The Courier of the Ozarks

by Byron A. Dunn

  CHAPTER IX

  CAPTURED BY GUERRILLAS

  There is little doubt that Major Foster's plucky fight at Lone Jacksaved Lexington, for had he not gone out and attacked the Confederates,they would have marched straight on that place, as was their intention.

  The fight halted them and gave the Federals time to concentrate.

  All danger of the Federals being driven from the State by a partisanuprising now being over, and the deep laid plans of General Hindman andother Confederate leaders being brought to naught, General Schofieldresolved to concentrate his army at Springfield.

  The army that was known as "The Army of the Northwest" had now beendesignated "The Army of the Frontier," and General Schofield decided toleave the command of the Department of Missouri in other hands andassume the command of the Army of the Frontier in person, withheadquarters at Springfield.

  Before returning to St. Louis business took Lawrence to FortLeavenworth. He had not been there since 1856, when a forlorn little boyof twelve, without money and without friends, he had taken passage forSt. Louis. How the memory of those days came rushing over him. The mob,the tarring and feathering of his father, Judge Lindsly taking themin,--the gallant defence of his father by Judge Lindsly,--the raid byJohn Brown,--the flight to Kansas,--his father's death,--it all cameback to him like a mighty rushing torrent.

  He wondered how Judge Lindsly was now. How was he faring in thesetroublesome times? Was he being robbed by both guerrillas and Federals?He determined to visit him. Perhaps he might be of some protection tohim as far as the Federal side was concerned.

  He spoke of his determination to the commander at Fort Leavenworth andthat officer replied, "You cannot go without an escort. The country isswarming with guerrillas who never lose a chance of shooting anyFederals who are unwise enough to stray outside of the lines. There is adetachment of our troops at Platte City and I will give you an escortthat far. How far is it from Platte City to where Judge Lindsly lives?"

  "I should say nine or ten miles," replied Lawrence.

  "Well, do not try to make the trip from there without a good escort. ACaptain Leeper is in command at Platte and he will readily supply youwith one."

  Lawrence thanked him and was ready to start when the escort, whichconsisted of a sergeant and five men, made their appearance.

  Dan had found some old friends at Leavenworth who had been with him inthe troublesome times on the border before the war, and he concluded tostay with them while Lawrence made his visit. As it turned out, it wasfortunate that he did so.

  Crossing the river on a ferry, Lawrence and his escort mounted theirhorses and started for Platte City, but a few miles away. It was with asad heart that Lawrence looked over the country. What had been one ofthe most beautiful portions of the State had become almost a desolatewaste. Ruined houses and deserted farms met his gaze at every turn.

  When Platte City was reached Lawrence received a cordial welcome fromCaptain Leeper, who, on hearing his request, readily consented to givehim an escort of a corporal and four men.

  "A few days ago," said the Captain, "I would not have dared to send sosmall an escort, for a gang of bushwhackers under the command of anotorious guerrilla named Lamar has been scourging the neighborhood, butColonel Penick, last week, came over from Liberty and scattered them. Hecaptured two, whom he shot, and burned two or three houses whose ownershad been harboring the gang. It has been very quiet ever since. I thinkhe has thoroughly dispersed the gang."

  This news was not very cheering to Lawrence. Shooting guerrillas afterthey were caught and burning houses did not tend to make those left lesscruel.

  When Lawrence came in sight of the once fine plantation of Judge Lindslyhis heart bled. The fields were neglected, not half of them undercultivation, and those that were, poorly tended, but to his relief thehouse had not been disturbed.

  Although greatly surprised, the Judge received Lawrence with open arms."I often see your name in the papers," he said, "and rejoice at youradvancement, although it is at the cost of the cause I love."

  "Tell me of yourself," said Lawrence, "and all that has happened to youduring the last months of trial."

  The Judge sighed deeply and replied, "Look and see for yourself whatthis unhappy war has not only brought upon me, but on the whole State. Ihave been preyed upon by both Federals and guerrillas. Most of my slaveshave left me. To make my position more intolerable, I am _persona nongrata_ with both sides. The guerrillas do not like me because I denounceguerrilla warfare. I tell them if the independence of the South is everachieved, it will be done by the great armies in the field, and that theplace of every man who loves and would fight for the South should be inthe army, not hiding in the brush. General Price should have had thefifty thousand men he called for. He would have had them if everyone whohas played the part of guerrilla had responded. With such an army hewould have swept the State clear of Federals.

  "I told them the late uprising of the partisan bands would only bringmore misery, bloodshed and murder on the State, and nothing would beaccomplished, and so it has proven.

  "I was denounced for these opinions and my life has been threatened byQuantrell, Lamar and others.

