The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-10-09
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CHAPTER e.


- 80 III V8AJ hAOWtnk 6A1h WA&a
the Staunton Battery OF Horse aytil
lory returned YEARLY to camp after
hours OF hard field drifl. the men ever
conscious that no evolution. however
trivial was being overlooked By
..Stonewali' Jackson, sitting astride
his sorrei on little eminence to the
left. his stern face unrelieved by even
the semblance OF smile.
The winter quarters OF the Staunton
artillery we're slightly OF the main
road and l remained for some time
overseeing the care OF the horses be-
fore approaching the hut where the
noncommissioned officers had mess.
We were all OF us still at the table.
discussing the incidents of the drill,
when lieutenant appeared suddenly
in the doorway.
Sergeant Wyatt?" he inquired
briefly
I arose to my feet.
"Here. sir" answered In some sur
prise.
you are requested to report to
General Jackson at once; his head
quarters for tonight are at Coulter's
farm, on the dirt pike. You will ride
your own horse"
Five minutes later was guiding
my own horse down the dark road,
bending low In the saddle. obsessed
with a feeling that this mission.
whatever II might turn out to be,
promised change In my fortunes.
II was an ugly path, rutted deep by
artillery wheels, and dangerous for
the horse. I was an hour reaching
the Coulter house. a double log cabin,
some fifty feet or more back from the
road. II WAS with some difficulty that
made my way through the obstruct-
Ing guard to the steps, where an officer
took my name at the closed door. dis
appeared In a sudden blaze of light
and I stood there silently In the
shadows waiting.
Ten minutes must have elapsed be-
fore the door opened again and l
heard my named called. II was a
rough appearing. commonplace In
terror A sturdy fire burned In the
fireplace, and three lamps illumined
the scene, revealing the presence OF
i've men, among whom l instantly
recognized Ewell. Ashby, together
with Jackson. and his chief OF stan
The NTH occupant OF the room sat
alone In one corner, his face partially
, concealed, revealing little other than
a fringe OF gray whiskers. Jackson
seated behind a table Uttered with
papers and maps, glanced up at the
announcement OF the orderly, and
came instantly to attention. my hand
lifted In salute. The generals sterI
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt, Staunton artil
lery7"
Eyes, sir"
"How long may ask, have yo'
been In the service?"
"Since May. 81, sir"
"Ah! indeed And your age?"
"Twenty-four. sir"
He made some remark aside to tn
aide, who nodded back. and pointed I
a map before them.
"You are younger man In appeal
ance than had expected to see, Sc
geant," Jackson said slowly. Yet
have learned within the last year
have confidence In young men. wa
IN a swift developer OF manhood. You
colonel speaks OF you In the highei
terms and informs me that you al
a native or Green Briar county"
"Our home was at Lewisburg, sir
"Then you are doubtless intimatel
acquainted with that section?"
= Very we'll. indeed. general"
Jackson sat motionless and In
ience for what seemed a long Will
his grave eyes on my face, but b
mind evidently elsewhere, one han
unconsciously crumpling folded p
per. Ashby moved his chair. causir
Il TO crunch noisily on the floor. ar
the commander aroused at the u
usual sound.
by any possibility are you relate
10 Judge Joel Wyatt?" he question:
slowly.
He was my father. sir. He hi
been dead two years"
III regret TO hear II. Your moths
unless, am mistaken. was a Faro
har, OF North Carolina7"
"Yes, sir-she has returned TO b
old home"
"The best OF southern blood, gent
men," he said smilingly. glancing
ward the others. but with watchi
eyes instantly returning to scan n
"was she driven out Of Green Bri
by the state OF unrest In that 81
- tionf"
I'm n measure-yes," I repli
promptly. 1T was hardly safe for B
70 remain there alone. The county
allied with Union sympathizers. a
roamed over BY bands Of guerrilla
claiming allegiance with both sid
but spsrlnE no one. At present.
Understand. Federal troops have be
SAINT there from Charleston and
IN control"
nv~vv Inflammation In nartiaiiy q