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In this gripping episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by EG Marshall, we delve into the haunting tale "A Long Way From Home," based on a classic short story by Ambrose Bierce. The story is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, where two young men from Ohio, Sam and his friend, enlist in the Union Army. As they face the horrors of war, a tragic incident leaves Sam fatally wounded, and his friend grapples with guilt and fear, leading to a mysterious head injury that alters his perception of time and reality.
As the narrative unfolds, the young soldier finds himself wandering through a surreal landscape, struggling to piece together his past and present. He encounters various characters, including a doctor and a young woman, who help him uncover the truth about his condition and the passage of time. The episode explores themes of courage, cowardice, and the psychological scars of war, culminating in a poignant revelation about the soldier's identity and the lasting impact of the Civil War. Join us for a journey through history, memory, and the human spirit.
(00:30) Introduction to the Mystery Theater
(01:52) A Long Way From Home: The Story Begins
(07:06) Enlistment and the Call to War
(09:47) The Battle and Its Aftermath
(16:49) Hospital Recovery and Memory Loss
(20:20) A Strange Encounter and Silent Army
(28:04) The Journey Continues: Seeking the Regiment
(37:15) A Day of Dedication and Reflection
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Unknown:
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[00:00:31] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents
[00:00:50] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Who can undo what time has done? Who can win back the wind, renew the redness of a last year's rose, or dig the sunken sunset from the deep? Time has an inexorable way of going on no matter how hard we may try to stop it, it. And it keeps on unwinding at its own relentless pace no matter how much we may wish it were yesterday or tomorrow.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
When can I get out of this hospital, doctor? Soon, maybe. It was just a tiny wound. The enemy bullet just grazed the back of my head, just brushed by right here.
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Soldier, have you any idea how it happened that in the midst of battle, you got hit by an enemy bullet in the back of your head?
[00:01:52] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, A Long Way From Home, is based on a classic short story of Ambrose Bierce. It was especially adapted for the mystery theater by Arnold Moss and stars Russell Horton. It is sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule, and the True Value Hardware stores. I'll be back shortly with act one. It's a warm spring day in the year 1927 in a little town in Central Tennessee about 30 miles from Nashville just the week before the people of the town had screamed themselves hoarse at the news that a daring young man named Lindbergh had been the first man to fly the Atlantic solo.
Today, they are gathered to celebrate another event, one that took place over 65 ago on this very soil. As those years slowly unrolled, something had happened to one man whose life had been curiously interwoven with the events taking place today. Our story starts in Ohio, back in the warm autumn days of 1862, two young men drift lazily in a small rowboat, fishing poles dangling from their hands.
[00:03:08] Unknown:
Sam, why don't you stop playing that full mouth organ of yours and do some serious fishing? Now how can you expect to be catching anything laying there on your back in the front of the boat while you go on playing that dang thing? Beyond my understanding.
[00:03:25] Unknown:
I'm fishing with my right hand and making music with my left.
[00:03:28] Unknown:
One don't interfere with the other. Music. Now all you're doing is scan off what few fish may be swimming in this lake. Or maybe charming them that come up and take a good look
[00:03:39] Unknown:
at the unusual young fella that's creating all them beautiful sounds. I don't see that you charmed too many so far, Sam. Just one little bitty pike you should buy right to throw it back. And I don't see that you've done even as well. Well, maybe even you laid off what you call your music, I might. You want some tobacco in your pipe? Wouldn't mind.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
Yeah. Light up your pipe and enjoy it while you can. With this war going on, that's the end of any tobacco we'll be getting from Virginia for a long time. This war has been going on for over a year now. We got to get into it, Sam. You know that.
[00:04:22] Unknown:
Yeah. I've been thinking the same. We're almost old enough.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Any way we look old enough, we're healthy enough, and old Abe Lincoln says he needs us. Yeah. He's still putting out his call for volunteers.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
I've been thinking of the Ohio forty first. Me too.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
I was thinking of going down to the recruiting place tomorrow morning to enlist.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Funny. So was I.
[00:04:46] Unknown:
Well, we we could lie a little about our age. Hey. We'll go together. It ain't as if it's he's saying. Wait a minute. Now hold everything. I I think I hooked on to the biggest darn fish in the whole state of Ohio. Hold on to it. What? What in tarnation have I have I got at the end of this pole? It's just been almost an hour. Whatever it is it's gonna bust your mind. Oh and my pole too. It it don't seem to be jerking around does it? Yeah dang thing just pull steady like some big old whale. Maybe you're hooked onto some big old log. Now it ain't funny, Sam. This ain't no log. Oh, wait. It's coming. It's coming.
