Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-09-23
chAPTE Err I.
On Special Service.

Nh SpeCtdt SSrttCc.
1t was already growing dusk when
The Stauntcs Battery of Horse artil-
iery returned YEARLY to camp after
hours OF hard field drill. the men ever
conscious that no evolution, however
trivial, was being overlooked by
StoneWall' Jackson. sitting astride
his sorrel on little eminence to the
left. his stern face unrelieved by even
the semblance of q smile.
The winter quarters OF the Staunton
artillery were slightly OF the main
road and | 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 ct the table,
discus sing the incidents OF the drifl.
wher. a lieutenant appeared suddenly
In the doorway.
"Sergeant Wyatt?" he inquired
briefly
arose TO my feet.
Here. SIR" | answered in some sur.
prise.
You are requested to report to
General Jackson ct once; his head.
quarters for tonight are at Coulter's
faru. 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 feeling that this mission.
whatever 1t might turn out to be,
promised change in my fortunes.
1t was an ugly path, rutted deep by
artillery wheels, and dangerous for
the Coulter mousse, 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 stood there silently in the
shadows waiting.
Ten minutes must have elapsed be
fore the door opened again and
heard my named called. 1t was 9
rough appearing. commonplace In
terror. A sturdy fire burned in tht
fireplace. and three lamps illuminet
the scene. revealing the presence Of
five men. among whom | instantly
recognized Ewell. Ashby. together
with jackson, and his chief of staff
The fifth occupant Of the room ga
alone in one c.Tner. his face PARTIAL!
concealed, revealing little other thar
a fringe OF gray whiskers. Jackson
seated behind a table Uttered Will
papers and maps, glanced up at tn
announcement OF the orderly, and
came instantly to attention, my han'
lifted In salute. The generals sterl
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt. Staunton art.l
lery?"
Yes, sir
How long, may ask, have yo
been in the service?'
Since May. 81. sir"
All, indeed And your age?"
"Twenty-four, sir
He made some remark aside to tn
aide. who nodded back, and pointed t
a map before them.
''You are younger man in appear
ance than | had expected to see. sci
geant," Jackson said slowly. Yet
have learned within the last year t
have confidence in young men. Wa
is a swift developer Of manhood You
colonel speaks of you in the highes
terms and informs me that you ar
native of Green Briar county"
Our home was at Lewisburg. sir.
Then you are doubtless intimatel
acquainted with that section?'
Very well, indeed. general"
jackson sat motionless and In s.
}ence for what seemed long while
bis grave eyes on my face, but hi
mind evidently elsewhere. one han
unconsciously crumpling a folded ps
per Ashby moved his chair. causin
II to crunch noisily on the floor. an
the commander aroused at the VI
usual sound.
by any possibility are you relate
to Judge joel WYATT he questione
slowly.
"He was my father. sir. He ha
been dead two years.
Il regret to hear it, Your mother
unless / am mistaken. was a Farqs
h.r. of North Cardinal"
Yes, sir-she has returned to he
Gid home"
The best of southern blood, gentle
men" he said smilingly. glancing Il
ward the others, but with watchft
eyes instantly returning to scan mi
Was she driven out OF Green Bria
BIZ the state OF unrest in that set
tions' a
In measure-yes, i reptile
promptly. 1T was hardly safe for he
to remain there alone. The county
filled with Union sympathizers. an
roamed over BY bands OF guerrilla:
claiming allegiance with both sides
but sparing no one. At present,
understand Federal troops have bee
sent there from Charleston and ar
In control"
Your information Is partially CO
rect: but in order to perfect plan
now contemplated | require a sti
r-.nra aoff-sf-a knowledge of exfStin