The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-06-27
CHICkAMAUGA.
from first mace J


upon Colonel Fitz Hugh, called:
''Oireland.
''To the rescue" called the man in a
low voice, and rode up to the margin
Of the creek.
The two men arranged that Colonel
Fitz Hugh and Colonel Maynard should
advance to the respective places they
themselves occupied as soon as they had
withdrawn. Then, wheeling, each rode
back to his principal. and in a few mo-
ments more the Union and Confederate
officers faced each other from opposite
banks Of the creek. The distance be-
tween them at this point was but a few
yards, and the night was not so dark
but that they could plainly see each 9th
81. The equestrian figures stood silent,
each waiting for the other to speak.
The only sound came from the gurgling
of the stream which flowed between
them.
"You are Colonel Fitz Hugh, be-
lieve. said Maynard.
liam. recognize Colonel Maynard's
voice"
II heard yours last on certain even
ing year ago-an evening memorable
to both Of us. Then you gave me my
life, and by doing SO placed yourself in
a position to be shot for traitor to
your cause"
| "Not for your sake, colonel-for the
sake of another"
1T matters not for whose sake; the
act remains. Once before you spared
me when you found me under a roof
which covered''-
''Then I respected the laws Of hospi.
tally, sacred in the south. Let us not
dwell on these matters, colonel. Let US
proceed with that upon which we have
met for consultation.
"You are right. Time presses. Your
sister stands convicted of the same Of
Tense as mine at the time of which we
have bean speaking and sentenced to
die at sunrise. We meet to concert
method to save her."
Eat my request. But any proposition
must come from you, Colonel Maynard.
am unfamiliar with the feeling on the
part of those in power in the Federal
army as to executing sentence of death
upon woman"
circumstances which I cannot ex-
plain, for they pertain to the situation
in which these two armies are placed,
render the feeling against your sister
very severe"
"You have suggested my exerting in
fuence from our side?'
''It was your sister who suggested it.
I have little faith in it. -
"What did you propose?''
''That which your sister would not
accept"
"And that wasp
Maynard whispered in a strange, saw
age tone:
ITO use my authority as command
ing the brigade charged with her keep
ing to place her within your lines"
"And now?''
II listen for some suggestion from
you"
II can think of none except, with
your permission, to enter protest over
the signature Of our commanding off,
GERS Of highest rank
ut would avail nothing"
''Then there is nothing to save her
from this sacrifice, which, though she
has always been prepared for it, and
doubtless will now meet it, like the re-
markable woman she is, with becoming
fortitude, is still hard for those of US
who love and respect her to bear. We
will revere her memory as martyr"
During this dialogue each man sat on
his horse without any movement and
spoke in measured, formal, automatic
tones. Maynard's words were quicker
than Fitz Hugh's, who held to the slow
er fashion Of speaking, common in the
south. After the last sentence spoken by
Fitz Hugh there was . long silence.
They had met for purpose. Their meet
ing was q failure.
It seemed to both that they could hear
their watches ticking away the seconds
that lay between Caroline Fitz Hugh |
and death. Neither knew the agony
suffered by the other unless he judged
that other by himself Neither had the
heart to terminate the interview, though |
both knew that it was fruitless. A night |
bird set up a dismal cry. It seemed
deathknell.
Then Maynard broke the silence.
Colonel" he said in set voice, ere
main here or meet me here at any time |
after an hour. 1t may be the small hours
of the morning. It will be, if at all, be-
fore SUNRISE"
"What do you propose to do?"
"What I propose to do neither you
nor your sister shall know till it has
been accomplished.
II will remain here or near by, and
at o'clock you will find me where
now am"
"Adieu," cried Maynard as he turn
ed his horses head and galloped away.
"Adieu," replied Fitz Hugh in the
stately tone to which he was accustom-
ed, and raised his hat as politely as if
he were saluting in a ballroom.
Fitz Hugh rejoined his companion
and rode away in the direction of Rim
gold, and Maynard, followed by Rati-
gan, started back toward their camp.