Now you get ready. When I get to the surface, just you catch it with your knife. I'll lift the blade. I'm ready. Now once it's in the boat, whacking over the head with Yes. Yes. Here it comes, Sam. Here it comes. Look at them air bubbles rising out of the water. You ready? I'm ready. Here we go. No. Good lord in heaven. No. You you see what that is, Sam? Yeah. I see. Yeah. It's the body of a soldier. An infantry man, and he's one of ours. Cut the line, Fame. I'll try. I'll try. Cut it, Sam. Will you please cut it? I'm doing my best. It's just that I feel a little sick.
You did it, son. See the body sink into the bottom again.
[00:06:26] Unknown:
How do you suppose it ever got here?
[00:06:28] Unknown:
I I don't know. From his looks, I'd say he'd been dead a long time.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
His face was all puffed up and bloated like Well,
[00:06:40] Unknown:
we better get back. More than enough fishing for one day.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
Pull into your line, Sam, and start rowing. And tomorrow morning,
[00:06:49] Unknown:
we go to the recruiting office
[00:06:51] Unknown:
to volunteer as soldiers. After what we just seen Yes?
[00:06:57] Unknown:
Maybe, we had to give the whole thing a little more thought.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
We made it. They took us. We are now soldiers of the Great Army of the United States. Report back here in twenty four hours. It's what the man said. I can't wait to get into one of them fine blue uniforms with that dandy little cap. Oh then they're gonna issue us rifles.
[00:07:24] Unknown:
And take us on a long train ride south. Hey. That's the best part I heard. Best part? The train. It stops at every station on the way to wherever we're going. One of the fellas told me. Why is that the best part? Every time it stops, they feed you. Bread and cold meat, coffee, pickles, cheese. And pretty girls with pink cheeks and shining eyes, they smile at you. Sometimes they come right up to you and even kiss you. Oh, yes, sirree. We're gonna be treated like real heroes. Hey. What's this fella like? The one we'll be serving under, this Colonel Hazen. You hear anything about him? Well, only that he commands the forty first Ohio volunteers and and fought the Indians in the West. A young fella. Oh, did real good, they say, at the Battle of Pittsburgh Landon.
Reckon we're filling in for some of his troops. The ones that didn't make it back. I reckon so. Say, what's wrong with you? Mhmm, laughter. Well, you're acting real glum. Like you wasn't so pleased about being accepted.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
No. I'm glad we done what we done.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
You still got the body of that soldier we fished up yesterday on your mind, ain't you? No. I ain't.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
It could happen to anybody.
[00:08:46] Unknown:
Me, you. But then again, the fella running next to you could drop with a couple of ounces of lead in his belly and nothing ever touch you. Once we actually get into battle,
[00:08:58] Unknown:
what do you think it'll be like, Sam? Hard to say. Think you'll be scared? Coming under enemy fire? Hard to say.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Maybe. Well, then what?
[00:09:14] Unknown:
Well, seems like I have one of three choices. I either go forward without being touched or or I get hit in a fall or
[00:09:23] Unknown:
or or what?
[00:09:25] Unknown:
Nah. Nah. Nah. I don't think I could ever do that. Do what, Sam? Turn around and run. Run-in the wrong direction.
[00:09:33] Unknown:
Nah. Nah. I just couldn't do that. How do you know you couldn't see him? How can you be sure? Couple of months went by. And suddenly before we noted, it was winter. The trees was as bare as skeletons, and the cold bit into us like the jaws of a steel hunting trap. We were somewhere in Tennessee with the first light of dawn. The fog began to lift, and we could see the whole army of the Cumberland. Our army in front of us stretched out for what seemed like miles. Rumors that a common battle been spreading through the camp. Sam, don't you ever stop playing that dang mouth organ gets me all upset.
Now it really does. Decide, you're gonna wake up the whole company.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
What? Just a little music in the spirit of Christmas. Are you plum crazy Sam? Christmas was over almost a week ago. What's the difference? It's a good tune any day of the year. Even today, the last day 1862. December 31
[00:10:50] Unknown:
Say you, you sleep any last night?
