The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1915-12-24
CHAPTER |.
On Special Service.

conscious that no evolution, however
trivial, was being overlooked by
"StonewaIl' Jackson, sitting astrido
his sorrel on little eminence to the
left, his stern face unrelieved by even
the semblance of smile.
The winter quarters of the Staunton
artillery were slightly off 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 uG still at the table,
discussing the incidents Of the drill,
when 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 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 l was guiding
my own horse down the dark road,
bending low in the saddle, obsessed
with feeling that this mission.
whatever it might turn out to be,
promised 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, 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 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 a
rough appearing, commonplace in
terror A sturdy fire burned in the
fireplace, and three lamps illumined
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 sat
alone in one corner, his face partially
concealed, revealing little other than
q 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 stern
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt. Stanton artil-
lery?"
Eyes, SIR"
How long, may l ask, have you
been in the service?"
Since May, 81, sir"
"Ah! indeed. And your age?"
"Twenty-four, sir
He made some remark aside to the
aide. who nodded back, and pointed to
a map before them.
You are younger man in appear
ance than had expected to see, SER
geant," Jackson said slowly yet
have learned within the last year to
have confidence in young men. War
is a swift developer Of manhood Your
colonel speaks of you in the highest
terms and informs me that you are
a native of Green Briar county"
Our home was at LeWisburg, sir"
Then you are doubtless intimately
acquainted with that section?"
Very well, indeed, general"
Jackson sat motionless and in 81
ience for what seemed a long while.
his grave eyes on my face, but his
mind evidently elsewhere, one hand
mconsciously erumpling a folded pa.
per. Ashby moved his chair, causing
1t to crunch noisily on the floor, and
the commander aroused at the I'm.
usual sound.
by any possibility are you related
to Judge Joel Wyatt?" he questioned
slowly
He was my father. sir. He has
been dead two years"
Il regret to hear it. Your mother.
unless am mistaken, was Farqu-
har, of North Carolina?"
YES. sir-she has returned to her
old home"
The best of southern blood, gentle
men" be said smilingly, glancing to-
ward the others, but with watchful
eyes instantly returning to scan me.
Was she driven out of Green Briar
by the state of unrest in that sec.
tion2"
In a measure-yes," i replied
promptly ut was hardly safe for her
TO remain there alone, The county ia
filled with Union sympathizers, and
roamed over by bands of guerrillas.
claiming allegiance with both sides,
but sparing no one At present, t
understand Federal troops have been
sent there from Charleston and are
10 control"