The National tribune., 1904-06-23

was in crossing Red River, about the Sth
of NovemberiI This was exceeded by an
alarming interest about the 10th. when
their food gave out. They were now trav-
cling north along the Choctaw road, or the
western line of Arkansas. Hunger began
to affect them. and it was determined that
Henderson should approach the first house
they came to and ask for aid He ap-
preached IA house land heard the voices
of colored people. Quite a number were
present in the house. and the man who
opened the door to him instantly surmised
who he was and showed him behind the
door. out of sight of the rest of the COM
pany. and whispered. What do you
want!' The answer was, Something to
eat" Gathering up some meat and bread
aud other scraps from table, he warned
Henderson to get out of sight as quickly
as possible; that his master, an officer in
the Confederate army. and party Of friends
we're near by on hunt, and were expected
in very short time. They resumed their
travel without further hint.
GETTING FOOD UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
A day or so farther on serious differ
ences- arose between them, and quarrel
which almost separated them, resulted
Henderson maintained that they were not
far enough east. and threatened to secede,
but the other two insisted they were on the
right course. Better counsel prevailed, and
they continued the old route, but hunger
now came upon them. An empty stomach
was not conducive to good nature, but self
preservation was stronger, and they united
ly continued the battle to reach the safety
and comfort known only under the flag.
Another house came in view, and it was
determined again to ask for something to
eat and voted that Henderson should again
make the application. His butternut blouse
was deemed a great advantage, but never
theless loyal rifle was held on him while
waiting for "hand-out" He approached
a cabin and knocked, but much parleying
was necessary before he could get in. As
the door opened. an old man sat on a bed
with rifle aimed at him, which covered
were Unionists. The wife gave him corn
bread and beef to eat, and three pones and
three pieces of dried beef to carry to his
companions. They had not heard a word
from home or the rest of the world for four
months, and the old couple gave them more
than bread. Here they, learned of the re-
election of Abraham Lincoln, and that
Prices raid into Kansas had been fail
ure. They were now 105 miles from Fort
Smith. They were requested. if recaptured
and taken back, not to recognize or look
at the house as they passed. The food and
the news greatly revived them and they
made good time until Nov. II.
One morning. about this point in their
march. when looking for safe bunch of
brush in which to hide for the day. they
came to a spring. At this spring a skunk
was drinking. Jones picked up a rock and
killed it. 1t was instantly skinned, and
there being one match in the party they
past. Henderson's share of the apimal
was foreleg and the tailow. 1t tasted
very well, making a satisfactory meal.
RECAPTURED by MURDEROUs THUGS.
Nov. II, near Waldron, within so miles
of Fort Smith, they were recaptured by
party, who announced themselves BUSH
whackers, and boasted that they had killed
and scalped every Kansan and Arkansan
who had fallen into their hands, and that
since the lst of April they had killed 60
Federals. Here Henderson concluded it
was safer to be an Iowa soldier than
kansan. A Kansas soldier was about as
Objectionable ats colored soldier, the lat
ter certain to be shot. So from this on
he was a member of the 18th Iowa. Parker
Ind. Cav. The Captain Of this squad was
named Sewell.,, Before the departure of
Steees command on the Camden expedi-
ton, and while stationed at Roseville.
Lieut.. Henderson had captured a guerrilla,
named Col. Carpenter. He was turned
over to the 4th Ark: regiment. his neigh
bors. who sa,o OF him. The guerrilla who took
in Henderson and his compatriots was a
nephew of, Carpenter. and 50 his talk was
quite cheering. He did not know the identity
OF his prisoner--it would have been woe to
Henderson if he had: 80 he magnanimous-
ly robbed him of what clothing he had left,
also large silver ring each from Parker
and Jones, and announced that they would
be taken back to Tyler. The next day he
took them back nine miles. and the day fol-
lowing would have turned them over to
guerrilla Captain named Miller. who knew
Henderson. and whom Henderson knew
we'll enough to deem a second escape pref
ara h To t. l. Ill
over with him if he did not somehow make
a second slip.
Toward evening it began to rain, and
for convenience, the Captain ordered
number OF the party to q nearby house
for supper. AS soon as they approached
the house the woman began to cry. The
same party had murdered her husband
few weeks previous After supper they
were told to, go to smokehouse and make
fire. Everything was damp, and in the
search for something dry Henderson gave
them the slip and ran through an orchard
1t was pitch darkness, and he made his
escape. He crossed fence and found a
small brook. He followed this brook into
the mountains for several hours. when
deeming himself safe, he lay down in the
mud and rain to sleep. He passed the re-
mainder of that night and all the next day
and into the second night without waking
up. When he awoke the stars were shin
iiiS, IdhiuR HIS DeHEluSS lie resumed his
march. His food was now acorns and red
haws. He was nine miles back on his
march. and separated from his companions
The next day was Sunday. and he lay all
day in the brush. At night he started
again in northwesterly direction, and on
the 10Th struck the Choctaw road. He
now began TO increase his speed impelled
by the thought that he could recognize an
occasional landmark. A little grave be
knew came to mind. and if he could find
that he could locate himself He found
the grave, and he knew then that he was
3G miles from Fort Smith
At daylight of the 22d he came to Mas
sard Prairie. Here was the most dan
gerous point on the road. Bushwhackers
were abundant, constantly picking off
Union men who ventured out. Henderson
here lost all caution-was so overjoyed
with the prospects of home and of the flag
that he was reckless of consequences. He
met two ladies' and asked them where he
could breakfast. and they referred him to
little board shanty not fair off. where he
might get some Lincoln coffee. He received
a good breakfast from woman whose hus-
band was Union man at Fort Smith. He
was now 10 miles from Fort Smith. travel
ing in daylight. After weary walk he
reached the southern edge of heavy timber,
and the flag Of Fort Smith beamed Oh his
eyes. Thiy' timber had been felled. lying
crossways and the limbs jagged, affordins
a very good protection against the advance