The National tribune., 1899-03-30
SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTER.

Mr.. CappS'S ancestors were well-to- dt
Southern farmers. His grandfather owned
and cultivated with slave labor large
cotton plantation in st. Clair County
Ala. His father died while clearing new
plantation, leaving the authors mother
and other members of the family almost
entirely dependent upon the son for sup
port. They then moved to n small farm
near Knoxville, Tenn, his mother 5
former home. Mr.. Capps finally entered
the University of Knoxville, graduating IN
1852. Until 1859 he taught school. At the
beginning of the war he was living al
Rutledge, and while in strong sympathy
with the Union cause, took no active
part in affairs until the Spring OF 1852,
when he was ordered 10 report for duty in
the rebel army. He then sent his family
to the home of his wife's father and
Joined party of 1 200 who were going to
Kentucky. He was chosen as leader, and
the party started for the Cumberland
mountains. His command is attacked by
an overwhelming force of well armed rebel
cavalry, and after a desperate fight dis
persed Mr. Capps escapes end later joins
about 100 of his men at Camp CARRIER, on
Cumberland River, where they organize
Co. F, 4tlI East Tenn, and he is elected
Captain. The enemy force the Union
army out of Kentmcky into Ohio.
CHAPTER III.
The army broke up and detachments went
TO different places. The East Tennessee
Brigade moved out and camped little north
of Gallipolis. Here we were furnished with
supplies of all kinds We made up our mus
ter-rolIs and were at once paid off in green
backs. / must pause here to make mention
of the grand style in which the Ohio people
treated us. They came in fine carriages in
their wagons, and in every way to bring US
something nice to eat
Our regiment, the 4th East Tenn, was sent
TO Camp Dennlson to be mustered as the 1st
(East) Tenn. Cav. In due time this was
done, and we were all very much pleased
with the change. Much time was required
to prepare the regiment for active service. !
was very much depressed and generally run
down in health. The Surgeon at Camp Den
nison advised me, if wished to live, to resign
and take things easy Iacted ON his suggestion.
He gave me a certificate of disability. and 1
was at once discharged babe farewell to Co.
F, and sailed forth into the world 10 further
adventures.
/ had all Of my money, which 1 had care
fully saved. / went to a nice place and
rested for quite awhile. l soon began to feel
better. The rebels during this time were
threatening Cincinnati, and all the old men
and boys in and around the city were throw
ing up Notifications and digging trenches to
protect their lives and property. The Union
troops soon concentrated a sufficient force and
drove the rebels away. Cincinnati was safe |
Soon after the Union troops defeated the
rebels at Perryville. This walked Rragg up |
and he got out of Kentucky. This changed |
the entire state of affairs, and L could see
daylight for East Tennessee
l went down to Louisville. / was trying |
to devise some plan by which / could get my
wife and children from amongst the rebels
i went out TO Lexington, where found quite
q force of Union troops In few days there
began TO arrive 4 great many refugees from
East Tennessee. Many of them personally
knew. | secured a large warehouse in which
they could camp. / took notion that it was
a good chance to raise a regiment. l pro-
posed the matter to the men, and we at once
organized into companies for tue 9Th East