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Updated: May 11, 2025
Thus it happened that before the train had gone more than three miles "The General" was stopped, more wires were cut, and several cross-ties were thrown on the track in the rear. Then the train dashed on, this time at a terrific speed. Andrews hoped to reach Calhoun, seven miles away, before the passenger should arrive there.
He had ordered the men in the car to split up part of its sides for kindling-wood. By the use of the cross-ties, which they had picked up along the road, they battered down some of the planking of the walls, and quickly reduced it to smaller pieces. It was a thrilling sight. The men worked as they had never worked before.
Speed was the end to which all of the young engineer's inventive powers had been directed; and the pace was furious. On the leveled grade ahead of the track-laying train an army of sweating laborers marched and counter-marched like trained soldiers, placing the cross-ties in position.
A railroad track emerged from the fields and ran along the one street. Shells had fallen on it and exploded, ripping the steel rails from the cross-ties, so that they stood up all along in a jagged formation, like rows of snaggled teeth.
The sergeant turned to the captain, saluted and placed himself immediately behind that officer, who in turn moved apart one pace. These movements left the condemned man and the sergeant standing on the two ends of the same plank, which spanned three of the cross-ties of the bridge. The end upon which the civilian stood almost, but not quite, reached a fourth.
Discovering that they were pursued, they mounted and sped away, throwing out upon the track as they went along, the heavy cross-ties they had prepared themselves with. This was done by breaking out the end of the hindmost box-car, and pitching them out. Thus, "nip and tuck," they passed with fearful speed Resaca, Tilton, and on through Dalton.
Take an Early Train Prospecting Capture of the Train Panic in Confederate Camp Away at Lightning Speed Thrilling Experience Cut the Telegraph Tear up the Track Unexpected Obstacle Running a Powder Train to Beauregard Red Flag Dropping Cross-Ties Battering out Spikes Immense Exertion of Strength Pursuing Backward Terrible Chase Attempt to Wreck the Enemy's Train Fearful Speed Bold Plan.
I saw an 'ad' for men in the Bee yesterday, and hoped to be in time," he added, rising. "Men! Yes, we want men to drive mules and stakes, to grade, lay track, and fight Indians but engineers? We've got 'em to use for cross-ties." "I am able and willing to do any of these things except the Indians and I'll tackle that if nothing else offers."
By and by the ground began to throb; the vibration got sharper, and Festing watched the track as the engine passed. Cinders rattled about him, there was a mist of snow, but he saw the cross-ties start and the rails spring up and down. Then the clanging cars sped past, and when they had gone he climbed down the side of the bank. It was now bare of snow and one could see the stones.
Hand to hand, that none go astray in the darkness, they hobbled back over a mile of slippery cross-ties to the stricken town. Shelter was found, the wet clothes dried, and at midnight the sick had been parceled out, each nurse had his or her quota of patients, and were in for the issue, be it life or death. Those past all help must be seen through, and lost, all that could be must be saved.
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