The National tribune., 1898-01-13

turned back alone for the big road, in
tending to cross it and get into cottonfield
opposite Just as l made my appearance in
the road five or six rebels passed me, on their
way TO the city, as fast as their horses could
carry them. One of them cried
There's Yank; let's shoot him."
But the order was given 10 hold their fire
until they got into the city. And, d MT you
forget it, / was strictly in accord with that
order: and if they had had time should
have shaken hands with the man who gave
ii. for the good Judgment he showed.
The rebels got into the city, and, as /
learned aiterward Gen. Forrest and his staff
rode into one of the leading hotels and regis
tered Their names while sitting upon their
horses. III the Office. They were after the
commanding officer, Gen. Wasiburn, who
barely escaped capture by changing his resi-
dence.
After the .Jchnnies passed, leaving me to
live awhile longer and 10 see my mamma once
more, not seeing any more coming, ran across
the street and jniHped into the cottonield.
After going some distance from the road two
.Johnnies saw me and concluded that they
might assist me to travel. They jumped
their horses over the fence. Not being ac-
quainted with them, and not being over
anxious for pew acquaintance just then, and
still having home, sweet home, On my
mind, naturally showed them my heels and
threw cotton-stalks and dirt in their eyes.
After running awhile came TO a double
hedge fence, with a broad, deep ditch be-
tween the hedges. -As luck would have 1T
came TO a thin place in the fence, and having
home, sweet home, still in my mind,
quickly turned the cape of my overcoat over
my head and made desperate lunge through
the fence, landing safely across the ditch
and through the fence.
Drawing myself into shape j started on q
run again, although nearly out of breath
But when my new-found friends came TO the
fence they stopped, and all they could dc
then WAS to give nae few parting shots anc
say good-by, which they did in choice Ian
guage.
/ concluded TO take it a bit easier and re
gain the breath that those fellows had driver
from r.e. / made my way TO Fort Pickering
where / sat down OF guard rock ut tin
corner of the fort gate, waiting TO see wha
next would happen.
1t surely was a sight TO see the citizen
rushing 10 the fort. They were in all shape
and conditions. Old and young rich anc
poor, all looked like graveyard had giyei
up lis ghosts, they were 50 white-some il
the face, some as 10 clothes. Some had
seek and hat On, some 4 coat ana carryin,
their boots and pants in hand.
After everybody recovered from his or he
surprise and excitement, the available soldier
were called ont and drove the rebels back
until they took bold stand over orr regi
mental canp where they stayed and fough
several hours before they retreated.
When We got TO our camp the tents looke'
more like sicyes than anything else, but W
kept ii too hot for them TO have time 10 cx
anime our tents and catch on TO our new uni
forms. which we intended TO wear when W
called on our best girls after getting home
Our grips were intact-Eot an article wa
even misplaced.
We at last embarked on board the steamer
but not quite SO carly as had been intended
We arrived at Springfield, H., without ful
ther mishap.-P. NJ WAGNER, Co L, 3
ILL., Cav. Tyler, Tex.