The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-09-28
Gen. Whceler's Methods.

us way 70 the top OF the hills at Ell
i'aso ana San Juan and Uaney, Uien.
Wheeler issued an order that every
command should dig trenches in prep
aration for the conflict that he knew
would break out again in the morning.
But the soldiers had thrown away
most of their trcnching tools during
the fierce rife charges, and as dark
ness 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 Gen. Whcclcr's tent and in
formed 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 ncvcr-failing good
humor twinkling in his eyes, when
Adjt. Hood said:
General, am afraid our men can T.
dig the trenches.
"What mcn?" asked the General.
"The cavalry division, said the
Adjutant.
Gen Wheeler sat up in bed and be-
gan pulling on his boots.
Send me the man" he directed.
What man" asked the Adjutant.
THE man who cant 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 cant dig the trench. I
only want one. Go get one and bring
him to me-
'But there are
II don't care how many there are,
60 get me one.
The Adjutant had never faced such
man as Wheeler before. and he did
not know just hat to make of the
conversation. The little old General
was as smooth and suave 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 9th cavalry,
and brought him back to the division
headquarters. lie stood looking sleep
ishly at the ground, when Wheeler
addressed him.
"Are you the man who says he can t
dig the trenches?" asked the General.
The negro feet shuffled uneasily
in the ground.
"I'se one of 'cm boss, but there s
The General stopped him and walk
ed out of his tent.
"You can go to sleep now, my man,
and III 60 up and dig your trench for
you. When the sun comes up to-
morrow morning the Spaniards are 60
ing 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
so 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 latter's eyes opened as he saw the
proceedings, and they began 70 bulge
outwhen the General motioned to him
to led the way to his camp. For
half minute his voice stuck in his
throat, and then he Said:
Boss, You ain fit to dig no trench
es. If they done got ter be dug I'll
just naturally do it myself. I'm dog
tired. but that amt no work for you"
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man without flicker Of amusement
in his eyes.
II know is ism t work for me to do, y
he said, "but am going to need SOL
diers in the morning, and l am going
to save your life, if possible. Do you
think now that you can dig the
trench?"
The negro started up the hill with
out word. Then the Gen. turned to
Adjt. Hood, with Voice as pleasant
as sunshine in May.
'He seems to have changed his
mind" he said. "Now you go and
find me another man who cant dig the
trenches"
The Adjutant bowed and rode off.
He never came back. In the morning
the trenches were dug. Con-
stitution.
Put your stomach, liver and blood
in healthy condition and you can defy
disease. Priokly Ash Bitters is q