The National tribune., 1898-03-24

French people told me they had been
much ill-treated notwithstanding their
French nationality. | then shouldered my
saddlebags and walked through the Smok-
ing and desoate streets towards the Bow
mont House.
| had not proceeded far before man
with long gray hair and an enormous re-
vovler rode up to me, and offered to carry
my saddlebaes. He then asked me who
| was; and after | told him, he thought a
few moments, and then said
well, sir, you must excuse me, but II
you are a British officer, | can't make out
what on earth you are doing at jackson
Just now"
Mr. Smythe, for so this individual was
named, then told me, that if | was really
the person / represented myself, | should
be well treated by all; but that if / could
not prove myself TO be an English officer,
an event would happen which it was not
difficult to foresee and the idea caused a
disageeable sensation about the throat.
Mr.. Smythe then gave ME to understand
that ] must remain a prisoner for the
present. He conducted me to a room in
the Bowmont House, and i found myself
speedily surrounded by group OF eager
and excited citizens, who had been sum-
moned by Smythe TO conduct my examina-
ton.
greeable. / suggested that they should treat
me with proper respect until was proved
to be a spy, they replied that their city had
been brutality pillaged by the Yankees and
that there were many suspicious characters
about.
At this critical iuncture new character
appeared on the scene in the shape of a
big heavy man. who said to me:
"My name is DIR. Russell; I'm an Irish =
man. and / hate the British Government
and the English nation; but if you are
really an officer in the ColdStream Guards
4 do for
shall come TO my home and | will protect
you
! Immediately showed Dr. Russell my
passport and letters OF introduction to Gen.
Johnston and other Confederate officers;
he pronounced them genuine, promised TO
stand by me. and wanted TO take me away
with him at once.
But | announced my determination TO
stay where ] WAS until ! was released by
the military authorities. with whom ! de-
mandcd an immediate audience.
very handsome cavalry officer called
Capt Yercer. shortly afterwards arrived,
who released me II once asked ne 10 his
mothers house. ard promised that should
Join a brigade which WAS 10 march for Gen.
| Johnston camp on the following morning.
! was told that DR.. Russell saved
his property from piliaCc in The following
manner: He had seated himself in his
/ veranda, with "a loaded double barreled
! gun on his knees, and when The pillagers
! approached he addressed them in the fol-
lowing manner
| mo man can die more than once, and |
| shall never be more ready TO die than am
now; there is nothing 10 prevent your CO.
| ing into this house. except that ] shall kill
the first two Of you who move with this
/ gun. Now, then gentlemen. walk in"
Jackson, the Capital Of the State Of Mis-
| sissippi. is a place Of great importance.
Four railroads meet here, and have been
destroyed in each direction for q distance
Of from three 10 five miles. All the numer-
Gus factories have been burnt down by the
enemy.
called at Capt. Yerrers house. and
found him with Gen. Gist and another
officer lying fiat on their stomachs porting
over a map. Capt. Yercer then introduced
me to the ladies of his family, who were
extremely pretty. very amiable, and highly
patriotic.
The house is charming. and. being out
! side the town ii had by good luck escaped
destruction and pilacc. After supper the
! ladies played and sang. and | ended an
| eventful day in very agreeable manner.
Gen. Gist promised that | should accom-
| pany his BRIGADE tomorrow on its march
| toward Gen. Johnston and Mrs. Yerger in
sisted that | should. pass the night at her
| house.
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