The National tribune., 1902-02-27

cast toward the circling crest Of Mission
Ridge in momcntary expectation of be-
holding it covered with a hostile army,
We listened we looked and we laughed
| 1t seemed absurd that Hood should now
attack this stronghold, with Sherman
laundering at his heels.
The day following our arrival in Chat
tanoOga we removed our quarters near to
Fort Wood, and occupied the comfortable
cabins of a portion of the Fourth Corps,
which had moved toward Dalton.
We expected to enjoy a week or more
in the occupation of our luxurious apart
ments, while taking care of Chattanooga,
and would have invested in paper collars
it we had possessed any money to buy
them; but, after a single night of COM
fort, came the inevitable marching orders,
and away to the depot was hurried our
brigade, to stack arms and await n train
for some quarter, we knew not where.
DEsPoILING THE DEsPoILER.
An hour later we were ordered back to
our former camp, and we then remem-
bered that neighboring regiment had be
gun to knock down and carry away our
cabins as we were moving out. 1t was a
matter of Indifference to us at the time,
as we never expected to use them again,
but now the situation was changed. That
regiment had robbed us, we thought, and
must be made to restore the stolen prop
erty. "Why didn't they wait till the
corpse was cold?' said one. and we all
agreed that we had been foully dealt with.
So, when we reached our quarters, stacked
arms and heard the command, Break
ranks" there was q concerted rush upon
the despoilers of our homes, who We're
taken by surprise and lost not only what
they had taken from us, but much of their
own lumber.
A rattling fire of "cuss words" accom-
panied this engagement but a wholesome
fear of the swift methods of military rule
prevented blows. This illustrates a phase
Of our army life: the dislike of one regi-
ment TO see another in better circum-
stances.
Thus it happened that troops who may
be garrisoning any town are regarded with
antipathy by the outsiders. They are the
fellows who meet lis, as we enter town,
with blackened shoes, paper collar. a
lordly air and a demand for our pass.
They, who come after the battle to turn
us out Of comfortable quarters in the town
that we may have won with our bayOnets.
No wonder that we turn green with envy
and revile the iordly insder should he
venture outside. He will hear n voice in
our ranks loudly inquiring: Boys, do
you know the reason we don't get paidE'
All the boys will answer, ''No: what's the
reasonE because that - has the pa
roll round his neck" referring to the pa
per collar. Many similar compliments
will be loudly proclaimed as long as he is
within sight or hearing.
After rebuilding our cabins in time to
sleep in them a second time we were sur
prised that we were permitted to remain
another entire day, while we watched the
active movements of troops in various di-
rections.
moved toward Bridgeport. Others, who
went TO Dalton, returned and reported
that Hood had left that vicinity and was
supposed to be moving toward Bridgeport
with the intention OF scvering communica-
ton between Nashville and Chattanooga
No word came to us from our main army
operating In Hoods rear. The last news
was Sherman's dispatch announcing the
repulse of the enemy at Allatoona.
CTo be continued.)