The National tribune., 1907-01-24
MILL SPRINGS.
Making Good Use Of Rebel Commis-
saries-Field Omcers A. Guests.

saFies-Field Omcers ~ Guests.
Editor National Tribune: Why
should not the comrades give express
sion tn the feelings which come when
thinking over the past and jot down for
their recreation and that of the old
boys items, which, perhaps disputed,
cause no real pain? 1 have in mind my
first real onslaught on the enemy (our
now time friends), and feel as II l
could talk over with them any circum-
stance, however critical, without dis
turbing the present state of cordiality.
On that cloudy morning the 10th KY,
under the command of that great and
good man, Col. ]. M. Harlan, formed in
line of battle to storm the formidable
fort at Mill Springs which old Zolli-
Golfer had built as barrier between
us and the seeding States. The 10th,
who were In reserve the day before and
had no chauce to show they were 'it'
or any part of 'it," were now to face the
stupendous difficulty of keeping aline-
ment over fallen timber, underbrush
and other obstacles almost tnsurmount-
able, with the embrasures frowning
down upon them. At the word of COM
mand we moved, and until we started
up the hill we were in good shape. 1t
was then impossible for even file aline-
ment, and the most eager led, but when
we got to the top the Johnnies were
never knew, but there he was, astride
his horse, and getting the regiment in
some shape, he ordered us forward to
the river, where the last Johnny was
pulling up the sunken road on the op-
posite side; their boat afire, also the
mill there. The cannon rOared and
shots were fired across that turbid
stream; but this was hardly necessary,
as they were going to beat the band as
1t was. In good time We went into
camp, making good use of the snug
houses vacated by the flying Johnnies.
The spoils now belonged to us. The
smiths of the South had made savage
looking knives, with the blades ground
to a keen edge such as no Yankee dared
face, squirrel rifles. double shotguns
and the trimmest twO-horse wagons /
ever saw. All these things we found,
and many of them were appropriated
by the soldiers as souvenirs. I passed
them by, but instead helped my mess
to put into my house sugar, flour, meal,
bacon and lard, and we had SO much
that 1t made a platform for beds, which
saries. That night about 10 o'clock
some one knocked on the door after
most of us had retired. I got up and
opened 1t, and saw Col. Harlan and
invited him in. When the door was
closed he said.H"Sergeant, they told me
that perhaps l could get something to
eat here; l have, had nothing all day."
Take a seat, Colonel; you shan't wait
long," l said. ! asked Comrades James.
Higdon and Nally to stir up the embers
of the fire, and soon coffee, broiled ba-
con and biscuits ,steaming hot We're on
the box table and the Colonel doing
justice to them. Meanwhile the cooks
were still at it, and fiapjacks and mo-
lasses finished the menu. When the
Colonel had finished he arose. and we
knew without his telling us, which he
did. that he felt 100 per cent better
We invited him to breakfast, which he
accepted, and also to live with us until
his headquarters outfit pulled out of
the mud and he could live at home
This he did to our great pleasure. Two
nights after, about IL o'clock at night,
another knock came at the door, and
upon opening Lieut.-Col. Hayes was dis
covered, who had been at the rear sick.
He came in, saying, Sergeant, Col.
Harlan told me to come here and per-
haps you would give me something to
eat, for 1 have had nothing since left
County, two days ago, and
have ridden night and day to get here,
having heard of the fight" He said It