[00:10:55] Unknown:
Not much
[00:10:56] Unknown:
You? I mean, we get her too excited I reckon about what could happen today
[00:11:04] Unknown:
you know something Sam laying down there in the grass the night was so still I I could hear my heart a beating and every blade of grass pressing against my cheek was it telling me how sorry they all was for me
[00:11:27] Unknown:
for all of us now you gotta stop thinking that way you just gotta it's not good for you
[00:11:33] Unknown:
yeah I couldn't tell anyone else Sam but well I can't tell you I am scared
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Real scared Well now I'll tell you something What's that? So am I scared right down to my bones That's why I keep on playing this here mouth organ to keep up my spirits. And I'll tell you something else. But so long as we stick together, the two of us keeping an eye on each other, protecting each other, well then I ain't half as scared than I might be yeah I know what you mean Sam today could be the biggest fighting of the whole dang war but we're gonna watch out each for the other no matter what happens
[00:12:25] Unknown:
ain't we? No matter what happens. The words was hardly out of our mouth when all hell broke loose. The Confederate troops had retreated to this area some 30 miles south of Nashville. Our boys, with a much bigger force, has entailed them for days. He was planning an attack on the other's left flank and the enemy struck first. Our brigade, East's brigade, would fight smack in the line of their biggest gun. Keep your head down. The minute they're fire, let's have a bit. We'll make recover on that big rock over there. We gotta get this top of the hill ahead of us. No. Dog. Go on. That was a close one. Stop. Any minute now, we're gonna make a run for that rock. And we stayed together.
The rebel gun was shooting fast and furious. Just foot by foot we jacked ourselves across the bodies of our own hands. Firing as we went. We we could hardly see where we was going. What we were shooting at. The the smoke was that thick. All of a sudden, Sam sprang to his feet and started to run forward. Here they come. Right at us. We'll stop them. Now let's go. Sam. Sam, what's the matter? I'll be sneaking it over here. Get that. You just keep going straight ahead. I I can't help you, Sam. There's nothing I can do to help. I know that. I know that. What's the matter with you? Where are you going? I'm I'm going going this way. Put the enemies over there ahead of us. You're running the wrong way.
The
[00:14:17] Unknown:
wrong way. As his fatally wounded companion sinks helplessly to the ground, the young man ignores him, runs in a blistering sweat faster and faster back to his own lines. His eyeballs crack like two hot stones. His lungs choke with the suffocating smoke of battle. How far can he go? Can anything slow down this panic of self preservation? I'll be back shortly with act two. Have you ever stopped to think of the meaning of the word courage? Is it, for example, the extraordinary act of boldly pushing forward into the face of almost certain death? And does cowardice, what might be called the lack of courage, mean a weak hearted refusal to accept that challenge?
There are some who think it takes a certain kind of courage just to be what others would call a coward, to act in a manner different from what's expected.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
As I ran from the enemy's life, the rest of our men were running forward. A good many were dropping to the ground like so many sacks of flour. Some still moving and twisting in funny positions like they were dumped out of the sky. It was all I could do not to step on them. Him. The more I ran, the more the shells kept whirling around and exploding all over the place. Every little left ball was searching for me, a ball of death with my name on it. And and I thought of Sam laying out there, pleading his life away and I I got mad at myself not because I was running away but because I'd done nothing to help Sam I began to laugh. Why? I I don't know.
Maybe I was glad it was Sam's inside spilling over the Tennessee soil and not mine. I noticed I had no rifle. My cap was gone too. There seemed to be a lull in the fight. Something hit me on the back of the head. I put my hand up and saw some blood then everything about me suddenly went pitch black I passed out passed out cold
[00:16:49] Unknown:
Hold still, young fella. Unless you wanna lose an ear. Yeah. There we are. Who who are you? What what's going on here? It's beginning to close. The opening is healing very nicely. Well, where am I? Who who are you? Major Armistead Surgeon, US Army in charge of this section. What section? This base hospital. Army hospital? You're a very lucky young man. If that bullet had hit half an inch to the left or to the right, you wouldn't be here. What bullet, Major? The one that you got in the head during the fighting. But,
[00:17:29] Unknown:
we're taking good care of you. You're gonna be alright. We with just a little wound, wasn't it, Major? I I didn't feel no pain. Just a little buzz noise. You you get some rest, son. I I I gotta get back soon as I can. Of course. Of course. I understand. I gotta get back to my company. Mostly, I gotta see what happened to Sam. Sam? My best friend. He got hit
[00:17:58] Unknown:
real bad, I think. Well, you just laid back and take it easy. I'm gonna ask you a couple of questions for the record. Yes, sir, Major.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
What company are you attached to? Company? I I, company? Mhmm Oh
[00:18:14] Unknown:
Mhmm What's your name, son? My my name? My name is Your your name? What do your friends call you? What do Sam call you? I
[00:18:29] Unknown:
I can't remember. We try. Try real hard. I I can't remember. I see.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
When can it get out of this here hospital, Major? Soon. Maybe. How soon? Can't quite say. Well, not yet. A bullet just grazed the back of my head. Just brushed by right right here. Keep your hand away from your head. Don't put your fingers on that bandage. One last question, soldier. And try to remember. Yes, sir? Have you any idea how it happened? You got hit by an enemy bullet in the back of your head.
