Civil War Reminiscence
by Jessee G. Jones
Chapter 2 (written 1911-12, Knoxville, Texas)
I was in new fields of adventure enjoying the hospitality of a true blue Yankee Colonel. I drifted there knowing full well the confidence reposed in me. The Colonel was enthused over the brief rehersal given him and expressed great satisfaction in having the opportunity of paying a huge debt of gratitude due me prior to his Colonelcy he owned a farm near Fort Henry and had mowed quiet a quantity of hay. The Confederates going into winter quarters needed hay for beding the Colonel was spotted as a Union man and the hay was burned in the field. I had boarded with the Colonel in time was on chummy terms with him. Ten or twelve Confederates slyly approached his house one morning and made off with him to the woods with an inch rope around his neck leaving his wife and two grown daughters screaming and ringing their hands in the yard. They sought my services at once to interced for them and save the father and husband, my intersessions proved fruitless and these tuff characters were about to win the day when a etachment of cavalry per chance come to our relief and no doubt saved the life of this colonel my friend yet we are classed as enemies. Our gratitude for such can never die but liveth for ever. The Colonel plunged into details of my condition assuring me of his cheerfull help as I vowed secrecy in all he said or done consistance required that, life itself required it, for he had commited himself to my crimes, it would be embarrassing to him provided it was known.My advice was to return to the thickets and keep very quiet and await for every thing to still down, this seemed to be the only wise conclusion left me. War was at fever heat south east and west the territory completely covered with home guards. I did not want to fight anybody under existing circumstances. I wanted to get home at Corinth, Miss. and take a new start in warfare. To be captured here was too great a defeat to be tolerated by me, I wanted first to try my generalship and if necessary try my new arms which I had secured for my protection. I was quiet lonely in the thickets and started quickly at the breaking of a stick. I was supplied with rashions to run me a few days. Calm and tranquil seemed to be the outer world the chirping of birds and the barking of squirrels broke the monotony and tempered the lifeless world bearable. It may have been the best for me yo have been isolated from humanity for my protection and safety at that time, however, we trusted there was a limit. Day after day passed without developments and my patients was well nie exhausted, for a little recreation I thought I would visit the good lady’s house who at first favored me with something to eat and posisbly may learn something beneficial to me. With a cautious step and alert I hastily approached her door inquiring if blue coats were plentifull in these parts. There is no scarsity to my sorrow, replied. Where were you when the furnices were burned and they carried of so many men? “I was also along with the crowd madam and sheared with them in their clemency. All of them were released at the Fort except a few head officers, yes you are correct my husband was one of them and was down there when you were here before, he is now at home where I trust he may remain, he is now coming from the barn and you may rely in him being all Southern.” “Thank you, with your permission, speaking to the gentlemen I desire to introduce myself. “I am an escaped Confederate Soldier was in the Fort Donalson fight the command to which I belong were all captured and sent to camp Douglas Chicago.” Giving me his hand remarked I am your friend, protecter, defender, and well wisher and will do your service when called. Under the present existing circumstances I have but little to do except watch and wait for the golden opportunity I want to keep up with the developments and friends, like you may aid me no little in doing so. I do not wish to impose any trouble on others and would not have them to commit the crime of harboring me. Have you heard any hints either implied or expressed that would cause suspicion on the thickets being inhabited, reports are that is, slightly currant reports indicates one or more Confederates have been seen, as to the confederate I do not object to his company provided his company is good, if his escort is uniformed in blue I would hike away for parts unknown. There is one important matter on which your judgement and advise is respectfully asked, as you are familiar with the landscape surrounding here. Will you kindly point out to me every desirable hiding place, as I may be forced to move from point to point as occasions require. All of which was freely and unreservedly given. In conclusion beg you to try and keep wide a wake in the cause for the boys in gray. I hope that we may meet again, two long weeks have passed since I escaped and I am no nearer home. Thanking you kindly for your suggestions and advice bid you goodbye. Thinking perhaps that I was over doing caution and would do better to risk a little more, ventured out on the river to recconoit the country. I tried to be courteous to all I met and was like wise pleasantly greeted. Two Yankee Soldiers were repairing a telegraph line which had been destroyed. They swore vengance on the perpetrator if caught. My feeling was indescribable I rambled aimlessly on keeping the river for a land mark having a few words only with any body, though my head was crowded with thoughts of a plausable tale should I be detected. The Garrison left at the Fort had been changed so often indentifycation was not so seriously dreaded finding that I was inside of their picket line I sought out headquarters for the double purpose of gaining information and showing our respect. Gen. Oglesby twice Governor of Illinois was in command, his curtisies were faultless he inquired where I lived and if bothered by fleeing Confederates. I told him that I live out in the country, when I was sudently interupted by the acclimation, Spy Bushwhacker Telegraph distroyer from one of the Yankees who knew me. You are a gump exclaimed Gen. Ogelsby, very gumpy I will start you to camp Douglas tomorrow to join your people, off with him the Barracks.
Source:Cheryl's Family Index | email to Cheryl Grubb
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