davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-03
NEW MEN IN THE MAJORITY.
Wouid HIVE More Than Two 20 One
on Joint BaIIot-The Roll.

New men will be largely ia the ma
jority In the House. and on joint ballot
they would poll two 20 one vote. with
eight 10 spare. OF the nineteen members
OF the Senate elected this year, sixteen
are new men. The three old ones re-
turned are Messrs. Flood KeeZell and
Wickham. The twenty-one holdovers
give the old men majority OF eight IN
the upper branch.
or the one hundred members OF the
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
THE WILSON RAID.
Lively Experiences Of wl.ksowa Headquarters Scout

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: I have
read with interest the description of the
Wilson Raid in the columns of THE Ma
TIONAL TRIBUNE, and, if permitted,
would like to add few lines to what has
already been said. u was on the raid as a
scout at Headquarters
Plew, Hatton and myself were sent outside
of our lines to cut the wires in the vicinity
Of Ream's StationJ We succeeded in
just before daybreak when we started back
ing, We observed at short distance the
enemy approaching in skirmish order with
carbines advancedsn we were not dis
covered. We were riding about a mile and
half in advance of the rebel line, when we
finally deserted in an open field some cav
airy. We did not know whether they were
our men or not, for we did not know that
the raid had started. Upon approaching
more closely we discovered that they We're
the Sd Ind. Cav of Gen. Kautz's Brigade,
Col. chapman commanding. We re-
ported to the Colonel that the enemy were
coming up in his rear. The Colonel an
swered calmly, I'VE will attend to that"
and ordered us to report TO Gen. KautZ.
The sun was well up then. When we
reported to KautZ he instructed Cline to
take one man with him and go out on the
fanks and ascertain all he could and report
back. Cline and Plew started out, and
Stratton and myself were ordered to report
70 Gen. Wilson, commanding the Third
Division. just at this juncture Col. Spear,
Of the 11th Pa. Cav. had a hot fight at
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

Ream's Station, on the Jerusalem Plank
lery exchanged shots with the enemy
We burned the railroad station and de
stroyed part of the track. While on the
move to the next station Col. Chapman
was attacked by the enemy's cavalry,
which, after sharp engagement, were
started, Hatton and l were detained. In.
stead Of reporting to Gen. Wilson We were
kept busy scouting in front and rear and
on both flanks.
1t was now about midnight, and there
being no fighting in progress, we halted
ter, ible strain we had been through-fight-
ing almost continuously for two days and
nights. just as we were in a sound sleep
we were awakened by the believing of a
| calf which was tied to a tree. 1t is needless
to say that that calf was made short work
of. l believe it was two OF the Sd N: Y.
who fixed his business. Some years after
ward the writer, in conversation with some
gentlemen about the raid, mentioned this
incident and was introduced to the owner
of the calf.
The next morning we destroyed the rail
road to Staunton Bridge, a structure which
crossed the Roanoke River. Here we
tried to force crossing, but could not.
The rebels were in force and wellintrenched.
The ID. C. Cav. were on our right, armed
with 16-shooters, worthless arm; could
not hit barn so rods distant. Two guns
of our artillery tried to destroy the bridge.
Then the rebel artillery opened with shell.
At this point two Of our Sergeants dis
played great craftsmanship. Serg'ts
Moran and Driscol sighted their pieces on a
rebel gun that was being. loaded. One
shell exploded at the muZZle OF the rebel
gun, while at the same time the roundshot
hit the wheel, turning the enemy's gun over.
don't remember the name OF the battery.
They were Regulars. Pat Hughes was
First Sergeant. From here We began to
move back and met with serious losses,
all our wagons, ambulances, two pieces
Of artillery, besides our wounded, being
captured. We were hard pressed. Capt.
Whitaker took an escort and ran the gaunt-
let to Headquarters. AS soon as we came
to the Blackwater River we (the scouts)
separated, and all got to Headquarters the
same day that Capt. Whitaker did.-P. NC
ENEANY, U. S. Pension Office, Washing
ton ID. c.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

