The National tribune., 1898-07-14
CHAPTER I.

have not the vanity to suppose the
details of my career in life, other than as
it has been connected with the public
service, would be of the slightest interest
to the reader; and, therefore, | shall not
dwell upon them But ] cannot but be-
lieve that my adventures in that most
dangerous and romantic of all branches
of the Service-while acting the part of
scout-during the late long and bloody
war against the most gigantic rebellion
known TO history, will be read with in
terest, not only by the patriotic people
of the loyal States, for whom my life was
IiSked, but by thousands in the South
who will in these pages first recognize
me, in my true character, as a soldier of
the Union; though oft ! have partaken of
their hosptalitieS, and been their familiar
companion; and many a rebel officer will,
in the following narrative, for the first
time learn that they have communicated
much valuable information 10 one who
was in the service of the Nation against
which they had arrayed the whole power
and chivalry of half score of powerful
and Furnishing States, extending from The
Gulf OF Mexico 10 the 37th parallel of north
latitude.
My career as scout was commenced
under Gen. o. M. Mitchell, who, in 1862,
commanded the Third Division OF the
Cumberland Army; Gen. Mitchell who
united in himself the qualities of noble
man, thorough scholar, and dashing
officer, and whose death before the Nation
could well spare his services, caused
deep dependency to pervade every loyal
breast. When he was removed from COM
mand in Tennessee, i was turned over TO
Gen. Rosecrans; who, in turn, on leaving,
recommended me to Gen. Thomas. l also
served with Gems. ID. 5. Stanley, George
Crook, Lytle, Sheridan, Grant, and Shcr-
man; SO that the reader will not be at a
loss to imagine that my term of service
Il A..
does not inspire me TO write an account
of those wild and almost incredible ad
ventures, which are naturally incident to
the branch of the service TO which 1 was
devoted.
But why engage in the dangerous voca-
tion, and risk life, amid enemies who,
had they known my character, would
gladly have suspended me to the nearest
limb Say, like Shyiock it was my ma
tuTe, and the reader has it ALL ! had
been well trained in such service having
left my home in Ohio and migrated TO
Texas, where was schooled as Ranger
and hunter.
i had been working at my trade as a
printer IN Jefferson City, Mo, during the
Winter OF 1858 $. and in the Spring re-
solved TO go TO Kansas, which WAS yet
disturbed by factions. and consequently
the very place for one fond of adventure;
and, as my nature prompted me to ramble
! saw no other section half so inviting
and accordingly, having armed myself.
'ias the law Directs ] started for the
Territory on foot
had Travelled but half day, however
when ] stopped for dinner at wayside
inn, kept by a plethoric old man, the pos
SCISSOR OF young wife and half a dozen
worthless darkieS. While at dinner. some
one rode up TO the gate and inquired OF
the landlord If there was a young man
there who was travelling on foot
That's my name, said. and went to
the door, TO ascertain what was wanted
Say, young man. said the party
don't you want 10 go TO Texas?'
Don't care if do" said l.
Well" he replied, my name is Col
Johnston; live II miles south of Dallas;
j am taking down a drove of horses. and
want help; will furnish you with a horse
saddle, and bride, and pay your way
Hold on, then, till | get my dinner
and III 60 was the only reply / stopped
70 make, till had satisfied my appetite.
Dinner over, / mounted the anima
designated, and we proceeded to cathe,
up the horses, which had scattered abou
TO Craze, while the Colonel was waitin,
on me.