The National tribune., 1911-03-16

ways q source of gratitude TO the I'M
known benefactor that smoothed the
passing of the river in that way. I
have thought of this precise thing I'M
counted times. and the scene of the
crossing that November morning of fate
is as fresh to-day as II 1t had occurred
yesterday.-Wm G. LeDuc."
The Retreat From Pulaski.
Col. Hayes kept a diary during the
Hood campaign, ard the notes of the
retreat from PuIaski to Nashville are in
structive and interesting.
Nov. 21.-The first snowstorm of the
season. Gen. Schofeld telegraphs Gen.
Stanley. There is no doubt of Hoods
intentions. We will have to move
therefore without delay Have your
Quartermaster send all supplies to CO.
lumbia without delay. Withdraw from
Pulaski by Wednesday morning, Nov.
%. Schofield to Stanley: Have all rail-
road trains loaded and started to the
rear as soon as possible Six-thirty
a. m. Gen. Hatch reports the enemy
moving toward Columbia. 4 spy says
Hood has 10000 infantry and $4,000
cavalry.
Nov. 24.-Trains ordered to move
toward Columbia at a. m.
Nov. "a, midnight.-The last wagon
of the train has pulled into Columbia
and parked. The trains to-day have
whipped up on the run whenever there
has been a chance. At every crossroad
from the west have dreaded an attack
from Hood.
Nov 25.-One a. M, got into house
and lay down on the floor for an hour
sieep. At am awakened by the house
being torn down to make clear sweep
for artillery fire. Frantic women rush
into the r1om, saying: oh, heavens,
they are tearing down our house; save
us | said: I cannot help; this is war
/ gathered up my belongings and fed.
Other buildings were set on fire to open
scope for the guns. Picket firing began
and waxed louder. The enemy was
feeling his way for concerted attack.
Nov 25.-Our army strengthening
its lines to-day. Enemy's cavalry in
front along our lines.
Nov. 26.-Two-thirty p. M, artillery
and trains ordered over the river this
afternoon; infantry to follow tonight.
Seven to 9 p. m.-Rained all day. AL
most impossible for the trains to get
down to the pontoon bridge and up the
other side. Three six-mule teams and
loaded wagons off the bridge and into
the river. Twelve, midnight, two of
the pontoon boats sunk.
Nov. 27.-Pioneers mending the
roads and the pontoons in order re-
sumed crossing successfully. Directed
the Assistant Quartermaster to hold and
park the trains in field beyond the
wood and wat further orders. I am
held as in wise at the river watching
the crossing.
"One p. m.-Orderly, with horse at
the jump. rides up and says: Train
with army cattle have got off up the
Franklin pike strung out for miles
Without guards in an enemy's country,
exposed to FORESTS cavalry and cap
ture-the main supplies of ammunition.
forage and all, perhaps, gone, somebody
will be shot, hung, drawn and quar-
tered-the army may be lost for this
mishap. ] turned my horse and fled
over the river after the fugitives miles
and miles. At 10 miles, the beef cat
tie were caught and whiricd about
face. Then the rear of the trains came
in sight, and l shouted turn about and
SO on until my horse gave out. and
met a better and pulled off his rider
in wink and took his place in the
saddle =
-Four p. M, reach Franklin and find
the bulk of the transportation in a
grove eating dinner. Got cavalry es-
cort and started back, hoping from the
darkness to escape the enemy.
A Lucky Man.
Nov. 2s.-Got in safe this morning
at 1880 under cover of our forces at
Rutherford Creek. Told Gen. Stanley
all about il. He said: You are the
luckiest man in the army; the peril has
been very great indeed. and put the
army in great jeopardy a few hours
later end the impedimenta of our army
would have been in the hands of a re-
ceiver-Nathan B. Forrest. The entire
army would probably have followed
suit. Then to Nashville, Louisville and
up the Ohio River prolonging the