Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1899-08-17

BOYS, DOES MY ANSWER SUIT YOU?
that he was possessed of good judg-
ment and sound discretion, as well as
unquestioned courage. Meter was at
this time about 26 years of age, rather
below the medium size, but we'll formed,
with fair complexion, of neat appear
ance, faultless in apparel, and as polite
as the proverbial French dancing mas
ter" Had his life been spared he would
have achieved honor and distinction for
himself, and glory for his adopted coun-
try.
Though he was strict disciplinarian,
and wanted his men to look and act as
soldiers, he treated them with great
kindness, and was ever solicitous both
for their welfare and their comfort.
In his disposition, gentleness and firm
ness were mingled together in about
equal proportions.
Our camp was at the Old fair grounds,
but a short distance from the western
suburbs of the town. AT this time we
had about 500 names on the rolls of all
the different embryo companies; but
as the chief business in hand was that
of recruiting, both officers and privates
were allowed to go wherever there was
a chance to bring in another recruit,
so that not more than half of the men
were in camp at any one time.
This was the condition of affairs at
the camp when at an early hour on the
morning of September 10, 1862, while
a dense fog covered the earth, we re-
ceived information that confederate
cavalry, numbering about 500 men, had
made a forced march by travelling all
night, and now occupied the town.
Our morning meal was indefinitely
postponed, and we at once began to
make hasty preparations for our first
fight. While our colonel was busily en-
gagged IN getting his men into proper
position he received further informa-
ton that a portion of the enemy was
concealed in the woods west of our po-
sition, ready to pounce upon the camp
and take possession as soon as he
should leave it to attack the force in
town, as they confidently expected him
to do.
So he decided to reconnoiter in that
direction first. He started with his en-
tire command, except our company,
composed of about 25 men and a small
squad handling a six-pound brass gun,
Wn1cn. ne lett there TO WaUcn the enc
my in town and protect the camp.
By this time the fog had cleared
away. Moving a short distance down
the lane leading from the fair grounds
to the river, he halted his men and re-
turned to give our captain his final in
structions. While thus engaged his at
tention was called to an officer coming
from the direction of the town bearing
flag of truce, who had been halted by
our pickets. He rDotioned to him to
advance, and went forward few PAGES
to meet him.
After short conversation between
them he returned to us accompanied by
the officer, and addressed US as follows:
ssBoys, this officer comes with a flag
of truce from Lieut.-Col. Martin, who,
with 500 'guerrillas,' has possession of
the town, and demands of me an uncon-
ditional surrender of my command and
all the government property in my pos
session. want you to hear my an
swer.''
Then turning to the officer, and with
a wave Of the hand pointing toward the
ground he said: Never, till the last
man of US is laid low in the dust
Then facing toward us he inquired:
'tBoys, does my answer suit you?'
We were raw recruits and this was
our first taste of war and our first
sight OF an armed foe. but such was the