The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1902-01-12

with half dozen fat hens pending from
his 'mnsket, and haversaek full of eggs.
Turning to stan officer and calling at
tention to the soldier. he asked: rs not
that one of our men7''
Perceiving from the cloud on the Cen
erals brow that he was much displeased
at the palpahle violation OF an important
general order so soon after its publica-
ton. and knowing his admiration for a
soldier of good fighting qualities, the off,
Ger who knew the soldier we'll and desir-
ing to soften rising asperity, replied:
Yes. General. he belongs to the 10th
Alabama Regiment. He Is noted
''prowler." but in battle there is no better
soldier in your command"
At this information the Generals frown
was somewhat relaxed. but still MAIN
tanned somewhat severe aspect Of ex-
preston. lie was now within a few feet
of Private Martin. for that was his rank
and name, with the fruits of his enter
prise, whom he halted and sternly ac-
costed:
What command do you belong to. sirT'
The 10th Alabama" replied Martin.
why then, sir. are you not with it ?"
rejoined the General severely. when the
fight comes on instead of being with your
regiment at the front. you will be in the
rear robbing hen roosts. That is not the
kind of poultry | want. Go. sir, and re-
port to your captain and tell him to put
you under arrest for trespass and viola
ton of orders
Martin receiving his reprimand with
soldierly bearing was evidently relieved
on his dismissal, and modestly said:
Yes, General, I'll report to the Cap
tain. and when the fight comes on I'll
be there
From his captain Martin knew he had
nothing to fear He knew no punish
ment would be administered to him. in
possession of his coveted hens and eggs
especially by an officer whose rations
were confined to the limited variety of
food issued by the regimental commits
sary.
But this did not end the relations be-
tween General Wilcox and this brave,
self-reliant and enterprising soldier The
army passed into Chambersburg that
morning turned to the East toward Get
tysburg, marched about six miles and
went into camp near a little hamlet
known as Fayetteville. Around this
point Hills corps and a large part of
Lees army lay in camp several days.
awaiting the report of the cavalry under
General Stewart, who was making the
circuit of the Federal army-and paren-
thetically 1t may be added, the waiting
for Stewards report seriously delayed the
great conflict at Gettysburg
While thus encamped the country
around offered an inviting field for
''prowling," which did not escape the
vigilant eye of Private Martin. He was
quick to occupy the field. In one of his
forages, from a slight eminence over
looking a neat farm house, surrounded
on all sides with evidences of thrift. he
saw three Federal soldiers approach,
stack their arms under an apple tree and
enter the house. Martin saw his oppor-
tunity and was quick to avail himself of
it's advantages. He nastened to the
dwelling, took possession of the arms of
the three Federal soldiers, surprised
them, and demanded their surrender.
There was no alternative, and they
yielded without resistance. Taking his
prisoners in charge he filed them in his
front and marched them in triumph to
the encampment Of the brigade. two or
tree miles distant. On reaching the en-
campment he made no halt until he
reached the front of Wilcox's quarters.
Here he halted, aligned his prisoners,
made respectful obeisance, and with an