Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1903-09-25
NOW, BOYS, I'll STAND PICKET"

been turned over to Sherman's army,
Gems. Wheeler and Wade Hampton
We're feeling sore over the reverses
which the southern cause had met,
and as they sat on their horses, i'll
front of their commands, contemplat-
ing that, while they had fought with
dogged courage, the war was nearly at
an end, they felt that they must not
give up until they had been driven
to "the last ditch" Wheeler's face
suddenly frightened up, and he sug-
gested scheme to Hampton which
the latter assented to after a few mo-
ments' reflection, for he realized that
should Wheeler be taken prisoner it
might be the end of his promising ca
reer. The proposition was that
Wheeler, in disguise, and some trusty
soldier should cross the Peedee river
and make a scout within the federal
lines. The volunteer to go with
Wheeler was Jim Nance, the bugler
of the Fourth Tennessee cavalry,
daring and trustworthy fellow.
Wheeler doffed his uniform and put
on private's coat, and then the two
swan the river to an island about
200 yards from the bank Then, after
resting few moments, they were
Joined by another private of the Ten
nessee regiment, and the three start
ed to the opposite bank and landed
on the shore in drenched clothing and
well-nigh exhausted from swimming
against the current 1t then occurred
70 Nance that there was a chance
of all getting caught, and if Wheeler
should be recognized their game would
be up. Nance asked his general what
they should do in case OF capture,
when Wheeler replied Get away
again, l reckon, would be the best un-
der the circumstances"
But" said Nance, Gin case we
should be captured, if they found you
to be Gen. Wheeler they'd watch us
SO close we wouldn't have any chance
to get away, Why not you assume
another name?" The suggestion was
agreed to, and Wheeler said: "All
right, then; Sam Johnson I'll be for
the present"
Then, plunging into the woods which
skirted the stream, they went on for
some distance before reaching the
road, and then suddenly came in sight
of a house, when Wheeler said:
"Now boys, I'll stand picket in the
road, while you go to the house and
see If you can scare up some dry cloth
ing for u.s."
No difficulty was experienced, for
the occupants of the house were strong
secessionists, and when the party had
put themselves into dry clothes they
received as hearty a welcome as could
be given to friends and defenders.
They were regaled with an excellent
supper, after which the young women
for the men folks had gone to the
war-urged them into the parlor
where the soldier guests were urged
to slng-anything, so long as it was
southern. With characteristic gall
lantry the soldiers pleaded with the
women to sing, which they did, and
then, almost in chorus, they insisted
that: Now, we've done our part, and
you promised that you would do your
best afterward" Nance responded
win song, especially popular with
the command, called "Wheoler's Cav
airy" which so delighted the young
women that they clamored for more.
And then Nance spoke up with:
"Well, the fact is, ladies', | sang only
to redeem my promise to you. / was
almost ashamed to utter a note in the
presence of the best singer in the con-
fedeCate army"
"''he best singer in our army!
Wlich is it?" the young women de-
p.anded.
my friend, Mr.. Johnson, has that
reputation. Come. Sam, don't be so
modest. You know you hold the age
Tor the best singing, and there's no
reason why you should be SO modest