Chapter 3 No.3

The General-His Quarters-The Delay-The Expedition-The Instructions-The Departure.

We should have else desired your good advice

(Which still hath been both grave and prosperous)

In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow,

Is't far you ride?-Shakespeare.

The Union army, or rather a portion of it, was encamped at Warsaw, waiting for the completion of the Osage river bridge, which was being built by the soldiers, at that point. The division under the command of acting Major-General Sigel, had succeeded, after an extraordinary effort, in reaching the west side of the river, but it was impossible to convey the heavy trains which accompanied the army across, without something more than the small scow, which was termed a ferry-boat, and plying between Warsaw and the opposite shore.

The divisions under the command of McKinstry, Hunter, and Pope, had not yet arrived. Therefore the troops occupying Warsaw and its vicinity, numbered only about ten or twelve thousand. Under the incessant toil of the soldiers, who labored day and night, it was expected that the bridge would be complete by the time the rear divisions of the army arrived.

As a matter of prudence, it was deemed necessary to keep the rebel hosts in ignorance with regard to the situation of our forces. It was not expected that they would advance upon us, although many expressed a desire that it should be so, believing that Price would never meet our entire army, and that farther pursuit of that general was altogether fruitless. This opinion, however, was not general, and the more experienced officers were of the opinion that a few days would bring a great and decisive battle, but had perfect confidence in our complete success. They felt, that if the rebel leader possessed one particle of pride, he must make a stand, after the oft-repeated oaths that he had taken, to meet and overwhelm the federal troops.

Spies were reporting each day, that Price had sworn to meet, and give us battle; but the opinion among this class seemed to be, that he would fall back to the Arkansas line, and make a junction with Texan troops, said to be on the march toward Missouri. Many reports were circulated with regard to the strength of the rebel army, some saying it numbered over seventy thousand, while others declared there were not over thirty thousand armed men connected with it.

But the general commanding the Union forces, placing little reliance upon the statement of those spies, whom he believed could be bought upon either side by the highest bidder, determined to send known and trusty men into the very camp of Price. The delay of the army would afford sufficient time for doing so. It soon became known throughout camp that the general wished the services of some two or three daring spirits, for a dangerous enterprise, although what the nature of this enterprise might be, was not known, or whether the officers required were to take soldiers with them or go alone.

The headquarters of our army were situated on the hill at the upper and east side of Warsaw. The tent of General Fremont, which was of the Sibley pattern, modest and unassuming in its appearance, stood in the edge of an oak grove, near the house of the rebel judge Brown. In no way was it distinguishable from others which surrounded it, except that before the door, there was a single soldier of the body-guard, with drawn sword, acting as sentinel. Adjoining the general's tent were others of the same pattern, which were occupied by his staff. On the slope above, and almost concealed from view among the trees, was the encampment of the sharpshooters and the Benton cadets.

The reader will follow me along the main road, and passing headquarters some twenty rods, will see, on a parallel with the street, a line of tents, which were the staff officers' of the cadets. Just before reaching these we will turn a little to the left, and proceed for a short distance down a narrow lane. At the extreme right of the cadets' camp, stands a tent, of precisely the same appearance as those surrounding it, the entire regiment occupying the kind known as the Fremont tent. Let us enter.

It is occupied at this time by four men, who, by their uniforms, are at once recognized as officers. Two of these officers display the rank of captain, by their shoulder-straps, the other two that of first lieutenant. The dark blue and bullion of one of these lieutenants indicate a staff officer. He is the regimental adjutant.

"William Nettleton!" called one of the officers.

"Here, captain," was the ready response.

"Bring more coffee!"

"Yes, captain."

And away started the person addressed as Nettleton.

It will be necessary to give a brief description of this personage, as he is to play a conspicuous part in the following events. He was in height, about six feet. His neck was very long, his hair nearly white-not from age, but naturally so; his brows and eyelashes of the same color, his eyes were of a light green, his mouth large and gaping, his teeth extending like a battering ram, his form very lank and lean, his legs immensely long and thin, and very knock-kneed, and his feet-oh! ye gods,-such feet. They were about the shape of his own knapsack, and almost as large, and his legs seemed to join the feet exactly in the middle, extending as far to the rear as front. And when he walked, one would almost fancy that at every step he would fall to pieces. In fact, he looked unlike man or animal, and at first sight he might have been taken for a deformed idiot. But whoever supposed him as such, on a very short acquaintance would discover their mistake. He had been detached from his company as the captain's servant, was very much attached to him, and delighted in being called the "captain's body guard."

