The National tribune., 1901-08-08

IAN OFFICER FROM GEN. WOO
transferred in FIVE minutes into numerous
small heaps that soon furnished cheerful
fires, serving the double purpose of cook
ing our supper and as beaeons to guide
the beIated stragglers hunting their more
active comrades. During the early part
of the night they came stumbling from
the darkness beyond, looking more like
peddlers than soldiers, with knapsacRs,
hayersacks, canteens, and some with their
shoes dangling from their guns, which
answered the purpose of a stick, being
carried across the shoulder with the breech
behind.
At p. m. our baggage wagons arrived
and we pitched tents for the night
Dec. II, 1S61.-We find the prospect
good to remain a week in this camp. wait
ing for the railroad to be repaired and
supplies brought forward.
The health of our brigade as wonder
fully improved under the exciting in
fiuence of our forward movement. The
sick, lame and lazy turn out no more
when the bugle sounds the call, which
is made to fit the appropriate words Of
Get your qui-nine.
Get your qui-nine.
All ye sick, lame and lazy.
Get your qui-nine.
But when the dinner call sounds they
Dec. IA, 1S61.-We were agreeably sur
prised to hear the whistle of the locomo-
tive on this side of the creek, and to learn
that the bridge has been SO speedily re-
paired.
We all feel a personal interest in the
cracker line, which connects Us with our
own Northern land, and makes it possible
for letters from home to find US, even in
the sassafras brush of Kentucky.
A MYSTERIOUS EXPEDITION
Dec Is, 1S61-Last night found me on
guard duty, and after standing watch two
hours was relieved with my squad. to
wait our turn four hours later We oc-
cupied log house Just outside camp and
were stretched out on the floor, trying to
sleep, with our feet extended to a great
roaring fire in the wide chimney, when
the Officer of the Guard came in at mid
night and inquired. who will volunteer
for a secret expedition" We sprang to
our feet in an instant. Here was a
chance to distinguish ourselves in a
mysterious midnight raid on the enemy,
perhaps to capture our weight in prisoners.
The officer declined to give US any details
of the proposed expedition, but nine of
us volunteered at once, and six more were
obtained from camp, as 10 were re-
quired. While our number was being re-
cruited, we improved the time by in
speeding our arms and cartridges, and
when the order was given to fall in, we
considered ourselves fully prepared for the
fray. Marching over to the railroad
track, we. had not proceeded far until we
heard the steps, and, moment later, saw
the dark outlines of a party approaching.
We went into ambush until they walked
into our jaws, when we surrounded and
made them prisoners, and then we found
they were not Confederates but comrades
in Inc lnaH Cd obi
and other plumber from the surrounding
farms. -Four of our number were sent
with the prisoners and plumber into camp,
while the balance of our party proceeded
further until we had secured more than our
weight in prisoners. We arrested so al
together, with provisions enough to sup
ply a regiment, and confined them in the
log house we had been occupying. 1t ap-
pears that numbers from our regiment,
and from our nearest neighbor, the Goth
Ind, had slipped out of camp, some to
buy, and some to steal, which was re-
ported to Gen. Wood, resulting in the is
sue of the orders we executed.
In reference to the prisoners, WHOM we
kept under close guard all night, Gen.
Wood this morning issued the following:
They will be placed on guard duty
every night until further orders, and dur
ing the day will be employed in perform
ing all the work Of cleaning up the camp,
cutting wood etc, and when not on guard
dIty or working in camp, will be confined
| in the guard house.
I'm addition to all this an estimate has
been made Of the loss sustained By the
farmers, which is placed at $500, to be
paid to them, and deducted from the next
pay of the prisoners, amounting to $40
each"
| pitied the unfortunate fellows, as /
stood guard over them last night, as many
had paid for what they brought in, their
without permission and in bad company,
for few members of their party did act
in scandalous manner and well deserve
their punishment
This afternoon, In accordance with
orders, the prisoners were formed Into q