Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-10

IdB6cu anu ldLlRueQ confederate AIUly
under General Hood marched into Co
lumbia, Tenn, and witnessed the blow
ing up of a fort that stood upon an ele-
walton southwest of the town. AS the fire
progressed there was a continual bursting
of shells that sent up smoke, fire and
fragments into the air. This was very
gratifying to the boys to know they were
not sent in their direction by the enemy
who had just fired and abandoned the
fort. and taken their position on the oppo-
site side of the river, where they had
a communicable fort. The Confederates
marched through the town under cover of
the buildings; the front column halted
near the river and soon began to throw
across a pantoon bridge over which the
army was to pass in pursuit of the re-
treating Yankees. The writer of this had
special orders to pass over the river in
one of the first boats that crossed over;
these small boats were used to float the
pontoon and was very appropriate for this
indispensable purpose.
Late in the evening the army began
to march over on this bridge, and take
position up and down the river in the
woodland along the river. This quietly
done. pickets were hastily posted in front.
BY this time 1t was quite dark and things
very still, except the steady tread of the
soldiers as they came over and moved
in position on the main line. l was
ndlleu tate IN the nlBnl bS COuIlch "
report at once to General Cheatham to
the right up the line" With blanket at
right angle and accoutrements strapped
on / made my way along the line some
distance, stumbling over an unknown
number of sleeping soldiers, when sud
denly 1 butted up against sentry OF
whom inquired for General Cheatham's
headquarters. Pointing down at dark
object doubled up at the root of large
tree, he said: There sits General Cheat
ham; have you orders to report to him?'
Upon my Affirmative the sentry stepped
forward and touched the general, but
being very sound asleep 1t required Wig
orous shake to arouse him. Presenting
myself and upon being recognized, he
ordered me to be invested with the
countersign, to pass beyond our pickets'
and advance on the enemy and ascertain
their movements and If necessary to re-
connoiter that fort. With these orders
burning on my brain, at once returned
to my company and reported to Captain
George NJ. Williams, and asked him TO
give me a detail of one man to aceompa-
ny me on this perilous venture. He had
s. NJ. Baker detailed to accompany me.
To execute my orders we marched out to
the picket line, where we were given
the coutnersjgn and word sent up and
down the line that scouts were passing
to the front. 1t was very dark, We passed
beyond our pickets and moved forward
in direction of the fort; it being pre-ar-
ranged that Baker keep pace about ten.
PAGES in the rear in order that we might
advance as quietly as possible, we moved
very cautiously. 1t was up grade, being
in advance, stumbled over an object 1t
proved to be a Yankee knap-saek well
packed with soldiers outfit, all new
and clean. Being in position that could
not be numbered, / gave this to Baker.
1t contained just such things as he stood
in need of. Reinvesting Baker with the
word 1 with burning hair moved forward
with that command ringing in my ears.
But IL Is for officers to command and
soldiers to obey.
At last we drew near the fort. We halt
ed and held council of war. We thought
we could hear the Yankees get their
breath and grit their teeth. Baker stood
with arms ready to fire. moved cautious
ly up to the fort, placed my hand upon 1t
and mounted it's clay walls. Not Yankee
was there to be seen. This fort was near
a large two-story residence. We heard a
moving noise about this residence. We
mounted the east front and taking hold
Of the white door knob gave 1t a vigorous
shake, which failed to arouse any one.
We went to the north front and gave
the door a good shake with no response
from within. We went to the west front
and gave this door a shake. 1 heard
a
keyhole and ordered the door opened. The
answer came back: II will as soon as l
get my clothes on" match was struck,
a candle lit. With fixed bayonets and mus
kets cooked we ordered the door opened,
and there stood a young and handsome
man, of whom I inquired why he was
not in the army. He with much patriotism
answered: lam. sir, and have been for
four years" To this / informed him that
we were rebels and that he was our pris-
oner. He scarce would believe until he
noticed our gray tattered uniforms. Then
he tainted. i quickly dispatched Baker
back to the command for re-enforcements.
This was quickly executed. / noticed IN
the center of this room United States
blanket and wrapped up in that blanket
United States negro. In the southeast
corner of the room was a middle-aged
man lying on a bed. inquired Of him as
to the whereabouts Of General Thomas.
His answer was: You do not expect to
find General TShomas here do your The
negro and old gentleman were reminded
to quietly remain in bed The young man
hastily donned his clothes during the alb
sence of my comrade. To me the suspense
was trying to my nerve, but presently, to
my great JOY, Baker returned with re-
endorsements who by their racket soon
aroused the ladies of the house, who were
sleeping up stairs. Their heads were seen
protruding from the windows with light
ed candles in their hands, peering down
upon the rebels Their first cry was: Law,
Is these Confederates? We have been
wanting to see the Confeds for four years
and you are Confederates. Are you going
20 take cousin away? Can we come down
and tell him good by"
They were permitted to come down, and
were very sohcitous as to the welfare
OF their cousin. After much inquiry as to
what would be done with him, one of the
young ladies announced that she owed her
dear cousin some money, and asked to re-
turn upstairs to get the money. She asked
the prisoner which he preferred, green
backs or Confederate" He answered,
"Greenbacks The lady was escorted un-
der guard upstairs and returned with
large roll of green bills. which she de-
livered to him in bulk. Without accepting
the bride, or confscating the greenbacks,
we turned our captive over to headquar-
tiers, requested the ladies to retire, SEN
tinel was placed on duty and the squad
rolled themselves up in their blankets for
rest and sleep. Just as day began to APP
pear looked across the field, and going
at brisk rate to the northeast was the
old gentleman who occupied the bed. He
had mysteriouslyi eluded us, and was now
we'll on his way TO the enemy. At this
juncture we received orders to move at
once up the railroad and attact and drive
in all guards that were stationed along its
route We saw a few Yankees. but met
With M resistance We met lady in dis