The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-05-07

oneof the expeditions to Nicaragua and
as a scout during the civil war had
many narrow escapes from death. One
of his thrilling adventures he describes
as follows
General Candy, knowing that I had
been up Red river and was familiar
with the roads in West Louisiana. asked
me if l could procure any one that
could make his way to Banks and
deliver message. I answered: 4 am
the very man to do that, general and
the next morning I started. I took a
permit from General Bowen. the pro-
vost marshal general, to go to Red
River landing for the purpose of pur-
chasing cattle. l took a Mexican sad
die bride, spurs and a revolver; l wore
a Mexican hat with silver snake
around it. Going on board the Natchez
packet Reindeer, l went on shore at
Red River landing.
AS l now remember, I had progress
ed on my westward mission about 10
feet when / was taken in charge by a
squad of confederate cavalry. I was
taken to a small confederate camp,
short distance from the river. They
were watching the forces across the
river. l showed my pass and told the
officer that l was fool for being there:
that / was innocent and that I did NOT
suspect and had been informed that
there was not a confederate soldier east
Of the Atchafalaya, and that I simply
came there to buy cattle for the New
Orleans market. l stated that l was a
Californian. My name was correctly
given on my papers, and I acknowledge
ed the corn, and all of that, except
that of being a captain of cavalry with
my command up Red river with Banks.
I had no idea of telling the truth about
that.
1T happened that the confederate
commander was a Californian. and up
on questioning me he concluded that 7
was just what l pretended to be. Hesad
that he would put me on board the first
boat that came along down and would
permit me to go to New Orleans
so far it was very nice but there
came citizen in camp and the COM
mander, after conversing with him,
came to me and said that the citizen.
whose name was Means, and who lived
at Atchafalaya, had informed him that
he had seen me in New Orleans wear
ing the uniform of a federal officer
This changed the situation. and he said
he would send me to the headquarters;
therefore, with an apology for not be-
ing able to furnish me with u horse,
two troopers We're sent to conduct me
to headquarters at Yellow Bayou.
TT was Is miles to Simsport, thence
up Bayou de GlaiZe three miles to Vel
low Bayou. Crossing the river. one
trooper returned to the Mississippi and
the other, Pan Rochelle, conducted me
thence to Yellow Bayou. The two had
been profuse in their expressions of re-
eret in subjecting a gentleman of my
polite bearing to SO much hardship and
Inconvenience, and one of them pro-
posed to tie with me; that is. to let
a {1-hi Ia md Ha
walk. I think this was Pan, but the
other who was a rougher diamond,
whispered to Pan, and l did not get a
ride.
ION the way from the Atchafalaya
to Yellow Bayou, being all the time
determined to take any chance of max
ing my escape, l attempted to ease the
fatigue of my march by resting my
hand on the pummel Of Pans saddle.
This, however, he warily avoided. 1t
was my intention to fling myself on the
horse behind him and tumble him off,