The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-14
Joe Whecler's WAY.

when the American line had fought IT'S
way 90 the top of the hills at El Paso and
San Juan and Caney. General Wheeler l5-
sued am order that every command dig
trenches in preparation for the conflict
that DE knew would break ont asan IN
the morning. But the soldiers h1u
thrown away most OF their trcnchIA1
tools during the fierce rifle charges, ana
as darkness fell upon the scene OF battle
they drew themselves upon the ground
and went 90 sleep from sheer exhaustion.
Adutant Hood. OF the Rough Riders,
noting this condition or affairs. rode over
TO General Wheeler tent and informed
the good old veteran THAT the men were
ulqved out Wheeler at the time was ly-
Ing upon his cot more dead than alive.
but there was smile upon his lips. and
his nevcr-falng good humor twinklins in
his eyes. when Adjuant Hood said.
General. am afraid our men can't dig
the trenches
"What men2' asked The General
"Thc cavalry division said the Adju-
tant. 80 M
General Wheeler sat mp I'm bed and be-
gan pulling ON his boots
send me the man. bee directed.
what man1' asked the Adiutant.
"The man who can't dig the trenches"
"Bur 10 is not one man, 30 is many
men, They are just played out
But you can surely ind one man who
saws De can't dig the trench. ] only
want one. Go get him and bring him TO
mo-"
"But there ar"
81 don't care how many there arc. go
get me one"
The Admtant had never faced such n
man as Wheeler before. aud DE did not
know Just what tO make Oi the converse
ton. The little OLD General was as
smooth and suave and courteous as could
be. and Hood had nothing Co.. do but ride
back t0 the line. I'm lms way he man
AGED to round up o. coiorcd trooper be-
longing t0 the ninth Cavalry, ana
brought him back Oh ODE division head
quarters. he stood looking sheepishly no
the ground. when wheeler addressed him.
Are you the man Who says he can {
dig these trenches asked lhf 'irh.r.tl.
The negro feet shumed uneasty in the
ground.
The General stopped him, and walked
ont OF his tent
.You can go 90 sleep now. my man. ana
Iu go mp and dig your trench Tor you.
When the sun comes lp lo-moFio" ihoiH-
ins the Spaniards are going to open on
us and every man who lsn't protected Us
not only in danger of being killed, but
will be unable to help posi- maintain our
own nosition. The trenches have 10 Dee
dug and IL you are unable 10 dlg yours,
Iu Just go and do 30 Tor YOU Wnere s.
your pick?
with the most business Ike air ~ the
world. WHEELER slid into his coat ana turn
ed toward the big cavalIyman. Ihe lat
ter's eyes opened as he saw the proceed
incs. and they began t0 bulge out when
the Generai moti0ncd to him 10 lead me
way 90 his camp. For half minute ms
voice stuck in his throat, ana theh ne
said.
BOSS. YOU amt nt 90 dig no trenches.
III they done got 20 be dug. ] 81 JUST NAT ur-
ally do 90 myself I'm dog uteo' out
that amt no work for YOU
Wheeler stopped and looked ar me man
with nicker OF amusement ln his eyes.
or know u ism work Tor me lo 90 H-
said "but I am going 20 need soldiers IN
the morning. and / am going 10 save you.
life. II possible DO you Sink no" 'hdl
YOU can dig me trench?'
The negro started up the hlil "l'Hou'
a word Then the General turned 10 Al
iutant Hood with a voice as pleasant as
sunshine IN May.
"He seemed to have changed his nina
he said. Now YOU go find me another
man who can't dig the trenches.
The Adiutant bowed and rode on nc
never came back In the morning ih'
trenches were dug.-Atlanta Constitution