The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-05-13
DELAYS ARE DANGEROUS"

was most faithfully verified in our case.
During orr journey to Chattanooga,
Andrews, who was mounted, would ride
ahead and make all necessary inquiries and
then, passing out of sight, would allow us to
go by, when he would mount and overtake
us in some safe place where he would give
US instructions, and then ride on, as though
we were entire strangers to him and he to
u.s. He would frequently pass us, simply
bidding US the time in q careless way, and
perhaps in an Indifferent manner would ask
US which way we were travelling. Some
times, when squads of rebels were about, he
would ask us where we were going. The
reply woad invariably be:
3 ITO Chattanooga, sir"
care you soldiers?"
"No, sir, we are not soldiers, but we ex pect
to be as soon as we can get to one Of the KEN
tuck regiments. Weare from Kentucky and
are on the way to join the army, sir. We have
became so Disguised with the cussed Yam
KEGS since they came into our State, that we
can't stand it any longer, and we are deter
mined to fight them as long as there is man
left. They have ruined our State, sir. Yes,
sir, they steal every thing they can lay their
hands on; they have burned nearly every
fence in the State, sir. Are you acquainted
in Chattanooga, sir? Could you give us any
information about Col Williams's regi-
ment?"
mo, men, I'm sorry to say can't, now
but I'm glad to see you come out to fight for
your country. The Lincolnites are deter
mined to take all our slaves from u.s. con-
fiscate our homes, and cut our throats in the
bargain. It is the duty of every Southern
man to rally to arms and drive them from
our country"
During these conversations the rebel citi-
words they seemed to think we were as good
Confederates as ever lived. In this manner
we were able to travel through their country
without exciting suspicion.
On Wednesday night, April 8, we arrived
at the little village of Manchester. Near
this village some of the party stopped fot
the night
AT THE HOUSE OF AN OLD REBEL
who bore the title of Colonel. It was our
plan to avoid persons of his stamp, as we
did not care to undergo too close scrutiny.
But night overlook part of the squad there,
and none who took shelter under the old Colo
nels roof had cause to feel sorry. He was a
good entertainer, had plenty of the comforts
of life about him, and was an incessant
talker, especially on the subject uppermost
in his mind-the war. He was at FIRST a
little cautious and shy, but on being assured
that his guests were Confedefates of the
best stripe he relaxed himself and assured
them that he felt honored by their presence,
and that it was privilege indeed to be
able to serve such brave men-nieii who
were patriotic enough to leave their homes in
old Kentucky and go voluntarily to the
front in the great hour Of danger
It did not seem as though he could do
enough for the boys; nothing he had was
too good. He proved his loyalty the next
morning to the secession cause and his good
will to them by taking his team and wagon
and hauling them as far as the mountains, to q
little place called Pelham. While in his
company we had no reason to fear suspicion.
No better guarantees that we were all right
was needed in that part of Tennessee. Be-
fore leaving the men he took them toa tavern
| and treated them to whisky, after which he
babe them good speed aud returned home.
Whether he ever learned his mistake or NOT
do not know.