The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-08-20

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Gage, because we two might escape,
but caring for him in his condition
might mean death to us all. l could
scarcely blame him, as the chances
were 80 to 100 against us. However,
said that If we had not started with
Gage 1t might be different, but to for
sake him to die here in the TIMBER
couldn't do that.
The longest day I live, ! shall
never forget the pitiful look on his
face when I came to him. He knew
what we had been discussing. Look
ing up, he said:
James, are you going to leave
me-?
II said: I will never forsake you.
l will get you among friends or die
with you
There was a greater probability of
my losing my life than saving his.
But think of the happy years he was
spared to live among his friends and
when he did die he was laid away by
those who were near and dear to him,
instead of being devoured by the
beasts of the forest
After resting awhile, we started
with our charge. We did not go far
until we came to "a stream. After
crossing in mud and water more than
waist deep we finally came to an open
ing in the timber. On a hill about a
half mile away we saw a log house.
A Friend in Need.
Although we did not know whether
friends or enemies lived there, we de-
cided that I should find out. After
travelled through the underbrush along
| the creek bank toward the dwelling
and thus keeping out of sight, 1 saw
/ a woman come out of the cabin and
| re-enter. l did not see any men folk.
| Then I concluded to venture in.
/ When the woman came to the door
asked if she belonged to the Union
II ,@k IT, 49, ~ -
| husband belonged to the Union party.
After satisfying myself that all was
well, told her who I was and about
my two comrades being down in the
timber. Then 1 waved my hat to my
| comrades, according to a pre-arranged
| signal, that all was all right for them
to come. We helped Mr.. Gage on a
bed to rest.
THE woman told us that four
Rebels that same morning had taken
| everything eatable away that they
could find, but she had concealed q
sack of -four under a carpet near the
/ stairway which led to the loft, and
also little coffee.
/ She made us a little biscuit and
coffee, but we dare not eat much, as
we had eaten nothing since our es-
cape, and while prisoners we had
making about a handful apiece. This
We had squeezed on a stick, held over
a fire and then ate it, more raw than
cooked.
when we had rested a while at the
cabin, and had eaten the biscuits, we
left, after enquir1ng for the right di-
| rection and thanking our host for her
blindness We Travelled all that after
noon and all the following night. In
the evening of the next day we reached
we two would rive out in helping Mr..
Gage.
i cat the fort we got supper and dou-
BILE blanket and had a good nights rest.
Five hundred rebels were in the
building in a temporary barracks.
Among them was man named Hib-
hard from Shawnee county. He was
taken as a rebel. He heard of our ar
rival and sent word for US to help him
cut. We identified him as Union
man to the officer in charge and he was
| released.
After resting a day ARRANGEMENTS
were made with a team to carry us
home. After his arrived home Comrade
Gage took sick and for some time it
was doubtful that he would ever re-
over. However, he rallied and lived
! for years.
Promised to Provide for Polly.
"At the time he made his will I was
prosperous, but took in a partner and
through misplaced confidence I was rob-
bed by him of thousands of dollars and
could never rally to be in the same cir
/, eumstances as before.
"Comrade Gage had always said that
he intended to provide for me- in my
old age. On the morning OF his stroke
while on his way to make a will 1 met
him on Kansas avenue, just north OF
| where the Thompson hardware store
now stands. Grasping me by the hand
Mr.. Gage said:
God bless you, James, I would
rather see you than any man living.
have not forgotten you, and will pro-
vide for you in your old age
But he put it off too long, the deal
| and noble man.
'I was surprised when 1 read the be-
| quests in Mrs. Cages will. She vel
knew Of her dear husbands and COM
panion's desire to give or leave me
5000, and supposed she would make
| some provision at her death If 1 was
| living. Every dollar that she possessed
| was through my efforts. She was moi
his wife until release from captivity
and return home.'