USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization. > Part 35
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Morning at last dawned upon us and we could hardly recognize each other as our faces were all swelled up. I seemed to be the worst one as my teeth were all loose and some had gone out with the gums. We took the backward move as we couldn't tell if we were going the length or breadth of the swamp. We were in water from knee to waist deep, and there was no dry land. We were badly cut up with briars and vines which went from tree to tree. Reaching the woods again we thought we were indeed lucky
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to get out of that God-forsaken place; and if it had continued raining and cloudy we never should have made the woods except by accident.
TRAVELING IN A CIRCLE.
Flanking the swamp and it raining again, we made slow time for New- burn, N. C., the sun being our only guide. Remaining till night which was a dark one and several roads being before us, we took as we supposed the right one. We walked on very cautiously till late at night when we became alarmed lest we were on the wrong road. So moving up to a negro hut Trotter inquired where we were, telling the negroes we were Yankees and not to tell any one, which they agreed to. They seemed alarmed and hardly knew what a Yankee was, only as they had been told; but on being assured that we would not harm them they told us we were close to Marion and half a mile from our late prison, the R. R. warehouse. We had taken the wrong road and had been going right back to where we had escaped from a few days before. On learning the right road we started in a great hurry, although we were very hungry and although the negro said he would cook us something to eat; but we were rather too anxious to get away from that place. So we parted from the darkey with a fervent "God bless de Yankees."
Traveling till near morning we espied a light in a hut; and as we had gone some ten miles and were very hungry, we concluded to run some risk for something to eat, as we hadn't eaten anything for several days. I crawled up to the door and looking through an aperture discovered an old woman by a fire. On my knocking at the door the woman inquired who we were. I informed her we were Confederate soldiers going home on fur- lough and would be thankful for a bite to eat. She told us she hadn't any- thing cooked, but if we would wait till daylight she would bake us some bread, and just as I was going to tell her we would, I discovered there were two men getting out of bed. So I took the hint and remarked we would lie out in the barn till morning and call in for our bread. Crawling back to my comrades and informing them what I had seen, it was soon concluded to move out of that part of the Confederacy; for no doubt the men would be after us. Before I left I picked off the line a very large towel which I made do for a shawl.
HIDING AND STARVING.
Our plan now was that we must get something to eat before morning and we must get as far away as possible. So making extra efforts and coming to a cornfield we took several ears apiece and went into a swamp for safety. We remained there all day, ate our corn, slept on a log that was out of the water, and several times we were startled by the baying of the hounds perhaps on our track. We thought, however, we were safe from the blood- hounds as long as we remained in the swamp. Night coming on and also
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Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Central Presbyterian St. Patrick's Catholic
Church of Christ
Methodist Episcopal
GROUP OF NEVADA CHURCHES
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very heavy rain, we started. Nothing happened to bother us till near morn- ing, when we met a man on horseback with a sack of meal. Having no time to step aside, we were of course discovered. Trotter remarked we would have to keep our eyes open, for the Rebs would soon be after us with the dogs and we had found out from a negro that there was a pack in the county near by. So going into the woods and each one picking out a tree in case the dogs did appear or give notice by their baying or barking we passed the day in dreary suspense with nothing to eat but ears of raw corn.
Night coming on found us on the road; but on holding council we con- cluded to take to the woods; for the night was clear and the stars shone so brightly that we had some guide which we had been in great need of, when the nights were dark and rainy. Meeting a negro he informed us that all the Reb soldiers around were on the hunt for the escaped Yankees. This made traveling much more difficult on account of so many escapes, and they all seemed to be making for Newbern, N. C., besides many negroes doing the same thing. Also some of the Rebel army were deserting and we were liable to be picked up at any moment. We hadn't gone far ere we discovered squads of cavalry ; but as we were on the lookout, we were ready to drop out of sight. Remaining till morning, we were just so weak and hungry that we were unable to speak plainly to one another. During the day it rained some very heavy showers, drenching us well and we became so numb from cold that we began to think we should perish. Night coming on and still raining we walked out to the road expecting no one out such a night as that excepting some unfortunate Yankee prisoner like ourselves. We would take to the road and if we came upon a negro hut or some poor white man's house would call for something to eat or for proper way to go, as we were many times lost on account of cloudy weather and the north star not being our guide.
