The Columbus journal., 1898-12-07
Gen. wheeler.s aaetho.ls.

| ltS way 10 tue Top OF tne ulIIS AZ e
Paso and San Juan and Caney, Genera
Wheeler issued an order that ever!
command should dig trenches In prep
aration for the conflict that he knew
would break out again In the morn
ing. 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
Gen. 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 a smile upon his
lips. and his never-failing good humor
twinkling in his eyes, when Adjutant
Hood said:
General. I am afraid our men can't
dig the trenches"
What mem" asked the general.
THE cavalry DIVISION" said the ad-
tutant.
Gen. Wheeler sat up in bed and be-
gan pulling on his boots.
Send me the man." he directed.
What MANI" asked the adjutant.
The man who can't dig the trench
es."
But It is not one man: it 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
Il don't care how many there are,
so get me one"
The adtutant had never faced such
man as Wheeler before, and he did
not know just what to make of the con-
versation. The little old general was
as smooth and sIave and courteous as
could be, and Hood had nothing to do
but ride hack to the line. In some
way he managed to round up a colored
trooper belonging to the Ninth caval-
~. and brought him back to the divi-
sion headquarters. He stood looking
sheepishly at the ground, when Wheel
er addressed him.
Are you the man who says he cant
dig these trenches?" asked the gen.
eral.
The negro's feet shuflled 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 60 to sleep now. my man,
and Ill 60 and dig your trench for you.
When the sun comes up tomorrow
morning the Spaniards are going to
open on us. and every man vino isn't
protected is not only in danger of being
killed, but will lie unable to help us
our own position. The
trenches have to be dug. and il You
are unable to dig yours, I'll just 90 |
and dig yours for you. Where's your
pick?"
With the mCst businesslikc air in the |
world Wheeler slid into his coat and |
urnea toward the big cavalryman. The
alters eyes opened as he saw the pro-
'eeding. and they began to bulge out
when the general mOtioned him to lead
he way to his camp. For a minute
lis voice stuck in his threat, and then
le said:
Boss, you amt fit to dig no trench
IS. II they done got to be dug. I'll
ast naturally do it myself. I'm dog
ired. but that amt no work for YOU"
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
nan with a flicker OF amusement in his
yes.
Il know 1t isn't work for me to do"
'e said. but l am going to need SOL
liers in the morning, and am going
o save your life, If possible. Do you
hink now that you can dig the
The negro started up the hill withou;
word. Then the general turned to
Idjutant Wood with voice as pleas
mt as sunshine in May.
He seems 10 have changed his
nind." he said. Now, you go find me
mother man who can't dig the t, ~ach-
s."
The adjutant bowed and rode on. He
ever came back. In the morning the
renches were dug.-Atlanta Constitu-
ion.