Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-01-16
COL. CUMMINGS REPRIMAND
PERVERTED INTO A JOKE

Editor OF The Journal: i don't suppose
there is any old soldier who enjoys read
ing the "Close Calls written by the old
veterans more than I do. l have been
asked often why did not write up some
of. nv close calls. I usually answered by
saving I had so many that couldnC de-
eide which one was OF the greatest dignity
and should rank first. have decided,
however, to give one which happened De-
fore we were ever called into an engage
ment with the enemy.
was a member OF Company I, in that
famous Tenth Georgia regiment. Lieu
tenant Colonel Alfred Cumming was our
drill officer and a fine one. too. We were
in summer quarters. in 1861 at Williams
burg. Va, where we did a lot Of drilling.
On one occasion Colonel Cumming was
drilling us I'm battalion drill. and my posi-
ton chat OF second sergeanD, placed me
as left guide OF my company. The com
mand was Column to the front, forward
march, full distance" This full dis
lance meant that the left guide should
see that he kept far enough In rear of the
guide in his front that the company could,
II ordered left into line, wheel and find
space enough for his company.
1 suppose / was not noticing as atten-
lively as I should have been, and got up
within about 20 feet Of the guide of the
company In front. Colonel Cumming saw
mounted came up to where I was, and
proceeded to give me a severe. but justly
merited reprimand. He then called TO
Captain Wootten and said: Captain.
can't you put here as left guide a better
man than Sergeant Tidwell?" Captain
Wootten. in trying to remedy the matter
called Corporal Schell and he supplied my
place during the remainder of the drill.
When the time was up and we were
dismissed for the evening, the boys began
gIying me and perverted Colonel Cum
mings' command. saying he asked Cap
tain Wooten IF he could not put a better
looking man in my place."
Now, always did fiatter myself that I
was a good looking boy. and the boys saw
that the peryersion stung me severely.
They even. wrote home TO my sweetheart
telling her I'm their own way what Colonel
Cumming had said about my not being
as good looking as Bill Schell.
I don't write with the intention or desire
OF dIstractIng anything from Corporal
Schelrs good looks. or otherwise, for he
was fine looking and one of my best
friends. even up TO his death, which oc-
CURED about is months ago; but the thing
Inat hurt me was the boys writing to
Lizzie. that Colonel Cumming wanted to
know II thefe was not a better looking
man for left guide than / was. $685. t..t.
Now. you may talk about your close
calls. but this one hurt me worse than
any one had during the war. for was
fortunate enough not to get much more
than a scratch during the four years.
struggle. ..t.s1f
But this thing stuck to me clear through
the war and up to the day I was captured,
which was on the 9Th Of April, before Lee
surrendered on the 9th.
Eight thousand OF US were captured at
the same time and went into prison on
sination OF Lincoln on the night of the
18th.
Now IL any Of you boys had any closer
calls than the one / have related or got
any worse hurt or whipped than did, 1
would like TO hear from you.
So. IL any OF you old rebs want to COM
municate with me just write letter, put
Il in an envelope and address.
w. r. TIDWELL.
McDonough, Ga.