Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ...road, approaching Lebanon. Send reinforcements immediately. (Signed) A. Y. Johnson, Lieut. Col. Comdg. At this time the author was day, and W. H. Drake, night operator at Lebanon Junction, and D. E. Martyn at Lebanon. Martyn successfully eluded capture by hiding in the willows of Aqu: i Closet Run, which, he said, " odoriferously effervesced noisome effluvia, but was an awful good place to hide in." When the author came on duty, he inquired of " B " (Lebanon), about Morgan, and was informed that some of his troops had attacked the place, but were driven off. He then sent a message, to which the operator at "B" signaled "OK," a signal never used by Martyn, who should be on duty. This caused suspicion that all was not right. It was slim evidence, and soon overcome by Drake's declarations that he had been talking with him by the hour. This is a sample of the conversation Drake had been holding. To "B"--What news? any more skirmishing after your last message?" To "Z" (the call for the Junction)--No; we drove what little cavalry there was away. To "B"--Has the train arrived yet? To " Z'--No. About how many troops on train? To " B "--Five hundred; Sixtieth Indiana, commanded by Colonel Owens. Ellsworth's curiosity being excited as to what station 'Z" was, he became puzzled how to ascertain it without creating suspicion. Finally, he adopted the following plan. To " Z "--A gentleman, here in the office, bets me the cigars you can not spell the name of your station correctly. To "B"--Take the bet. L-e-b-a-n-o-n J-u-n-c-t-i-o-n. How did he think I would spell it? Ellsworth--He gives it up. He thought you would put two b's in Lebanon. Drake--Ha, ha! He's a green one. Ellsworth--Yes, that's so. What time did the train with soldiers pass? Drake--8:30...