UNFORESEEN HINDRANCES.
After the fire had been made to burn briskly Andrews jumped off the
engine, ran back to the box-car, about the door of which we were
standing, and clasped our hands in an ecstasy of congratulation. He
declared that all our really hard work was done and that our
difficulties were nearly passed; that we had the enemy at such a
disadvantage that he could not harm us; and exhibited every sign of joy.
Said he, "Only one train to meet, and then we will put our engine to
full speed, burn the bridges that I have marked out, dash through
Chattanooga, and on to Mitchel at Huntsville. We've got the upper hand
of the rebels now, and they can't help themselves!" How glad we all
were! When, three years later, the capture of Richmond set all the bells
of the North ringing out peals of triumph, the sensation of joy was more
diffused but less intense than we then experienced. Almost everything
mankind values seemed within our grasp. Oh, if we had met but one
unscheduled train!
This reference of Andrews to one train which he expected to meet before
we began to burn bridges has been quoted in many public sketches, and
has led to some misapprehension. He did expect to meet three trains
before reaching Chattanooga; but two of these were regular trains, and
being also farther up the road, were not supposed to present any serious
difficulty. Their position at any given time could be definitely
ascertained, and we could avoid collision with them, no matter how far
we ran ahead of time. But so long as there were any irregular trains on
the road before us, our only safety was in keeping the regular time of
the captured train. This was, unfortunately, very slow; but if we
exceeded it we lost the right of way, and were liable to a collision at
any moment. This risk was greatly increased by our inability to send
ahead telegraphic notifications of our position. The order of
southward-bound trains, according to the information we then had, was as
follows: First, a way-freight, which was very uncertain as to time, but
which we expected to meet early in the morning, and felt sure that it
would be at Kingston or south of that point. This was the only real
hindrance according to our programme, and it was to this train that
Andrews referred. Behind this were the regular freight train, and still
farther north the regular passenger train. As a matter of fact, we did
meet these trains at Adairsville and Calhoun, the latter being somewhat
behind time; but we might have met them farther north had it not been
for unforeseen hindrances.
There is considerable discrepancy in the many published accounts of the
following chase, which the writer has not in every case been able to
perfectly reconcile. In the intense excitement and novel situations
involved men were not likely to observe or remember every event
accurately. But no pains have been spared to combine fulness and
completeness in the following account. Using the best of my own
recollections, consulting my comrades, reading carefully all published
accounts, and especially going over the whole route years after, with
Fuller and Murphy, two of the pursuing party, who kindly gave me all the
information in their power, it is hoped that substantial accuracy has
been obtained. Some of the incidents of the chase, such as the number of
times the track was torn up, and whether we were fired upon by pursuing
soldiers, allow some room for a conflict of memory. But the variations
are not material.
Side by side with the road ran the telegraph-wires, which were able, by
the flashing of a single lightning message ahead, to arrest our progress
and dissipate our fondest hopes. There was no telegraph station where we
had captured the train, but we knew not how soon our enemies might reach
one, or whether they might not have a portable battery at command.
Therefore we ran but a short distance, after replenishing the furnace,
before again stopping to cut the wire.
John Scott, an active young man of the Twenty-first Ohio, scrambled up
the pole with the agility of a cat, and tried to break the wire by
swinging upon it; but failing in this, he knocked off the insulating box
at the top of the pole and swung with it down to the ground.
Fortunately, a small saw was found on the engine, with which the wire
was severed in two places, and the included portion, many yards in
length, was taken away with us, in order that the ends might not be
readily joined.
While one or two of the party were thus engaged others worked with equal
diligence in taking up a rail from the track. No good track-raising
instruments had been found on the train, and we had not yet procured
them from any other source. A smooth iron bar, about four feet long, was
the only instrument yet found, and with this some of the spikes were
slowly and painfully battered out. After a few had thus been extracted,
a lever was got under the rail and the remainder were pried loose. This
occupied much more time than cutting the wire, and it required no
prophet to foretell that if we did not procure better tools rail-lifting
would have to be used very sparingly in our programme. In the present
instance, however, the loss of time was no misfortune, as we were ahead
of the schedule time, which we still felt bound to observe.