tics as much rs possible, which, of course,
was very popular theme at that time, and
one which MIR. Thompson was very much
interested in. He was violent Secession
iSt
ARRIVAL AT NASHVILLE.
Thus the time was occupied in conversa-
ton until we arrived at Nashville at $3.50
O'Clock that afternoon. Mr.. Thompson
gave me very cordial invitation to call on
him the next day, which was Sunday,
giving me his address. Assuring him Of
he happiness it would afford me, we shook
hands and parted. l have never met him
since.
Hundreds of men and boys of all sizes
could be seen drilling at every turn and
cross street as i passed down town. Some
were in their shirt sleeves, some with vests
on some without, some with one suspender,
some with two, some with linen coats,
some woollen coats They were an odd
looking crowd. The rebel flag occupied
nearly every available place, and yet there
was one Union flag waving from an old
style brick residence on High street 1t
was said to have been raised by a widow,
who had declared that she would shoot the
person who dared touch it. 1t made my
heart rejoice, and | stood there for some
minutes looking at the dear old flag. /
finally passed on in search of an old ac-
Glaintance, a Mr.. Clements, native of
Elmira n. Y. with whom | had been cor
responding while was in South Carolina.
He was genuine Yankee, and knew he
was true blue-aS We called all truly loyal
men those days. l desired very much to
meet him.
After visiting two or three tin shops-he
was timer by trade-1 was successful,
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
FIRING ON
FORT SUMTER.
Experience of a Northern Me-
chanic in Charleston.
BY " MALLET."
PART ".

/ arrived at Atlanta before dinner time,
and took the northbound Georgia Central
to Chattanooga about 2:30 p. M, buying my
ticket 10 Dalton only by way of precautiol
in case ! should be missed from the COM
pany and a. tracer sent after me. Getting
off at Dalton would indicate that | was
going to Knoxville; it would place a
stranger under suspicion to be making an
effort to get North.
AS the conductor took up my ticket,
which he did just before We entered Mari
eta, he seemed very communicative, taking
seat with me after passing through the
town.. He very adroitly, as he thought, no
doubt. pumped me as to my destination,
past whereabouts, etc. knew at once that
l was under suspicion, and as the train
slowed up on entering Gainesville two
rough-looking men stepped aboard and ap-
preaching slapped me heavily on the
shoulder, that might properly appreciate
tie majesty Of the law and the weight OF
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
AT MONROE'S CROSSROADS.
Dead cavaymen Were to be Seen at That Lively Little
Scrimnage.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The
most interesting part of THE NATIONAL,
TRIBUNE to me is Fighting Them Over. !"
enjoying as L do most all the other articles
We used to wonder if it was true that Joe
Hooker had made a standing offer OF
$4,000 for dead cavalryman with spucs
on, but concluded it was only Joke bV the
infantry. branch OF the service. In the
night attack OF Hampton's rebel command
upon Kilpatrick's Cavalry Division in the
early morning of March s, 1855, on the
memorable march through the Carolinas.
at Monroe's Crossroads, there were III
brave boys who gave up their lives in de-
Tense OF the Union. Our brave commander.
Little Kill" seemed to get an idea that
there were no rebels around. l think the
Captain and his squad of foragers who got
cut off and captured by us reported to the
General that Hampton and Wheeler had
fallen back on Fayetteville. But as night
came on the Johnnies followed us I'D and
went into camp right by the side of us
without making fires.
At the break of day they attacked us.
three divisions strong, though / believe
Hampton's command was called LEGION"
After fighting for two hours they were
willing to Withdraw, sustaining severe
loss both in men and in horses.
AS the battle-ground was in the pine
woods and very open, our boys fought In
dian fashion, getting behind trees and
other objects, without order Of battle, at
first, so complete was the surprise.
We used TO remark that when white
house was reached the command would
go into camp, which did not occur the night
before the fight until after midnight, but
true to our predictions the house was found
for headquarters all right.
Fitzpatrick had got up before the onset
OF the rebels and was out of the house
before the enemy surrounded it, All of
his staff and most of the Third Brigade
commanders with their staffs were slowed
away in quiet hooks, corners, and behind
doors, most any place not conspicuous
w. M. LoMAX, Hospital Steward, LIST Ala.
Cav, Farber, Mo.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
VESSELS THAT VANISHED.
Iastase.s whea Great ships DISAPPEARED aad Left
Trace.
London Mail.


