Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-11-13


somewhat roaming, the like of which few
men have experienced. Thirty seven years
ago Hon John Letcher secured for Ike the
position of page in the House OF RePresen-
tatives in which he served faithfully until
transferred 10 the L. ;. Senate, with in
creased salary.
Preceding the war the ablest statesmen in
this conntry represented the people in the
Z ;. Senate-Jef Davis, R. NJ. +. Hun,
ter. ]. NJ. Mason, Andrew Johnson, John
SideH. Judah P Benjamin, Robert Toom6s'
stephen A. Douglas, VIM. H. Seward Gen.
sam Houston, George W. Jones, 1.-THE latter
being the lone survivor Of ante beilum Sena-
tor.l and others. Gen. John c. Breckin-
ridge presided over that august body OF
statesmen. and Ike relates many interesting
incidents of those historical characters.
Like all true Virgiuians, Ike enlisted in
the Confederate army and remained until
the end of the war. In the winter of 1864,
one sunday morning he was with others in
front of Nebb's hotel and a squad Of cavalry
men i'm gray was observed coming from the
direction of Edinburg, and of course it was
presumed thatthe were Confederates. But
that illusion was soon dispelled as the dis
ruised soldiers rode closely to our Southern
boys. and, with leveIed guns, demanded sur
render. They were Jessie Scouts" gang
of disguised Sheridan's troop in gray uni
forms. soon a regiment Of L. ;. soldiers in
blue made their appearance, with twenty
additional Confederate prisoners, who were
Dragged" in the same manner. As Ike
passed Miss Salie Clover (now Mrs. 5. c.
/ Williams he babe her 'goodby," at the
same moment slipping a ten dollar golu
piece into her hand but Jessie Scout
named Campbell. wreuched it from her as
she was entering her fathers home Ike
had douued a new gray uniform Ia luxury
40. that periodl, but at Pugh's Run the
"Scout" skinned him, aud in exchange he
received a wornout blue suit, the pants
being several inches too short He bad ex
perieuced prison life az Camp Chase, Ohio,
and swore never again would he 60 into an
other prison pen. Sberidan's headquarters
were near Newtowu, and il was dark when
tine command reached that village. About
midway OF New,own, Ike leaped from the
horse and dashed through house before
his astonisbed captors realized the situation.
The random shots fred az him in darkness
only increased his speed 10 get into the
wood as soon as possible, where he was sc
cure tor the night When he returned TO
Woodstock next day the citizens gave him
warm reception However, he made a
more miraculous escape near CuIpeper G.
IA soon aiterysard- He WAS setting No. / 10
IL cannon that was pouring canister into
/ Custer, command no close range and as
be Withdrew the rammer from his cannon.
shell from the enemy exploded close to his
head the conclusion of which knocked him
unconscious some minutes, two horses were
killed. and several men wounded When
Ike recovered from the terrible shock, Gen
Custer, command bad captured the gun,
and amidst cine confusion incident 90 such
desperate encounters be mounted fleet
horse. stuck spurs and rode out safely,
though bullets wbizzed closely about him.
That was the only cannon ever lost by
Chew, battery, but it was soon redeemed
by Chew's BOYS with the capture of three
bras. howitzers at New Greek It. Tuck
Carter aud SIX men Ise being of the num-
ber| were detailed to accompany Gen Ros
ser to New Creek-a forced march" For,
Kelley was reached at day and seven
Ictuuoneers from Chew's battery were put
ia advance. in the event of the necessity of
u-io. captured guns The fort was charged
aud taken without much los, but a battery
| oftbree howitszers several hundred yards
distant were being loaded 10y the enemy
There was no time 90 pariey, and 1t Carter
yelled: Boys. we must take that battery, or
tie eight viii be lost" Asquickly as sliced,
could carry them, the order was duly exc
cuted. Gen. Rosser said, that it was one OF
the most daring feat, accomplished that be
saw during the war.
A lew DAYS after the surrender two wei
known physicians met 10 front Of Col AL
bsrts hotel-oue q Union man, the other
au ardent Sou,herner With threats OF
dres, kinds, the Union drew "a cooked re-
vo'yer. and placing it near the Southern