The National tribune., 1899-12-21

back with them to their hiding-piace.
UNION MEN MURDERED.
The Home Guards learning they were
making frequent visits to the mill, con.
cealed themselves near by, and waited fol-
their coming. Price, thinking the way
was clear, he, twoof his sons, and nephew
came TO the mill. They were surrounded,
taken by surprise, and all of them captured
and taken at once to the County-seat and
locked up. The next morning mob led
by Maj. Long Ohe same Major Long who
captured me, before referred tor went to
the jail, took these prisoners to wood near
the town, and hanged every one of them.
They would tie one of the poor fellows
hands behind him, put rope around his
neck, place him on horse behind one of
the mob, Who would ride under the limb OF
the tree. throw the end of the rope to man
on the limb, who would tie it, and the man
on the horse would ride from under him,
leaving him dangling in mid-air.
The three boys were hung first, one at a
| time, as | have described. In the crowd
| that went out to witness the hanging was
DR.. Wagg. prominent physician, and also
! Il Methodist preacher, man well and
| favorably known throughout all that
country, and, be it to his credit, was try
| ing TO quell the mob and save the lives of
these men. After the three young men had
| been hanged, DIR. Wagg approached the old
man, whom he had known for many years,
and told him he could do nothing for him:
! that he had no influence with these men,
ard they were going 10 hang him. "And
| now" he said, you are unprepared, and in
few minutes more your soul will be ush-
cred into. eternity. / am here TO try to do
you good. Shall not stay the hand of
death, while pray with you?"
The old man replied:
Doctor, have done nothing to be hung
for. lam old-not even subject to military
duty. have committed no crime. ] have
only beer loyal TO my country, and if il is
go into eternity as / am. | want no rebel
such as yC,l are 10 pray for me-"
In a moment his hands were Dinioncd
and he was swinging beside the three BOYS.
When they were taken down Dr. Wagg
discovered that one of the young men was
notsyet dead, and after some time spent in
working with him, he was resuscitated.
He was taken back to jail, and as soon as
/ he WAS fully recovered was sent to the
front at Richmond
| He at once made his escape, got to the
| Union army, and enlisted in the Federal
service, and fought throughout the war.
IN THE MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE.
| This happened about two weeks after NV
| arrival home and convinced me that il was
exceedingly hazardous for me to remain
| in that part Of the country After due
1
TO Tennessee. / had many friends and
acquaintances over there among the Union
| people, and would he much safer; besides,
| If should he so unfortunate as to be cant
| ured ! perhaps would not be asSassinated
but have a chance for my life With this
understanding + completed my arrange
mentS to go, and on a beautiful starlii
night, when all nature was hushed in
silence, | cautiously crept from my hiding.
place. approached the old home, following
the little path that led down by the barn
and through the back yard up to the house
Father and mother had not yet retired
for they knew would be there to say good.
10y. They said they had almost despaired
Of me ever escaping, and saw no way that
could prevent being murdered by these
midnight murderers. Further, they had
just learned that day tina: there had been
a reward offered for me. dead or alive.
tried to encourage and comfort them all
could.
Said ]: "You look upon the dark side
only. You must remember there is an
other side to this question. know it looks
dark for me now, but believe / will some
day get away from these accursed rebels
and again breathe the air Of freedom: and
in order that ! may reach my destination
soon as possible tomorrow, and get beyond
the limit Of my own State before morning
| will say good-by."
Turning, | hurried down the path, and
was soon in the woods, lost in the shadow
Of the hills. / followed the path through
the woods along the summit Of the hills
that had now become familiar with.
sped along quite rapidly, and crossed tn,
State line about daylight When begar
to descend the west side of the Allegheny
Mountains ! Travelled more leisurely, oc
caslonaily sitting down to rest.