The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-11-16

Even the men seemed to know that
something was in the wind. Old "salts'
of the sea could not more certainly
predict foul weather in the sky than
the troops could see hard fighting in
the generals face. About dark we got
the first fash of the coming storm.
The general called me to him and or
dered me to ride to the headquarters Of
the different commands, directing each
commanding officer to send two of his
best men, especially fitted for scouting
service, to report in person at head
quarters. I gave the order, and the men
reported as directed. The general sent
them out by twos, apportioning the
neighboring territory among them.
with view to discovering the posi-
tons occupied by the different bodies
: of the enemy. After they had left, he
directed me to bring Corporal Punk,
his favorite scout, a long lean Indianian,
whose principal occupation during the
= days when the prairies of his native
state were being opened by the pillow
was shaking with ague. He had his
own way of doing everything, and
could no more be induced to follow
plan laid out for him than mountain
horse could be guided by it's rider over
a rocky trail. He sometimes secuted
in uniform, but was quite as likely to
go out in the garb of citizen. It was
not long before had him standing be-
fore the general, not at attention, for
such a position was not possible with
him, but lettering awkwardly till the
general, who was intent upon a map
spread out before him, should notice
him.
Corporal" said the general, sud-
denly, you must bring me the en-
emy's position, and that before mid
night. This is the most important
service on which I have ever sent you.
Take the best horse in the command
and co.
Having dispatched his scouts, the
general lay down on his cot, signal
for us all that we might turn to rest or
amusement.
Walter and I, instead of preparing
for what was to come, as we should
have done, spent the time in a game of
shinplasters. Inveterate gamester as
l was, on this occasion tried to beg
off, for my heart and mind were full
of Margaret Beach. But Walter sus-
pected the cause of my unwillingness
to play, and, not wishing him to see
any further than necessary into the
state of my mind, I yielded. Once well
started in the game, I forgot Margaret,
the approaching operations, every
thing but the cards, and at IL o'clock,
when the scouts began to come in and
the general needed me, he had to call
twice before I heard him.
The reports were conflicting and of
little value. Most Of the men had gath
cred their information from citizens,
who either did not have any informa-
ton to give or purposely misled them
About one o'clock Punk came in, slow
ly ambling on his nag, bearing all the
information required.
"'Bout three mile above where the
Tennessee runs into the Hiwassee on
. the west bank, I ran afoul of a rebel
camp. I counted animals and made
out purity nigh onto six hundred
Right opposite, across the river, were
some more, and I judged by their
camp fires purity nigh as many"
THAT all?''
"All l could ,ind.'
What guard across the Hiwassee?'
"One company with two small can
non''
Good" And the corporal was dis
missed.
The general called his officers to his
tent, and, spreading a map on pine
IL, table, lighted by tallow dip, Informed
them of his plans.
Here, gentlemen he said, point.
ing to the position Of the confederates
''are two bodies of the enemy. You see
here, just above the junction Of the
two rivers, a bridge crossing the Ten
nessee. It is still held by small rebe
force with two guns. The two forces
will meet at the bridge, and, moving
in separate columns by these two
roads leading to our position here
"G-g-general," interrupted Snafae
you talk as if you were in command
of the rebels instead of us. How do 20,
know all this?'
''Major," replied his commander
''how don't you know all this? There
the map, here are the separate bodies
of the enemy, and your eyesight i
good"
Snaffle made no reply for awhile. H
studied the map with an expression o
great wisdom. II suppose" he said
presently, 1.-THE proper thing to do i
to engage the main force Oh this side
trusting to b-b-beat it before the other
can cross"
''That is not my plan. I shall g.
straight for the BRIDGE"
'W-w-what are you going to do at tn
b-b-bridge?"
"Take it,"
"Then what?"
60 over it,
"And get c-c-cornered on that point
with river on each flank, and in rear I?
"sVa will hold ha hr;doon