The times., 1898-10-04
ONLY ONE MAN.
All the Others. Gen. wheeler Found,
Would Dig Trenches.

Would Dig Trenches.
Among many entertaining war stories
about Gen. Wheeler is one that relates to
the digging of trenches.
When the American line had fought its
way to the top of the hills at FL Paso and
San Juan and Caney, Gen. Wheeler is
sued an order that every command should
dig trenches IN preparation for the con-
fiict that he knew would break out again
in the morning. But the soldiers had
thrown away most of their trenchinE
tools during the fierce rifle charges. and
as darkness fell upon the scene of battle
they threw themselves upon the ground
and went to sleep from sheer exhaustion
Adjt. Hood, OF the Rough Riders. noting
this condition of affairs, rode over to
Gen. Wheeler's tent and informed the
good old veteran that the men were play
ed out Wheeler at the time was lying
upon his cot more dead than alive, but
there was smile upon his lips and his
never-failing good humor twinkling in
his eyes, when Adjt Hood said:
General, am afraid our men can't dig
the trenches"
What men?" asked the general.
1.-The cavalry DIVISION, said the adj
jutant.
Gen Wheeler sat up in bed and began
pulling on his boots.
send me the man. he directed.
What MANI" asked the adjutant
The man who can't dig trenches
But it is not one man; it is many men
They are just played out
But you can surely find one man who
says he can't dig the trench. ! only want
one Go get him and bring him TO me- =
But there are
i don't care how many there are.
Go get me one"
The adjutant had never faced such a
man as Wheeler before, and he did not
know Just what to make of the conver-
sation. The little old general was as
smooth and suave and courteous as could
be and Hood had nothing TO do but ride
back to the line. In some way he man
aged to round up a colored trooper be-
longing to the Ninth Cavalry, and
brought him back to the division head
quarters He stood looking sheepishly at
the ground when Wheeler addressed him.
Are you the man who says he can t
! dig these trenches?" asked the general.
The negro's feet shuffied uneasily on
| the ground Use one of 'em, boss, but
there's "a
The general stopped him, and walked
out of mis- tent.
-.-ou can go to sleep now, my man,
and I'll go UP and dig your trench for
| you When the sun comes up tomorrow
morning the Spaniards are going to open
on US, and every man who isn't pro-
tected is not only in danger of being kill
ed. but will be unable to help maintain
be dug, and if you are unable to dig
yours III go out and do it for you.
Where's your pick?'
With the most businesslike air in the
world Wheeler slid into his coat and
turned toward the big cavalryman. The
latter's eyes opened as he saw the pro-
ceedings, and they began to bulge out
when the general motioned to him
10 lead the way to his camp. For
I alf minute his vci-e stuck in his throat
and then he said:
Boss. you amt fit TO dig no trenches
II they done got to be dug I'll just nat
| urally do it myself. I'm dog tired, but
| that amt work for you
Wheeler stopped and looked at the man
| with flicker Of amusement in his eyes.
II know it amt work for me to do,
he said. 'but l am going to need soldiers
in the morning, and I am going to save
your life, if possible. Do you think now
! that you can dig the trench?''
The negro started up the hill without
word. Then the general turned to Adjt
| Hood with voice as pleasant as sun
| shine in May:
| He seems to have changed his mind
he said. Now you go find me another
man who can't dig the trenches"
| The adiutant bowed and rode off. He
never came back. In the morning the
| trenches were dug.