Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-04-25


As the soldier gazed down upon the
expansive view different expressions
aitted across his face. At one moment
there was serious look. such as men
wear ON the eve of battle; at another .
shrinking expression; then dreamy one.
IIe saw territory that lay beyond the
Union lines. He wondered what war
like scenes were hidden down there
within the blending Of rocks and rivers
and undulations, lying calm and sweet
before him that summer afternoon.
Were clusters Of white tents there?
Were brigades, divisions, army corps
marching!
Now he thought he could hear q dis
tant creaking Of caissons and gun car
riages. But he knew this could not be.
If they were there. they were too far to
be heard. Tho sounds never became
real. The young mans fancies were al
ways broken by the actual rustic OF the
leaves or some sound from the furred
or feathered inhabitants Of the noun
tains.
Then scene he had passed through
the previous evening came mp before
him.
lie stood In the presence OF u general
of division-the finest specimen OF phys.
ical splendor Of all the generals OF the
Union army-one who was year later
TO achieve the title Of "the Rock Of
Chickamauga." The general was speak.
ing while his subordinate was listening
respectfully and attentively.
IL am ordered by the department com.
mander to find ont what is going on at
Chattanooga. Our reconnoitering par
ties have thus far brought us nothing
save that there Is no enemy very near.
We are liable to be flanked and cut OIL
from east Tennessee. See here! Hs
turned to q map spread out on o pine ia.
BILE. "Here is Chattanooga; here the
sequatchie valley; mp here to the north
,s Knoxville, held by General Kirby
smith for the Confederates. Here Is
Cumberland gap. II the enemy Is con.
centrating at Chattanooga, he may not
only hold Ii against q greatly superior
force, but can march right along here"
he traced tls>route with his finger
form junction with General Smith at
Knoxville, and into Kentucky. Louis
Vile and Cincinnati will be In danger.
Forrest and Morgan are hammering ut
our communications; we get reports OF
immense forces Of the enemy at Knox
Vile; everything points to this or some
similar plan Of campaign on the part OF
the Confederates. II 30, they must be
concentrating at Chattanooga as point
Of rendezvous"
The general paused; then looking the
soldier In the eye said impressively:
"You are the only man to whom ! can
intrust 80 important mission. can't
order you, as You know. beyond our
lines, except In uniform. Go as far as
you dare as soldier; | leave the rest to
you. viii you undertake to bring me
the information we reQuirey
81 will, general"
"very well. The fate Of this army,
the success Of the Union arms In the
west. perhaps the prolongation OF the
war. depend upon you."
The young man bowed, but said moth.
ing.
"You viii need pass TO get beyond
our pickets.~ The general drew camp
chair beside q pine table and took mp Q
pen. "How will you have 1t writtenr
".Pass Private Mark Malone'-that
name will do as well as any-'beyond
our lines mt will.'"
The general wrote the pass and hand.
ing Il TO Private Malone, "Go, and God
bless your he said. He took his ennis
sary's hand and pressed II heartily.
As the words, "Go, and God bless
your" rang again In memory the soldier
touched the ilanks Of his horse lightly
with his great brass spurs and began TO
descend the mountain.
An hour later he entered the little
town Of Jasper. Riding up to the tavern
he reined In his horse and let him drink
at the rough wooden Aough In front.
A number Of country people were sit
ting on the veranda. and every one fixed
his eyes on the soldier. who sat on his
horse looking about him with rs much
apparent indifference a. II he were with.
In the Union lines. When the animal
had drunk his fill his rider cast the reins
TO q negro and disinounted. Then, de-
taching his carbine from where he had
hooked It to his saddle. he took 1t In his
hand and tramped into the house to the
| Jingle Of his spurs.
Not word was spoken by those watch.
ing In admiration the strapping young
fellow with 90 young q face set on 20
stalwart Q frame. He paid no attention
| 70 them. but walked into the dining room
and called for supper. After devoting
himself tn u plate Of bacon and corn
bread, with q cup Of chicory In lisu OF
L - - t.is,s.h A. ~ kl.a aor1tlnor1,