The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-03-17

] have been told that the word "Chica-
mauga" in the language of the Cherokees,
who once owned and lived in that country,
means 1.-THE river of blood" If this be so, it
is certainly very appropriate, for no matter
the reason for the aboriginal name, it is no
longer misnomer.
The last great battle, because, no doubt it
is the most vivid in the memory of the
soldier, always improsses him as the hardest
fought and most desperate, but think Chica-
mauga is an exception, and to those who par
ticipated in it, no matter their subsequent
experience, it must always stand out as the
bloodicst and flercost contest in all their ex-
perience.
1t was Sunday, September Goth, 1868, and
the Union army was represented on the field
by the Fourteenth Corps, and the broken
fragments of regiments, brigades and even
divisions of the wrecked corps of Crittenden
and McCook, under the command of that
splendid soldier, whose ability on this trying
occasion saved our cause from irreparable
disaster and won for himself the proud name
of the Rock of Chicamauga"
The irregular elevations, the tortuous
course of the shallow river, with its red
preciptous banks, and the jungle of black
jack and stuntcd cedars, besides forests Of
larger growth, made it difficult for moving
troops to maintain direction while order in
advance or retreat, was simply out of the
question. To these difficulties should be
added the condition of theatmosphcre, which
kept the mist from the water and the smoke
from the burning timber and guns hanging
| low over the field, and which often brought
friend and foe into unexpected collision.
was with some Wisconsin troops behind
extemporized breast works in dense under
growth on the left. Twice the enemy under
Breckenridge, and again, as we understood
from prisoners under Polk, also charged on
our thin lines and twice were flung back
towards the river
1t was still early in the afternoon, and the
! firing in our front ceased but It increased in
the direction Of the hill to the right. We
were beginning to feel that we were to have
a rest, when suddenly the men, lying down ii
my vicinity, opened again, but could see nc
enemy While | was wondering as to the
cause, o voica called out angrily from the
clouded woods
"You id fools Don you know you ar,
firing on your own men?"
Accompanying this, grey horse leOpet
into sight from the direction of the enemy
and on his back was a handsome young officer
with grey eyes and the shadow of a coming
moustache on his upper lip. | shouted to th
men about me not to fire, and then inviteC
the handsome cavalier to come in and b.
cared for.
Instead of complying with my request, h
shortened his hold on the rein with his lef
hand waved his hat in his right, and cale,
back:
you're mighty kind, but I'll see you dea,
nrstl"
The next instant, he had wheeled, leape,
/ ouN VI olbllt, anu We Coulu Htdl Hlo hOi .
crashing through the timber.
As soon as our men could recover fror
this amazement, they fred in the directo
taxed by the young Confederate But eve
till this day, it delights me to think that h
was not hit, for conduct more daring an
audaciously coesselorver beewinet dn | &
nor since, and doubt if it will be ever re
peated n. l.. WEST.
, There is railroad now in constructio
In Africa, from Lake Victoria Nyanza, tina
will be completed in four years and will b
Cos miles long.
"I wonder why Belden doesn't keep up hi
, life insurance policy2"
He knows his wife is perfectly able to tax
. care Of herself"
"Teach, | suppose
"No, a freak. She never stepped off ca
: on the wrong side"
"Jimmie, where did you gtc this fly
0 cents?"
Its the money you gave me ior the heather
mamma"
\ UThnn vhv did ynu konn it2u ..,