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Subject: [KYLAUREL-L] Excerpts from the Mt. Echo 1897 (34)
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 23:55:20 EST
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Reprinted with permission of the Laurel County Historical Society
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October 15, 1897 (Continued)
A DAY AT WILDCAT
MEMORIES AND INCIDENTS OF '61
When the Confederates opened fire from the mountain top upon the main body of
the little army, a steady fusilade was poured into their ranks from behind the
breastworks and a number of men were seen to jump fromtheir places and start
to run. Then, in clear resolute tones came the voice of the commander, "
G----- d------
you, come back here! I'll shoot the next man that leaves his position." They
came back and agian went to firing. A small cannon was kept busy but the
shots passed harmlessly over the headsof the Federals on the big rock. Only
one man was killed-a private named Lear, who was killed in a very odd way.
Standing beside the cliff where the breastworks were built is now, and was
then, a chestnut tree. A ball striking the top of this, turned downward, and
came over the works, striking Lear in the back and killing him. The firing
continued sometime; but Confederate force with drew late in the afternoon.
There being but one place where the Federal stronghold could be approached a
narrow pass-Lieutenant Baugh, with a small detachment, was sent to guard it
during the battle. Of course, he showed us the place and further pointed out
the tree behind which he stood while watching for the approach of the enemy;
but they did not come.
Many anecdotes could be told of this little engagement; but just one more and
we shall stop:
Eight Confederate soldiers were killed and buried on the field. A few days
after the fight, a number of persons were looking over the ground, when they
came to the graves, One of the dead soldiers had been only partly covered.
His head was in full view. One rather reckless young man looked at the
distorted face of the corpse, and, in a sneering, braggadocio tone, said:
"Hello! you d------old rebel! Try a chew of my tobacco," and, taking a quid
of tobacco from his mouth, he placed it in the mouth of the corpse. Then, as
the story goes, in a few days he was stricken by a deadly disease, and died.
After a long ramble over these interesting places, we went back to the spring,
and made merry for a while with lunch baskets.
All would have gone well, but Lieutenant Baugh's horse was taken very ill with
colic, indigestion, la grippe, er something of the kind, and our leader was
compelled to start home on foot with his beast of burden.
Everyone collected some trophies; some cut their names upon the walls of the
"Rock-house Hospital." and we started homeward with an excellent companion
-Brother Leighton-as commander-in-chief.
On the way, we took in such natural curiosities as "Lovers Leap" (a very wild
place) and the business department of a hornets nest; and, just as the golden
monarch of the day was hiding his face in the west, we struck camp, at home,
tired and dusty, but satisfied.
NATHANIEL SEWELL
OAKLEY, KY.
FOR SALE-Two high arm Singer Sewing Machines, just from the factory,
guaranteed for ten years. A full set of attachments. Price $18.00 call at the
MOUNTAIN ECHO office.
CIRCUIT COURT-Since our last issue five parties have been tried and convicted
to the penitentiary. They are: Reuben Hodge, one year for false swearing;
Jack Runey, one year for removing railroad switchlight; Robert Brock, one year
for malicious shooting, and William and Marshal Cheek, two years each for
house breaking. Abe Mink is now on trial for shooting and wounding Wm. Hodge.
The grand jury was discharged from Saturday of last week until Wednesday of
this week. They will be discharged permanently today.
End of Oct. 15, 1897.
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