The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-11-09
HE DID NOT COME BAcK.
But in the Morning All the Trenches
Were Dug.

CFrom the Atlanta Constitution)
When the American line had fought
IT'S way to the top of the hills at Ell
Paso and San Juan and Caney, General
wheeler issued an order that every
command should dig trenches in pre-.
paration for the conflict that he knew
would break out again in the morning.
But the soldiers had thrown away most
of their trenching 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. Adju-
tant Hood of the rough riders, noting
this condition Of affairs, rode over to
General Wheelers tent and informed
the good old veteran that the men were
played out Wheeler at the time was
lying upon his cot more dead than
alive, but there was a smile upon his
lips and his failing good humor
twinkling in his eyes, when Adjutant
Hood said:
General, Tn afraid our men cart
dig the trenches"
What menu" asked the general.
The cavalry division" said the adju-
tant.
General Wheeler sat up in bed and
began pulling on his boots.
Send me the man. he directed.
What man." asked the adjutant.
The man who can't dig trenches"
But it is not one man; il 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 -
II 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 CONVEX
sation. The little old general was as
smooth and suave and courteous as
could be, and Hood had nothing to do
but to ride back to the line. In some
way he managed to round up a colored
trooper belonging to the Ninth cavalry,
and brought him back to the division
headquarters. He stood looking sheep
ishly at the ground when Wheeler adj
dressed him.
Are you the man who says he can't
dig these trenches?" asked the gener-
al
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 his tent.
you can go to sleep now, my man,
and III go un 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
protected is not only in danger of being
killed, but will be unable to help main
tam our own position The trenches
have to be dug, and if you are unable
to dig yours I'll Just go out and do 1t
for you. Where's your pick?''
With the most business like air in
the world Wheeler slid into his coat and
turned toward the big cavalryman.
The latter's eyes opened as he saw the
proceedings. and they began to bulge
ont wbeh the general motioned to him
to lead the way to his camp. For half
minute his voice stuck in his throat,
and then he said:
Boss, you amt fit to dig no trench
es. If they done got to be dug I'll just
naturally dc it myself. I'm dog tired,
but that amt work fof YOU
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with a flicker of amusement in his
eyes.
:" know it isn't work for me to do"
he said, "but / am going to need sol
diers 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 ad-
jutant HOOD, with a voice as pleasant
as sunshine in May.
File seems to have changed his
mind" he said. Nov, you go find me
another men who can't dig trenches"
The adjutant bowed and rode off. He
never came back. In the morning the
trenches were dug.