Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1909-02-05
Civil War Stories
A Bold Raid.

I IA ASUA&A ANGA2Os
While Rosecrans occupied Murrees-
poro and Confederate force was ly-
Ing at BrandyVille, Gray Giles put
himself to much trouble to discover
the strength and position Of the enemy,
not only in Cannon County itself, but
In the neighboring counties round.
He soon learned that on one of the
turnpike roads and only a short dis
| lance from the county seat, were four
regiments Of rebel cavalry, command
ed by celebrated brigadier- general,
with his headquarters at the court
/ house
| Within few hundred yards of the
town were three infantry regiments,
and about two miles off an infantry
brigade was encamped. At Clermont
there was another infantry brigade,
with cavalry and artillery.
The brave scout had slowly been
maturing in his own mind a bold raid
on the county seat.
But on looking over the situation,
1t seemed as though the way to the
objective point was completely blocked
up with troops of all arms-infantry,
artillery and cavalry. If he attempt
ed to approach by one turnpike, Col
onel Robinsons troopers would meet
| him full in front If he tried the
route by the more southerly road, a
brigade Of infantry, with cavalry to
pursue and artillery to thunder at
him, was first to be defeated. If he
glided in by way Of Readyville, the
brigade two miles from the county
town was in his track
The situation would have appeared
desperate to almost any one, however
adventurous, but the temptation was
really strong
night in the latter part Of Febru-
airy was chosen as favorable to the
expedition.
The weather was terrible-the night
as dark as pitch-and it was raining
steadily, the drops as they fell turn
ing to Ice.
With detachment Of twenty-four
men, among whom was Reub Stacy,
Gray Giles set out.
He made his approach from the d.
rection Of Murfreesboro Proceeding
along the Woodbury. turnpike, he reach
ed point about mile beyond Ready
Vile. Here, turning southeast, he
crossed in the direction Of Bradley
Vile; but about half way to that town
again turned toward his objective
point, keeping in the woods, and leav-
ing Bradleyville well to the right.
He was now advancing in the tri-
angle which is made by the Murfrees-
boro and Beech Grove turnptkes and
an imaginary line from Murfreesboro
to Beech Grove.
Those familiar with the country
will easily understand the object of
this proceeding.
BY thus cutting through the triangle,
Gray Giles avoided all pickets scout
who would only keep lookout for in
truders on the main roads.
Advancing in this manner through
the woods, pierced with devious and
uncertain paths only, which the dense
darkness scarcely enabled them to fol-
low, the bold scout and his little band
finally struck into the Beech Grove
road, between Bradleyville and the
county seat, at a point about midway
between the two places.
One danger had thus been success
fully avoided-a challenge from par
ties of cavalry, or discovery by the
force posted in and near Bradleyville.
That place was now in their rear
they had "snaked'' around it and its
warders; but the perils of the enter
prise had scarcely commenced.
The county court house was still
/ about three miles distant, and it was
! girdled with cavalry and infantry.
Every approach was guarded, and the
| attempt to enter the place seemed des-
perate, but Gray Giles determined to
essay it.
Advancing resolutely, he came with
| In q mile and q quarter Of the town,
when he found the way barred by a
! heavy force.
camp. and all advance was checked
in that direction.
The scout did not waver in his pur-
pose, however.
Making detour to the right, and
leaving the enemy's camp far to his
left he struck into the road leading
from Clermont.
This road was guarded like the rest
but by a picket only; and Gray Giles
knew thoroughly how to deal with
these
Before the sleepy and unsuspicious
nickets were aware Of their danger,
they found revolvers presented at their
heads with the option Of surrender or
death presented to them.
They surrendered Immediately, were
taken In charge, and without further
ceremony Gray Giles and his band en-
tered the town.
From that moment the utmost 81
lence. energy, and rapidity of action