FINDING FRIENDS.
We had gone but a few miles when we discovered a light and approach- ing cautiously found a poor looking house. We aimed to avoid all the large fine houses. My comrades remaining in the road concealed I walked up to the door. The occupants were an old lady and a younger one. On my stepping into the house they were much alarmed and were going to scream; but on being assured that I meant no harm they inquired who I was, I told them I was a Confederate and my folks lived at Marion, N. C., and I was going back to my regiment in North Carolina; also there were three others outside who were as hungry as myself, having eaten nothing for several days but a few ears of raw corn. They informed us that they had noth- ing in the house but if we would step down the lane to their father's he would help us. Being suspicious I hesitated and in stepped my comrades. I told the woman perhaps we would go, informing them that we were Yan- Vol. 1-20
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kees instead of Confederates and excusing myself for telling them an untruth. The old lady told us she had had her suspicions that we were Union soldiers and seemed pleased instead of being frightened. They said we had been abused in the Rebel prisons and they didn't blame us for hunt- ing for the Union lines. They were heartily sick of the Confederacy; for when they were in the Union they had all the comforts of life, enough to eat, drink and to wear. She assured us that the old man wouldn't give us away.
So they led the way to the other house and walking into the house the old man came to us and extending his hand remarked "Boys, I am so glad to see you, but this country is swarming with rebel cavalry who are out hunting you boys." He informed us he had no meal, but a bushel of corn, and said, "I will grind some in a coffee mill and by waiting an hour you will have some bread, and if any one comes to the door get under the bed. I will do all I can for you for we did not have such times when Carolina was in the Union." He said he had a son-in-law killed at Kenesaw moun- tain, his daughter's husband, pointing over to the younger looking woman; and further said he, "I have a son who was severely wounded at Charles- ton and just returned there to hospital yesterday; but, boys, I don't blame the Yankees for it but the rich planters. They all hold high office and don't go to the army themselves but having the power come along and take all my sons off with handcuffs on and compel them to go." And he told us of many of his neighbors who had been served the same way. The women asked many questions in regard to what was going on up North, and we told them that all was prosperous and the men all volunteered and it didn't seem like the country was involved in war, for all the loss was the absence of the citizens. We told them so much that they just wished and prayed that the Yankees would come on soon and they would go along.
Well the bread was baked and he gave to us the last piece of bacon that was in the house, in fact we had all we wished to eat, and before we started the old lady had another loaf baked.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
We received directions from our hospitable friends, which directions were to keep the road running north to Bentonsport, North Carolina, some twenty five miles, then we would avoid the various rivers that we would have to cross in going east. We were to flank the rivers or get to the head waters of them. Our plans being arranged, which were to travel nights on the road, they bade us good speed and wanted us to recollect them when we came that way with the rest of the Union soldiers. The old man came out with us to the road and soon we were striking out. It was very dark and raining,-we never felt a more drenching rain, and we supposed it was a good thing for us as no one would be out that night, and we wanted to
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get over twenty miles before morning, for a good meal had done us so much good, also the kind words we received from our friends.
A FRIENDLY PICKET.
But we had hardly gone a mile ere the demand "Halt ! surrender" grated on our ears and a gun was pointing at our heads. Well, again prisoner! Yet it was no use. We were fast, but all hope didn't die. Our having so good a supper made us stout at heart, and it was my intention as well as the intention of the other boys to dash into the woods. Being ordered about face and not knowing how many were our captors and whispering to one another, we made up our minds, if only one, we would settle him and then into the woods. Advancing toward him we had about faced, and he be- came alarmed, for sure enough he was alone; but on a short distance we heard others tramping around. He told us not to tell any one, and he would let us go. He told us to go on a little ways farther so we could talk without being heard, so taking a right hand path we halted keeping an eye on our captor. "Boys," says he, "I am as good a Union man as can be : but I have to take my gun and hunt Yankees. This afternoon I was forced to capture nine Yankees, and I am sorry for you. But boys you can't get out of this country. If you are captured don't inform on me, for I should be a gonner sure." So taking our direction in a north east course we gave up our old laid road and bade him good by.
