The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1895-04-03
THE BITTER BITTEN.


Upon one occasion toward the close
of the war, while doing picket duty
upon White Oak Swamp near Malvern
Hill, the outposts were captured and
we who were asleep at the reserve
were easily surprised and taken pris-
oners. There were eight Of us at the
reserve. Our captors were about a
dozen marines under the command Of
a midshipman, who said he only came
out to have some fun. Before the
day was over some Of the rest of us
had some also. It was the intention
of the Federal midshipman to only
keep four men with him and try to
make other captures. Our horses
were all bridled together, placed in
charge of one man and went in lope
for Harrison's Landing. We were
each placed in charge Of a marine.
Fortunately for me my custodian was
diminutive Irishman.
We had not gone far on the road
when I induced my man to 60 through
the woods instead of around the road,
as the distance to the river was much
less. He had not gone very far when
he found from the low growth Of the
trees that it was almost impossible
for him to sit upright upon his horse,
so he got down and led. At this
juncture he dispossessed me of such
articles as I had-my tobacco, knife
and toothbrush; also my boots, which,
by the way, were very fine cavalry
boots, number eight. He wore num-
ber five. His horse was perfect
beauty. He was armed with car
bine, which he carried with a strap
from his left shoulder. He also had
Colts navy revolver in his belt.
He was now leading his horse with his
right arm through the bride rein. He
made me march in front of him, but
in consequence of my being unshod l
would every now and then give down
upon my knees, caused by the rough
soil hurting my feet.
I took notice that he would invaria-
bly, step ahead of me and then stop
and wait for me to get in front Of him
again, always addressing me as Johnny
and telling me that my feet would be
all right before / got back to "Dixie. "
Once or twice I fell when my feet did
not cause it. I did it to make sure of
my game. for I intended to play a des-
perate game for freedom. I fell again
and as he stepped by me I arose,
grabbed his carbine with my left hand
and struck him as hard as I could let
it out with my right. The bride
slipped from his arm and he fell
almost five feet in front of me upon
his face. [ at once jumped over him
with the rifle cooked and demanded Of
him to unbuckle his pistol belt, but
he was past that, so turned him over
with my foot and secured the pistol.
By this time he was recovering from
the blow.
I had struck him back Of the ear
and he was unconscious. I then
stepped back and got the horse, which
was quietly grazing where he had been
turned looser. [ then put on my
boots, which had been tied to the sad
die, as quick as I could do so. I got
my Irishman up and started on the
back track. After getting out in the
road I started him off at a "double
quick" for I was anxious to get back
within our own lines again, not know
ing how soon I might come across the
midshipsmen was anxious to avoid.
Mounted as I was l had no fear of
capture, but I wanted to run my little
Irishman in. After assuring myself
that I was well within our lines I al
lowed my prisoner to take rest,
which he had been asking for some
time, but before resuming our march
I made him throw away his shoes, his
little sparrow tail coat, his pants and
drawers.
We now had about four miles to go
which he made in light marching
order. Pat caused good bit Of mer-
riment as T ran him into camp.
Capt. Gillespie asked him how he
came to let me bring him in and his
reply was, "Be Jasus, I knew nothing
of it, but guess I was kicked by a
mule instead of hit by man"