After another rapid but brief run, we paused long enough to chop down a
telegraph-pole, cut the wire again, and place the pole, with many other
obstructions, on the track. We did not here try to lift a rail; indeed,
we had little serious fear of any pursuit at this time, and merely threw
on these obstructions because of having spare time to employ.
We thus continued--running a little ahead of time, then stopping to
obstruct the track and cut the wire--until Cass Station was reached,
where we took on a good supply of wood and water. At this place we also
obtained a complete time schedule of the road. Andrews told the
tank-tender that we were running a powder-train through to the army of
General Beauregard at Corinth, which was almost out of ammunition, and
that the greatest haste was necessary. He further claimed to be a
Confederate officer of high rank, and said that he had impressed this
train for the purpose in hand, and that Fuller, with the regular
passenger train, would be along shortly. The whole story was none too
plausible, as General Mitchel was now interposed between our present
position and Beauregard, and we would never have been able to get a
train to the army of the latter on this route; but the tender was not
critical and gave us his schedule, adding that he would willingly send
his shirt to Beauregard if that general needed it. When this man was
afterwards asked if he did not suspect the character of the enemy he
thus aided, he answered that he would as soon have suspected the
President of the Confederacy himself as one who talked so coolly and
confidently as Andrews did!
Keeping exactly on regular time, we proceeded without any striking
adventures until Kingston was reached. This place--thirty-two miles from
Big Shanty--we regarded as marking the first stage of our journey. Two
hours had elapsed since the capture of the train, and hitherto we had
been fairly prosperous. No track-lifting instruments had yet been
obtained, notwithstanding inquiries for them at several stations. We had
secured no inflammable materials for more readily firing the bridges,
and the road was not yet clear before us. But, on the other hand, no
serious hindrance had yet occurred, and we believed ourselves far ahead
of any possible pursuit.
But at Kingston we had some grounds for apprehending difficulty. This
little town is at the junction with the road to Rome, Georgia. Cars and
engines were standing on the side track. Here we fully expected to meet
our first train, and it would be necessary for us to get the switches
properly adjusted before we could pass it to go on our way. When we drew
up at the station there was handed to Andrews our first and last
communication from the management of the road, in the shape of a
telegram, ordering Fuller's train--now ours--to wait at Kingston for the
local freight, which was considerably behind time. The order was not
very welcome, but we drew out on the side track, and watched eagerly for
the train. Many persons gathered around Andrews, who here, as always,
personated the conductor of our train, and showered upon him many
curious and somewhat suspicious questions. Ours was an irregular train,
but the engine was recognized as Fuller's. The best answers possible
were given. A red flag had been placed on our engine, and the
announcement was made that Fuller, with another engine, was but a short
way behind. The powder story was emphasized, and every means employed to
avoid suspicion. Andrews only, and the usual complement of train-hands,
were visible, the remainder of the party being tightly shut up in the
car, which was designated as containing Beauregard's ammunition. The
striking personal appearance of Andrews greatly aided him in carrying
through his deception, which was never more difficult than at this
station. His commanding presence, and firm but graceful address, marked
him as a Southern gentleman,--a member of the class from which a great
proportion of the rebel officers were drawn. His declarations and orders
were therefore received with the greater respect on this account. But
all these resources were here strained to the utmost.
At length the anxiously-expected local freight train arrived, and took
its place on another side track. We were about to start on our way, with
the glad consciousness that our greatest obstacle was safely passed,
when a red flag was noticed on the hindmost freight-car. This elicited
immediate inquiry, and we were informed that another very long freight
train was just behind, and that we would be obliged to wait its arrival
also. This was most unfortunate, as we had been already detained at
Kingston much longer than was pleasant. There were many disagreeable
elements in the situation. A crowd of persons was rapidly assembling.