  "On the other hand, I am continually being threatened with arrest by theFederals. I have absolutely refused to take the oath of allegiance tothe Federal Government. Now that the worst has come, I am with the Southheart and soul, and I will not perjure myself."

  Lawrence was deeply moved. He could only press the hand of the old Judgein sympathy and say, "If I have any influence you will never bearrested. If you ever get in trouble let me know. What I can do I will."

  This the Judge promised, and when it came time to part he heldLawrence's hand lingeringly and said with emotion, "Would to God,Lawrence, you were my own son and fighting for the right, but I love youas it is. May your life be spared."

  Lawrence's eyes filled with tears. He tried to speak, but his voicefailed. He could only press the hand of the Judge as they parted.

  Riding a short distance he turned and looked back. Judge Lindsly wasstill standing on the porch looking after him and waved his hand.Lawrence choked back a sob as he waved his hand in return. The onceerect form of the Judge was bowed and bent; his gray hair was perfectlywhite, and he leaned on his cane, weak and trembling.

  It was months before Lawrence saw him again, and then it was in a prisonpen at Kansas City.

  All unconscious of danger, Lawrence started back to Platte City. Hisvisit had left a heavy load on his heart. He thought of the time theJudge saved his father's life, risking his own to do so, and his imagerose before him, as he stood, proud, erect, like a lion at bay, facingthe mob.[7]

  [Footnote 7: See "With Lyon in Missouri."]

  They had covered about half the distance to Platte City withoutincident, Lawrence and the corporal riding side by side, the fourtroopers a short distance in advance.

  Suddenly from a thicket two rifles blazed. The corporal fell from hishorse dead, the horse which Lawrence rode plunged forward on his head,throwing Lawrence heavily, and he lay unconscious in the road.

  The four troopers, seeing both Lawrence and the corporal, as theysupposed, lying dead, put spurs to their horses and rode for their livesto Platte City to give the alarm.

  At the head of twenty men Captain Leeper started for the scene ofaction, but all he found was the dead body of the corporal, and that ofLawrence's horse. The horse had been shot through the head and bothsaddle and bridle were missing.

  The guerrillas had hung the body of the corporal from a tree and thereit dangled over the road, a gruesome object. To the lapel of his coatthey had pinned a paper on which was written, "The fate that awaits allKansas Jayhawkers."

  Of Lawrence there were no signs, and as night was falling, CaptainLeeper returned to Platte City full of wrath, but impotent to avenge.

  When the guerrillas fired the corporal was slightly in advance ofLawrence and the bullet had gone clear through his body and struckLawrence's horse. The horse falling
had saved Lawrence's life, as hebeing thrown had caused the second guerrilla to miss him.

  When Lawrence came to, there were two guerrillas standing gloating overhim. "Say, Jim," said one. "This feller ain't dead. He's wiggling. ShallI finish him?"

  "No, let's take him to the captain," replied the other. "He's a Yankeeofficer, and if we 'uns hang him all the boys will want to see the fun."

  It was not long before Lawrence fully came to. To the jeers and tauntsof his captors he made no reply. But when he saw there were but two ofthem he mentally cursed the four escorts who had so cowardly left him tohis fate.

  After he was securely bound he was forced to stand while the two, withfoul epithets, hung the body of the corporal over the road.

  "Thar yo' un can see what yo' un are coming to," one said, grinning atLawrence. "How do yo' un like it?"

  Lawrence made no answer, and with a curse and a growl the guerrillasturned away.

  Lawrence was now placed on the horse that had been ridden by thecorporal, his hands tied behind him and his feet securely bound beneaththe horse on which he rode. One of the guerrillas tied the halter of thehorse to the saddle of the one he rode, and they started for the secretrendezvous of the gang. It was long after nightfall before they reachedit.

  Captain Lamar and most of the gang were found to be away, so supperlessand bound, Lawrence was placed under a tree to await the morning.

  The cords with which he was bound cut into his flesh and he was parchedwith thirst. He asked for water, but a curse was the only answer.

  There throughout the rest of the night Lawrence lay, the stars lookingpityingly down upon him. He could not sleep, his sufferings were toogreat, and there was the uncertainty of the morrow. What would the endbe?

  All his life passed before his mental vision in a panoramic vision. Helived it all over again.

  Morning came, but Captain Lamar and the rest of the gang had not yetreturned. He was given some breakfast, but taunted with the fact that itwould be his last meal on earth. Better than the food was the waterwhich cooled his parched mouth and tongue. No nectar that ever flowedtasted half so sweet.

  About nine o'clock Captain Lamar came. He was in a towering rage, forhis expedition had failed and he had lost two men.

  When told two of his men had killed a Yankee and captured a Yankeecaptain, he asked what had been done with the captain.

