The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-04-06

and Jared very well, for during the night the
news was spread abroad that company of
Yankees had come into the neighborbood, and
against morning the place where we wero
camped swarniing with men aud women
who had brought with them an abundant sup
ply of provisions for us.
When We started on our journey quite
number of people had gathered along the road
to see US, and also to furnish MS with something
to eat aud it would be impossible for me to say
how many fowls we devoured while we
manned in this vicinity.
The day we left Stony Creek we reached
Johnson County. and passed the night in .
lanrcl ihicket We did not fare so wei we
did on the previous night, for we were now in
a rebel section OF country, and consequently we
remained pretty closely concealed
We started next morning and travelled all
day along the side Of Stone Mountain through
briers and tn rough laurel and ivy thickets, and
in tho evening arrived at place called Tho
Laurel" which is OH the road leading to Abing-
don, Va,
A PARTY OF REBELS
were hauling provisions and forage along this
road, and my intention was to go to Providence
Gap, which ia narrow pass through the
mountain, where / thought we could block ade
the road and capture their teams. knew that
this might be easily accomplished by cutting
trees across the road, and then waiting till they
them by surprise
The men were in fine spirits at the prospect
ofnn immediate encounter with the rebels and
at the thought OF getting good horse to ride,
so that they might be enabled to travel about
briskiy in spite of their bruised feet and tired
limbs But, IA before we were again doomed
to disappointment for the rebel wagon-train
had passed on toward Abingdon some three
hours before our arrival and we could hear Of
no rebels in that portion of the country.
The men were now completely disheartened,
at least all of them who vet remained with me,
for 10 Of my men had deserted and gone to their
homes, after they had sworn to stand to their
posts. no matter what misfortune might betide
them. The balance of my company remained
with mo, and | must say that their conduct
throughout the whole of this expedition is
worthy of the highest commentator. for d o
not think that there were ever any better or
Drawer men, My command now numbered
only 90 soldiers and a small number of cti-
zeus
WE WENT TO THE CABINS
IN the mountains and the people gave rs some
thing to eat, and we again encamped for the
night. The soldiers in the company seemed
TO be greatly disappointed, and i have no doubt
they were as sorely vexed because they could
find no rebels to fight as Alexander was when
he sat down aud wept because there were no
UiOTc HdblcUS iDT HIN 10 COUQUGT. i HUSC COLI
fcss that felt desire to be acti vely engaged,
for we were now dependent on the Union peo-
pie for our supplies, aud wished to do every
thing in my power to relieve them of the ter
rible rebel oppression under which they bad
suffered SO long.
While we were discussing the dRllness Of our
prospects and considering what was best to be
done, An old man happened to pass our encamp-
ment. He was scouting from the rebels and
no oil i,,r, liaf al
called him, and told him to come into our en-
campmcnt. He started toward US, looking
distrnstfuly indeed for he was terribly fright
ened, until he found out who we were and what
our business was.
When con vinced him thoroughly in regard
to our political status and the object of our
visit to Johnson County, never saw man
exhibit greater demonstrations of enjoyment
in all my life. He told us that company of
rebels was then stationed at Mills's barn. about
Eve miles distant, and that they had been
there for some time resting and feeding their
horses. We Immediately commenced making
arrangements to go in pursuit of the enemy,
and taking the old man with us, who, must
say, was entirely willing to CO. we set out for
the barn. When we got within two miles Of
the place we stopped to wait until daylight
before making an attack. We got into a deep
hollow, where we bnit fires, and the men
passed away the time telling big tales until late
in the night. and then lay down to Sleep telling
one another to remember what they dreamed,
for when morning came they would have to
fight.
After a short time all Was still. l did not
attempt to sleep, neither did wish to do so, a.
/ preferred to act as sentinel until it was time
TO arouse the men
TO PREPARE FOR ACTION.
How often I looked at my watch to see how
the night was passing away / do not know,
but l thought it was long time before the
chicken cocks at the neighboring barns began
to announce that daylight was approaching. /
now proceeded to arouse the men, and soon had
them ready to march. as / wished to get to the
rebel encampment before daylight. The old
man acted as our guide. and after following him
about two miles we came in sight of the rebel
campfires. There were two large fires burning,
one ON the left and one On the right side Of the
barn.
ITO be continued)
Treason In Costa Rica.