The train from Rome was also nearly due, and though it only came to the
station and returned on its own branch, yet it was not agreeable to
notice the constant increase of force that our enemies were gaining. If
any word from the southward arrived, or if our true character was
revealed in any other way, the peril would be imminent. But we trusted
that this second delay would be brief. Slowly the minutes passed by. To
us, who were shut up in the box-car, it appeared as if they would never
be gone. Our soldier comrades on the outside kept in the background as
much as possible, remaining at their posts on the engine and the cars,
while Andrews occupied attention by complaining of the delay, and
declaring that the road ought to be kept clear of freight trains when so
much needed for the transportation of army supplies, and when the fate
of the whole army of the West might depend upon the celerity with which
it received its ammunition. There was plausibility enough in his words
to lull suspicion in all minds except that of the old switch-tender of
the place, who grumbled out his conviction "that something was wrong
with that stylish-looking fellow, who ordered everybody around as if the
whole road belonged to him." But no one paid any attention to this man's
complaints, and not many minutes after a distant whistle sounded from
the northward, and we felt that the crisis had passed. As there was no
more room on the side track, Andrews ordered the switch-tender to let
this train run by on the main track. That worthy was still grumbling,
but he reluctantly obeyed, and the long success on of cars soon glided
by us.
This meant release from a suspense more intolerable than the most
perilous action. To calmly wait where we could do nothing, while our
destiny was being wrought out by forces operating in the darkness, was a
terrible trial of nerve. But it was well borne. Brown, Knight, and
Wilson, who were exposed to view, exhibited no more impatience than was
to be expected of men in their assumed situation. Those of us in the
box-car talked in whispers only, and examined the priming of our
pistols. We understood that we were waiting for a delayed train, and
well knew the fearful possibilities of an obstructed track, with the
speedy detection, and fight against overwhelming odds that would follow,
if the train for which we waited did not arrive sooner than pursuers
from Big Shanty. When we recognized the whistle of the coming train it
was almost as welcome as the boom of Mitchel's cannon, which we expected
to hear that evening after all our work was done. As it rumbled by us we
fully expected an instant start, a swift run of a few miles, and then
the hard work but pleasant excitement of bridge-burning. Alas!
Swift and frequent are the mutations of war. Success can never be
assured to any enterprise in advance. The train for which we had waited
with so much anxiety had no sooner stopped than we beheld on it an
emblem more terrible than any comet that ever frighted a superstitious
continent. Another red flag! Another train close behind! This was
terrible, but what could be done? With admirable presence of mind
Andrews moderated his impatience, and asked the conductor of the
newly-arrived train the meaning of such an unusual obstruction of the
road. His tone was commanding, and without reserve the conductor gave
the full explanation. To Andrews it had a thrilling interest. The
commander at Chattanooga had received information that the Yankee
General Mitchel was coming by forced marches and in full strength
against that town; therefore all the rolling-stock of the road had been
ordered to Atlanta. This train was the first instalment, but another and
still longer section was behind. It was to start a few minutes after he
did, and would probably not be more than ten or fifteen minutes behind.
In turn, the conductor asked Andrews who he was, and received the
information that he was an agent of General Beauregard, and that he had
impressed a train into military service in Atlanta, which he was running
through with powder, of which Beauregard was in extreme need. Under such
circumstances he greatly regretted this unfortunate detention. The
conductor did not suspect the falsity of these pretences, but told
Andrews that it was very doubtful if he could get to Beauregard at
Corinth by going through Chattanooga, as it was certain that Mitchel had
captured Huntsville, directly on the line between them. Andrews replied
that this made no difference, as he had his orders, and should press on
until they were countermanded, adding that Mitchel was probably only
paying a flying visit to Huntsville, and would have to be gone soon, or
find Beauregard upon him. Andrews also ordered the conductor to run far
enough down the main track to allow the next train to draw in behind
him, and for both trains there to wait the coming of Fuller with the
regular mail. His orders were implicitly obeyed; and then to our party
recommenced the awful trial of quiet waiting. One of the men outside was
directed to give notice to those in the box-car of the nature of the
detention, and warn them to be ready for any emergency. Either Brown or
Knight, I think, executed this commission. Leaning against our car, but
without turning his eyes towards it, and speaking in a low voice, he
said, "We are waiting for one of the trains the rebels are running off
from Mitchel. If we are detected before it comes, we will have to fight.