  "He is heah," said one of the men. "We 'uns have been waitin' to seewhat yo' un wanted to do with him."

  "Hang him or shoot him, I don't care which," he growled as he turnedaway. "I'm tired and hungry and want some breakfast."

  The Captain's decision was told, but the gang decided to wait until themen who came in with the Captain had had breakfast, so all could enjoythe sport. To the savage men the hanging or shooting of a Yankee was anenjoyable event.

  When breakfast was over there was quite a discussion as to whetherLawrence should be hung or shot. Those in favor of hanging carried theday, so he was led under the projecting limb of a tree and a rope placedaround his neck.

  Lawrence felt all hope was gone. He was standing face to face withdeath. For a moment he felt faint and a deadly fear seized him. Fewthere be who in health and strength can face Death without a fear. Asthey look him in his face and his shadowy wings cover them, naturerecoils and would flee from him.

  But it was only a moment that Lawrence feared. He gulped back the lumpin his throat; his trembling nerves became as steel. He was a man--asoldier again. He had faced death on the battlefield without a quiverand he would do so now, though this was different, it was coming in sucha horrible form; but he would face it. He looked into the scowling facesaround him without a sign of fear.

  "What do yo' un have to say before we 'uns string you up?" demanded oneof the men.

  "Nothing," answered Lawrence, "but I would be thankful if you wouldinform Judge Lindsly of my fate. He at least will give my body a decentburial."

  At this the guerrillas burst into a boisterous laugh. "That's a goodone," they cried. "He reckons we 'uns bury the Yanks we 'uns hang. Youngfeller, we 'uns will pitch your carcass in the brush and leave it forthe buzzards to pick--that is, if a Missouri buzzard will pick a deadYank."

  At this sally there was another burst of laughter.

  Just then there came a diversion. One of the men, Cal Jones, who hadbeen one of the party with Lamar, had missed a Federal soldier at shortrange, and his companions were guying him unmercifully.

  "Why," drawled one called Hooper, "Cal couldn't hit a barn door at fiftypaces."

  Cal was hopping mad. "I'll bet yo 'un a hoss I ken put a ball throughthat Yank's heart at fifty paces," he roared.

  "Done," exclaimed Hooper. "Heah, boys, stop that picnic for a fewmoments. Cal has bet me a hoss he can plug that Yank through the heartat fifty paces the first shot."

  Some of the men began to demur, but Hooper, in a tantalizing tone,drawled, "Don't be skeered, boys. Cal will sure miss him, and we 'unscan have our fun afterwards."

  "I'll show yo' un. I'll show yo' un," yelled Cal, hopping around like amad turkey.

  They now all fell in with the idea, and Lawrence was placed with hisback against a tree. To him the diversion came as a welcome relief. Hewould now die like a soldier and not like a felon.

  "Hold on thar!" cried Hooper, as Jones began to pace the distance. "Isaid fifty paces, not fifty steps. Yo' un don't come that on me."

  "I am pacin'." snarled Cal. "Want to back out, do yer?"

  "Not much, but I'll do that pacin' myself." And he began.

  "No, yer don't," yelled Cal. The men were about to fight when the othersinterfered, saying it was only fair a third party should do the pacing.This was agreed to and the pacing duly done. Jones took his position, ahuge navy revolver in his hand.

  Lawrence stood facing him. Not a muscle quivered as he looked hiswould-be executioner in the eye.

  Jones raised his weapon. "Stand back," yelled Hooper. "Don't get tooclose, some of yo' uns will get hurt. The Yank is in no danger."

  Jones fired, but he was too angry to shoot straight, and his shot wentwild.

  "What did I tell yo' un? What did I tell yo' un?" cried Hooper. "Neverteched the Yank or tree, either," and he kicked up his heels like ayoung colt. "That hoss is mine."

  The whole crowd shouted in derision, and Jones, in anger, fired everyshot in his revolver before they could stop him. Lawrence stood unmovedand smiling. One shot had struck the tree an inch above his head,another had passed between his arm and body, and a third had cut alittle piece out of his coat on the shoulder. The humorous aspect of theaffair struck him, and he laughed outright.

  The guerrillas simply went crazy with delight. Many of them threwthemselves on the ground rolling and kicking with laughter.

  Captain Lamar heard the shots and the uproar and came to see what itmeant. He had just finished his breakfast and was in a little betterhumor. When he heard what had happened he remarked with a cruel smile,"Turn about is fair play. Better put Cal up, and see what the Yank cando."

  This suggestion took like wildfire. Cal was seized by his comrades and,frightened and begging for his life, was being hustled to the tree totake Lawrence's place when the Captain interfered. "Hold on, boys," hesaid. "I only wanted to frighten Cal. But if he don't learn to be abetter shot I'll hang him sure. But that Yank must be a gritty fellow.I'll have a look at him."

