Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1894-06-20

TO return unless there was war. II
there was no war the South would
return to the Union in few years, and
| would be in position to help her. If
we have war it will last long enough
for all to find their proper level. That
is all that any one should aspire to
reach.
"The overt act of war created pro-
found ievulsion of feeling among the
officers of the army, and even with
those of the South there was much dis
appointment and chagrin when it was
announced that Southern batteries ad
been opened on Sumter, and the result
of that bambardment became known.
ut was a sad day when we took
leave of lifetime comrades and left AL
buquerque. Neither Union officers nor
their families made any effort to con-
ceal feelings of deepest regret. When
we drove out from the post a number
OF officers accompanied us, which only
made the last farewell more painful.
Passing Fort Craig, on the opposite
side of the Rio Grande, we pitched our
camp. During the night Sergeant of
the mounted rifle regiment came over
10 see me, and stated that he was from
Virginia, and thought that he could 90
with us to his native State, and at the
same time wished to have several other
soldiers return to their States. Lex.
planned that soldiers could not 60 with
out authority from their department
commander that there was differ
ence between them and commissioned
officers, in that the latter could resign
their commissions, and when their res
ignations were accepted they were in
dependent of any military authority,
and could, as other citizens, take such
action as they might think proper,
whereas, he ard his comrades had Ell.
listed for a specified term of years, and
by their oath were bound to their
terms of enlistment; that could not
therefore, entertain the proposition.
''We stopped over night at Fort Fill
more, in pleasant meeting with old com,
rades, saddened by the reflection that
it was the last, and prelude to occur.
rences that must ignore former friend
ships and accept opposing service.
speaking of the impending struggle,
was asked my opinion as to the
length Of the war. l said:
"At least three years, and if it holds
for five years, you may begin to look
for a dictator.
Lieut. Ryan said:
"If we are to have a dictator, hope
that you will be the man.
my mind was relieved by informa-
ton that my resignation had been &C
cepted, to take effect the first of June.
In our travel of next day we crossed
the line into the State of Texas.
From the gloomy forbodings of old
friends, it seemed at Ell Paso that we
had entered into different world. All
was enthusiasm and excitement amid
airs and songs of Dixie and the South.
But the Texas girl didn't ascend to
incandescent charms until the sound of
the first notes of The Bonny Blue Flag
when her feet rose to gleeful springs,
her eyes aglow, her lips moved, but
she didn't care to speak or listen to
anyone. She seemed in the air, hold
ing on to the single star in joyful hope
of Southern rights
Friends in Ell Paso persuaded me to
leave my family to go with them by
train that was to start in few DAYS
for San Antonio, and to take the faster
route by stage for myself.
Our trrveling companions were two
young men returning to their Northern
homes. The ride through the Indian
country with them, myself and the
driver was attended with some risk,
and required vigilance to bs assured
against surprise. The constant watch
fulness and possible danger over a 500
mile travel drew us near together md
into closer communion as to our iden:
tity and future movements, and sug-
gested to the young men that it would
be better to put themselves under nv
care to see them safely through the
Confederate lines. They were Of the
labor class, who had gone south to find
more comfortable employment. They
were advised to be caerful and talk
but little when amongst strangers.
Nothing occurred to cause apprehen sion
until we reached Richmond, Texas,
when at supper l asked for a glass of
milk and was told they had none.
What, said one of the companions,
haven It the cows come up?'
THE signal was passed under the
table to be on guard. The non de
plume of the Texas did not attract at.
tention, and all passed off as an enjoy
able lapsus linguae.
AT Galveston we took small sail
ing craft, but were little apprensive,
as United States vessels were reported
cruising outside in search of all vessels
not flying the stars and stripes. Our
vessel was only boarded once how ever,
and that by large Spanish mackerel
that made a mislenp, fell amidship. and
served our little company with pleas
ant dinner. Aboard this little vessel