The National tribune., 1899-02-09
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nately, however, they had not patience to
wait to get drunk before they attempted
TO carry out their projects. 1t was plain
to see that we had been entirely aban-
doned by those to whom we had Surren-
dered, and who were in duty bound to pro-
tect US, and that we had been purposely
left in the hands of party who had
made no ShpulationS, and we therefore
prepared for the worst.
When they reused us mp, which they
dit IN a rough, insulting manner, they
told us to get ready to go with them; and
as soon as we rose TO our feet-which
it was very difficult for us TO do, on &C
count Of the race we had made the day
before commenced 10 tie Or y with
a rope; and after getting him secured to
their notion they put him under strong
guard.
Turning TO me next, they took another
cord and pinioned my arms behind me as
tight as they could draw the rope. 1t was
a severe operation. and it was performed
by a muscular negro. who did it under
compul>ion; and when completed they
led me out to n big tree in the edge OF the
woods, taking the negro along, carrying
an extra rope.
When at The tree they asked me if had
any confession To make, but ] replied !
had noae to make TO them; and they then
said if desired Ia pray they would allow
me a few minutes TO prepare for eternity.
told them that did not want to pray:
that ! was ready to die, and that Gid not
fear death.
Have you nothing to say" they asked,
with establishment.
Yes; ] have a few words to say that
may interest you" | said quietly.
"Out with it," replied their spokesman;
and went on:
"You perhaps have never been con
cerned in military affairs; you are not
soldiers, and have nothing to do with the
Confederate army. You are citizens. You
meet witt! the severest punishment that
military law can infiict. We are United
States soliiers, acting in discharge Of our
duties. You, as citizens, have no right
to interrupt us. Now perceive that you
are all old men, ard have sons in the
Confederate army, perhaps.
"Our General Will retaliate. if you hurt
hair of our heads. II you hang one or
both of us he will hang man for man.
How do You know but he will select some
of your sons. He will be sure to do it if
he learns the part you are taking here,
and you viii find it impossible TO keep
him from discovering this. Then, you are
all rich men, for l have heard your talk
in the house, and your appearances in
dicate you To be men who do not labor
Now, we are members of separate regi-
ments; / belong TO the 4t.l Ohio, and Gray
belongs to the 5th Iowa Cav. II we are
hung, and our regiments ever find you
out, as they will be sure to do, if they
ever come into this country they will
burn every dollars worth of your property
they can discover, and they will hang
every man they can catch who was con-
cerned in the TRANSACTION. If you are pre-
pared To make this sacrifice lam"
A little nonplussed, they now left me
under guard short time, and went off
into the woods, as ] supposed TO talk the
matter over; and when they came back
they took me 10 Talbot's house again and
united rs both. Talbot then brought out
A decanter OF whisky TO treat all hands, |
Dut in his conversation he made an in
'ulting remark, to the effect that he |
wanted to drink first, as he would rather
rink after the blacklist niger he had |
han after a Yankee, whereupon we re-
used to drink with them.
On the night previous, as they were
us along, one villain tried to
shoot me in the back; but although the |
ap bursted loud and clear, the gun