II seems passing strange, considering
the enormous amount of ocean traffic car
ried on nowadays, that it should be possible
for vessel to put out to sea, in fit condi.
ton, only to vanish from the face OF the
waters, and leave no indication of its fate.
True, there are hundreds OF unidentified
derelicts floating about the seas, and some
of them may be the vessels which have Sc
mysteriously vanished.
1t is appalling to think of such myste-
ries as the fates of these vessels, which,
setting sail with hundreds of passengers
to whom the voyage perhaps promises hap
piness, wealth, and all the joys of life,
never reach their destination, and are
never again heard of.
Take the case Of the Burvie Castle as a
striking example. She vanished, not in
mid-ocean, but between the ports of Lon
don and Plymouth. Into the latter port
she should have put on her way to Aus
tralia. But she never reached Plymouth,
and not a living soul knows how or where
she should have been lost so near to land
without SO much as a spar being washed
ashore to tell of her fearful fate.
Equally mysterious is the case of the At
Atlanta. This famous training vessel was
stationed off Bermuda with more than $50
souls aboard. Early in 1880 she set sail for
short cruise, and from that day to this
she has never been heard of.
A very considerable percentage of the
vessels which disappeared for ever in this
mysterious manner were running between
England and America at the time. 1t
might be thought that the terrible seas of
the vast Atlantic were responsible. but it
has been proved that many vessels were
lost when the ocean was almost at dead
calm.
A large sailing ship left New Orleans
some years ago for London. Thrice she
was spoken and reported all well, and she
was facing exquisite weather and smooth
sea at the third time. Yet, it is known she
was lost with all hands within "a hours,
and to this day no trace Of her has been
discovered.
In the early part of 1892 five-mast
bark, the Maria, newly-constructed
vessel, and at that time the third largest
in the mercantile marine, set sail in beau
tiful weather from one of the biggest ports
promise of a fair voyage. But she never
reached Germany. She vanished shortly
after being spoken off the west coast of
Africa, and nothing has been found since
to indicate the fate that befell her.
Another vessel running between England
and America which met an end of a kind
none but those who shared it ever knew,
was the first-class steamship President
She sailed from New York for a journey
to Liverpool in the Spring of 1S41, having
on board full crew of experienced hands
of passengers.
She left New York in fine weather, in
splendid condition, and with no reason for
fearing anything she was likely to meet.
But she was never spoken, and never heard
of again; and, although 81 years have
passed, no one yet knows to what dire
her end was due.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

could be done that;night, ordered the firing
to cease and rode off to Nashvllle 10 teie-
graph his success to Washington;
Just as he was leaving the field ne re-
marked to Gen. Schofield in his quiet way;
$50 far ! think we have done pretty well
for the first day.
That night Hood took up new and
stronger position two miles in the rear OF ms
first. Thomas carrying out his original
plan, ordered his whole, army to move at
daylight against the enemy's whole line,
driving them from the field, and Schofield
captured 5000 prisoners; one MaJor-Gen-
eral, three Brigadiers and more than 200
commissioned officers were captured, not
to mention the killed and wounded. Forty
pieces of artillery were taken with any
quantity Of small-arms and battlefiags.
Thus in two days Thomas had taken some
5000 prisoners and between SO and 80
pieces of artillery. AS on the day before,
night put an end to the conflict and Hood s
army fled back towards Alabama. On
the last Of the month Hood crossed the
Tennessee. l.. STRATTON, Co.
G, 112th ILL.,, Cope, Colo.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
FIGHTING THEM OVER.
What the Veterans Have to Say
About Their Campaigns.
FORCING A HARD CAMPAIGN.
TIE Battle Of July zS 1864. as told Of BY SD Ohio
Comrade-Incidents Of q Trying Time.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: l have
been looking for some communication from
32d Ohio boys since my letter of Jan. 10
giving an account of the battle of July %,
1864. l have received quite Il number of
letters from comrades of the regiment, who
all pay me high compliments on my nara
tive. / want to return to them many thanks.
Capt. Warner Mills, of Columbus, O.,
who was in command of Co. G, says l gave
a correct account, as he was near my COM
pany. Serg't ID. c. Shepherd, of Mechan-
icsburg, o., whom l have not heard from
since the regiment was discharged in July,
1865, wrote me splendid letter giving me
much information about my comrades.
1t does me good to learn that so many of
them are filing high places with honor.
Who has better right to occupy such posi-
tions than the old soldiers?
After the battle of July %, at Atlanta,
all was tolerably quiet along our part OF
the line The rebels made no more attempts
to kill or capture the Army of the Tennes-
see, as they had said they intended to dc
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