[00:19:21] Unknown:
The next I remember, I was standing on a low hill overlooking a wide stretch of forest and field. I had no idea how much time had gone by with a warm summer moon. By the full moon hanging low in the west, I know that it was near the hour of dawn, a light mist lay along the Earth. Nowhere could I see the inside of life except for two or three little cabins in the distance. The sound of dogs barking far off somewhere. I felt strange and a little lonely. Suddenly, a light blinked on in one of the cabins. I made my way toward it and knocked on the door. Open the door, please.
I mean no harm.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
Who are you? Where's you at?
[00:20:17] Unknown:
Just some information. Plea please open the door.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
I'd help you in trouble. Why are you? Well, what can I do for you?
[00:20:26] Unknown:
Just a couple of questions. Questions?
[00:20:28] Unknown:
At this time of the morning, the matter is you, mister. Well, excuse me if I woke you up. Well, you said what you wanted. Now make it quick and better not try no funny business as my two dogs will rip it up hastily. Well, you see, I'm a soldier.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
Soldier? Yeah. Serving under Colonel Hazen in the Federal Army, the Army of the United States. Well, you sure don't look like no soldier to me. Where's your uniform? Well, that's just it. In the middle of all that fighting, it got ripped up, muddied up, and, they took it from me. They they, took it. Who are you talking about? Who is they? Well, those people up at the hospital. Oh, that's where you're from. What do you wanna know? What's been happening? Happening? Like what? Well, where are the armies? Which side won? Which armies are you talking about? Ours and theirs. I I gotta know which side won.
Besides, if if they catch me out of uniform, they could hang me thinking I was a spy. But when they see this bandage on my head What bandage? Then they'll know I ain't a spy. They'll know I've been
[00:21:31] Unknown:
discharged from, up there. Now you look ahead. You woke me up. I got work to do. I can't stand here all morning talking to the likes of you. Then can I talk to your master?
[00:21:42] Unknown:
My master? The man who owns this farm, this,
[00:21:45] Unknown:
plantation, whatever it is. But I ain't got no master. Oh. You're one of the lucky ones. You already been freed? Look. I I'm gonna have to shut this door, mister. For me, I could find my regimen if if I only knew where I was. Door, mister. I can't help you. But I will tell you one thing. What what's that? The hospital's up that way. You better turn around and get back up there by yourself. Before you know it, they're gonna come after you and put you there.
[00:22:15] Unknown:
There was no sense asking any more questions of an ignorant old woman anybody could see wasn't quite right in the head. I got back on the road and started walking again. A faint gray light was coming up on the horizon. Then, like you come from nowhere Good morning, sir. Oh, good morning. I salute you, sir. Oh, why do you do that? Oh, excuse me. Sitting up there on your horse, I I thought you were a cavalry officer. Cavalry officer?
[00:22:49] Unknown:
No. I I I'm still in Moulton. Doctor's still in Moulton. I'm a physician. Been up all night with a very sick patient way back in the hills. That's why I took the course. Haven't I seen you someplace before?
[00:23:04] Unknown:
What? I don't reckon, sir. I'm a soldier. Ohio forty first, Colonel Hazen's Brigade, Army of the United States. Oh, that that's why I saluted you. I took you for one of our officers. I see.
[00:23:15] Unknown:
Would you happen to know which side won? Ours or theirs? Would you mind if I asked you a question? Oh, no, sir. Not at all. Why do you keep putting your hand up to the back of your head? Oh,
[00:23:28] Unknown:
I was wounded in the battle. Nothing very serious. Just a glance and blow from a bullet. No blood. No pain. Uh-huh. I I got separated from my friend, Sam. Quick, doctor. Get behind this top of cedar trees. Quick. What's wrong? Don't stop to ask questions, and and don't go talk. They won't see us from behind these trees. And would you stare at that? My oh my. Just look at them. Why there must be hundreds and hundreds of them. How far off would you say they are? 50 yards from where we've been? A 100? Just look at them horsemen coming along, riding in formation toward the north.
And behind them, all them foot soldiers marching slowly in column, their rifles a slant on their shoulders, gleaming in the morning sun. And look there. Follow them. The cannoneers sitting stiffly with folded arms, sitting straight up on the seats of the two wheeled case holes that are pulling the cannon. And do you notice something very peculiar? We don't hear a thing.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
There isn't the slightest sound of a voice,
[00:24:53] Unknown:
of a horse's hoof of a wagon's wheel. Nothing. There they are all moving in absolute dead silence Why is that? Talk to me, doctor. Say something.
