The National tribune., 1897-12-23
CHAPTER XIX

The Tennesseeans spent the day in heart
overlooking jubilation over the victory 1t
seemed to them the most complete triumph
since the destruction of the hosts of SIENNA
cherib which the Elder was fond of describ-
ing
Nothing was lacking in its perfect COM
pletcness. Zollicoffer, their arch enemy and
prosecutor. was slain. They went over and
looked at his body as it was being prepared
for sending through TO the rebel lines under
flag of truce. They hardly cGmprehended
Gen. Thomass soldierly courtesy TO the re-
mains of their execratei foe.
why shouldn't he be chucked into ditch
long with The varmints who follered him to
their DEATH" asked Web Brainard angrilv.
why dress him up in fine clothes, an send
a guard with him, when our own men air
buried in blankets wbar they fell?"
Suthin' in what yo' say, Web" replied
Pollock. But the ole Jinerals got monty
long head On him. He alluz does things with
a purpose. He's got some purpose in this.
suTe's yo're born. ! reckon his idee is t. show
them big-bugs at Nashville Jest what we uns
mean t do 10 all of they 'uns Jest as fast ez
we kin git whaek at thcy'uns. The sight
of ole Iolii with an ounce o. lead through his
heart will move 'em more'n the powerfullest
sarmon that can be preached"
. reckon that's jest hit, said Web. with
a new light dawning on him. 1.-The ole jim
erals got head longern a water-million. -
The great intrenched camp OF the rebels
WAS Of overpOweriDg interest. They mar
yelled at the immense labor expended in
digging the deep bitches and throwing up
the heavy embankments; in building bat
~teries for the cannon, and covering the front
with entangling abatis. They were amazed
that a position OF snch strength should ever
be taken. hey gloated over the rebel dead
laid out in a long row beside the ditch that
was being dug for their inierment So MANY
at least oil their enemies bad met with theirre-
ward, and would trouble them no more They
walked among the great corTals of horses and
cattIe-thousands IN NOTWITHSTANDING the
parks of hundreds of wagons They exuIted
over the cabins full of supplies ammunition.
and food. They counted again the black
mouthed cannon, with their field equipments
OF Timber, caissons, and horses All these
Were yesterday the rebels today they were
theirs They saw the blackened hnIls of Tie
burned boats. They went through the hos
pitals iiiied with rebel wounded. They
saw me captured battlc-fags, the tents and
belongings OF lne commanding officers Every
where was surielt Of food for cxu.tation
I'hb AIicAc Sitbc Il WEAKNESS that even INV
could not resist. The fearful tension tbay bad
been under for weeks was Row eDded-,be
privation of food, the struggles with the mud
the rain and the cold, the long marches ,be
anxious vigils, the wearing apprehension Of
the enemys movements and intentions Tho
awful shock of the battles collision-.Ii
these strains were now over, and they could
rest. They cooked and ate an enormous meal
went into q dry, comfortable cabin. in which
large fire bazed, covered themselves with
an abundance of blankets, and fell intoa sleen
almost as deep rs that of the grave 1t was
the FIRST undisturbed one they had had for
months
The next morning they awoke full of
eaScrness for more triumpils. After break
fast they reported at Gen. Thomass Head
quarters for duly.
am very glad TO sec you, and TO know
that you all came safely through the battle
lac said IN his grave, kindly way. Il was
about sending ont 10 inquire for you. / want
you 10 go across the river, follow those people
up, and send NE back news Of wha; they're
doing, and where they're going?u
Pm aicarcd Int III take a powerful siobt