companies), and, as the fall advanced, the want of
quinine and stimulants became a serious annoyance. Moreover, our rations
were running low; we had been three weeks without a new supply; and our
commanding officer, Major Terrill, began to be uneasy as to the safety
of his men. About this time it was supposed that a train with rations
would be due from the post twenty miles to the north of us; yet it was
quite possible that it would bring us food, but no medicines, which were
what we most needed. The command was too small to detach any part of it,
and the Major therefore resolved to send an officer alone to the post
above us, where the rest of the Seventy-Ninth lay, and whence they could
easily forward quinine and stimulants by the train, if it had not left,
or, if it had, by a small cavalry escort.

It so happened, to my cost, as it turned out, that I was the only
officer fit to make the journey, and I was accordingly ordered to
proceed to Block House No. 3, and make the required arrangements. I
started alone just after dusk the next night, and during the darkness
succeeded in getting within three miles of my destination. At this time
I found that I had lost my way, and, although aware of the danger of my
act, was forced to turn aside and ask at a log-cabin for directions. The
house contained a dried-up old woman, and four white-headed, half-naked
children. The woman was either stone-deaf, or pretended to be so; but at
all events she gave me no satisfaction, and I remounted and rode away.
On coming to the end of a lane, into which I had turned to seek the
cabin, I found to my surprise that the bars had been put up during my
brief parley. They were too high to leap, and I therefore dismounted to
pull them down. As I touched the top rail, I heard a rifle, and at the
same instant felt a blow on both arms, which fell helpless. I staggered
to my horse and tried to mount; but, as I could use neither arm, the
effort was vain, and I therefore stood still, awaiting my fate. I am
only conscious that I saw about me several Graybacks, for I must have
fallen fainting almost immediately.

When I awoke, I was lying in the cabin near by, upon a pile of rubbish.
Ten or twelve guerillas were gathered about the fire, apparently drawing
lots for my watch, boots, hat, etc. I now made an effort to find out how
far I was hurt. I discovered that I could use the left forearm and hand
pretty well, and with this hand I felt the right limb all o