Be ready." We _were_ ready; and so intolerable is suspense that most of
us would have felt as a welcome relief the command to throw open our
door and spring into deadly conflict.
Slowly the leaden moments dragged themselves away. It seems scarcely
creditable, but it is literally true, that for twenty-five minutes more
we lay on that side track and waited,--waited with minds absorbed,
pulses leaping, and ears strained for the faintest sound which might
give a hint as to our destiny. One precious hour had we wasted at
Kingston,--time enough to have burned every bridge between that place
and Dalton! The whole margin of time on which we had allowed ourselves
to count was two hours; now half of that was thrown away at one station,
and nothing accomplished. We dared wait no longer. Andrews decided to
rush ahead with the intention of meeting this extra train wherever it
might be found, and forcing it to back before him to the next siding,
where he could pass it. The resolution was in every way dangerous, but
the danger would at least be of an active character. Just at this moment
the long-expected whistle was heard, and soon the train came into plain
view, bringing with it an almost interminable string of cars. The weight
and length of its train had caused the long delay. Obedient to
direction, it followed the first extra down the main track, and its
locomotive was a long way removed from the depot when the last car
cleared the upper end of the side track on which we lay. At length it
had got far enough down, and it was possible for us to push on. Andrews
instantly ordered the switch-tender to arrange the track so as to let us
out.
But here a new difficulty presented itself. This man had been in an ill
humor from the first, and was now fully convinced that something was
wrong. Possibly the tone in which he was addressed irritated him still
more. He therefore responded to Andrews' order by a surly refusal, and
hung up the keys in the station-house. When we in the box-car overheard
his denial, we were sure that the time for fighting had come. There was
no more reason for dreading the issue of a conflict at this station than
at any other point, and we waited the signal with the confident
expectation of victory.
But even a victory at that moment would have been most undesirable. We
had no wish to shed blood unnecessarily. A telegraph office was at hand,
and it was possible that before the wire could be cut a message might be
flashed ahead. There were also engines in readiness for prompt pursuit,
and while we might have overcome immediate opposition by the use of our
firearms, our triumph would have been the signal for a close and
terrible chase.
The daring coolness of Andrews removed all embarrassments. While men are
hesitating and in doubt, boldness and promptness on the part of an
opponent are almost sure to carry the day. Ceasing to address the
switch-tender, Andrews walked hurriedly into the station, and with the
truthful remark that he had no more time to waste, took down the key and
began to unlock the switch. The tender cursed him terribly, and called
for some to arrest him. The crowd around also disliked the action, and
began to hoot and yell; but before any one had decided as to what ought
to be done Andrews had unlocked and changed the switch, and waved his
hand for the engineer to come on. It was an inexpressible relief when
the cars moved forward and the sounds of strife died out. As soon as the
locomotive passed to the main track, Andrews tossed the keys to the
ruffled owner of them, saying, in his blandest manner, "Pardon me, sir,
for being in such a hurry, but the Confederacy can't wait for every
man's notions. You'll find it is all right," and stepped on board his
engine. The excitement gradually ceased, and no thought of pursuit was
entertained until startling intelligence was received a few moments
later from Big Shanty.
Before describing the terrible struggle above Kingston, it will be well
to narrate the operations of the persons whose train had been so
unceremoniously snatched from them at Big Shanty. From printed accounts
published contemporaneously by several of those engaged in the pursuit,
as well as from personal responses to inquiries made regarding the most
material points, the writer is confident that he can tell the strange
story without essential error. It is a striking commentary on the
promptness of the seizure, that the bystanders generally reported that
only eight men, instead of twenty, had been observed to mount the train.
