davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

st has been asserted that | fred the
gun that killed Gen. Polk. and that l knew
| it was directed against that General. The
fact is, at that distance. we could not
tell that the group were officers at all.
was OH horseback, a couple of hundred
yards off, before my orders to fire were
executed, had no idea that our shot had
taken effect. and continued my ride down
the line to Schotield's extreme flank, where
occupied an abandoned house. In a cot
ton field back of that house was our
signal station, on the roof of an old gin
house. The Signal Officer reported that by
studying the enemy's signals he had
learned the key and that he could read
their signals. He explained to ME that he
had translated a signal, about noon, from
Marietta: Send an ambulance for Gen.
Folks body and later in the day an
other: why don't you send an ambulance
for Gen. Polk? From this we inferred
that Gen. Polk had been killed. but how.
or where, we knew not; and this infer
ence was confirmed later in the same day
by the report of some prisoners who had
been captured"
Gen. Grant, in his memoirs. Vol. 1,
page 2S1." relates the following little
story that was told him the day after the
battle of Belmont:
while on the truce boat l mentioned
to an officer. whom | had known both
Mt West Point and in the Mexican War,
that l was in the cornfield near their
troops when they passed: that l had been
on horseback. and had worn Il soldiers
overcoat at the time. This officer was
on Cen Folks staff. He said both he
and the General had seen me, and that
Polk had said to his men: There is a
Yankee; you may try your marksman-
ship on him, if you WISH but nobody fred
at me-"
1t would seem. from that incident. that
the Confederate soldiers were more hui
name that their ministerial superior
Bishop Polk-JOHN BEADLE, % West
ST., Freeport, Ill.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

We marched into the building. which
proved to have been THE Bank of Eliza
beth City
l took enough men to properly picket
the approaches. and after having posted
them returned TO the reserve.
Just as | entered the large hall one of
the men. who had been exploring the
place. returned and threw large roll of
paper on the tile floor cut the strings and
of bank notes in blank. just as they had
come from the presses. Therefore no date.
10 signature. While we were contemplating
with horror the atrocity of the crime, an
other and still another soldier returned,
each bringing in n similar parcel.
| have not the least doubt there were
anywhere from 10000 to 100000 of
these bills. l never knew the amount. and
| am satisfied that no one else ever did.
l suggested that the bills were of no
use. as they were not signed: but the
knew n thing or two about finance, and
they were taken with us To Plymouth. and
when the Tarheels outside the lines found
that we had good old tarbOiler money
why, every product, eggs, pork, honey,
grapes, etc, came to the trading post al
Iibitum. Some of this money was passed
on the sutler at Andersonville One of
my own men told me afterward that his
Elizabeth City money saved his life.
Let me call attention to one peculia, rity
of this money. There were bills for S1O0,
s1.25. $3.50. S1.75. $500, 1925. and 50
on. mp to $40 Whoever heard. before. of
a 5000 or $7.25 bill? Yet here they were.
Our work over at Elizabeth City. l no.
tilted the Colonel of the colOred regiment.
and he relieved my picket and we left
J. B. KIRK, Captain. 101st Pa.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
Terrible Sight at Perryville.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: l am a
lonely old CoffeeCooler, down here in
Georgia, and l vastly enjoy the comrades
in The National Tribune. Many of them
make me laugh. l see that cOmrade
tells how an old Confederate related to
him how they whipped us at Perryville.
At that time l was in Co. ID, Sd Ohio.
Our regiment formed on little elevation
overlooking Dry Greek. We waited for
the enemy-not in vain; not long. They
weren't tardy at all, and they came thick.
fast and a plenty-no other than the
Louisiana Tigers! l was shot down and
fell into their hands. That night, with
the help of a Captain of that famous
regiment, l walked along the lines of en-
gagement, which were well marked with
the dead of both regiments. The sight
was appalling; l saw over 200 dead. We
were by a post-and-rail fence which had
taken fire from the burning barn. 1t
was falling on our dead, and the kind
hearted rebel Captain removed them and
put the fire out. l was prisoner, with
my left arm half torn off.
The next morning they started with me
for Harrodsburg. Another such wild re-
treat never saw. If they had smashed
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

