Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/182

 174 Southern Historical Society Papers.

head, and many a Yankee bit the dust. After this I was taken before the colonel, who, to my great joy and surprise, was an old friend — Sprigg Carroll, of Washington, D. C. He was very glad to see me, and his delight when I told him I was a member of Stonewall's staff was uncontrollable. He offered me a drink, which, by the way, I declined, and, after many friendly questions, he said : " Willis, if you will give me your word of honor that you will not try to escape you can go anywhere you please and I will relieve the guard which is over you.*' As I was being exposed to a very heavy fire, and as that fire was from our own men, I accepted the offer.

Just then our cavalry (Rebel) pressed down on the town ; a regi- ment of our infantry opened a galling fire, and a stampede among my captors took place. They made for the river, and I saw that I could easily escape, as I was left comparatively alone. But it was too late, / had given my word, so, with a firm spirit but a sorrowing heart, I dashed into the river with the Yankee cavalry. A perfect sheet of fire blazed in my face ; saddles were emptied ; dead, dying and wounded men and horses were floating or sinking as we swam that beautiful stream. I expected every minute would be my last, but I put my trust in Him, who, in the darkest hour, has never de- serted me, and who, I believe, will carry me safely through the war. If I should fall, 'tis His will, and no one should complain.

Reaching the opposite bank we entered a thick wood, which the Confederates shelled to such an extent that we were forced to leave it and join the main body of Shields' army. To do this we had to cross an open corn-field exposed to the musketry and artillery of the Confederates.

I advised the Yankees to run the gauntlet, which we did at rail- road speed, and, as the saying is, *' I worked in the lead," taking good care to try and keep a Yankee or two to my left so as to pro- tect me as much as possible. We cleared the field and I passed the whole Yankee army in battle array. It was a splendid sight. They called me ** Rebel," " Secesh," etc., etc., and one fellow hallooed out as I passed the "stars and stripes " gaily floating in the breeze, '* I suppose you see the flag still floats ? " *' Yes," said I, " and another waves across the river still." They asked me hundreds of questions, none of which, of course, I answered satisfactorily.

In the confusion I lost sight of Carroll, and I was then put under charge of a guard, which, of course, absolved me from my parole given to Carroll. From that moment I began to try to make my escape. I was carried about seven miles to a nice house, the resi-