The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-12-15

| through the mountains after some bush
whackers who were harboring in the
country from Little Coon up To Widow S
PCreek. Having been in that region before,
knew just where their hiding places
twere and, of cou Sc, we soon routed
| them and pursued my tedious journey
lin Quest OF steamboats,. While scouting
| for Lytic | was introduced to Gen. Sheri-
dan, who was then a division COMMANDER
| and he then told me that the service was
for him, and that he would see me hand
Somely rewarded; but the General, sup
pose, never had chance to fulfill his
promise.
However, it makes no difference; for sol
diering like virtue, must be its own re-
ward. The rebels having taken all the
watercraft to their side OF the Tennessee
Gen. Lytle made detail Of men TO dig
out a canoe in which / could cross the
river. 1t was made in the night, ana
early next morning put il to good use,
running over to the island opposite Bridge
port and catching Johnny Tor the Cen
eral.
The reprobate, not knowing that the
Yankees had a boat Of their own, had
padded defiantly down the river tefore
Lyle S Headquarters, when the General
said
pike, go and fetch that man to me.
Can't you catch him in year boat?'
You lust watch the race. II you don t
believe it, said |; and away ] went, and
soon had the Johnny standing in the
presence of the General; and, like all Il
rest of the secesh clan that ever caught,
he exhibited the most abject humility
A MOUNTAIN NYMPH
Leaving Bridgeport once more was OIL
on my steamboat exploits, and as was
crossing over Walden'S Ridge, about 10
miles below Chattanooga, at the top OF the
"cut-off | heard a very long and loud
scream. or more like an eXultant yen.
Thinking of nothing but buShwhackerS
in that locality, "treed inStanter ana
stood with my gun at a ready To IRE on
any suspicious object. Soon the sound o.
a horses feet coming almost toward me at
a run reused me to renewed vigilance,
that | might get the first shot, Tor mace
sure il was some rebel cavalryman. was
not kept long in suspense, however, hr
in a few seconds a magnificent horse
bounded into view, mounted by beautl-
full young oman.
She was singing in a clear, musical
voice snatches of some song which she
occasionally stopped to give a shr1il
whoop at a half-wild COW she was driving
before her at fearful rate through the
thick timber. She rode her horse with
fearless grace and firm hand, guiding
the spirited beast by a rore halter turned
into a loop around his nose. She soon
vanished from my view, to the left, follow
ing a well-beaten trail which | was con
fident must lead to a house.
Following the trail she took, in about a
mile and a half ! came to "a h. use.
painting horse OF magnificent Proportions
had lust been turned loose in the yard to
Craze, and instantly recognized il as the
one | had seen careermg SO proudly
through the woods with the fair rider.
at once went to the house, and at the
door was welcomed by a pleasant-lookinr
matron, who invited me in. and treated
me with much civility, as soon as toio
her that | was a Yankee soldier ana
wanted lodgings. Soon after the Ian
euuestrienne came in with a bucket o.
milk on her head, niger fashion.
There was no poetry in that, il is true, but
she was really very pretty, and as she
placed her bucket OF milk on the tabe
the elder woman addressed her:
Eliza, here is one OF our soldiers come
to see US at last
Stranger, what is your name
t.. ld her my name and regiment, anf
asked what her nuSl and'S name was,
and nudge OF my aStonlshmtnt when SIe
answered Bob u hite he whose Iat
rjotic efforts in behalf OF the Union were
a theme Oh aomifation far and wide in thai
section OF Tennessee. he was what TIT
rebels called a Yankee busbw hacker, anC
was a great terror 10 small BANDS Oh rebel
cavalry who had To- pass anyH here
through the Sequatchie Valley. lie had
ab, VI 30 men unoer his command, and
some times could raise many as 10 on
special occasions.