panied Capt. Michler. of Buell's Staff. to
the front lines as Orderly. We went al.
most direct to Gen. Sheridan's command,
and found him mounted between his line
of battle. and skirmishers, who were
sharply engaged at the time. On con-
Guiding conversation with Michler, Gen.
Sheridan said to him in my presence and
hearing: Tell Buell. that they are fighting
with n good deal of vim i'll my front. but
if he will let me CO. l can drive them to
-! This language implies that he had
orders not to advance, and ever since
listening to the statement and observing
the manner in which it was expressed.
it has been my impression that he had re-
straining orders that withheld him.
| may we'll express wonder at the claim
that Buell. did not know that Il battle was
being fought by McCooks Corps! Capt.
Micher certainly knew it. for | witnessed
the battle going on while in his company.
on the high ground in the vicinity Of
Sheridans position; and it is incredible
that he did not report the fact, unless
aware that it was already known ut head
quarters.
Capt. Gillem, also of the general staff.
accompanied Michler until we reached the
front line, when they separated, and with
such a representation of his personal staff
at the front there would seem to be no
lack of opportunity for keeping informed
of what was going on. A message would
have reached headquarters by mounted
courier i'm 10 minutes or so, and in cOnsid-
erably less time with the aid of Gen.
Gilbert's Signal Corps, who had a station
in full operation about a mile to the right
and rear of Sheridan; and the station was
readily accessible to horseback rider at
and later Co. NJ, 4th U. S. Cav, Hyde
Vile VT
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
"The Persimmon Knockers"

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The Per-
simmon Brigade was composed of the
18th. 10th, 117th and 18th Ind.-six
months men. Very properly l was called
kid" as l was only II years and 8
days old when | enlisted in the 111th Ind.
From Nicholasville, KY. we marched to
Tenn. skirmshing. starving, and freez-
ing Ell route. Returning to Cumberland
Gap. we had the same unpleasant expe-
rience all along the way. Corn on the
cob was issued. in lieu of the regular
army ration. but not in sufficient quantity
to appease our hunger. That Winter in
Tennessee. 1864, was the coolest | ever
experienced. On the memorable cold
New Year." Jan. /. 1864. my regiment,
hungry and scantily clad, marched all day.
We were at no time in Winter quarters.
In fact we seldom remained two nights in
the same camp.
After my term as ''persimmon knock
err had expired, | enlisted in an old regi-
ment, and went through the Atlanta Cam
paign with Sherman, participating in the
battles of New Hope Church. Peach Tree
Greek, Kenesaw Mountain, and Atlanta.
Then, under Thomas. l was in the battles
OF Franklin and Nashville. In the cam
paigns with Sherman and Thomas l went
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
RICHMOND, KY.
A Stubborn Fight by Raw Recruits Against
Overwhelming Numbers.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The
writer was a soldier in the both Ind.
and has a vivid recollection of the
battle of Richmond, and was one of the
good order by our Colonel. John X. Ma
han. We went into the fight with seven
companies, perhaps GOO men, the balance
of regiment being on detached duty. We
were able to muster only PIP after the
fight, the rest being killed, wounded or
captured. Some of the companies were
commanded by nOn-commisslOned officers.
That we suffered it crushing defeat is
true; but that Kirby Smith received no
serious opposition. as MosgrOve says, is
wide of the mark. The battle commenced
about II o'clock a. M, and lasted until
about D. M, which fact would show
that we were not brushed aside so easily
as Mosgrove intimates. The most of the
Union soldiers were now levies; but few
of them had ever heard gun fired III
battle. Most of them had been from
home only about two weeks. We were
confronted by a veteran army of more
than double our numbers, with several
batteries of artillery to assist them. while
Nelson had only one battery of light ar
tillery. and was without any cavalry sup
port whatever. The wonder is that these
raw troops could put up as good fight
as they did, and so seriously impede
Smiths veterans. 1t took him three days
after the fight to reach Lexington, dis
lance of 26 miles, when everything of
value had been removed. Instead of
wagon trains and stores being captured.
as MosgrOve says, there was nothing left
for the rebels, Lexington being our depot
of supplies! / know something about it.
our regiment being among the last to
leave the city.
think the facts are that Mr.. MOsgrove
in his fnely-written article. with Nor
gan and his Men" land | like to read it,,
falls into the same error that so many
Southern writer's do-exalts the deeds Of
the South in the great conflict and BELT
ties the deeds Of the Union soldier; mag
Nifty their numbers while their own is
always lessened.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

