The National tribune., 1897-09-23
GETTING WAR uEuS.
Anecdotes, Mostly Humorous,
About Correspondents.


W;ii,esnp visited the Army of the PoG-
ICONS in the Slring Of 1864. There were
no livery stables in The army. and he de
sired 10 ride around tire surrounding country
and visit old acquaintance. SO Mr.. Gray,
of the Tribune, considerably loaned him a
horse Now, Gray was splendid coTTe-
spondent and ietter-wiiter, bnt as hostler
it had never appeared in evidence that he
was any kind of success, and have serl-
Gus doubts as TO whether he was the owner
of n card and currycumh; if he was IL GER
fainly had never been suspected that he used
them.
The animal in question was what is
known as a "cribber." and if given an OPP
portunny to amuse himself woald eat up an
army wagon 10 one night, and clean out an
entire ambulance train in couple OF weeks,
and still look harmless and innocent. Ow-
ing to an insane propensity 10 bite and gnaw
everything within reach, Gray was III the
habit of tying it to the small pine trees
near the Barbour House, where we were
quartered.
The trees were covered with wounds ami
scars made nv The vicious teeth OF the rest
less and II docking quadruped, and the
warm RAYS OF the Spring sun caused the tur-
pentipe 10 ezuae In considerable quantities.
Then The perverse beast would lean aud rub
against tie sticky trees hour alter hour,
until his hairy coai was smeared with crude
furpentine from withers to fet!ocks and
from ears tn tail. The exasperating creature
would calmly and de ibeIately lie down,
stretch himself, and enjoy quiet siesla
meanwhile straws, hiss of hay, twIgs OF
trees and pine leaves and cones would ad-
here 10 his tanks and limbs, which gave
him an appearance al once unique and pic
turesque.
We called upon Hon John Minor Bolts,
who resided between Brandy Station and
Culpeyer Courthouse, and spent some time
in c0nversat ion with that Distinguished
gentleman (now dead, and when we lett
him he insisted upon our imblhng some
thing that did not at all resemble Apoiil-
Darls wafer.
Then we rode to the Fifth Corps, and
called upon Gen. Warren, its commander
and before we got away WIlkeson and my
self had been quite conviviai with certain
members oil his staff. After this We called
on Gen. Wadswofth, the gallant soldier and
accomplished gentleman who gave his life
to his country in the Wilderness a few weeks
subsequently,. We dined with Gen. Mads-
worth.
The dinner being finished, we decided 10
visit Pony Mountain situated near Stevens
burg, at which point had heen erected an
observatory for The use of the Signal Corps,
from whence one could look into The Con
federate lines.
Gen Patrick had given the writer per-
nit to visit the signal station mentioned
sometime previously, but my comrade had
no pass However, / promised that be
should experience no trouble if he would
leave everything TO me- as ] would represent
him as being member of the Christian Com
mission. as / had one Of their ribbons, and
no one would think of stopping him.
Arriving al the foot OF Pony Mountain,
our advance was checked by a diapida;ed
gate as well as by Corporal on guard
Remember about the Christian Commits
sion" whispered TO my companion as
handed nay pass 10 the Corporal. The young
fellow read il, and said il would do but fol
one. / told him that it was ali right, that
my friend was an at:ache of the Christian
Commission. The Corporal then called out
the Sergeant OF the Guard, and the Sergeant
in turn called ont The Lieutenant from the
gnard-honse near at hand. The Li-utenani
examined nay pass, heard my explanation
and said he thought ii was all right to pass
the venerable pArsou.
By this time dozen or more Of the reserve
horse grew excited and restless and KEPT
paving the ground and champing his bi.
and lodging from the men whenever they
came too near. But my friend had not Tor
gotten that lac was TO ie a Christian Commits
sion man." he spured his guaintiy-orna
mented sired close TO the Lieutenant, and
much to the asionishnit NJ of the latter, began
TO crate in a stentoiian voice some what il
this manner: My son, hearken unto tn
voice of wisdom. Ny son, look not thou
upon the wine when it is red, when i
giveth lis color 10 the cup, when it moEetl
itselfRright, for at the last it biieth like ser
pent and stiDg.th like adder. My son
be rirtuous if you would be happy"
At this point the horse suddenly shiet
from the Lieutenant. nearly throwing hi
rider. Wiikeson ierked the bridie-rein witt
q good deal OF secular vim, and in furiou
passion struck his fantastic steed over tn
head with hs fat hand, while he roareG in
voice Of thunder, aHd with a bad word a
further emphasis: Who-a-al you inferna
brutei"
We did not ascend Pony Mountain ina
day. The emphasis Of Sans last utterapc
settled the matter.
In the Fail OF 1863. the Boston Trarollc
sent an elegant young gentleman to tn
hiAnf OF lIt IOtSD3ac I'D quest u news. IL
was handsome, modest, aifectioilate an
almost girlish ia appearance. On his haver
sack, notebook and grip-sack were inscribed
in large letters, " John Hayes. Reporter
Boston TrdUeIfer"
Hayes knew absolutely nothing about til
army, and being honest and rather credu
lous withal some of the boys nsed to "guy
him little Just for the fun OF the thin,
Capt. 4. A. Paul, Of the New York Times
veteran OF the Mexican war, while not
the least malicious, seemed to take great d
light in misleading the young Bostonian.
One afternoon Paul rode into camp frol
an extended foraging expedition. Hay'
approached him and in a confidential maj
ner inquired if lie had picked mp any new
Of Importance during The day.
Paul gravely drew him aside, and aft,
pledgiDR him not 10 give the news ava
informed him that there had been a mo
sanguinary engagement that day at Lee
burg. Hayes was greatly excited by tn
fable, for lie was exceedingly ambitious
write up battle for his paper, and show b
employers the kind OF meltle OF which !
was made, and he eagerly inquired how f
Leesbure was from Brandy Station, and
what direction it lay. His tormentor a
sured him that ii was about IL miles di
tant. and in a direction nearly southwest
our CAMPS
With many thanks for the informatio
the young gentleman from The Huh
mounted his horse and rode off in the ear
-.