New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-09
STORY IN JOE wHEELER's CAREER
How He Sought Safety in Flight and Dis
guise.

General joe Wheeler probably would have been
able TO add interesting details to a story
about himself, that has doubt often re-
called to him that familiar quotation. BE not
forgetful to entertain strangers etc. had he been
present in military circle few evenings ago,
when anecdote of his service in the Confederacy
told
Shortly before the close of the Civil War in Feb
ruary. 1866, after Sherman had captured Atlanta
and made his famous March to the Sea- after
Fort McAlllster had fallen, and the city which it
had defended. Savannah had been turned over
to Sherman's army. Generals Wheeler and Wade
Hampton were feeling sore over the reverses which
the Southern had met and they sat on
their horses in front of their commands, contem-
plating that while they had fought with logged
courage. the nearly at end, they felt that
they must not give up until they had been driver
to the last ditch" Wheeler's face suddenly bright
ened up. and he suggested a scheme to Hampton
which the latter assented to after few moments
reflection, for he realized that should Wheeler be
taken prisoner it might be the end of his promising
career. The proposition that Wheeler. in dis
guse, and some trusty soldier should the
Peedee River and make a within the federal
lines. The volunteer to go with Wheeler was
Jim" Nance the bugler of the 4th Tennessee Cav
airy, daring and trustworthy fellow. Wheeler
DOTTED his uniform and put on a private's coat
and then the two the river to island
about two hundred yards from the bank. Then
after resting a few moments. they Joined by
another private Of the Tennessee regiment and the
three started TO the opposite bank and landed on
the shore in drenched clothing and weIlnigh ex-
hausted from swimming against the current 1t
then occurred to 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. I reckon
would be the best under the circumstances"
But" said Nance. 'in case We should be capt
ured. If they found you to be General Wheeler
they'd watch close wouldn't have anv
chance to get away. Why not you assume another
name?" The suggestion was agreed to. and Wheel
er said. "All right, then: Sam Johnson I'll be
Then plunging into the woods which skirted the
reaching the road, and then suddenly came in sight
OF house, when Wheeler said. Now boys iii
stand picket in the road. while you so 10 the housa
and see If you can scare up some dry clothing 70.
No difficulty was experienced. for the occupants
Of the house were strong secessionists and when
the party had put themselves into dry clothes thew
received as hearty welcome as could be given to
excellent supper, after which the young women
for the men folks had gone to the war-urged them
urged 70 sing-anything. so long it was south
pleaded with the women 70 sing. which they ara
and then. almost IN chorus, they insisted thar
you would do your bst terT yGI NsSS that
sponded with song. especially popular with the
delighted the young women that they cIamored for
tocI Is l9u1es sans oht only 70 redeem my promise
army rate
The best singer In army! Which is it?',
the young women demanded.
MY friend. Mr. Johnson. has that reputation
Come Sam. don't be modest You know Won
hold the age for the best singing. and there's M
reason why you should be modest now" cen
eral Wheeler blushed like IA girl. and denied the
soft impeachment, but there was escape from
the Establishments Of pretty Southern girls and 81
he Joined with the others i'm singing The Homie
Blue Flag" But he wasn't urged to sing again
And IL lucky he wasn't. for almost immedi-
ately General Hampton appeared with a souad
bodyguard. when Wheeler's identity was revealed
When the young women learned that the hest
singer other than the dashing vouns.
cavalry officer with whose name they so IA
mtllar, he got the best that the house could AZ
ford and was invited stay as long as he wished
But his stay cut short by the report OF his
scouts that the "Yanks' were close at hand and
then Wheeler and his companions sought refuge