The Union army was composed of the
following: One battery of six guns; 18th
Mich. small veteran regiment: 18th Ky.
95th Ohio: 18th. 10th. 55th. Goth, Goth.
and list Ind. These were fought in de-
tail. and not all at once.
That Gen. Nelson was Of an ungovern-
able temper is we'll known. He was who'll
ly unfit to command an Independent army.
saw him that day Tuning like mad
man and firing his revolver into the ground
near the feet of tired soldiers in his at
tempt to rally the men. 1t has always
been believed by the Indiana boys that
he was shot by his own men.
Horace Greeley i'm his ''American Con
act," page 214. says: THE fight had
been maintained through three hours be-
yond Rogerville." first stand and second
stand one hour. Gen. Manson in his official
report says: His force did not exceed
$500" and Eat no time did he fight more
than $500 at once" and adds: THE enc
my had 10000 infantry and 1000 cavalry
and Is guns. j. II. TAYLOR, Co. b. o5th
Ind. New Hampton, Mo.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
MONEY TO BURN.
A Great Find of Bank Notes in North Caro-
lima Town.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: / secuted
great deal over the country north of the
North Carolina Sounds and through Edin-
ton, Columbia, North Carolina. Hyde
County, etc, having at any place between
If ard 175 men with me. l have often
been requested by some of the boys to
write it ALL but | have been somewhat
diffident because of the disposition of a
lot of-wel. cranks. | guess is the right
worldwide can hardly wait till the next
issue to arise and say ''The comrade Is;
off his base-for it was CO. * of the
Goth II. l.. and not Co. Q. Tooth Ind, that
stole those chickens
| have been amused and annoyed by
references which have been made to All
expedition to Elizabeth City, n. c.. made
in 1863. which l had the pleasure. and
perhaps. the honor, to command. These
references have been made by kellogg III
his Prison book, and by two or three
spies who used the money and occasionally
of them tell it right. 1t is not necessary
that it be Strengthened up; they may as
we'll go on erring about it as they do
about other things but-well. don't like
to read so many different stories about
it.
The facts are these: Gen. II. w. Yves
sells was in command at Plymouth, n. C.,
and had sent me with about 100 white sol
diers of his force to establish picket posts
and otherwise to pave the way for co..
Ored regiment that went with us. but did
not have the steamer till we got ready to
leave the town.
When the boat landed l took my own
men and marched into the town. Seeing
brick building that had the appearance
of being unoccupied, l concluded that We
would stay there during our visit.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
SHOOTING AT GENERALS.
Gen. Polk Directed His Men to Fire on Gen.
Grant at Belmont.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: From
time to time various accounts of the KILL
ing of Gen. Polk have appeared in The
National Tribune. l have read all of them,
but none is as authoritative and interest
ing as the story told by Gen. Sherman
himself, found in his Memoirs. Vol. l,
pages 80 and 81 inclusive. He says:
by the 14th June. 1861 the rain
slackened, and we occupied a position OF
10 miles. intrenched, conforming to the
irregular position of the enemy, when L
reconnoitered with a view to make a break
in their line between Kenesaw and Pine
Mountain. When abreast of Pine Noun
tain, | noticed a rebel battery on its crest,
with a continuous line of fresh rlt1e-trench
about half way down the hill. Our Skin
mishers were at that time engaged In the
woods about the base of this hill between
the lines, and l estimated the distance to
the battery on the crest at about sou
wards. Near it, in plain view, stood a
group of the enemy, evidently observing Us
with glasses Gen. Howard. commanding
the Fourth Corps, was near by, and
called his attention to this group. and
ordered him to compel it to keep behind
it's cover He replied that his orders from
Gen. Thomas were to spare artillery am
munition. This was right, according to
the general policy. but | explained to him
that We must keep the morale of bold
offensive; that he must use his artillery,
force the enemy to remain on the timid
defensive, and ordered him to cause bat
terry close by to fire three vOlleys. l con-
tinued to ride down our line, and soon
heard, in quick succession. the three vol
leys. The next division was Geary's and
i gave him similar orders. Gen. Polk, i'll
my opinion, was killed by the second vol
ley. fired from the first battery referred to.
I'm a conversation with Gen. Johnston,