We struck out into the woods and had gone a mile, when we could hear cavalry dashing around, and also it being very dark we began to think we might run into danger, so we lay down in the woods. It was still raining in very heavy showers, but day dawned at last, and the sun shone before we made a start. We had not gone far, when we thought we heard tramping not far off. So again lying down and recalling the events of the previous night and our prospects for safe arrival in our lines, which indeed seemed slim, we were yet determined not to give up, but with the help of Providence we thought we must get through. In an hour or so we were again off, traveling very cautiously. It was our intention to reach the Little Pedee river by dark, and at night to cross. Our usual course was directed by the majority with Trotter as guide and in the lead.
A TROUBLESOME COMPANION.
We had gone a few miles when we came to a large plantation and our course lay directly across it about half a mile, while through the woods it appeared at a guess three miles. Three of us agreed to crawl on our hands and feet across the field before we should go around the three miles, as we might run into some danger. The Frenchman soldier declared he would go around and stated with an oath that we might go on our way. Well to tell the truth, we didn't fancy him very much, and wished to be rid of him
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many times ; as he was always contrary and a coward, and had made threats to cut some of our throats some night; and as he had a knife we were always on guard for him. So he went his way and we ours. He had gone a mile or so into the woods, when we heard him call several times, and we made tracks as far and fast as possible as his calling would soon bring the rangers after us. We never heard of him afterward. We changed our course for a few days to throw any one off track who might be after us.
ABOUT JIM TROTTER.
So with old Jim in the lead again we felt much better, as we three were all in harmony. I never could forget "Old Jim." He was always willing, brave and kind. At times we would get so blue over our luck, but he was on the bright side always and of good reasoning and a perfect guide. Many a skirmish and hard-fought battle Jim and myself had been in, seeing our old comrades fall by the foe; and now we were making our escape from a fate worse than instant death; for we were, you might say, with hardly any clothes on us, and poisoned by ivy briers and bleeding from sores, and scorches. But to be taken back to rebel prison to starve and die-the more we talked it over the stronger grew our determination to press on toward the "North star," and if we ever reached our lines and saw our old boys in blue, we could die contented that our friends would know what had become of us. Our Connecticut soldier comrade too was a first rate fellow so far.
PROSPECTS FOR HELP.
Moving along that day was slow, as we were in a thickly settled coun- try and came to a halt many times. Skulking through corn fields and woods we became aware we must stop, and as we lay in a brush pile, children would pass by playing and coming close to us unawares; and several times cavalry passed by. About dark a very heavy rain came on, chilling us very much. But we always thought when it was raining there was less chance of meeting any one. Then a big hail storm came on, pounding our, you might say, nakedness. As soon as this storm was over, it being quite dark, we lit out and had gone a half mile, when we beheld a person standing in the road; and coming right into him, we had no time to hide. Says he, "Boys, you are Yankees," and we discovered in his voice a degree of sympathy. Answering that we were and inquiring for some rations, we made the gen- eral inquiry who he was and where and what way would be best for us to travel. He told us all the points where guards were stationed, also that they were aware that we were in the country, also that we were Yankees and he said, spies. "Boys my father would be afraid to take you into the house; it might be death to him." He made the request that we shouldn't tell anyone that he had given us directions or had even been talking to us; and thanking him for his information, we again struck out. But we had gone
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but a few hundred yards when we were hailed by the same young man, who told us that his father wanted to see us. We were in a quandary to know what was best, as the Little Pedee swamp and river were ahead of us; but on the young man's assurance that it was all right, we told him to lead on and we would follow.
FRIENDS INDEED.