In a moment his voice was heard exclaiming:

"Here, ye darn lazy skunks, you; what for did you let this fire go out? Captain wants some more coffee, and now it's all cold, darn ye."

A burst of laughter followed this, as the adjutant remarked:

"Captain, you have a jewel in that fellow."

"Yes, but a rough one."

"A decided character, I wish you would transfer him to me."

"Not for his weight in gold. I have adopted him," replied the captain.

"I will wager my commission, he will fight!"

"I intend to try him!"

"In what way?"

"I will tell you presently. But, let us talk of other matters now. You heard what the colonel said?"

"Ye darn lazy skunks you!"

"William's voice again!" replied the adjutant, laughing, which was joined in by the four officers present.

"Perhaps William's address to his squad might apply to us, for we have done very little lately. But, the colonel tells me that Fremont wants some one to-"

"Go to the devil!" again shouted William. He was, of course, addressing himself to the cook and boys who surrounded him, and who were always teazing the fellow, and of course took all he said or did in good part.

"William is apt in answers, if replying to us, captain. At all events, that reply was more apropos than the first," said the adjutant.

"To go on some important service. I expect," continued the captain, "it is to visit the camp of Price as a spy. There has nothing been said about the men going with us, or with the officer who may volunteer to go, and of course the general would not expect an officer of the cadets to take men from other regiments, and ours are all engaged in building the bridge."

"Have you received any definite order?"

"Yes, and I at once sent for you all. The order includes our names, and we are to report to the general at four o'clock. It is now two."

"Anything to relieve this present monotony. I for one am tired of it. I came to Missouri to fight, and not to run. True, we are running after Price, but that does not satisfy me. I confess that I am ambitious, and I want to do something that will bring my name prominently before the world; and I want-"

"Coffee, sir," said William, entering the tent.

"Go on, adjutant William, place the coffee upon the table. You were saying that you want-"

"Whiskey, sir," again repeated William, as he handed a bottle toward his captain, which he had taken from the mess-chest.

"William, be quiet; don't speak again," said the captain.

"I won't, captain, but I heard the adjutant say he wanted something, and I thought of course it was the black bottle."

"Silence, Nettleton."

"I will, captain. Shall I make it hot?"

"Nettleton, will you shut your mouth?"

"I can't, captain, my teeth are too long."

"Go after some wood for my fire, William. Take your squad with you."

"Yes, captain."

In a moment Nettleton was heard calling:

"Here, ye darn lazy skunks you, captain wants some wood. Come, be quick, or I will have you all in the guard-house."

"Now, adjutant, what were you going to say?"

"Merely, that I want my parents, my relatives, to feel that I have done something that they may be proud of me!"

"Adjutant, that is a natural impulse of the human heart. But this is not your only motive?" The captain fixed a piercing look upon him. He bent his head for a moment and was silent. At that instant the band struck up the Star-Spangled Banner.

"No!" cried the adjutant, springing to his feet. "That is not my only motive. I thought you knew me better. It is true I love my father and my mother, my brothers and sisters, and it would gratify my pride if I could return home after this war is over, an acknowledged hero; but, I love my country, and while I enjoy the self-satisfaction derived from great deeds, I desire my country should derive all the benefits. It may be passion with me-this love of country-but I trust it is principle. My fathers fought, and I should hate myself if I had so far degenerated as to fight from selfish motives, or fear to fight. From youth I have dreamed of battle-fields, and glory for myself, never thinking it would be in this, our own America, that my first battle would be fought. But it is so, and my manhood views differ somewhat from those of childhood. Now I long for the battle-field, and my country's glory!"

"I have no doubt of your loyalty, Harry," replied the captain. "Neither do I doubt your love for your friends and your country. But you have just returned from the camp of Price, and, if I mistake not, you love that camp."

Harry did not reply. The two other officers gazed upon the adjutant with a look of surprise, and then turning to the captain, one of them said:

"Love for the camp of Price!"

"Oh don't be alarmed, gentlemen. You know the good book tells us that where the treasure is, there the heart will be."

"These are strange words; however, explain."

"Why, can you not guess?"

"Relatives there!"

