The National tribune., 1901-12-05

- WE WERE ALL IN GOOD HUMOR-ODI
pie tough as shoe-leather and scarcely
more nutritious.
The day wore away, while we watched
and waited for the train, deceived often
by a well-imitated whistle of the loco
motive or imaginary rumblings of wheels
| -elated by rumors of relief-depressed
| by their failure until the shades of a
dreaded night deepened the gloom Of our
situation, now much worse because even
loose sticks of wood were exhausted as
well as ratiOns.
Just as we had given up hope for the
night the sound of a real whistle of a
| real locomotive, too real to be doubted,
| inspired a spontaneous yell Of delight, and
| when the wheezy engine, with its train
of dirty box-cars, rolled up to the station,
$e were already lined up ready to spring
aboard.
There was a shuffling and scrambling
in the darkness for few moments while
We were packing ourselves like sardines,
and then the cars were. full; but not all
could find standing room inside, SO a num-
| Der had to climb on top, where the night
wind blew cold. But we were now all
in good humor-our journey home had
really begun. At Bridgeport, after con-
siderable delay, we were transferred to
clean box-cars with sufficient room to
spread our blankets on the floor and drop
asleep, while in our dreams the rails be
came measured lines of music and the
wheels ratified off the notes Of Home,
Sweet Home"
The morning light of Jan. 10 found us
speeding toward Nashville over ground
made familiar by many a hard days
| by bloody battle. The trip was not
altogether pleasant. The weather was ex-
trenely cold and the cars destitute of
stoves. AT 8 p. m. we reached Nash
vile. Found the city overfowing with
veterans en- route home, and consequently
had trouble finding accommodations
Finally found quarters in the unfinished
which contained Eve or six different regi-
ments.
THE CITY OF NASHVILLE.
Many of US were disappointed next
morning to find the door guarded by q
Provost Guard under ordere 10 keep us all
inside; but learning that we could pass
out with canteens to procure water, we
borrowed them for the purpose, and once
outside we could send the canteens back
and remain out to see the sights of the
city;
The Yankee soldiers are by far the
largest part of the population. Not many
ladies are seen, and these scarcely deign
TO glance at us. But their pride is SEN
sibly lowered since we passed through
two years ago. Then they expected soon
to see US driven back and the Bonnie
dome of the State House, vain hope
thus far, SO their pride has given place tc
sullen submission.
1t Is interesting to watch the veteran.
squandering their bounty money on gooC
clothing, watches and iewelry. Fancy
prices are paid for everything, and if VIZ
remain much longer our regiment will gC
home penniless.
DELAYS AT LOUISVILLE.
To the great joy of all we marched tc
the depot the morning of Jan. IA, board
ed the train, and soon after were dashinl
merrily along the road to Louisville. W.
watched with great interest for the 10
calities where two years before our camp:
had been pitched Reaching Louisvill,
shortly after dark, we marched to the bar
racks, corner Main and Sixth streets
Here, as in Nashville, every availabl,
building was filed with veterans goini
; home.
= We find that we cannot cross the river
as flood and running ice prevent tn,
! ferry from moving. This is q good thin;
for dealers in pinchbeck jewelry, who ar,
even more successful than their Nash
vile brethren in fleeing the thoughtles
! veterans.
We are impatient to move on, but cal
learn nothing about the time Of depart
ure.
Several regiments arrived Jan. 16, ant
one departed. Some veterans having ere
ated disturbance the Provost Guards
were sent throughout the city TO motif.
all soldiers without passes to report with
out delay to their respective quarters O.
. be arrested and confined In the guard
house. Instead Of complying the vet
Grams gathered in squads and defied til,
guards, threatening to seize their arm
: in self-defense. AS we greatly outnum