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

On Spectai service.
II was already growing dusk when
the Stauntos 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 a 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 we're all of US stu at the table,
discus sing the incidents OF the drill,
wher. 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
farm. on the dirt pike, You will ride
your own horse"
Five minutes later l 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 a change in my fortunes.
1t was an ugly path, rutted deep by
artillery wheels. and dangerous for
the horse. was an hour reaching
the Coulter house, a double log cabin
some fifty feet or more back from the
road. 1t 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 sudden blaze OF light
and l 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
rough appearing. commonplace In
terror. A sturdy fire burned in thu
fireplace. and three lamps illuminet
the scene. revealing the presence o
five men, among whom l Instant.
recognized Ewell, Ashby. togethe
with Jackson, and his chief OF stan
The fifth occupant of the room ga
alone in one c.wner, his face PARTIAL
concealed. revealing little other tha
a fringe OF gray whiskers. jackson
seated behind a table Uttered wit
papers and maps, glanced up at tn
announcement of the orderly, and
came instantly to attention, my han
lifted In salute The generals ster
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt. Staunton art:
lery?"
Yes, sir
How long. may I 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 tt
aide, who nodded back, and pointed
map before them.
''You are q younger man in appea
ance than had expected to see. sc
xeant." Jackson said slowly. Yet
have learned within the last year
have confidence in young men. WI
ts swift developer of manhood Yo'
colonel speaks of you In the highe
farms and informs me that you al
a native of Green Briar county"
oar home was at Lewisburg, sir
Then YOU are doubtless intimate
acquainted with that section?"
Very well, indeed. general"
jackson sat motionless and In
Isnce for what seemed long viii
bis grave eyes on my face, but b
mind evidently elsewhere, one hal
unconsciously crumpling folded 7
DER. Ashby moved his chair causil
II to crunch noisily on the floor. al
the commander aroused at the U
usual sound
by any possibility are you refat
to Judge joel Wyatt?" he question
slowly
He was my father. sir. He b
been dead two years,
II regret TO hear 1t. Your moth
unless / am mistaken. was Fare
h,r. OF North Carolina"
Yes, sir-she has returned to
cid home"
The best of southern blood. gent
men" he said smilingiy, giancing
ward the others, but with watch
ewes instantly returning TO scan q
Was she driven out OF Green Bri
hy the state of unrest in that s.
tions" .
In a measure-yes, l repi,
promptly. 1T vas hardly safe for
to remain there alone. The county
filled with Union sympathizers.
roansd orer by bands OF guerrlii
claiming allegiance with both sid
hu, sparing no one, At present
understand. Federal troops have be
sent there from Charleston and
In control"
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