do you estimate the
distance from here to 'Whisling
Dick'?"
About $50 yards said Peterson.
Les then cut the fuse of a sharpnel
and Peterson arranged for a sight
General Grant handed Peterson his
field glass. The latter took a good
sight and, turning to Lee. remarked:
about two degrees will reach Whis-
thing Dick. Let the rebels have the
shot,"
Away flew the shrapnel. 1t grazed
the top OF the redoubt, a little to the
left of "Whistling ID ck," but burst
close to the breach. making sad havoc
with men and material.
Peterson now suggested that by
wa ting a few moments the rebels
would arrange matters so that ''Whis-
Ting ID ok. would be turned on the
Union forces and thus expose its full
muzzle and length to the breach.
"a good suggestion" said Lee.
"Whistl'ng Dicks" gunners soon
recovered from their establishment
and swung the e ant around. as sug-
gested by Peterson. TO pay back. with
interest If possible the insults he had
received from the Union forces.
"Unlucky Dckr' Before no could
send his defiance by word OF mouth.
the Columb ad had sent shell on its
way ludb tOTc OH w nlStli 0Q DICK s.
muzzle. split his throat clear to tho
breach. and stood him on his butt in
sight OF both armies.
What thunderstorm of lusty
cheers went up from the Union forces
at the SIGHT OF that glorious achieve
ment. Gen. Grant sprung from his horse
and threw both arms around Gunner
Lee. saying, If had a gold watch
and chain about me l would present 1t
to you now"
Lee who was blushing like school,
girl. stammered out IL believe Gen.
Grant would accept it l am SO glad
that Whistling Dick is dead" Shak-
ing hands with Lieut.. Peterson most
heartily. Gen. Grant rode away, hap.
Ply in the death of 'Whistling Dick.n
Lieut. Peterson served in the navy
until the war closed. and now resides
in Pensacola Fla. IL is to be hoped
that Lee is still living. to enjoy the
memories of the day when he helped
to kill ''Whistling Dick. "-American
Cultivator.