and we had quite a reunion together.
From him learned that company of rebel
cavalry were stationed at Gallatin, some
distance north of Nashville, on the Louis
vile Railroad, who searched every tram,
and all who were without passes from the
Governor or not known to be all rlght were
returned to Nashville.
This was valuable information to me, as
/ had intended to go by rail to Louisville.
Therefore, | changed my route, and after
bidding Mr.. Clements good.by l took the
boat to Paducah, located at the mouth OF the
Tennessee River. found all the river men,
without single exception, very bitter
Secessionists. Nothing of note happened,
however, until after leaving Paducah on the
steamer Dunbar, a mail packet.
IT seems her crew, being intensely dis
loyal, refused to fly the National colors at
her masthead, and battery OF Indiana art-
lery stationed at Horseshoe Bend, few
miles below Evansville, on the river bank,
declared that the Dunbar must hoist Old
Glory when she passed the next day.. The
officers of the boat had also been violating
an order of the President concerning the
carrying of contraband goods into Tennes-
see.
The clerk of the boat assured me in all
his bitterness that they might sink the boat,
but the crew would never carry the old rag
at their mast. However, when we came
| inside the Bend all was very quiet on the
boat. She hugged closely to the Kentucky
shore The guns could be seen plainly on the
distant shore to our left glistening in the
bright sun. Presently a white puff Of
smoke shot out towards us, and the rever-
berating sound of a blank cartridge came to
| our ears. There was now painful silence;
nothing but the throbbing of the engine
could be heard as all her capacity was being
applied to hurry her out of this danger.
| Another white puff of smoke shot out
from the land of freedom, and a solid shot
came bowling athwart the bows of the boat.
/ was standing on the hurricane deck,
where could look into the face of the Cap
tain, which had changed from deep red to
an ashen color. Suddenly he turned to-
ward the after part of the boat and roared in
laundering tones to Bring that dirty rag
forward and run her up"
The flag was hurriedly brought, and as
it unfurled to the breeze at the masthead the
joyous shout of the Hoosier boys could be
heard ringing through the Kentucky hills
behind us.
AS the Dunbar touched the levee and ran
out the plank at Evansville the officers
stepped aboard and arrested the officers OF
the boat and tied her up. / went ashore
and though not having reached Ohio yet, ]
felt that was in Gods country again.
] reached Cincinnati soon after, where ]
enlisted and served three years and II
months in the Arm. If the Tennessee.
| (The end)
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
Just What She Expected.
T'it-BitS.

A middle-aged woman called at an in-
surance Office of provincial town day
or two ago to announce that she wanted
to insure her house.
For how much?' asked the agent.
"Oh, about f200."
"Very well. will come up and investi-
gate it."
II don't know much about insurance"
she said.
Its very plain, ma'am."
'If Pm insured for 600 and the house is
burned down, l get the money, do I?'
Certainly
"And they don't ask who set it afire?"
"Oh, but they do. We shall want to
know all about it."
as she rose to go. II heard there was
some catch about it somewhere, and now
see where it is."
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
A Surprise.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: l wish
to relate little incident that happened
during my army life. 1t was when we
were in camp near Newtown, Va. in the
Shenandoah Valley. Dec. 25, 1854.
Thinking we ought to have something
good for Christmas dinner to remind us OF
loved ones at home, and having little
spare time, thought best to go outside the
picket line and look around for supplies in
the above-named town. OF course, was
provided with pass for the occasion.
! entered the place on one of the principal
streets and passed along regardless Of
consequences, until came to nice-looking
white house. Going to the door raped,
the lady of the house. She bade me be
seated. / took the proffered chair and pro
ceeded to make known my errand, which
was to exchange coffee for soft bread,
Indian meal and milk. She being pleased
with the proposition, we made the deal, and
was ready to return to camp. She then
asked me il ! would like some breakfast.
Being somewhat hungry, and seeing plenty
of griddle cakes, was not long answering
in the affirmative. After We, had been
seated at the table for some time eating
and talking of the war. and especially the
battle of Cedar Creek, some one right back
of where was sitting said:
I'VE gave you fellows a warm reception
on the morning of Oct 49,"
Not knowing there was any one in the
house but the lady and myself, you can
imagine my surprise. / turned quickly
but could see no one, there being curtain
between us. said in reply:
Yes, you did; but we returned the COM
pliment in the afternoon"
He said: You were reinforced"
Most assuredly we were, by just one
man, Gen. Sheridan"
well" he remarked. "about--that time
lost a leg"
He was from Mississippi. We had a
nice talk while finished my breakfast.
Then bade him and the lady good morn
clusion would say, we had a Christmas
dinner long to be remembered. L.
BECKWITH, Corporal, Co. F, Goth N. Y,
North East, Pa.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE.
comraec s.rai.on Graphically Pictures Its Main lusden


