The National tribune., 1897-04-15
GHOST AT POST 1.
Two Commop-Sense Soldiers Tackled 1t
With Astonishing Results.

Two Commop-Sense Soldiers Tackled 1t
With Astonishing Results.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Our diyis-
ion was stationed at Eastport, Miss, In
February, 1865. Our picket-llne extended
from the bluff on the Tennessee River,
westward of the town, 10 the bluff on Bear
Greek. south Post was on the Tennessee
where pudding stone projected over the
bluff, the upper surface of which was
nice dry place for the guard 10 sit or stand.
About 80 sters south of this stone was
white oak. standing almost in the beat of
the sentinel, the ground descending abruptly
from the tree to a ravine on the south.
person standing or sitting on the rock, unless
1t was very dark or rainy night, could see
any object that might pass on the ridge be-
tween him and the tree.
1t is nothing uncommon when command
is first eucamped in a strange region for there
to be more or less firing for the hrst few
nights. for the reason that everything is
strange. and strange objects deceive the
eyes of the guards
The first fine night after we were encamp-
ed at Eastport quite number of shots were
fired: but finally firing ceased along the
line, except at Post No. /, where supposed
bushwhacker drew the fire of the seutinels.
1.-THE 9th Ill., was No. of the third relief,
and on duty from / to o'clock of the
morning of Feb. o. The bushwhacker ap-
peared about o'clock. Our Colonel and
Mai Gen. Edward Hatch and Brig.-Gen.
Datus Z. Coon came across the, parade
ground next morning inquiring for Ward.
The Colonel said: John. the Generals have
come to learn what You saw last night at
Post No. l."
Gen. Hatch said: Yes, John, there seems
to be some mystery about that locality, and
we want you to tell US what your experience
was last night"
Johns story excited the greatest interest.
He had seen the supposed bushwhacker,
and fired once point blank at him at short
range, to no effect. John was crack shot.
"Why did you not continue firing at him? 2"
asked Gen. Hatch. Said John: would
not have fired another shot at him for the
world. He can neither feel, see, nor hear"
Robert Bradley, of Co. C, 9Th III. Cav, was
sent for a, the Colonels quarters. In a short
time Sergeant took Henry Aldridge, Co.
E, to one side and said: The Colonel
wants you" When he went to Headquar-
tiers the Colonel said TO him:
Gen. Hatch as directed Serg't Bradley
TO investigate the cause of the shooting at
Post No. 1. and the Sergeant has chosen you
to assist him. Will you do lip"
Yes" said Aldridge, T" will"
Gen. Hatch then handed Bradley a piece
of paper and said: :" Here is an order to the
officer of the>lay directing him to give Post
No. / into your charge, and you can go there
during the day aud make such arrangements
as you think best"
That afternoon the men went to the post
and examined everything in that locality,
and concluded to stand at the foot of the
white oak tree when they went on duty
From there they could see everything of a
clear moonlight night within 100 yards, ex-
cept over the bluff on the north.
That night they slept until the third re-
lief, when they went on duty. They cooked
their carbines, and were ready for anything
that might turn up. but had previously
agreed not to fire, except in selt-deiense,
until they had failed in every other means
of ascertaining who the intruder was They
had been there long time, when suddenly
the man appeared within IS feet of them.
Where he came from they never knew, but
he was there and walking directly past
The moon was shining directly IN his
face. He was about five feet 10 incht 6
high, medium weight, had on black SLOUGH
hat, gray clothes; held his right hand as