The National tribune., 1897-07-15

With 4 few men to the Yasoo or Mississippi
Nivef to bring come Important dispatches
from Gen. Grant to Admiral Porter, whose
feet could not be reached with signals,
owing to the heavy timber intervening.
After . short consultation this vas found
impossible, as no horse could cross Chicka-
saw Bayou or get through the swamps ut
this point. Peter Karberg volunteered to
swim across the bayou, but Sen. Badeau
insisted that only q commissioned officer
could carry these dispatches /, who was a
Lieutenant In Co. B. 18th No, also volun-
teered, andboth were detailed for this special
service of opening communication between
the fleet and the investing army.
After receiving written and verbal instruc-
lions, and arming ourselves with revolvers,
we commenced our march through the
woods and swamps. Reaching the base of the
hills, struggling through the usual chopped
timber in front Of fort, we reached large
cotton-held. We were observed by the rebs,
who opened on us with heavy artillery.
This only hurried US across the field to the
sheitering timber, when they ceased firing.
After short tramp we reached Chickasaw
Bayou, where we found not only plenty of
water, but mud and alligators galore. Select
ing suitable spot, we chased the critters
"hu S"dm SdlcIy 10 Inc Quiet sue, WHcfc
our troubles commenced.
We pursued our march through slough
after slough, thick intervening vines and
cottonwood, constantly coming in contact
with snakes and other vermin, with only
the sun for our guide. There was the con-
slant possibility of providing rebels to meet
US. Thus we finally reached the deep green
Yazoo River with clothes torn and wet, shoes
lnsf and nff Of
looking more like tramps than soldiers,
tired and hungry.
We rested, dried our clothes, and made
away with the last bareback After few
miles trudging we found dugout. Wegot
it in the water all right, but after floating a
little way it sank, and we had to swim
ashore.
We went along the soft, muddy river bank
for several miles, when we noticed black smoke
rising above the trees ahead of US, which
indicated our friends were near. 1t was not
long before, coming around bend in the
river, our gunboat Baron de Kalb hove in
sight. Our troubles were forgotten. With
hurrahs we hailed it, and were TAKEN rather
cautiously. aboard. as our appearance was
not very inviting.
Our errand was made known to the COM
handing officers, and their joy was great.
Upon signal tugboat following us came
alongside, to which / transferred, while
Conrade Karberg proceeded with the
gunboat to Haynes's Bluff, there to meet
Col. Shaw, of the 4th Iowa Cav, with
further dispatches, and to assist in taking
the bluffs, unless they they were evacuated
upon their arrival. However, the rebs had
gone, and Col. Shaw just arrived in time to
drive out the stragglers.
Upon reaching Admiral Porter, between 3
and p. M, and delivering my dispatches,
he was greatly surprised at the success of
Gen. Grants army, this being the first Off
cial news since April %, and of the complete
investment of Vicksburg.
After receiving fresh clothes, good meal,
and the issuing of orders for the feet and
troops to proceed up the Yazoo River, /
boarded the tinclad boat Petrol, Capt. Brown
commanding, to communicate and inform
Gen. Grant of the success of our tramp.
Our mission was a complete success.
Transports with provisions, ammunition,
and men established that same night base
of supplies, and full rations were again
issued to our army the next day.
Comrade Karberg, shortly after the fall
OF Vicksburg, was promoted to First Lieu
tenant of the 51st q. g., in which be served
As Adjutant to the end of the war, after
which he settled ut Lincoln, Neb. He died
In 1884. G. LANaGUTH, st. Louis, Mo.