The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-01-09


ceeded in getting afoat. A short distance
ahead the river was exceedingly narrow and
the tide rapidly running out.
The officers, on consulting with our guide,
decided that our gunboat could not with
safety proceed further. Part of the crew,
by command Of their officer, sprang ashore,
and in few moments fastened the bow-line
10 a stump of a tree that seemed to have
been left there for our special benefit. Inc
stern-line was thrown to them, and our snip
was soon fastened by the river-bapk. The
boys were ordered TO land, Sergt Powell
forming the company upon narrow ana
rugged road which we found leading through
the dense forest.
can never forget the soldierly appearance
of Company c that morning rs they formed
into line 100 strong with the determination
stamped upon their faces TO do their whole
duty and sustain the fair reputation already
won by Hawkinss Zouaves.
Can't Parisen now assumed command, ana
the order to load was given. The object oil
our mission was made known to us ana we
fully realized its importance Lieut.. Cooper
and Serg't Chas. Currie, in command OF the
first section, were ordered to deploy as sklr-
mishers. We then took up our line OF
march, and tramp of two miles brought us
to an open country just as the first dawn OF
the morning was breaking.
In the distance we saw a number oil small
houses dotted here and there, and were told
that the town was known as Gatesvlile.
Reaching bend in the road we saw upon
our left large white mansion, which our
guide informed us was the home oil Col.
Jordan, of the Confederate army, and the
gray building adjoining was the store-house
filled with army supplies
Halt! Company as skirmishers, deploy.
At five PAGES take intervals" was the Cap
tains order and in a moment the red caps
of Company C dotted the hillside, which
presented a beautiful picture. Forward!
Guide center,n and we soon found our line
surrounding the buildings. The campfire
of the Confederate guard was still burning
but our friends had folded their tents and
silently marched toward Norfolk.
Col. Jordan's house was one Of those grand
old typical Southern mansions so popular In
the Southland before the war, with its
broad veranda, the roof of which was sup
ported by massive Corinthian columns, while
the beautiful avenues leading up from the
road were protected on either side by the
cedar, box and stately pine trees. There
seemed to be an air of quietude and refine
meat about the entire place, and have no
| doubt had we called upon the Colonel under
more favorable circumstances he would have
received US with that hospitality character
istic of the Southern gentleman.
Stretching off to the rear as far az the eye
could reach were beautiful fields under
cultivation, and notwithstanding the early
hour, 5 o'clock, hundreds of darkies were
working away, humming their plantation
songs. But upon sight of the red caps they
dropped their hoes and in confusion fed to
the woods.
Capt. Parisen ordered the doors of the
storehouse to be opened, but we found them
| locked and barred, and we could make no
impression upon them. Billy Aber volun-
teered to run up to the house and procure
an ak. As he gently raped at the kitchen
door he saw a bandana handkerchief peep
ing out and under it very black face, with
eyes about the size of an after-dinner coffee
cup. What yo' want, sah?" Aber In
formed auntie Of his mission. At this mo-
ment the Colone's daughter appeared on the
veranda. beautiful picture she presented
with her white robes and dark hair waving
in the morning breeze and with eyes that
| flashed defiance TO the whole Yankee army
exclaimed AN ak, did you say, sub, to
kill my father?n A cheer went up from
the company, and in a moment 100 hearts
stood ready to defend this brave Southern
beauty against friend or foe.
Col. Jordan now appeared on the scene
and walking toward us, saluted with GOOD
morning, gentlemen" Capt. Parisen. aitel
returning the salute, placed him under ar
rest and demanded The keys. which he de
livered without murmur We found The
storehouse well filled with bacon. hams
-four, sugar, pork, beef and other supplies
amounting in value to about $4,000
The Colonel was permitted TO remove
such supplies as he might require for th'
maintenance of his family for reasonable
time. The torch was then applied, and in :
short time the entire building was ablaze
Our mission now ended, Capt. PariseI
ordered our return to the gunboat, and de
tailed Lieut. Cooper, Corp1 Fox and private
Hassal, Aber, Castor and Arnold as a rear
guard, with special orders TO prevent an,
damage being done TO the mansion or out
houses about the place. The company thel
formed into line and marched away. As W
neared the boat we heard firing in the direc
ton of Gainesville. moment later Arnolt
came running through the woods, and ap
preaching the Captain inquired if Lieut.
Cooper and the rear-guard had arrived, ant
4 =
"They are all killed or taken prisoners, a
they have been attacked by company G
Confederate cavalry"
Right about, forward, double quick wa
the Captains order. We soon reached tn
r clearing and deploying as skirmishers ad
vanced to the Jordan mansion without meet
ing the enemy. Upon our return to the boa
we picked up the members Of The rear-guar
, one by one, when Lieut.. Cooper made til
f following report:
t AFTER the company had marched away
2 noticed that the wind, having shifted to th
/ south, was carrying sparks and live cindel
in The direction of the Colonel's house.
e saw at glance that the building was
e danger, and Immediately formed the darkit
:, | into a bucket brigade and with the aid
r ladders our boys were soon upon the hous
top. At this instant the roof of the burnin
s slorehouse fell in with n mighty crash an
p the roaring flames shot up mountains higi
I The excessive heat caused us 10 retreat for
s roof of the mansion was on fire.
D Pass up the water shouted John Hasa
e who was first to reach the top of the ladde
4 Every available pail and bucket was no
brought into use. and with all hands worl
c ing with will the fire was soon extinguishe
S bad Just stepped from the ladder, and r
!. ceived the thanks Of the Colonel and b
o daughter, when Edward Castor exclaimed
O Lieutenant, / see a company OF cayalI