The National tribune., 1899-11-30

Payment for some of them was demanded
long after the surrender, and Serg't Rob
inson. one of the scouts, was hunted out
at his home in a far Western State 10 years
after the date of which | write, and ques-
toned as to why and for what purpose
he, in the month of March, 1863, took from
her owner one --, of Wilson County,
Tenn, one bay-roan mare, etc.
Ten years was rather lengthy period
over which to remember the color of every
one of 800 or 700 horses, and the inquirer
was SO informed. and had to content him.
self with that reply.
THE CHAPLAIN SECURES A MOUNT.
But there were reasons for recollecting
some of the seizures. The Chaplain of one
of the regiments of the brigade, hard-work-
ing and strictly conscientious, found that
he needed horse, and, new TO army ways
and methods, asked the advice of the Ad-
jutant, who was something of a wag,
about getting one, saying that he could
not find any for sale. and must have one
to properly attend to his duties with the
sick in different hospitals. After a mo-
meat's thought the Adjutant turned TO
the Chaplain. and said: See Serg't Rob
Illottl SCitiilS lItIScS
tell him what you want" Acting on the adj
vice the Chaplain hunted up Robinson, and
was informed that mount would be found
for him.
Not long after, while returning from
scout over the Kentucky line, Serg't
Robinson's party captured two men at a
farmhouse, who claimed to belong to rebel
cavalry command. One of them had
spurs on, so a hunt for his mount was
instituted, and in a back lot, hidden from
the road, number of good horses were
found, and among them was a piebald
pacing pony.
Here's the Chaplain's pony" said the
Corporal, as the animals were driven
into the yard. near the barn, and she was
seized as prize. When the scouts reached
camp the Chaplain was told to come and sec
how he liked a pony We had. A trial
was satisfactory, and he was informed how
to get saddle and other necessaries from
the officer having such articles in charge,
an departed with his prize.
GETTING A CLEAR TITLE.
A few days later he came back with
q very long face.
"!See here, Sergeant" he said, Il don't
know about keeping that pony. The
AdJutant says she was stolen from hel
owner"
"5he was taken, Chaplain, just as hun
dreds of others have been"
"But he says you and your men JUS
go out into the country, and wherever yol
find a good horse you seize il, regardless.
OF the rights of the owner"
That is about the usual course Of pro
ceeding, Chaplain, unless We find tn
owner is 4 loyal man; then We don't dis
turb him"
well. well, I've always heard that wa
is denoralizing. but for men. honest whel
at no ne, TO carry off other peoples propert!
this way passes my comprehension Don't
you pay for any horses:'
"Not one"
"Bless me! I-like-the-pony-
feel guilty 10 be riding a horse procure'
in that way. What is the name OF In
owner, and where does he liye?"
Il do not rene nber his name. but hi
home is in Kentucky. Why do you ask:
Because, if ! could find him | wou
pay him for the animal"
well, Chaplain, it wouldn't be yer
healthy for you to visit that neighborhood
But can tell you how you can get clea
title to the pony. Turn her over to mt
and / will turn her into the Quartermaster'
stable in town, and you can buy her fror
the Government after she has been al
praised by the board ordered for that pu
pose, and let Uncle Sam bear the brunt {
the steal, as you think it is"
The advice was followed, and no doul
some of the men Of the brigade still remen
Der the piebald pony which went throug
to the sea.
LONG MARCHES,
The Chaplain mourned over the d
moralization of the soldiers. 1t extende
to the animals they rode. On one occasio
returning from long, hard ride, whic
had taken them across the State lin
when for five days and nights man NJ
animals had scarcely closed their eyes
slumber, a halt was made at distillery
Robertson County, and every horse wa
I given a big drink Of whisky and the rid
/ (of about 80 miles) TO camp was made tha