William A. Fuller, conductor, Anthony Murphy, manager of the State
railroad shops at Atlanta, and Jefferson Cain, engineer, stepped off
their locomotive, leaving it unguarded save by the surrounding
sentinels, and in perfect confidence took their seats at the
breakfast-table at Big Shanty. But before they had tasted a morsel of
food the quick ear of Murphy, who was seated with his back towards the
window, caught the sound of escaping steam, and he exclaimed, "Fuller,
who's moving your train?" Almost simultaneously the latter, who was
somewhat of a ladies' man, and was bestowing polite attentions upon two
or three fair passengers, saw the same movement, and sprang up,
shouting, "Somebody's running off with our train!" No breakfast was
eaten then. Everybody rushed through the door to the platform. The train
was then fully under way, just sweeping out of sight around the first
curve. With quick decision Fuller shouted to Murphy and Cain, "Come on!"
and started at a full run after the flying train! This attempt to run
down and catch a locomotive by a foot-race seemed so absurd that as the
three, at the top of their speed, passed around the same curve, they
were greeted with loud laughter and ironical cheers by the excited
multitude. To all appearances it was a foolish and hopeless chase.
Yet, paradoxical as the statement may seem, this chase on foot was the
wisest course possible for Fuller and his companions. What else could
they do? Had they remained quietly in camp, with no show of zeal, they
would have been reproached with negligence in not guarding their train
more carefully, even if they were not accused with being in league with
its captors. As they ran, Fuller explained the situation and his
purposes to his companions. They had neither electric battery nor
engine. Had they obtained horses, they would necessarily have followed
the common road, instead of the railroad, and if they thought of that
expedient at all, it would be as distasteful to railroad men as
abandoning their ship to sailors, and they preferred leaving that course
for others. It would have been wise for those who could think of nothing
else to do to ride as mounted couriers to the stations ahead; but
whether this was done or not I have never learned. Certainly it was not
done so promptly as to influence the fortunes of the day.
But the truth is that Fuller and Murphy were at first completely
deceived as to the nature of the event which had taken place. They had
been warned to guard against the escape of conscript deserters from that
very camp; and although they would never have suspected an attempt on
the part of the conscripts to escape by capturing their engine, yet when
it was seen to dash off, the thought of this warning was naturally
uppermost. Even then Fuller conjectured that they would use his engine
only to get a mile or two beyond the guard line, and then abandon it. He
was therefore anxious to follow closely in order to find the engine and
return for his passengers at the earliest moment possible. Little did he
anticipate the full magnitude of the work and the danger before him.
That any Federal soldiers were within a hundred miles of Big Shanty
never entered his mind or that of any other person.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN WM. A. FULLER.
(Conductor of Pursuing Train.)
Page 87.]
For a mile or two the three footmen ran at the top of their speed,
straining their eyes forward for any trace of the lost engine which they
expected to see halted and abandoned at almost any point on the road.
But they were soon partially undeceived as to the character of their
enemies. About two miles from the place of starting they found the
telegraph wire severed and a portion of it carried away. The fugitives
were also reported as quietly oiling and inspecting their engine. No
mere deserters would be likely to think of this. The two actions
combined clearly indicated the intention of making a long run, but who
the men were still remained a mystery. A few hundred yards from this
place a party of workmen with a hand-car was found, and these most
welcome reinforcements were at once pressed into the service.
Fuller's plans now became more definite and determined. He had a good
hand-car and abundance of willing muscle to work it. By desperate
exertions, by running behind the car and pushing it up the steep grades,
and then mounting and driving it furiously down-hill and on the levels,
it was possible to make seven or eight miles an hour; at the same time,
Fuller knew that the captive engine, if held back to run on schedule
time, as the reports of the workmen indicated, would make but sixteen
miles per hour. Fuller bent all his thoughts and energies towards
Kingston, thirty miles distant. He had been informed of the extra trains
to be met at that point, and was justified in supposing that the
adventurers would be greatly perplexed and hindered by them, even if
they were not totally stopped. Had the seizure taken place on the
preceding day, as originally planned, he might well have despaired, for
then the road would have been clear. Yet he had one other resource, as
will appear in due time, of which his enemies knew nothing.
