The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-10-06
HOW WHEELER GOT THE
TRENCHES DUG.
Only One Man Could Be Found Who
Did Not Feel Able to Do the Work.

(From the Atlanta Constitution)
When the American line had fought
its way to the top Of the hills at FL
Paso and San Juan and Caney, Cen
eral Wheeler issued an order that ev-
cry command should dig trenches in
preparation fen the conflict that he
knew would break out again in the
morning. But the soldiers had thrown
away most Of the tFenching tools dur
ing 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. Adjutant Hood, of the
rough riders, noting this condition of
affairs, rode over to General Wheel
I eTs tent and informed the good old
veteran that the men were played out
Wheeler at that time was ly-
ing upon his cot more dead than
alive, but there was smile upon his
lips, and his never failing good -hu~
NOR twinkling in his eyes, when Adj
jutant Hood said
General I am afraid our men can't
dig the trenches"
What men?" asked the general.
The cavalry division" said the ad-
jutant.
began pulling on his boots.
send me the man." he directed
What manY' asked the adjutant
THE man who can't dig trenches"
But 1t is not one man: 1t is many
men. They are just played OUT
But you can surely find one man
who says he can't dig the trench. I
only wont one. Go get him and bring
him to me-"
But there are"-
Il don't care how many there are.
Go get me one"
1.-THE adjutant had never faced such
man as Wheeler before, and he did
not know just what to make of the
conversation. The little old general
was as smooth and suave and cour-
teous as could be, and Hood had moth
ing to do but ride back to the line.
In some way he managed to round UP
colored trooper belonging to the 9th
cavalry and brought him back to the
division headquarters. He stood look
ing sheepishly at the ground when
Wheeler addressed him.
Are you the man who says he can't
olS these trenches?" asked the gem
eraI.
The Negroes feet shuff1ed uneasily on
the ground. Use one of EN-, boss,
but there's a.
The general stopped him and walked
out of his tent
You can go to sleep now, my man,
and I'll go up and dig your trench for
you. When the sun cones I'm tornor
row morning the spaniards are going
10 open on us, and every man who is
not protected is not only in danger Of
being killed, but will be unable to help
MAINTAIN our own position The
trenches have to be dug, and If you are
unable to dig yours, I'll just go out
and 90 1t for you. Where's your pick ?"
With the most busnesslike air in
the world Wheeler slipped into his coat
ana turned towards the big cavalry
man. The latter's eyes opened as he
saw the proceedings, and they began
70 bulge out when the general mo-
TONED him to lead the way to his
camp. For half a 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 do 1t myself Tn dog
tired, but that amt work for YOU"
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with a flicker OF amusement in
his eyes.
II know it isn't work for me to do
he said, but / am going to need SOL
diers in the morning, and / am going
to save your life If possible Do you
think now that you can dig the
trench2"
The negro started up the hill without
a word. Then the general turned to
Adjutant Hood with a voice as pleas
ant as sunshine 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 adtutant bowed and rode off
He never came back. In the morning
the trenches were dug