The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-09-15

some little advance, cautiously, through
the woods. Soon We heard the chopping
of wood. Carefully creeping along. in
sight of each other, we spied the first
the train-an old negro cutting down trees.
Looking about, to be sure that he was
alone, we approached him and asked
where we could find something to eat. He
was nearly scared to death, at first, hut
after informing him who We were, and en-
joining upon him entire ignorance of US,
he freely gave us what he had with him
bered milk-which the three of US de-
youred like wolves, and with a relish.
The negro was piled with questions as to
our locality and the route We had best
pursue. He directed us how to find other
negroes who would help us on our way,
and where We might be able to find shelter
from rebel scouting parties, who were
hunting deserters from the rebel army in
that section. We went on for q short dis
lance, and lay in concealment until night
when We ventured upon the highway and
travelled as silently as We could, stopping
upon hearing the least noise, many times
lying beside the road sin the bushes OF
weeds until all was quiet. The next morn.
ing brought us near Columbia, s. c., in a
nOrthwesterly direction, as we learned
As we approached grist mill we saw an
denly came, and putting on a bold front
we demanded something to eat, pretend
ing to be rebel soldiers going to our regi-
ment, short distance beyond. He gave
us such as he had and plenty of it, and
when his eyes were turned We put some OF
it away in our clothes for future use. Our
conversation with him about the Yankee
army put him in pleasant frame OF
mind. He gave us some rebel advice, and
We started on, changing our course again.
deeming it best to leave all towns Of any
size as far away from us as possible
FINDING A HIDING PLACE.
When at safe distance from the high.
way We selected hiding place, and after
planning for the future, lay down to sleep
until shutdown. The nights had been ia.
vorable for US, being moonlight, and we
made the best of them as far as our weak
ened condition would allow. Our clothing
trousers were made of coffeesacks- and
gunnybags, and thorns were used for
holding our garments together. Only an
apology for a blouse, and almost shoe
less, we felt most miserable. Early the
next day We came upon railroad. Az
we approached it from the woods we
heard voices, and saw, some distance from
us men at work repairing the track. While
watching them We discovered, hanging on
a branch Of tree by the side of the
| tracks. dinner pail. The men being
some distance away, we crawled opposite
to, and as near it as we dared. AS the
men worked away from us, around little
curve, that pail and contents soon were
ours, and the pork and corn bread was
speedily placed where it would relieve
three starving men. Crossing the track
some distance below this spot, we made
for the mountain side, not waiting, MOI
caring to hear, the owner of that dinner
pail inquire who's been about chere p
and then perhaps swear q little. W.
found the travelling very rough and trying
in keeping away from any highway al
far as possible. Whatever We could find
that was available we picked up and car
wearing apparel. The next day we ran
| across another negro who supplied us
with a small quantity of corn bread and .
| small piece OF bacon, pointing out the way
| to go. He informed us that there had
been rebel scouts in that neighborhood tho
day before. The next day we stopped al
| an old 'Squire's house, and he gave us as
good a supper as We could wish or ex
pect under the circumstances. We passed
as rebel soldiers. He appeared anxious
very anxious, for US to remain all night
but, not liking his manners, and seeming
| anxiety Tor us to remain over night, we
declined his invitation and started, in q
heavy rain, on our way. As soon as we
were out OF his sight we made rapid
strides in IN opposite direction from that
In which he saw Us 60. 1t became 80 dark
that we could not tell which way we were
going, and fearing We might retrace our
steps, we stopped and lay down in the
corner Of fence. soaking wet through and
through. We slept but little, each taking
his turn to keep awake. As soon "a Il
was light enough we started on the tramp,
and had gone some distance when. ahead,
We saw . large farmhouse, but none other
in the vicinity. We went boldly up, made