The National tribune., 1897-10-07

Issue the publlc3tl0D OF graphic stoiy Vi
life in the rebel army that cannot fail TO
interest tie boys who wore the blue, and who
will find many things common 10 their own
experiencs and many other things in sharp
centrsst with it. The story in part is in the
fern of diary, written day 10y day, and
covers the last year of the var. 1t will be
found TO increase In interest as il proceeds.
We print it without chance of expression,
thinking 1t better to let our good-naturea
Johnny" tell his story in his own way.
The closing chapters drop the style of the
diary and continue the story to the end of
the war in the shape Of narrative from rec
ollectisn.
Camp near Demopolis Ala. Feb. 90 1854
After being driven ont Of Mississippi we are
ROW in camp on the soil OF cur native State;
have been on retreat almost day and night
for 10 days, having started from Canton
Feb. 5. My feet have been hlistered from
heel to toe, but are much better, and with
few days rest Will be all right for another
march, winch / hope will be forward, as l
learn that large reinforeements are on the
wsy from Dalton and other points. We
were sgreeably surprised when our wagon
train came in with baggage, as we had heard
they were all captured Ut GAINESVILLE several
day since.
Monday, Feb 22.-Hardee's Corps il
coming in from Georgia. Ordered to keep
three days cooked ratious on hand, ready TO
march at a moments warning. Everything
indicates s forward movement. Hope We
will get enough renforcements 10 meet
Sherman with something like an equal
force. Would enjoy chasing him back to
Firksburg
Tuesday, Feb. 23.-I was aroused at mid
nigh; to draw the canteens and haversacks
for the company, as the wagons were ordered
10 leave at daylight. All extra baggage went
30 Montgomery, but We kept knapsacks aud
such clothing as We could carry, and at day
light fell in and took up the line of
march, as we supposed, TO meet the enemy,
but after crossing the Tonbigbee went into
camp, five miles from the starting point.
Here we cooked another days rstions.
Wednesday, Feb. 2i.-Learn that Sher-
man is falling back to Vicksburg. Cheat
hams and Cleburnes Divisions, with others
which have not arrived, are ordered back 10
Dalton, leaving only our division Lorng's)
and Ector's Brigade. Oar program is now
entirely changed in consequence of Sheg
mans retrograde movement.
Thursday, Fen. 25.-We are now camped
upon historic battlefield of the Indian
war, near the mouth o. the Black War; or
are 8 great many mounds where the dead are
buried, sAd the beys have been digging int
thea. hoping TO find Treasure" but so far
have failed TO unearth anything but Indian
benes.
Friday, Feb. 26-I have been ont foraging
to-day. Got a good dinner for $3.50 and
some bacon at 81 per pound, being all the
grub / could find. This has been very
wealthy country, but is now drained OF
everything for the support of the army.
After supper we had preaching by the Chap
lain, large congregation, and quite a number
OF mourners. but no conversions. The 18th
La. has had 90 conversions in the last 40 days.
Saturday, Feb. 27.-Dnll in forenoon and
inspection in afternoon. Had a big squirrel
stew for dinner, which we enjoyed ex-
ceedingly. The woods are full of squirrels,
and We never let one escape, though some
times have to cut several large trees for one
squirrel
Sunday, Feb. est was rumored in camp
this morning that the 9th and 35th ALA.
were ordered to north Alabama to recruit.
At first it WA considered merely a camp
rumor, but soon assumed a phase OF truth.
1t is certain that such thing rs coniem-
plated at Headquarters. Gen. Polk says he
must recruit has army, and our tho regi
msnts being reduced about 200 electives
each, we certainly need recruiting. We are
very much slated at the prospect, As most of
rs have moi been home since we lclt IN Deem
bor. 1861.
Monday, Feb 29-I had not thought of
this being leap year" until wrote Feb 30,
which reminded me of IT. Prospect Tor
going home brightens. Gen. Baford has
given his consent, and he has been the main
obstacle. Muster for pay. Our Government
has not been very prompt, but we don't COM
plain, as We think they do the best they can.
Tuesday, March 1.-The 9th and 54lh
Ala. received orders 10 report TO Gan. With
ers at Selma, and two days ra;isns we're
Issued for that purpose; but Col. jackson,
still having hope OF getting his petition
granted 10 carry his regiment TO north Ala
bSma, insisted on the order being held up
for lew days and when the Colonel "seis
bis head 20 DO or not do a thing he a.
most invariably succeeds, ard so il was ia
this Instance The order WAS counter
EkRded, and we are TO remain here at least
Eutli Gen. Polk approves or dlsapproyss our
petition.
ID Was announced that the money wac
ready for us II ne would lake tic old issue
eli Confederate, but II we preferred 40 wait
awhile we could get the new, which is
worth SO per cent. more. As usual, there
are always two sides 10 every question.
Some took one aud SEINE the other and
lively discussion ensued, the friends of the
sid arguing that bird in the hand is
worth two in The bush" Besides, the now
issue might never be issued, and it would lie
wise TO take Il when it could be had SO i,
Was finally agreed to hold AL election TO
settle the mailer.
The preliminaries being arranged and
judges appointed, the voting began lively,
and continued 50 throughout; but il wa.
soon apparent that the old issue MAS in tn.
lead, and when the polls were counted, found
il had won by large majority.
"Wednesday, March 2.-The long looked
for Confederate Was distributed to-day
wages, bounty. and commu;ation,-my por-
zion being sl9s. The boys are happy now,
abe majority OF them having been broke"
for months. They will enjoy il while il
lasts, but being 30 much deprecated it will
not last long; besides, the fascinating games
Of poker and chuckaluck will bs revived.
and many fellow will lose his pile IN
very short time, and conso!s himself with
she reflection that the loss WAS not very
heavy after all
Thursday. March Gov. Watts addressed
tho Alabama troops today; made q good
speech, and seems very hopeful for the future
thinks the NortL is getting tired OF the war,
and that we will have peace bsiors the end