The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-04-19

I
was fairly in, and then covered the
engineer.
This was all accomplished by the 1st
battalion (the first four companies OF the
7th) before the main column had ar
rived. Imagine our CONSERVATION when
we in the rear, still some distance from
the town, heard terrible cannonading
as if the 1st battalion were being annl-
hilated. Rushing forward to their sup
port we found it was the explosion OF
shells from the burning cars.
On arriving we were detailed to assist
in the destruction Of the railroad. A
trestle of considerable length first receiv-
ed our attention. 1t is hard work to
destroy railroad at least, so we found
it when we wanted to do it in a short
time and without tools.
The big logs would not burn without
other fuel, which was not at hand.
WE sCURRIED THROUGH
the village and neighboring houses for
axes, but chopping down trestle railroad
is hard work, especially to those who
do not know how to chop. Tired Of
this, we went out again and impressed
the darkies into the service. Strange as
it may seem, some of the citizens were
fooled, even in the midst of this destruc-
ton. One young fellow of whom we
obtained some axes said he would fight
his boots off rather than let the Yankees
come down here.
Some troopers proposed to man a train
and take an excursion out on the road,
but this was not allowed.
There was a military hospital at this
place. The inmates, many of whom were
c0nvalescent, were sworn not to take up
arms until regularly exchanged.
General destruction having been
effected, the working parties ON the rail
road were called in, the guards around
the citizens and passengers were taken off,
leaving them TO take care of themselves.
The sentinels at the outskirts Of town were
withdrawn, and we fell into li4 and
moved off to the south, perhaps 10 miles,
and camped for the night at large plan
tation.
The next day we rested, waiting for
Co. B, moving 10 miles to westward.
Danger was gathering around us, and
Co. B was given up for lost. 1t was
thought best to delay no longer, SO we
began to
PUSH FORWARD
In good earnest, with the results [ have
already mentioned.
1t was nearly daylight when we reach
ed the Pearl River ID miles below Jack
son, then the headquarters of the army
in defense of Vicksburg. The ferry
boat was on the opposite shore.
Col. Prince then hallooed to the ferry
man, whom he gave to understand that
a party in pursuit of conscripts for the
Southern army were in hurry to cross
The boat was brought over, and We we're
told to pass ourselves as Alabama cav
airy. The ruse succeeded.
I crossed on the first boatload. Only
"a could cross at one time, and the pro-
prietor of the ferry invited me to break
fast. He. told how much he had already
done for the Confederacy. He would
be glad to feed the entire command, but
it was impossible. He would provide
for the officers. He set his cooks at work,
and the boys were ready when the corn
dodgers were baked to keep them from
getting cold. To keep up the appear
ance of protecting him, a guard was
placed over his stables and his doctors
Office. He had some whisky there, and
if the soldiers should take it, he could not
replace it. When the guard was taken
off his horses were taken off, too, and, |
fear, his whisky. AS he had been so
generous in
HELPING THE SOUTHERN CAUSE,
we thought it nothing more than fair
that he should contribute to the Union
cause also.
Tired and sleepy from riding all night,
lay down for a nap while the command
were crossing. When / awoke / was
alone; not a soul was to be seen. My
horse was neighing for his companions
and paving to be released. Ny blankets,
rubber and woolen, with which l was
protected, were stolen from off me while
asleep.
1 did not fancy being alone in this
country. Why had not my companions
awakened me? Chagrined, half mad
and considerably scared, was not long
in mounting my horse, which needed nc
spurs-seemed to bring out his best speed
in overtaking the column. l don't fancy
being rear-guard all by myself. You
cannot form a good skirmish-line in case
of attack, neither can you retreat by al
ternate lines.
Had the enemy by any means learned
how valiant was the rear-guard? Not
one of them appeared to modest. Iknow
not what time it was when [ awoke; but
the command had arrived in Hazelhurst
before | overlook the column.
On my way heard heavy cannonad.
ing in front of me, which did not in the
least tend to quiet my nerves. But ]
learned on reaching the station that il
was the explosion of bombshelIs in q
burning car, with which our men were