Soon reaching the planter's house, which was a neat looking one, we were passed into the kitchen and the doors locked and blinds turned down. Instantly the old man came out of another room, and walking up to us he extended his hand giving us a hearty welcome, extending to us great sympathy and making many inquiries. He was equally ready to answer all questions, and his kind wife soon announced supper ready. As we took our places at the table words, pen and ink can not depict what were our heart- felt thanks and emotions on viewing such a repast. Cornbread, flour cakes, potatoes, beans, meat, syrup and plenty of cider-we ate a sumptuous sup- per, and took our chairs to the blazing fire, and as we looked around the house and viewed the kind and anxious attention of the household toward us and listened to the good man's story I truly felt sorry for him.
The old man had been very wealthy and had about used up his means in keeping out of the army. He had some little left; but now he was en- rolled for the next call to go to the front, as was his boy, and he would have to go the next week to the seat of war in Virginia. Also if he was known to entertain Yankees he would be shot. If he only had his famliy away he would bid farewell to his home, which he had built up and occupied for sixteen years. Many were the questions asked by his kind wife, shed- ding tears for us and offering to give us some clothes; but we would not take any; for we might be taken before we got out of the neighborhood and the clothes be recognized; but our Connecticut comrade Bryson Pad- dock, accepted a pair of shoes, as he was barefoot.
As we had lingered long and rested and fed so well and might be dis- covered, we took the advice of our Carolina friends in regard to the swamp and how to cross the little Pedee river and the swamps we had a horror of, though they afforded us good refuge. Our kind friend remarked that he had lived there sixteen years and shouldn't like to cross the Pedee river except on the bridge and that was guarded. He said, "I shall have to go on duty tomorrow night; but," he says, "boys, being as you have got away so many times and Yankees at that, you may make it again." Cautioning us not to give him away we were on the moment of starting when his wife gave us eighteen large biscuits and a dozen sweet potatoes, a box of matches and a newspaper. They having bidden us God-Speed, soon we were on the road; but as it was so dark and swamp ahead of us we took into wood close by and there remained till morning. We charged ourselves to remem- ber our benefactor's name, as we didn't wish to write it down and so to imperil him or family; I supposed we could remember it but I must say at
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this writing I have forgotten it and can only remember his wife's maiden name which was Campbell.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
Our lay out in the woods was a wet one as it was raining very heavy ; but we expected to soon reach North Carolina and would likely find more Union sentiment. The morning was very nice and warm. It had cleared all up, and we could hear the songs of the negroes as they were going out to their toil, and the birds singing. We could hardly think there was a cruel war raging in our land. Yet we struck out skulking along, always on the alert ; for we couldn't tell the moment when some of us would drop with a bullet from an unseen enemy.
Coming suddenly on a road which we had to cross we began to investi- gate. Soon two women came along. Also a boy passed us, as we lay in the fence corner. A favorable moment arrived and we darted across and into the woods, and late in the afternoon came to the swamp. A heavy rain coming on we waited till it was over, eating our biscuit. The rain being over, we struck out again and soon reached the river bank. The river was very high and running swiftly. The waters looked so cold and inky and we guessed it to be about five rods wide. Looking along the bank and much puzzled to know how far above the bridge we were, and not much time to think. Trotter struck out with his clothes and came back and took some of mine and Paddock's and off again. His good swimming qualities came handy that time; for we two chaps couldn't have made it without Jim's help. As it was, it was about all we could do. Trotter was to come in after us if we began to sink. We went in one at a time, and after crossing wrung our clothes out.
FALLING BY THE WAY.
By the time that we had swam the river and dressed again we were very cold; but soon we were on the road; for the swamp on the east side was but a short distance across. Coming very suddenly on the road we came very near being discovered, as a horse and cart were coming along with a man and boy in the cart. So falling on our faces and hugging the ground we let the cart pass and were much relieved when it had done so. We again moved on but came near running into a house in the brush. So we concluded to wait till dark and then to go on the road. Meanwhile we suffered very much from cold. The wind began to raise and rain was blow- ing, while we had to remain quite still; and we became so cold that it was with difficulty we could talk. Night came on with thunder and lightning.
