The Raymer enterprise., 1912-11-21
"UncIe Joe" surrendered

"UncIe Joe" Surrendered
Sunday, November 18th, 1912, was
the 9th anniversary of the birth of
Joseph Gingrass, better known far and
near as "uncle Joe." Thinking that
such an event should not pass without
notice, some nineteen of his neighbors
and friends decided to give him a call.
Accordingly about two o'clock in the
afternoon his castle was stealthily ap.
preached to surprise the stronghold and
take the garrison prisoner.
However; when the citadel was
reached, every avenue was found Sc
curely guarded and no signs of life
appeared above the ramparts. A coun-
Gil of war was called and it was unani-
mously decided to carry the works by
storm. Skeleton keys were secured,
burglar tools were brought into play,
and finally the windows were forced by
Gen. Sweigad, gallantly supported by
Col. Fike. This was a brilliant and de-
clsive engagement, even though the
works were not garrisoned, being con-
sidered impregnable. The entire caus-
ality list was confined to soiled clothes
and torn garments.
With the besieging force in complete
possession and comfortably quarter
ed, attention was turned to the escap-
ed garrison and the whereabouts of
"Uncie joe" Operations were now
divided into two parts. The prepara-
tions for lunch were directed bv Mrs.
Barker in charge Of comissary depart
ment. while Gen. Sweigard. unsupport-
ed, bravely cut his communication
with the supply train and set out
on scouting expedition to find "Uncle
joe" Here was the one miscalcula-
ton of campaign otherwise faultless
Reports had been received that the
missing man marched south early in the
day and the scouting column started in
the direction of Eddy's ranch, msying
rapidly and was quickly lost to view.
The fearless scout had scarcely passed
from sight when sentinels reported an
approaching force from the northwest.
Gen. D. M. Francis, the veteran in
charge of the defenses, swept the hori-
zon with his powerful field glasses and
soon announced that "Uncle Joe" was
coming on the double quick, charging
through the corn (Wilderness) with
colors and perspiration flying, walking
stick fixed and moving with such celer-
ity that the crisis of the campaign was
at hand. Gen. Francis disposed of his
forces with consumate skill. A skir-
mish line was then thrown forward con-
sisting of pretty girls. The wisdom of
this move is apparent when it is recall
ed that Uncle Joe" is native of
Vermont and like that first and brayest
of New England soldiers could march
right up to the mouth of canon, but
found it different when it came to fac
ing the mouth of a woman, and the
hero who had chased Lees veterans at
Five Forks and campaigned with Sher-
idan in the Shenandoa struck his flag,
stacked his arms and surrendered.
With fortress and garrison in their
hands thoughts turned to lunch and
the work of destruction became terri
Bile, proceeding with shameless disre-
gard for the fate of the unsupported
scouting column sent out earlier in the
day. However, the scout fell back be-
fore the provisions were exhausted as
they were plentiful and delicious. In
fact after everybody was more than
satisfied there remained, among others,
magnificent frosted cake surmounted
by the American flag in colored candies
which it was voted to leave with I'm
Gle joe IFS a reminder of days and
Nights on the Battle Field during the
coming days on homestead.
The setting sun reminded the invad-
ers that it was time to go home, wishing
"Uncle joe many returns of the day.