after the war. he explained that on that
day he had ridden in person from Mariet-
ia to Pine Mountain, held by Gen. Bates S
Division. and was accompanied by Gems.
Harlee and Polk. When on Pine Noun
tain accommodating quite group of SOL
diers, belonging to the battery close by,
clustered about him. He noticed the prep
arations of our battery to fire, and eau
toned these men to scatter. They did
so. and he likewise hurried behind the
parapet, from which he had an equally
good view of our position. but Gen. Polk.
who was dignifed and cOrpulent, walked
back slowly, not wishing to appear too
hurried. or cautious in presence of the
men, and was struck across the breast by
an unexplOded shell, which killed him in
stantly. This is my memory of the con-
versatiOn, and it is confirmed by John
stOn himself, i'm his Narrative, page 331
except that he calculated the distance of
our battery at 600 yards, and says that
Polk was killed by the third shot. l know
that our guns fired by volley and believe
that he was hit by a shot of the second
volley.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
SOLDIERLY HONESTY.
They Actually Returned the Mules According
to Promise.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: For some
days before the surrender OF Lee my regi
ment had been continuously moving, our
supply train not accompanying US. Re-
freshments for the inner man being scarce
about dozen of us went a-f0rag!n. AS
nearly as possible our line of march was
parallel with that of the regiment. The
first thing of interest that attracted our
attention was man plowIng. his team
being n span of mules. Without stopping
to consider the unrightc0usness of the act
we surrounded the honest husbandman
ard demanded possession of the mules.
lie mildly demonstrated against transfer
ring the property without "A valuable con-
sderation. Promptly overruling his de-
murrer, we impressiyely reminded him OF
the fact that We had might, il not right.
on our side Of the controversy. lie chen
suggested a compromise, saying that we
might have the use of the mules until
the next day, without money and with
! out price; and. further. he generously Of
fered to let US have the services of a col
ored boy. who was familiar with the ways
of the mules" The boy. he said. could
bring the mules home on the morrow. as it
might not be convenient for 10 do so.
Strange TO say, we relented. and accepted
his proposition. He then embarrassed the
mules. and put the small son of Ham
astride of one, ordering him TO lead the
other.
We next found an old-fashioned country
store. the doors of which were closed, no
proprietor or clerk being visible. Or
course we investigated" As a precau-
ton against being surprised by proving
"Johnnies," We posted pickets. We then,
by ingenious means. entered the store, and
helped ourselves to what we most need
ed-coffee. sugar, crackers, shoes and I'M
derwear. We now had use for the mules,
if not for the boy. We had just loaded
the mules when one of the pickrts came
rushing i'm to announce the coming of a
| small body or horsemen, presumably reb-
els. One Of our number, a Corporal, now
assumed supreme command. He ordered
the boy and the mules into seclusion in
the rear of the building. and the soldiers
were directed to "lie low" The horsemen.
! four rebels. rode rapidly toward us. hut
before reaching our rendezvous. they
changed their course and galloped away.
Having been ''eminently successful we
| returned to the regiment The boy and
| the mules remained i'm camp until the fol-
lowing morning, when. according to agree
ment, they were sent back to the owner,
who doubtless was impatient TO resume
his plowing.-W. III. HILL, 145th Pa. Inf,
Greenville, Pa.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28
SHERIDAN AT PERRYVILLE.
He Wanted to Go Ahead-Buell's Strange
Ignorance of the Battle.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Referring
to Capt. Hartman's article on the battle
of Perryville. i'll your issue of Aug. 13.
and to C. V. Donadson's article on the
same subject. in your issue of Nov. II,
wish to say something with hope of
throwing a little light on the part taken
by Gen. Sheridan in that battle, as his
conduct seems to be a mystery to both
writer's.
To quote briefly. Capt. Hartman says:
1T seems to me that Sheridan failed to
avail himself of an opportunity to render
Lyle material assistance, as his line
damned Lytle's right" c. V. Donaldson
says: "FrOm our later knowledge of
Sheridan it was a matter of wonderment
how he could have been kept out of it."
Buelrs headquarters on the morning of
the battle, and, early in the day, accom-
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

