Mistaken for a Secesh

Gallipolis Journal
Gallipolis, Ohio
April 2, 1863

A few days since two of our men were walking along the streets of Nashville.-- They belonged to a regiment which had gone there as escort to a supply train, and while the wagons were being loaded had gone forth for a stroll. One of them was dressed in blue uniform, and carried his musket; the other had on him a secesh coat which he had picked up on the battle-field, and wore long black hair, and indeed, looked to a stranger more like a rebel bushwhacker than the honest soldier he is; when , as they passed by a fine house, in the door of which was standing a very pretty young lady, who suddenly cried out, 'O soldier, soldier, won't you let that man--he is a poor soldier of our army, the Southern army-- who you are guarding, come in? I know he wants something to eat. Isn't he a Texas Ranger?' 'Yes,' said he with the gun, 'we captured him only the other day. Go in, old fellow,' giving him the wink. The supposed Ranger went in, and quickly returned with his arms full of pies, cakes, nice bread, a bottle of liquor, and a lot of good things generally, 'Move on,' said he with the gun;' and so they moved on to the first convenient place, where they sat down and enjoyed a hearty meal.