The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1898-10-19
GENERAL WHEELER'S WAY.
Joe"Got the Trenches
Dug ut Ell PuSO.

Dug ut Ell Pnso.
When the American line had fought
its way to the top of the hills at Ell Paso
and San Juan and Caney, General
Wheeler issued an order that every COM
mand should dig trenches i'll preparation
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 81 ound and went to sleep from
sheer exhaustion. Adjutant Hood Of the
rough 1iders, noting this condition Of
affairs, rode over to General Wheeler's
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 smile
upon his lips and his never failing good
humor twinkling in his eyes, when Ad-
jutant Hood said:
General, / am afraid our men can't
dig the trenches"
"What men?" asked the general.
"The cavalry DIVISION" said tho ad
jutant.
General Wheeler sat up in bed and
began pulling on his boots.
"Send ne the man," be directed.
"What man?" asked the adjutant.
"The man who can't dig the
trenches"
"But it is not one man. 1t is many
men. They are just played out"
"But you can surely find one man
who says he cane 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 NC 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 srave and courteous as could
be, and Hood had nothing to do but
ride back to the line In some way he
managed to round up colored trooper
belonging 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 ycu the man who says he can't
dig these trenches?" asked the general.
The negro's feet shuffled uneasily in
the ground.
"Ize one of 'em, boss, but there's
al
The general stopped him and walked
out of his tent.
"You can 60 to sleep now, my man,
and I'll 60 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
protected is not only in danger Of being
killed, but will be unable to help us
maintain our own position. The trenches
have to be dug, and if you are unable
to dig yours I'll just 60 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
Iatter's eyes opened as he saw the pro-
ceedings, and they began to bulge out
when the general motioned to 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 trenches.
If they done got to be dug, I'll just nat
urally dc it myself. I'm dog tired, but
that amt 10 work for you.
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with O flicker of amusement in his
eyes.
II know it isn't work for me to do,"
be said, "but l 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 trench:''
The negro started up the hill without
a word. Then the general turned to Ad-
jutant Hood with a voice as pleasant as
sunshine in May.
"He seems to have changed his
mind" he said. "Now you 60 find
me another n.an who can't dig the
trenches"
The adjutant bowed and rode off. He
never came back. In the morning the
trenches were dug.-Atlanta Constitu-
tion.