Fuller did not pause to consider how he should defeat the fugitives when
he had overtaken them, and he might have paid dearly for this rashness.
But he could rely on help at any station, and when he had obtained the
means of conveyance, as he would be sure to do at Kingston, he could
easily find an overwhelming force to take with him. This Saturday was
appointed as a general muster of volunteers, State militia, and
conscripts, and armed soldiers were abundant in every village. But
Fuller's dominant thought was that his property--the property with which
he had been intrusted--was wrested from his grasp, and it was his duty
to recover it, at whatever of personal hazard. That any serious harm was
intended to the railroad itself he probably did not yet suspect.
Talking and wearying themselves with idle conjectures, but never ceasing
to work, Fuller and his party pressed swiftly on. But suddenly there was
a crash, a sense of falling, and when the shock allowed them to realize
what had happened, they found themselves floundering in a ditch half
filled with water, and their hand-car imbedded in the mud beside them!
They had reached the place where the first rail had been torn from the
track, and had suffered accordingly. But the bank was, fortunately for
them, not very high at that spot, and a few bruises were all the damage
they sustained. Their hand-car, which was also uninjured, was lifted on
the track and driven on again. This incident increased both their
caution and their respect for the men before them.
Without further mishap they reached Etowah Station, on the northern bank
of the river of the same name. Here was a large bridge, which the
Andrew's party might have burned without loss of time had they foreseen
the long detention at Kingston; but its destruction was not a part of
their plan, and it was suffered to stand. The mind of Fuller grew very
anxious as he approached this station. On what he should find there
depended, in all probability, his power to overtake the fugitives, whose
intentions seemed more formidable with each report he received of their
actions. Andrews had firmly believed that no engine for pursuit could be
found south of Kingston; but Fuller had a different expectation.
Extensive iron-furnaces were located on the Etowah River, about five
miles above the station. These works were connected with the railroad by
a private track, which was the property of Major Cooper, as well as the
works themselves. Murphy knew that Major Cooper had also bought an
engine called the "Yonah." It had been built in the shop over which
Murphy presided, and was one of the best locomotives in the State. "But
where," Fuller and Murphy asked themselves, "is this engine now?" If it
was in view of the adventurers as they passed, they had doubtless
destroyed it, ran it off the track, or carried it away with them. They
could not afford to neglect such an element in the terrible game they
were playing. But if it was now at the upper end of the branch at the
mines, as was most probable, it would take the pursuers five miles out
of their way to go for it, and even then it might not be ready to start.
This diversion could not be afforded. Fuller and Murphy had come
nineteen miles, and had already consumed two hours and three-quarters.
The adventurers were reported as passing each station on time, and if
this continued they must have reached Kingston forty-five minutes before
Fuller and his companions arrived at Etowah, thirteen miles behind them.
One hour and a half more to Kingston,--this was the very best that could
be done with the hand-car. It was clear that if the "Yonah" did not come
to their assistance, they were as effectually out of the race as if on
the other side of the ocean. Everything now hinged on the position of
that one engine.
Here we may pause to note how all coincidences, we might almost say
providences, seemed to work against the bridge-burning enterprise. We
were at Kingston three-quarters of an hour before our pursuers reached
Etowah, thirteen miles distant. If there had been no extra trains, or if
they had been sharply on time, so that we could have passed the three
with a delay not exceeding fifteen or twenty minutes, which ought to
have been an abundant allowance, every bridge above Kingston would have
been in ashes before sundown! Or if the delay had been as great as it
actually was, even then, if the locomotive "Yonah" had occupied any
position excepting one, the same result would have followed.
