The National tribune., 1903-01-08

march with my own command. I could
vary the gait of my horse, and quicken my
blood. by an occasional gallop, In going to
the advance or the rear for q time, and re-
turning to my place in the column. But
now must keep constantly by the side OF
my escorting officer. and conform my pace
to his, which was a uniform cavalry slow
trot or jog. This was monotonously tire
some. as we kept on hour after hour at the
rate OF not more than three miles an hour.
Now, in the darkness, it was doubly try
ing. An hour had at least 120 minutes in
it. and wondered IL the end would ever
come.
A LOYAL NORTH CARoLINIAN.
Lieut.. Hines sent one Of his men on in
advance to announce our coming to
planter whose house was on the road
about six or seven miles from kinston,
and to notify the planter to provide sup,
per and lodging for our party. 1t seemed
as il we should never reach there: but at
last the lights OF the plantation house
were seen ahead. fnd then we were soon
before its entrance. Light seemed never
more welcome than as it shone through the
windows and out Of the open door. as the
planter showed himself to give his rough
but hearty welcome when the sounds OF
our horses hoofs and the clanking OF the
cavalry sabers announced our arrival at
place Of rest.
Glad to see you," he called out, even
though you bring a cussed Yankee with
you Come in. all Of you. Come in"
Inside the house. in the principal room,
table was spread which was more than
tempting. Light, warmth from blazing
fire. steaming food ON the table, all were
attractive Before we sat down to supper.
the planter offered "apple jack" (cider
brandy to all. He appeared surprised
that l declined it. AS he passed into the
back room, he said, with peculiar EN-
phasis: -
"Yank don't know what's good for him,
il he won't drink this"
noticed look of meaning in his eye
as he again proffered me drink. AT once
I stepped toward the back room door, and
said:
II don't care for any apple jack; but l
would like drink of water. if you'll be
kind enough to give it to me-"
He went at once to bucket of wafer,
and. taking out a dipperful, he handed 1t
to me as I came into the rear room. He
pressed my arm as l took the Upper, and
said earnestly, in a low tone:
1--WE got to cuss you while these fellows
are round, but I'm with you, heart and
soul. I'm Union man through and
through"
That 'cup of cold water in a strange
land refreshed me. 1t improved even my
keen appetite, MS l sat down with the
others at the well-filled table. There were
roast fresh pork, baked sweet potatoes, hot
corn-cake. fresh Southern .sbeaten' bis
cult, and Confederate" coffee, made Of
burned and ground corn, with hot milk and
sugar, very palatabie at such a time to
tired and hungry guests.
1t was nearly midnight when went up
stairs to bed. 1t had been months since l
had had the luxury of n bed to sleep in.
The best bedroom in the house was assign
ed to me. l was alone in it, although a
cavalryman was to sleep on the floor in
the hallway before my closed door. Hard
ly had I entered my room when my host
appeared through another door, and greet
ed me with heartfelt earnestness.
He told of the widespread Union feeling
in the State among soldiers and civilians.
He said that only military power kept it
down.
We're worse off than ever the Niger
slaves WERE" he added.
He told Of the arrests and imprison-
ments that followed our recent military
advance into the State. Many had been
sent to Salisbury on the charge of showing
sympathy with the Union army. He
wanted to do anything in his power to
help the Union cause. and he lOnged for
the triumph of the Federal Government.
He asked me to call on n nephew of his
in Newberne, and he wished me to take
for myself rne horse which was now in
the care of h.; nephew.
While thanking him for his proffer,
declined to accept the gift. l was afraid.
for his sake, that his visit to my room
might be discovered. and he suffer harm.
and l urged him to leave. 1t was long
past midnight when he finally left me. As
to his earnestness and sincerity there was
no room for doubt. His story Was con-
firmed when l was again in Newberne;
and afterward learned that he was soon
arrested and shut in prison for his dis
covered Union sentiments.
That was the last night of the year
1862. At midnight. when 1868 was ush-
cred in, as l stood cOnversing in that bed
chamber of a Union planter of the South.
while / was under flag of truce within
the enemy's lines. guarded by soldiers of
the Southern Confederacy," the New
Year brought with it the operation of
President Lincoln's proclamation of eman-
cipation to all the slaves within the
bounds of that COnfederacy. AS when
a great light shined into the gloomy :rison
Mt Jerusalem, and messenger of God
Weakened Peter from his sleep. and his
chains fell off as he rose to his feet, while
none of the guards were alarmed OF
realized the occurrence, great light now
ShIned into the gloom Of the Southern
bondman's prison, and a messenger of God
told him that he was a slave no more
The shackles fell at one stroke from
100000 of bondmen. and the agoniZ:ng
prayers that for long years had gone up
from weary-hearted fathers and mothers
and children for help from God, accord
ing to Daniels prophecy, so dear to them.
of the liking of the North's" final triumph
over the South. were answered in Gods
good time and way.
Like many another great historic event,
the emancipation of the slaves came with
ont observation: but it is looked back to
with amazement and gratitude. That
night is night to be much observed. to
all generations.
After night of refreshing rest, rose.
on that New Years morning, and started
| again with the cavalry escort. We rode
% miles, displaying flag of truce after
we had passed the line of Confederate
pickets, until we were met by a flag of
| truce from our lines. on the watch for us.
Being transferred to the new escort, pro-
ceeded gladly TO Newberne. reaching Gen.
Fosters headquarters about dark to report
my safe return.
CTo be continued)