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: was
at the battle OF Nashville, and will tell you
what know aboutit by request. On Dec.
IA Thomas gave orders to be ready to
attack at daylight liext morning. His plan
was to make a feint on Hoods right flank,
and then fall suddenly and overwhelmingly
on his left and roll it back on the center.
A. j. Smith was stationed on the right
with the Sixteenth Corps, and at daybreak
moved forward, Wilson'S cavalry keeping
on his right along the river shore. while
Wood, with the FOutth Corps, closed in on
his left: Schofield with the Twenty third
Corps came in on Woods left as reserve.
Three corps were thus concentrated against
the rebel left.
Far away on our left Steedman, COM
manding a mixed body of troops, was di-
rected to push out heavy force of skir-
mishers before daylight and threaten the
rebel right. He did so, and driving in the
enemy's pickets, followed close on their
heels until he came upon a battery planted
behind a deep railroad cut, which the
troops could not get over and were forced
to retire.
Hood was aroused at early dawn by
heavy firing, but before he had time to
ascertain the true state of things, down on
his left came the two corps of Smith and
Wood. Only feeble resistance could be
offered and the rebel force crumbled swiftly,
and i'm a twinkling the left was hurled in
confusion back on the center.
Aroused to the imminent peril that
threatened him, Hood now ordered troops
The National tribune., 1899-07-06
he Knew Not the Word.
Hdrper's Bdsdr.

Did your father bring you" asked a
teacher in a West Virginia mountain
Sunday-school of a small new pupil"
Me what"
"Your father"
Nome"
"Did you come alone"
Nome"
"Who came with your
me pap"
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

from his right to stay
the tide of battle, and
from all the nights
around Nashville
could be seen infan-
try and artillery
sweeping to the res
cue. But though his
left was gone, the
position he held in
the center was a
strong one; high
hills covered with
breastworks, lined
with rifle pits and
fringed with abatis,
and from which
frowned heavy bat.
teries, commanded
all the open country,
Smith paused be
fore this formidable
barrier and began tt
reconnoiter. WOOD
and Schofield now
came up and all day
long Hood 'sintrench'
ments were swept by
a fierce artillery fire,
while here and there
theinfantry attempt.
ed to find a weak spOt
in his lines; but nC
impression was made
on thestrong position
and no particular ad'
vantage gained ex'
cept the possession
OF a battery carried
by a gallant rush.
Still, the result tc
the whole day footed
up well-2,OOO pris,
oners captured, with
16 pieces of artillery.
As the day declined
and darkness began
tocreep over the land
capes, Thomas, who
saw that no more
The National tribune., 1899-07-06

Trust not to appearances" but pin your faith to
Hoods Sarsaparilla, the true blood purifier.
The National tribune., 1899-07-06


Alonzo Matteson, Co. F, I'd Mich. Cav,
Bannister, Mich, writes: Il noticed a little
talk from Comrade Homer Mead, Co. X, Sth
Iowa Cav, about Croxton's cavalry, and 1.
being a member of that body. thought i
would like to inquire who it was that caught
up the offend of the neckyoke when we
took the three guns from Tuscaloosa. Col.
johnson said: Boys. never mind those
horses. but take those guns out of here as
quick as you can. and double-quick for the
bridge l got hold of the near end of the
neckyoke, and some one else the. other end,
and want to know who it was thus helped
take the first gun out"
John ii. Lennon, Landsman. u. S.
Navy, 11O7 South 10th Street. Omaha,
Neb., writes: Il would like to hear from
some of my old shipmates who served with
me on board the guard ship Adolph Hugel,
Capt. S. S. Nickerson, commanding. from
July 1864, and the gunboat Stepping
Stone, Capt. E. A. Roadrick, commanding.
until they were laid up at the Navy-yard,
Washington, d. c., in June, 1865. have
never seen or heard from any one since I
was discharged from the navy. l know
some of my old shipmates are alive, and
would Ike to hear from them or see them.
If any of them come to see me they can
stay as long as they like, and will have
half q my haSh."