But Fuller, Murphy, and Cain, with the several armed men they had picked
up at the stations passed, could not repress shouts of exultation when
they saw the old "Yonah" standing on the main track, ready fired up, and
headed towards Kingston. It had just arrived from the mines, and in a
short time would have returned again. Thus a new element of tremendous
importance, which had been ignored in all our calculations, was
introduced into the contest.
The pursuers seized their inestimable prize, called for all the
volunteers who could snatch guns at a moment's notice, and were soon
swiftly but cautiously rushing with the power of steam towards Kingston.
The speed of nearly a mile a minute was in refreshing contrast to the
slow and laborious progress of the hand-car, and they were naturally
jubilant. But what lay before them at Kingston? The frequent
obstructions of the track, the continued cutting of the telegraph, and
especially the cool assumption of the leader of the adventurers in
calling himself a Confederate officer of high rank in charge of an
impressed powder train, all conspired to deepen their conviction that
some desperate scheme was on foot. But they did not pause long to listen
to reports. Their eyes and their thoughts were bent towards Kingston.
Had the adventurers been stopped there, or had they surprised and
destroyed the trains met? The pursuers could scarcely form a conjecture
as to what was before them; but the speed with which they were flying
past station after station would soon end their suspense. Even the
number of men on the flying train was a matter of uncertainty. At the
stations passed observers reported that only four or five were seen; but
the track-layers and others who had observed them at work were confident
of a much larger number,--twenty-five or thirty at the least. Besides,
it was by no means sure that they had not confederates in large numbers
to co-operate with them at the various stations along the road. Fuller
knew about how many persons had entered the train at Marietta; but it
was not sure that these were all. A hundred more might be scattered
along the way, at various points, ready to join in whatever strange plan
was now being worked out. No conjecture of this kind that could be
formed was a particle more improbable than the startling events that had
already taken place. The cool courage of these pursuers, who determined
to press forward and do their own duty at whatever risk, cannot be too
highly rated. If they arrived at Kingston in time to unmask the
pretension of the mysterious "Confederate officer," there would
doubtless be a desperate fight; but the pursuers could count on
assistance there and all along the line.
Fuller reached Kingston at least an hour earlier than would have been
possible with the hand-car, and a single glance showed that the
adventurers were gone, and his hopes of arresting them at that point
were ended. They were, however, barely out of sight, and all their start
had been reduced to minutes. But here again the pursuit was checked. The
foresight of Andrews had blockaded the road as much as possible with the
trains which had so long hindered his own movements. Two large and heavy
trains stood on the main road; one of the two side tracks was occupied
by the third freight, and the other by the engine of the Rome branch.
There was no ready means for the passage of the "Yonah." Some precious
time was employed in giving and receiving information, in telling of the
seizure at Big Shanty, and hearing of the deportment of Andrews and his
men at Kingston. Then a dispute arose as to the best means of continuing
the pursuit, which threatened to disunite Fuller and Murphy. The latter
wished to continue the chase with the "Yonah," which was a fine engine,
with large wheels; but Fuller would not wait to get the freights out of
the way, and, jumping on the Rome engine, he called on all who were
willing to assist him to come on. A large, enthusiastic, and well-armed
company instantly volunteered; the new engine, the "Shorter," pulled
out, and Murphy had only time to save himself from the disgrace of being
left behind by jumping on the hindmost car as it swept past. With all
the time lost in making this transfer, and in mutual explanations, the
pursuers left Kingston just twenty minutes behind the Federals.
What Fuller and his friends learned at Kingston left no doubt on their
minds that some deliberate and far-reaching military movement was on
foot. While its precise nature was yet concealed, the probability that
the road itself, and possibly Confederate towns and stores, were to be
destroyed, was freely conceded. All agreed that the one thing to be done
was to follow their enemies closely, and thus compel them to turn and
fight or abandon their enterprise. A large force--one or two hundred
well-armed men--was taken on board, and instructions left that as soon
as the track could be cleared another armed train was to follow for the
purpose of rendering any needed assistance.