  "Gritty," said one of the men. "Well, I should say so. He turned kind ofwhite around the gills when he first felt the halter around his neck,and then braced up and not a whimper. Why, he actually laughed when Calwas shooting at him."

  "That was because Cal was shooting so wild," remarked the Captain.

  "Three of the shots came mighty close to him. Only missed him by ahair's breadth."

  "Glad to hear Cal is improving," said Lamar dryly, as he walked towardsLawrence.

  He had no sooner looked him in the face than an expression of surprisecame over his countenance. He stepped back, swept his hand across hiseyes, as if he w
as brushing away something, looked again and then turnedaway, saying, "There'll be no hanging. Untie the prisoner and bring himto my tent."

  The men gazed at each other in astonishment. But great as was theirsurprise, greater was Lawrence's. The shock was almost as great as whenhe thought he had to die. Then he began to realize he had stepped fromthe shadow of death, and there was hope of living, and he breathed aprayer of thankfulness.

  His surprise grew when Lamar called the two men who had captured him andasked what they had of his.

  "Everything, Captain, but his hoss. That was killed. But we 'uns havegot the hoss of the Yank that was killed," they answered.

  "Well, bring everything you have of his, and the horse youcaptured--saddled and bridled," he ordered, and the men departedwondering.

  When Lawrence was brought before Lamar he asked him what he was doing inthis part of the country. Lawrence told him he had been to visit JudgeLindsly, who had greatly befriended him when he was small.

  "Are you the boy whose father was tarred and feathered, and the Judgetook you both in?"

  "I am."

  Lamar chuckled. "Say, boy, do you know I was in that crowd?"

  "No," answered Lawrence, more astonished than ever.

  "Well, I was. But here is your horse and everything taken from you. Youare at liberty to take them and ride away. Nay, more, I will send anescort with you to protect you until you are near the lines of yourfriends."

  Lawrence's lips trembled and his voice was husky as he answered,"Captain, I don't know why you have granted me such clemency, but I amthankful from the bottom of my heart. Be assured if the time ever comeswhen I can return you the same mercy you have shown me it will be done."

  "We are at quits now," said Lamar. "You saved my life once."

  "I?" cried Lawrence. "I never remember having seen you before."

  "You have. About a year ago I belonged to a body of partisans commandedby Captain Proctor. A fellow by name of Semans peached on us. We paidhim off by burning his buildings and shooting him. Just as we finishedthe job a body of cavalry charged down and drove us off. I was left onthe field desperately wounded. Some of the men were about to shoot me asI lay there helpless, but the captain of the cavalry, a mere boy, sprangin, with his sword, beat down the guns, and swore that no wounded man,no matter what he had done, should be ruthlessly murdered while he wascommanding that company. Captain, you are that boy; I am that woundedman."

  "Ah, I remember," murmured Lawrence.

  "That is not all," continued Lamar. "You tenderly cared for me, had metaken to a near-by house, where I stayed until I recovered. Captain, nothanks. As I have said, we are quits now. If we meet again it will be oneven terms. One promise you must make me. You must not lead the Federalsto this place for the next twenty-four hours. After that I do not care."

  "The promise is freely given," answered Lawrence.

  The two men, so strangely met, shook hands, and Lawrence mounted hishorse and, accompanied by two of the guerrillas, rode away.

  On the way they met several rough-looking men who looked at Lawrencewith malevolent eyes, but a few whispered words from his guards and theywere allowed to pass on. Lawrence now saw why Captain Lamar had sent aguard with him.

  After they had traveled several miles Lawrence saw a line of bluegalloping towards him.

  "Go, I will see you are not followed," he said to his guards. Theyraised their hands in salute, turned, and putting spurs to their horses,were soon out of sight.

  In a moment more Lawrence was in the arms of Dan Sherman, who washugging him, laughing and crying at the same time.

  "I'll never leave you again," he cried.

  "It is fortunate that you did," replied Lawrence, "for if you had beenwith me there would be no Dan Sherman now."

  The officer in command of the company now bustled up. "Did I not see twomen with you, Captain?" he asked. "They looked to me very much likeguerrillas."

  "They were friends," answered Lawrence. "Neither can I guide you to thehaunts of those who held me prisoner. Tomorrow you are at liberty tofind them if you can. Turn back with me to Platte City and I will tellyou my story."

  When they heard the story they marvelled and swore they had never heardof any gratitude in a guerrilla's heart before.[8]

  [Footnote 8: Several months after this Lamar was captured, not byLawrence, but by an officer who knew the story. He was paroled and livedto become a good citizen after the war.]