The National tribune., 1898-01-13
By DR.. J. P. CANNON, Co. C, 9th Ala.

which he succeeded admirably, always max
ing satisfactory answer to those who were in
clned to be inquisitive; but afterwards, get
ting little over my scare, l allowed myself
more freedom, walking about the place, and
visiting my married sister, who lived about
80 yards from our house. She also had a
guard, young fellow from Indiana, about
my own age whom found to be nice, in
telligent boy. and we were soon on the most
friendly terms
All the surrounding families had been
supplied with guards to prevent depredations
by struggling soldiers, and in many cases
very kind and friendly feelings had grown up
between them. the young ladies often taking
their guards with them when they wished to
visit friends, even, several miles from camp
When the Federals first went into camp
they appropriated everything eatabie, and
by night there was not a pound of bread or
meat on the place, so when their Commits
saries arrived they had to issue rations to
the citizens or let them starye. ] found
they had been liberal, giving US plenty of
substantial food which, with such delicacies
as we could buy from suffers, was so much
better than | had been accustomed to, that
enjoyed it very much. : Uncle jeff" had
scarcely furnished me with a ''square meal"
for two years and l felt very thankful
TO ''Uncle Sam u for such bountiful supply.
A few days after my arrival home Charlie
was suddenly taken very sick, and we almost
lost hope of his recovery. We sent for an
army surgeon, of GAINESVILLE o., who gave
him the very closest attention, while sister
and nursed him as if he had been brother.
For four days and nights one or both of US
sat by his bedside never leaving him, and
when change came for the better his re-
covery was rapid and he was soon up again.
By this time was feeling quite secure. and
mixed with the Yankees freely, but had to pre-
yaricate and evade many questions. for they
would persist in asking questions that did
not think it prudent to answer truthfully.
Two weeks had thus passed off very pleas
antly, when several officers rode up to our
gate, hitched their horses, and came in.
Not knowing what it meant, | felt very I'M
easy, and kept out Of sight as much as posi-
BILE; but / was somewhat relieved when L
learned they were going to hold court-martial,
and were looking for " courthouse.
They finally decided to use our parlor for
a courtroom. very much against our will, but
without any protest on our part. and after
that we had large number of officers and
men in and about the house all the time.
L SldNcU Vel 3=CloSr III pll slpoiAi; AAO'Si nv
ting them see me when / could help it, but
by some means they found out | was sol
der, and on the third day of the court my
little niece Brought me a slip of paper which
read: They are going to arrest you when
court conyenes after dinner; leave at once"
The note had no name to 1t, but l recog-
nized it as Charles handwriting Dinner
was ready but did not wait to eat it. Fill
ing my pockets with bread and meat, kissed
mother and sister good-by and walked out
All the officers had gone to camps to din
her except two, who were standing In the yard
alking. and as | passed them | said, as
politely as possible, Good morning, gentle
men, !" butt meant, Gsodzby, Gold Yanks."
In order to avert suspicion my sister called
70 me, loud enough for them to hear, Don't
20 off; dinner is ready"
- All right, / replied; g I'll be back in
minute y
i walked leisugely to the horse-lot. passing
behind the stables, SO the officers could not