The National tribune., 1901-04-04

tion we borrowed many fine carriages
and buggies to serve in lieu Of ambulances.
1t was novel sight to see a long train OF
elegant vehicles in column with veteran
caYalrymen.
The train of carriages was suggestive
of a funeral cortege. The Morgan cav
alier, however, usually looked upon the
brighter side of picture, and there was
many a Jolly laugh and witty remark oc-
casioned by -ludicrousness OF DUSTY,
battle-scarred veterans riding in the hanQ-
some carriages of an arlstocrauc land. II
must not be supposed, however, that those
vehicles vera taken vi ct armis from their
owners. We were In a friendly country,
land where the people were generally
rich. generous, and famous for hospitality.
As a rule the carriages and buggles were
freely and voluntarily placed at our dis
posal when the owners received an lntl-
nation of the dire extremity TO which our
wounded comrades were reduced. Nor
gans men were at home-albeit a. long
way from their base in Old Virginia. We
were in the fsirest garden Of that ex-
ceedingly fertile and beautiful land-the
famous bluegrass section of Kentucky.
The massive and elegant mansions were
the homes of Morgan's cayalrymen. Their
fathers were lords of the manOrs, and
their mothers, sisters and sweethearts
were the lovely goddesses that graced the
parlors and drawing-rooms-the baronial-
like halls. All this, however, by the way.
LEXINGTON.
When within five or six miles of Lex
ington we saw a brilliantly illuminated
sky, which we soon learned was oc-
easioned by the light from burning Fed
sral depots and other buildings, among
them Gen. Morgan's own fine stables, to
which be had ordered the torch applied
that he might the better see how 10 fight,
and probably TO frighten the enemy. Nor
gan's advance skirmished with the enemy
In the streets OF Lexington the greater
portion of the night, without, however,
material results. Giltner's Brigade
reached the city at daylight. The fight
ing soon became animated, but the cas-
ualties were not numerous; the Federals
gradually retiring TO the shelter of Fort
Clay, on the other side of the city. Can
non balls from the fort occasionally
ficochetted through the streets. We were
told that there were 300 white soldiers
and about 500 negro troops in and near the
fort.
Having no artillery Gen Morgan de-
cided that it would involve an unnecessary
loss of life TO storm Ft. Clay, and ordered
flank movement around the city, the
march being through back streets and
along the outskirts, still, however, within
range Of the fort, whence an occasional
tnOl came surieklnG ndIInleSSly dDOFe OuI
heads. The Federal prisoners, on foot
ducked their heads just the same as we
did when the solid cannon balls came ouI
way. Some Of them swore wickedly
blaming their comrades in the fort fol-
thus cannonading them. We had a good
deal of fun right along there, there beint
much good-humored chatting going oil
between "Yank" and Johnny"
Having successfully made the hanl
movement, we struck the Georgetown
turnpike, behind Ft. Clay, and, with Gilt
ner's Brigade in advance, Gen. Morgan
rapidly marched TO Georgetown.
SECURING MOUNT.
Just here ] shall iDterpolate an spisod
descriptive OF the manner In which
obtained a fresh horse, the experience o
others being somewhat similar. Enrout
from Lexington to Georgetown two com
rades and myself, saying nothing TO nc
body" left the marching column and wen
across beautiful stretch of countr
''where the meadow grass was blue,
watching an opportunity to trad
horses" We soon found a number of an
mails In the pasture-lands, but saw non
that suited our fastidious fancy. w
wanted something fne-the best eauin
6esh that gamboled In Kentucky pasture,
About two miles from the road we cam
to an elegant mansion, and found the lor
and lady and three or four fair youn
ieues at nome ail OF mem kindly an
sfusiyely extending TO US the welcomin
hand. One lovely damsel almost Instant
vanished, but quickly re-appeared, accon
panied by an exceedingly ebony-hu
"Topsy" bearing silver salver loade
with pastry and wine. Morgan's me
sometimes lived pretty well-got the bes
Things were pleasant there and we a
most allowed ourselves to be persuaded |
remain TO dinner, which we were assure
would be served within an hour. How
ever, We exercised discretion, the bett.
part, and declined the tempting invitation
Our command had sone far ahead. an
Burbridge and our Mt. Sterling scqusin
ences might be pressing cless behind. b
sides, We must be about our business