"No! that is, not at present. How soon a relative may be there is quite another thing."

"Come-come, captain, explain."

"Why, look at Harry's face; you can find the explanation there. What but love, and love for the softer sex, ever made a man like Harry grow pale and melancholy. You have not heard him sing 'Noble Republic' recently, have you? You know the free bird never sings when its mate has been caught and caged."

"Caught and caged! Why then if Harry really does love, it is not a rebel beauty?"

"I will answer that," cried Harry. "No, she is not a rebel beauty, but is, and ever has been a true Union girl. I call her girl, for she is so innocent, so artless, so beautiful, and yet she possesses firmness and resolution I never could have expected in one so young. I met her years ago in New York. She was then a little child, but I loved her even then. When I visited the camp of the rebels last week, what was my surprise to meet her. I learned her history, and I found she was detained as a prisoner. But it is growing late. In ten minutes we must meet the general. I will explain all this at some future time."

"Ah! here comes Nettleton. I want him," said the captain.

Nettleton entered the tent.

"William, tell me which you prefer: to serve in the ranks, or to act as my body-guard?"

"Why, captain, I want to remain just as I am. Why? You don't want to have me superceded, do you?"

"Oh! no; but why do you object to being in the ranks?"

"I can't turn round quick enough!"

"Why?"

"My feet are too big?"

"I am afraid, William, that you are a coward!"

"I don't think I am, captain!"

"If you were to meet the enemy in battle, would you run?"

"Which way?"

"Why, from the enemy."

"I suspect I should, captain!"

"Why, William, you said you were not a coward!"

"Well, I say so again!"

"Then why would you run from the enemy?"

"Why, I must follow my captain of course!"

"Good, Nettleton, good," shouted the listeners. "You are matched this time, captain." And all joined in the laugh.

"Well, William, I expect I shall go to-night, where there is some danger. Will you go with me?"

"Yes, captain."

"Think again, William. We may both be killed?"

"Oh! well, if we are only both killed, I can serve you still?"

"Serve me! In what way?"

"By bringing coal for your fire, instead of wood!"

"Come-come, William, no more of this levity. If you will go, or wish to go, you can do so. Saddle White Surry for yourself. Give my brown horse to Swasey's nigger! prepare my horse, and be ready in half an hour. Come, gentlemen, it is time to report to the general."

The four officers left the tent, and proceeded to the headquarters of the commanding officer. They were duly announced by the guard.

They entered the tent. The general was seated at a small table, busy with his papers. But he rose instantly, and in a cordial manner, invited them to a seat.

"We report for orders, general," said the captain.

"Then you have resolved to undertake this task?" answered the general in an inquiring manner.

"Yes, although ignorant of its nature, we have resolved to attempt anything that may benefit our army and our cause. You have only to give your commands, to have them faithfully executed, if it is possible to do so!"

"I have no commands to give. That which I ask is a mere request, which you are at liberty to decline if you wish. Here are the directions. You, Captain Hayward, will act as you think best, so far as details are concerned, and will take command. If, however, after reading the directions contained in that envelope, you wish to decline the service, let me hear of it soon as convenient."

"You have our answer now. Good evening, general."

"Good evening, gentlemen."

The officers at once left the tent, and proceeded to that of the captain.

"Be seated," said Captain Hayward, as he opened the envelope. He glanced over its contents, and turning to his companions he said:

"We must disguise ourselves. It is as I suspected-we are to go to the camp of Price. I have in my possession one of the secesh uniforms, which formerly belonged to an officer. I shall wear it. You will dress in the plain homespun worn by the rebel soldiers."

"Where are we to procure them?"

"They will be sent to my tent in a few moments. The general has provided them. William Nettleton!"

"Yes, captain."

"Are our horses ready?"

"Yes, captain."

"Tell my cook to prepare rations for three days for six men. Take care that they are properly placed in our haversacks-then bring the horses around to my tent-door. Stay, here is a suit of clothing I wish you to put on, and wherever we go, understand you belong in Springfield, and have just left the hospital there. After we pass our lines, you know you are a rebel, so lay aside that rifle, and take the shot gun I gave you. 'Swasey's nigger' will not be armed at all. Go."

In a few moments the officers had changed their uniforms for the rougher dress. Their horses were brought up, and they at once took their leave of camp, followed by the negro and William Nettleton.

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