From all this exposure Paddock became so done up that he fell down and couldn't speak. So we began to think fate was against us, when one of our number was going to die in such a terrible storm. So we concluded we would drag, carry or any way we could get him to a house, lay him by
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the door, make a noise and skip away, as we couldn't think he could ever get well and perhaps he might at least get a Christian burial. Just as we began to start a negro came along, and we found out that he lived but a short distance from where we were. So packing Paddock and gaining the house by the rear way, we soon found ourselves beside a large fireplace. With good amount of rubbing and warm teas he, Paddock, came to in a few hours time: but Trotter and myself too were about as near gone as could be. Jim's shirt had been torn off his back and I gave him mine; for he had no coat, while I had an old blouse. Our trousers were torn in shreds, and very short, and could hardly hold.
SUCCORED BY NEGROES.
The house was soon filled up with curious negroes. Every one would take a good look at the Yankees, and all seemed aware that we were their friends. We were well filled up with corn bread and meat; and the negro who had carried Paddock there gave Trotter a coat. As the old planter began to stir around also the negroes told us he had taken a Yankee pris- oner last night at his house and had sent him to Wilmington. So we thought it time for us to travel. We told the darkies some wonderful tales about our northern country and Mars Lincoln's men and how General Sher- man was coming down and would set them free and give them the land; but we cautioned them not to tell the white folks at the big house what we said. We parted from our darkey friends with a "God bless de Yankees" and were again on our route through the woods feeling much better but Paddock being rather the worse off.
A SUNDAY BY A CHURCH.
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It was Sunday and as we had halted for a rest we happened to be not far from a meeting house. We could see the people going back and forth during the day, and we were afraid to venture forth; for it seemed that the whole neighborhood was out. The children would play around our hiding place and sometimes come right close to us. But we lived well for the darkey friends had given us a good supply, one large loaf of corn bread, a lot of roasted corn, some sweet potatoes. Thought of our home came vividly before us as we lay that Sunday so close by the church hiding like so many animals instead of men enlisting for a good government. Our talk run along in that way and wondering how we would get through our picket line; for we looked so much like the Johnnies with our old duds on and were tanned so much.
As night came on it found us on the road looking toward the North Star in some better spirits; and we would say that by morning we would be so much nearer the old Union flag, anyhow if nothing happened. As it was Sunday night, we met with several darkies who seemed to be loafing
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around; and when we would tell them we were Yankees, they would be so amazed, but they always promised secrecy and we found out by informing them we were Yankees it was so much the better way. And so too with poor white folks for we discovered a great hatred between the poor whites and wealthy planters. No adventure that night and at daylight we crossed the railroad running to Wilmington, North Carolina.
SOME GOOD ADVICE.
Finding a good retreat in a small swamp, which was close by the rail- road, we could see the trains go by ; and many times during the day negroes and small boys passed by us singing and shouting, and sometimes during the day cavalry would go dashing by. As Drowning river was a short dis- tance ahead we determined to attempt to cross it on the bridge at Lumbar- ton; for we didn't fancy the idea of swimming another river. The water was cold and it had nearly cost Paddock his life swimming the Little Pedee river. So remaining concealed all day, we were very much pleased when night came on and striking out accidentally and fortunately for us we met a citizen. We were going past him, but he came up to us and says, "Boys don't go on the bridge, for if you do you are captured." Trotter stepping up asked him if he knew who we were. He said he thought we were the three escaped Yankees he had heard so much about. Telling him we were Yan- kees Jim Trotter asked him if he had any tobacco and as he had he divided with us. He also informed us he was a good Union man and gave us direc- tions how to flank Lumbarton; for he said it was the county seat and court week and there was a guard on the wagon bridge which is close to town. We had been informed that the bridge was three miles below town and not guarded but that the railroad bridge was well guarded. But the facts were just the reverse. The good friend we met advised us to cross the railroad bridge and watch out for trains. He told us if we could only go to his house we might rest up awhile, but it being five miles away to go there was in- expedient. So thanking him and with a God Speed from our good South- ern friend, we passed out into the brush wondering what would be next to come up.
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