So
they marched up to the tents, and then the officer almost fainted, for
inside the first one he entered was standing an American flag, and
scattered about were the accoutrements and camp equipment belonging to
an American force in the field. There was now no doubt but what the
tents belonged to an American regiment, and that the fleeing natives
were either servants or prisoners, more likely the former. The men
were all much excited at this discovery, and the officer ordered the
natives to be looked after at once. It was found, however, that all
but one were dead, and he expired within an hour, so that the men felt
that they had killed five innocent men, a thought which made some of
them weep, hardened though they were.
It was now decided to await the return of the regiment, which was out,
the officer thought, on a practice march, and could not possibly be
gone much longer. So the men lounged about on the grass for more than
an hour. Then, about three in the afternoon, a rifle-shot was heard in
the near distance, and instantly every man was on his feet, rifle in
hand. "They must have found the rebels," said the officer; "so be
ready, men, to help them out, should they be retreating to the camp."
This supposition turned out to be correct, for a few minutes later
some members of the regiment came running into camp and announced that
a large body of insurgents was after them.
Pages:
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156