The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-10-13

THE ATTACK AT WADEsBURG.
ing cooled Of, was utterly unable to walk,
and it was only with the assistance of Price
and myself that johnson could travel at
FIRST; but after warming up he got along
right well.
1t was with great reluctance we left
Maurier lying on the bank of the river. It
was at his request and assurance that be
would keep himself concealed and would
work his way out, after he had rested awhile
and rubbed his stiff legs so that he could use
them, that we consented TO leave him.
Slowly and with great difficulty we made
orr way up the river,
SOMETIMES IN THE WATER
and sometimes on dry ground. We had two
small streams to swim before we reached the
read leading from Butler 10 Austin When we
reached this road we struck for the bridge
wsding through water for nearly fourth of
mile. much OF the time up TO our waists. We
passed over the bridge in safety. and then
began to breathe more freely, as we were breath
ing moro loyal atmosphere. Another hour or
two and we had each found place where we
could rest in toIersble safety, at least for day
or two.
will now make digression, and relate an
incident Immediately connected and growing
out OF the events Just related
IL was known among my relatives at War
rtnsburg that was in the army, and that we
were
on THE WESTERN BORDER
exposed TO great danger, owing to the advanced
stage OF the war, as before stated
As communication was almost entirely cut
of with that part of the country, and my
friends could get no word from me, my brother
DR.. J. w. Houts, concluded to 20 out in that
direction and see Il be could learn anything as
TO our condition. He went TO the house Of
loyal friend near Dayton, in Cass County, and
there learned that / had been captured, aud
was held at Butler as prisoner, if still alive
BE then determined TO 60 to Butler and learn
our fate Assuming the role Of Southern man.
he had little trouble in making his way TO
Butler, where he learned of my escape the
night before, and then retraced bis steps back
toward Dayton. He got as far as Deer Creek
when night overlook him. and he sought
shelter in the house OF Mr.. Gilmore a good
Southern man, who. believing my brother to
be good Southern man also, gave him the best
his house could afford.
littls way from his house. on the road to
Dayton, Jennison, with his band of Red -legs,"
Was camped. and the old gentleman took great
pains TO caution and direct my brother how TO
the old gentleman, he struck bee-line for
Sennisons camp; but before he reached it he
saw Two men coming down upon him, demand.
ing his surrender. which. Of course, he did with
all the grace possible. They demanded that he
give an account of himself, and explain why he
was in that country.
BE told them the whole facts in the case
that he was Q loyal citizen Of Johnson County;
had been TO Butler looking for his brother
who had been taken prisoner by the rebels and
was on his way back. These men were not dis
posed to believe that any loyal man had any
business In that country just at that time,
but concluded TO give the prisoner the benefit
OF the doubt, at least TO q small extent So
they marched him TO camp, dismonnted him,
put him into wagon, and appropriated his
horse, saddle, etc
Later 10 the day a council Of war was held
10 determine what should be done with the
Prisoner and he was again questioned as to
who ne was and what he was doing in
THAT REBEL COUNTRY.
Again be told his story as before Now, there
was in the company q man known to them by
the name Of Cleveland" !" sometimes called the
Phantom Horseman of the Prairie" who
when he heard the names Houts" and War
rensbuIg," came TO my brother, and, after q
short consultation with him, turned TO his com
Tsdcs and said " can y0uch for the prisoner
he is ali right" Ny brother was then re.
leased, his horse, saddle, etc, restored TO him
after having been ridden ali day in their march
Hnd scouting toward Harrisonville
We viii now 20 back few years to the days
OF the old stage coach, when there was daily
line OF stages from Warrensburg to Lexington
Mo. man by the name of Ed. Mats drove
one of those old coaches He formed a great
attachment for two Of the horses he drove
and. after having been discharged as driver
took two of the horses and started south
Hsving neglected to get permission of Mr.
Collins, the owner of the horses be was fol
lowed and overiaken on the 0sage River
brought back. charged with grand larceny, ant
held for trial. Having friled to satisfy tn,
court aud jury that his sttachment for th'
horses Was right and proper, be was sent t,
Jefferson City to lesrn trade in an institution
kept by the State. O. w. Heuts Was Sheriff o
Children Cry sG1