us so bad. why did they skip so. as if
the Bad Man was after them? At Har-
rodsburg | was paroled-and l have that
precious little instrument Of writing yet.
l had it on exhibition here recently at n
big Confederate Reunion.
We have many fight down here-thc
old Confederates and us. l have many
old Johnnies working for me. and we have
many a set-to. They are all windy shells
that we throw; but they are great exp'O-
sives and make much noise. The conflicts
always end in a drawn battle, and to
soothe our smarts and wounds we take
little something for our stomach's sake
and our infirmities.-A. J. HERALD. Co.
u, Sd Ohio; Co. A. LIST Ohio Cav, Angus
ia Ga
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

through what Sherman said was HI. but
| say unhesitatingly that the hardest
service / saw was when / was per
simmon knocker' i'm East Tennessee
J. c. DAVIS. Co. Il. 111th Ind, Salem.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-28

Spses
o.
The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-07-07
GROOM ARRESTED
WEDDING SPOILED
Tie Bride,to-Be, a Pretty Jewess,
Plunged in Tears.
JILTED ANOTHER GIRL
FROM WHOSE tFATHER HE OBJ
TANNED MONEY UNDER
PRETENSE THAT WAS A
MAN OF MEANS.

Anderson, Ind, July G.--Miss Yetta
Dubowich. a pretty young Jewess,
gave up good position and came
here all the way from New York to
marry G. Abrams, aged 40 who, ii Is
said, promised her fine home and
$4,000 in cash. through her uncle,
Louis Dubowich of this city. Today
just as the wedding party was mount
ing the steps of the court house, liar-
ris Hollowitz, an Indianapolis mer-
chant, hailed Mr. Dubowich, his broth
er-in-law, and whispered a few words
to him which stopped the wedding
and resulted in the arrest of Abrams
on the charge of obtaining money un-
der false pretenses
Mr.. HollowitZ accuses Abrams of
having falsely represented himself as
a man OF means in indianapolis and
of stating that he had contract with
The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-07-07
SHREWD SLEUTHS
FOLLOW A SCENT.
That Led Them to Their Prey in
Far Off BeunOs Ayres.
WIFE THE BAIT TO TRAP
SET FOR FoRGER BY PlNkER-
TON OPERATIVES HE HAD
BEEN A SOCIETY MAN BUT
STOLE 100000.

New York, July Tracing his wife
from her fashionable home in Brook
lyn to Bucnos Ayrcs. Argentina, Pin.
kerton detectives today arrested in
chat city Charles IL. Forbes, society
man and banking expert. who is want
cd in New York on charge Of for
gerry in which 100000 Is involved.
Forbes wag at the pier when the
steamboat containing his wife and the
two detectives landed. Posing as cap
italists interested in South American
property, they had made her acquain-
tance during the voyage and they es-
corted her to her husbands side
where she introduced them.
Il am most happy to meet you.
said one cf the sleuths. Il beg par
don, but would like to speak with
you aide"
Forbes stepped away from his wife
The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-07-07

panese i.creen which extends over
the two sides of the niche On the sec
ond floor veranda or porch. her favor
tie place of observation and rest.
From behind the screen she can
see her aristocratic neiehbors and the
aristocracy Of Long Branch as IT pass
tai of the cottage. He explained that
the cottage was desired by a woman Of
wealth II was not until Hannah Elias
had moved in after the lease wa sign
ed that the real estate agent discover
ed the true identity Of his summer
tenant. He protested at FIRST hut when
the deputized kato said You shall re
ceive $500 for the rental Of the cot
tsge." that the real estate man con
sened. with the understanding howev
CT. he told Kato. that ut The first sign
of nuisance. threatened or existing he
would retain the option Of rcclaiming
the property at once
The cottage is one of the finest in
the locality and stands in the center
of a large plot Of ground. fully two
hundred fcet from her neare neigh
Dor. In the rear of the cottage is a
house and an automobile
garag. but Hannah Elias has not yet
provided herself with an automobile
Kato's bicycye was delivered from
the Central Park West residence az
the cottage today. and Hannah Elias
victoria was expected. hut did not ar
rive When the team and the carriage
reach Long Branch Hannah Elias will
be a lgure on drivewsys. for driving
IS her only recreation. they say Al the
hUase. She has never left her home.
even for drive unless her face va
veiled. and few At Long Branch viii
recognize the wtman 10 whom old
fCcncIuded on cecnrn.f Pace