The Genteel Gentile, Letters of Elizabeth Cumming, 1857 - 1858

Genteel Gentile, page 030

of the Country on your Route. When you approach the road, send Scouts ahead to ascertam If thhc mvadmg troops have uassed that way Should thev have paised, take a concealed mute & get ahead of them. Express to Cal. Burton, who is now on that road, & in the vicinity of the troops & affect a junction with him, so as to operate in concert. On ascertaining the locality or mute of the troops, proceed at once ta annoy them in every possible way. Use every exertion to stampede their animals, & set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them & on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping, by night surprises. Blockade the road by felling trees or destroy- ing river fords, where you can. Watch for opportunities to set fire to the grass on their windward, so as, if possible, to envelope their trains. Leave no grass before them that can be burned. Keep your men concealed as much as possible, and guard against surprises. Keep Scouts out at all times, &corn- municate open with Cal Burton, Major McAllister, and 0. I' Rockwell, who are operating in the same way. Keep me advised daily of yam movements, & every step the troops take, &in which direction. God bless you & give you sue- cess'l- Your Brother in Christ, Danl. H. Wells Lieut. Gen. Nauvoo Legion, Commanding P. 5. If the troops have noi passed, or have turned in this di- rection, follow in their rear & continue to annoy them, burn- ing anything they may have. Take no I&, but destroy their 30