The National tribune., 1903-07-09

and coming back to the road, lot of hogs
came along, where they were following the
trail of load of corn which had recently
been hauled. The guide wanted us to
jump over the fence and lie down, so that
if the noise should prove to be squad of
the enemy we should be concealed. When
all was over, this became quite a joke on
the fodder splitters."
We arrived at Big Creek Gap some time
before day. Fearing that cavalry might be
sent out by the enemy to make observa-
tiOns, the guide had us to climb up on the
sides of the mountain, and there told us to
take little sleep. We did, but in order
to do so had to get on the upper side of
a tree and either prop our feet against or
straddle the tree, so as to keep from sliding
down the mountain.
Morning came, and good breakfast was
found near our bed room, at the home of n
good Union man. We now started ont
again, in daylight, following along the foot
of the Cumberland Mountains on the south
side. In sight of Fincastle, wedged up in
a deep gorge, We came to little new log
cabin. A young married couple lived
there, and a more lovely pair would be
hard to find They were educated, refined,
intelligent and attractive. The woman was
beautiful and lovely. They prepared an
excellent dinner for us, and no means were
spared that would add to our comfort or
pleasure. They were intensely loyal. The
husband had incurred the i'll will of some
of his Confederate neighbors, so they could
not stay at home and sought refuge in this
little mountain recess.
We were now foOtsore and tired. My
feet were swollen, and my shoes had failed,
SO that the sand got into them. The shoes
were not taken off, because there were no
opportunities, and no time to stop when
water was near. The feet swollen in this
manner, and not being able to give them
rest or treatment, each step was attended
with excruciating pain. Still, thus ex-
iausted and worn and suffering, l was
very much surprised at one time when my
foot struck a stone and l woke up!
actually went to sleep as I walked along
the road!
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
Pulling one foot after the other, it ap-
peared as if the end of the journey would
Lever be reached. We walked with heads
benr forward, trying to save rough jolts
and find the smoothest way. Almost ready
to give up in despair, l chanced to look
up at the tall peak of the Cumberland
glory, grandeur and beauty, foated the
Stars and Stripes! "Hallelujahw was NUT
tered in the throats of all. Sore feet,
weariness, sleepiness, hunger and all suf-
fering were forgotten, and shouts of joy
sprang tumultuously from the loyal band
Of refugee boys. Faces were bathed in
tears Of joy! I did not think it manly to
cry, but as / stood and once again looked
on the grand banner floating so proudly
on the mountain breezes, in spite of all
that l could do the tears came yelling
up into my eyes, while the sobs were
choked back with bated breath.
hrt tha 10 % II,
light,
What SO proudly we hailed at the day
lights last gleaming?"
The rockets red glare, bombs bursting in
air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag
was still there!'
We were nearing Cumberland Gap, and
once more under the folds Of the grand old
banner of freedom!
We soon found friends who had pre-
ceded us. Getting to a place of rest, I
pulled off my shoes and found my feet in
fearful condition. l could not get the
shoes back on them. In a day or two the
skin peeled from the bottom, leaving the
feet as tender as the eye. It, was quite
time before could again wear Shoes
We enlisted at once, and 1t was over
three years before / returned to the old
home. When l did return that old home
was again under the protecting folds of the
Old flag. l went back in my dress uni
form, and as l drew nearer the home the
spurs were piled with more force. Turn
ing the lane down towards the house, ]
saw my mother in the front door. l was
now at n sweeping gallop, and for a mo-
ment she looked in wonder. then came
running over the very spot where the rude
Confederate Captain had cursed her, to
meet her boy. AS she came the tears were
streaming down her face. while she
screamed out: "My boy! Ny boy! He's
come home again! My boy! He has come
home again!"