The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-19

starvation that they could not make but eighteen miles the first. day. Con seuuently we bivouacked for the night at the first convenient watering place, without a mouthful of provision TOT man or horse. The next day, May 9th, we proceeded to Warrenton, Ga, and were fortunate in drawing some peas and a little meat and molasses from the Commissary Department. In this village the writer availed hlmselr or an opportunity Of visiting the Masonic Lodge, while meeting was in session. It was a rare treat to one who had been so long denied the privilege of sweet communion with that mystic brotherhood, On the 9th one of our party, Sergeant Kendrick, became sud- denly i'll. detaining us two days at the house of a very Iurhane gentleman MT. Henry Mitchell, of Hancock Coun- ty, whose munificent hospitality in this hour of need can not be too highly lauded. On the morning of the Sth, crossing the lovely Oconee, we rested few moments beside it's rippling wa ters. Passing through Eatonton in the course of the day we encountered many a Tank. the sight of which had become exceedingly disagreeable, for Knowing their thieving propensity, we were ap- prehensive they would rob us of the broken down steeds we were riding. Strange to relate, however, they did not disturb us. presuming, doubtless, the booty was not worthy of capture. Inwardly thanking them for their Kind condescension, we rode on rejoicing, TOT once, at our shabby" appearance.
 Again Sergeant K. became too sick to travel. thereby depriving us of his agreeable companionship, as 1t was impracticable for the remainder of the party to finger on the route, we left him in the hands of his father at the residence of that excellent divine, Rev. MT. Singleton, whose kind attentions were instrumental in effecting speedy recovery.
 May the 9th. arriving at the Ocmul- gee River, imagine the consternation produced on beholding a Yankee picket stationed at the ferry-any other ugly sight would have been pre- ferable at this time, for our patience was already we'll nigh exhausted from needless delay.
 We soon learned that the object in guarding this ferry was to intercept the passage of all persons not quali- fled with permits from the United States government, intending 1t for the benefit of President Davis and his suite. as it was rumored they were to cross at this point. Every soldier seemed on the qui vive for these noted digniIaIies, doubtless more intent on the fabulous amount of gold reported in their possession than the distin- guished rebels themselves.
 After rigid examination of our pa pers they graciously permitted us to pass on, but owing to the impoverish- ed condition of our stock" we did not proceed far before coming to a gen hn Ia hnrcn had oriu out and what was to be done? Look ing into our pockets mot penny could be found" save a few old "Confed. shinplasters" equivalent now to so many rags. At this critical juncture a good Samaritan appeared in the form of a young lady, Miss Louisa Gum, who. like 'Rebecca of old" not only supplied our wants but those of our horses also.
 Never was a donation more thank fully received and some of the boys felt like giving their hearts in return to the fair donor for the great hospital ity.
 Reaching McDonough in the evening we struck camp near the residence of a MT. Welch, whose bountiful hand lavished on us an abundant supply of provisions. producing a magical effect on both "horse and rider" enabled in day or two to resume our journey much improved.
 May 10th. crossing the railroad near Lovejoy Station, we availed ourselves of the hospitality of a brother Mason, MT. J. Moore and his estimable wife. who manifested genuine pleasure at the | opportunity presented of relieving wandering brothers in an hour of er1er- gency. It was indeed delightful to re- ceive such cheer from entire strangers and at any other time we would glad- l lly have tarried a week with that kind