Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1897-11-23
Another War Incident.
From the winehester Starr ]

4
company with him during the war. Capt
Geolge Baylor's Company 3. Iath Vir-
g,nia Cavalry.
While here Mr.. Gordon brings up many
incidents they passed through during
those trying times In one that Gordon
took very active part, as he did on
various occasions, was in the charge his
company made near Cedar Greek. Thos.
Timberlake was shot through the lungs
and had fallen from his horse. Gordon
found him and Thomas said to him.
"Gordon You are not going to let me be
captured he said No. will take you
away" as he moved him as best he
could to house near by, the lady of the
house did not want him left there. as she
tIosteift me -enen1y -v~sszisi do zterssone
harm. She made all manner of excuses;
no one to help her. nothing to eat and
two little children to support. and in case
he died she would have to bury HIM by
herself, and there was no wood to make
coffin, and only short time ago she
had to bury one who was wounded just
like Tom was wounded Gordon told
her he would see hat she would have no
trouble, and also that she would be paid
for all she did, and he had to leave as his
company was falling back and the enemy
advancing.
The advance guard of the enemy. COM
posed of cavalry. had to move just SO only
few of them visited the house, they
seeing Thomas condition left him alone.
and when the artillery passed the lady
went to the road and appealed to them
for something to eat to keep her children
from starving. They gave her bacon,
hardtack. coffee and sugar, as they had it
to spare. and when she got as much as she
could carry she would go to the house,
empty it and return for more, in order TO
keep them away from the house. They
passed and encamped some distance
from it
The lady did all she could to relieve
Thomas, and rest had improved his con-
dition. though he did not have confidence
in himself to move out of the chair that
Gordon had placed him in when he left
him. Company b was watching the
movements of the enemy by feeling their
position every day. 1t was tiresome to
Gordon to lay in camp, as he was one of
those who liked to be on the go. so he tried
to get permission from Mr.. Seth Tim
berlaIie. the Orderly Sergeant of thecom
pany, to let him go and see Thomas. But
he would not give his consent, as he
thought Gordon would be captured, as he
had to go through the enemy's lines.
He then went to Capt. Baylor. who
told him he could go. Knowing the roads
and location OF the country that he had to
I----a -s-s--.----4- -
lines and found Thomas in the same po-
sition he had left him. and said: Tom
can't you walk ," Tom said No" but
with a little insisting he got Tom to try
to walk, which he did. and Gordon said.
Tom you will have to get out of this
place OF they will take YOU prisoner.
brought your horse, knowing that he is
strong. and / can ride behind YOU" Tom
said, Don't you know my horse will not
carry two. and would kick both of us OFF,
Gordon said. Well. you will have to go;
YOU can ride and will walk" They left
the house under the cover of darkness to
where Gordon had left the horse. He
then assisted Tom to mount and instruct
ed him to follow and to keep little dis
tance behind. as he would find a way
through the picket lines, and If FIRE
you take care of yourself and / will try to
get through" So they started, and ar
rived in camp before daylight the next
morning. meeting with warm reception.
1t is said of Gordon that if there
call for volunteers to advance to the front
of the company. when it required one who
was not afraid to do the dangerous duty
that he knew was assigned TO the task.
Gordon was among the first 20 ride TO the
front of the company. receive orders. dis
mount and go on foot, with the remark :
II you hear my rifle crack you will
know 1 have found their pickets.'
Gordon took the stars for his guide by
night, and on one of his scouting trips
with Winchester's friend. Mr.. c. B.
Rouss, as they were returning to camp
Mr.. Rouss said. =" Let us take short cut;
it will cut off some distance" Gordon
said, No follow that star. OF youma get
in a hornets nest (meaning the enemy's
picket. After a little talk Gordon let
Mr. Rouss have the way. and on going
some distance they found they were going
into the enemy's camp. The crack of the
pickets' rifles sounded the warning notes.
They fell back and Gordon said. What
do you think of your short cuts7" He
replied. Abe. viii follow you and the
stars B.
Household Gods.
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