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Show 40 FROM FORT HALLECK I have seen, and of an exquisite beauty of form and color that would rival the rarest productions in the conservatories of our eastern cities. But from this scene of life and beauty we must take the reader to one of a different character. Reaching the river we found it swollen, its current of unusual swiftness, and a strong wind blowing so as to render it hazardous to attempt a crossing, and for a day or two we remained in camp> awaiting more auspicious'circumstances. The wind having subsided the crossing commenced, and the entire supply train got over without accident, and then began the ferrying over of the wagons with company baggage. Soon after this commenced, through the carelessness of the ferryman, who had been indulging freely in whiskey, the boat, with wagon, mules, and a number of men on it, swamped, just after leaving the shore, emptying everything into the rapid current. It was a shocking sight to behold. The men, mules and wagon were rushed by within a few yards of the shore, and hundreds witnessed the scene, but were unable to render any assistance to their drowning comrades, who sunk beneath the surface, one after another, right before our eyes, until five had drowned. A few escaped, including the ferryman, but the mules, wagon and contents were all lost. I had crossed previous to the accident and witnessed on the western bank an affecting scene. The wife and child of a sergeant who was among the lost, saw the accident from where I stood, but were not aware of the husband and father being on the boat, until the report was made from the other side that Serg't St. John was drowned. The. grief of the widow was then demonstrated in the most bit ter weeping, while the little girl of about 10 years became almost frantic, uttered the most piteous shrieks, and had to-be forcibly restrained from rushing into the frightful stream. I have but seldom witnessed a sight more affecting! The child continued in this highly agitated state until nearly ex hausted, and then in the most deliberate manner clasped her hands together, raised her eyes, and with beautiful emphasis, |
