The National tribune., 1900-08-30

our Nation. Here were coIored troops and
former house-servants. All felt they were
free, thinking Massa Linkum's proclama-
tion had severed their bonds. Here one
the muffled drums, the yolley over the
grave; that was all. But one morning we
fell in 'by fours" and marched out of the
barracks to the city. At our head rode
Col. Beyeridge, who, with his iron-gray
hair, looked as much our father as the
eagles upon his shoulders made him look
like our Colonel. Arriving at the depot,
we were soon loaded and on our way to
Jefferson City, the capital, where was an
other prison. Arriving here, we camped
on the bank Of the river, near the State
House. After a stay Of few weeks we
again took up the line Of march, crossed
the Usage River, and slowly plodded
along, stopping occasionally to administer
the oath of allegiance to some farmer
picked up by the fankers. We crossed a
beautiful stream of water called the Gas
conade, and finally came to the post at
Rolla. A violent storm came up that last
ed for hours. We were in line two hours,
waiting before we got orders, and went
to Camp Sigel, about two miles south Of
the town, on hill, and went into camp.
Our dog-tents were quickly put up, and
the boys stretched out for a rest, unmnd-
full of the wet ground. Here we drew
company and regimental teams and large
wagons, preparatory to long marches, and
carrying heavy loads. Here some drilling
was done, some scouting and picket duty.
In making the grand rounds" one had to
ride ~ miles, SO far apart were the posts,
located on each and every road leading
into Kolla. The drafted men in that re-
gion were gathered up by Co. X and put
to work on the defenses of this important
place. Rolla was the terminus of the rail-
road for southern and western Missouri
All was hurry and hustle, we believing
something was to be done.
To complete the full complement of the
1Ith we must go to Centerville and ger
Cos. Z. and ID and bring them to Rolla.
These companies had many interesting ex-
periences while at Centerville. Early one
morning a young lady of II Summers
rode into the camp here (which was n
stockade or fort built by the boys), and
Informed the officer, that she and her
mother lived about 80 miles from there;
that they were Union people, and for Civ
ing expression to their views and assist
ing the Union cause they had been ha
rassed by Capt. Mann and his gang Of cut
throats. Her father had been sLCt in his
own dooryard in cold blood, and she
wished them to go to her home with a
team and wagon, get their things and con-
vey them to the nearest station, so they
could get to st. Louis. They agreed to do
so, and she started back. A storm came
up, and when she got to the bluff over
looking the small farmhouse and garden
OF her parents she tied her horse and pro-
ceeded down the slope, and as she was
crossing the opening and near the house
flash of lightning revealed her to some
20 guerrillas who were mt the house. Cant
Mann saw her and shouted: "Here is the
lass; secure her alive. / want her for
myself"' She turned and fled. the .'whack
ers' in hot pursuit. She learned that
they had shot her mother in the leg and
had her confined in the house unable to
walk. She reached her horse, and mount
ing quickly was soon out of harms way.
On the brow of the hill she stopped and
looking toward the house. saw it was in
flames. Her mother lad crawled to the
open window above, and was waving her
hands toward her. as much as TO say.
Save yourself" She watched the house
Gall in, and knew her mother was burned
to death.
Imagine, if you can, her feelings as she
rode back to camp, no friends living, but
n cousin in the East, where she had been
TO school, receiving first-cass education.
This girl, travelling alone, heard voices
ahead, and learned that a company of
"whackcrs' were returning to their rem
dcZvous. cave hid away in the hills, and
she determined to find their hiding place,
Knowing such information would be worth |
much to her Union friends. She followed
The command at a safe distance. the rain
making them less vigilant. They fol- |
lowed winding paths, up steep, rocky |
hills, down into the valley, into a stream |
which they waded down stream for many
rods, then emerging turned up the bank |
and disappeared in an opening in the |
rocks-their cave and home She then |
turned her way to the main road, and |
giving whip to her noble pony, daybreak |
found her entering the camp Mt Center.
vile. Tired out her hair disheveled, her
clothes and flesh torn by the brush and |
brambles, she was pitiful sight Some |
of the officers had their wives with them. !