[00:25:13] Unknown:
But what do you want me to say?
[00:25:16] Unknown:
Oh, thank the Lord. I hear you. I hear you and I hear my own voice for for a minute there. I thought I'd gone deep. You know, doctor, if them men are what I take them to be, we've lost the battle. That's the Confederate army moving north on to Nashville to last. Only, I can't figure out why they don't make any noise. The whole dang army. Man, the horses are clearly moving along and not a single sound.
[00:25:45] Unknown:
Wait. You know, some people think there could be an explanation for that. Well, there could? Uh-huh. Something called acoustic shadows. What's that? Well, now if we were both standing on one side of that big oak tree over there and I was talking to you, and as I kept on talking, I circled the tree, there would be a moment or two when I would be on the opposite side of that tree where you wouldn't hear me, at least not hear me as well. The tree would be causing what they call an acoustic shadow, like a blind spot for the ear. It may be you don't hear the sound of those troops because we're standing in a path of just such a shadow.
You don't hear them either, do you? No, I do not.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
Look, they're just about passing out of sight. That's the end, double.
[00:26:40] Unknown:
I think it's alright now to come out from behind these trees, don't you?
[00:26:45] Unknown:
I better get out of here real fast. They might discover me, take me prisoner. Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Oh, why not? There there could be others. No. Just put it out of your mind.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
May I ask if you'll allow me a personal question? Just how old do you think you are? Well, 19. Go on 20. Why? What's that got to do with anything? Well, I just thought I'd ask. I shouldn't have guessed that that was your age.
[00:27:16] Unknown:
Well, let me take you back to the hospital. They'll be getting worried about you. Not till I know more about them troops we see moving to the North. Now, what was the color of the uniforms? I couldn't make it out. Did you notice? Here. Let me help you onto my horse, and I'll walk along beside you. Look. Was they wearing blue or was they wearing gray? Tell me. You gotta tell me. At first, you gotta take your hands off of me. That's better. Was they wearing blue or gray?
[00:27:44] Unknown:
You're gonna have to face the truth. They were wearing neither blue nor gray. What are you saying? Nor any other color. There were no troops. Not one single solitary soldier.
[00:28:04] Unknown:
In the devastation that follows in the paths of war, one cannot begin to evaluate the extent of the destruction. Young lives are snuffed out in an instant. Families are destroyed. And often minds, too delicate, perhaps too unready to withstand the shocks of war, collapse and are shattered as completely as any body can be broken, which may well be the case with our young friend. I shall return shortly with Act three. In the year 1862, a young man and his friend enlist as volunteers on the side of the North, in our country's most devastating civil war.
In their first exposure to battle, the friend is fatally wounded. The young man runs away from the battlefield, receives a head wound for which he is treated at an army hospital. Some time later, he finds himself wandering about the Tennessee countryside, trying to discover the whereabouts of his regiment. He meets a physician from whom he is trying to get this information.
[00:29:14] Unknown:
Let me take you back to the hospital.
[00:29:16] Unknown:
It's less than a mile from here. Well, why should I go back to the hospital? The head wound I got is all fixed. You were not discharged from the hospital, were you? Well, not exactly. You left on your own, didn't you? Sneaked out in the middle of the night. Am I right? Well, there weren't no sense in my staying there any longer. Anyone on the staff see you go? Not a soul. You walked out of the hospital before, haven't you? You won't tell nobody? Oh, trust me. I'm only trying to help.
[00:29:46] Unknown:
Well, once before.
[00:29:49] Unknown:
I walked out once before. And if they send me back, I'll do it again. Yeah. But why?
[00:29:54] Unknown:
I'm sure they treat you very well up there. Because
[00:29:57] Unknown:
I got to rejoin my regimen. Can't you get that through your head? I've done something bad and I gotta get back. Most of all,
[00:30:08] Unknown:
I I gotta find Sam. Let me take you back to the hospital. Yep. You get up out my horse.
[00:30:15] Unknown:
Get your hands off me. Now don't you dare touch me. Come with me. We'll take good care of you. I've got a good idea how you'll be taking care of me. You just better take care of yourself Please I don't even believe you're a doctor No I ain't going back to no hospital and you sir for all I care you can go straight to hell I left him standing there and I went on anxiously down the road it was still early but I began to feel the rising heat of the coming day kept looking about me on all sides for some sign of my company any sign of Colonel Hayden's brigade In some curious way, the surroundings seemed familiar, but there was a funny kinda fuzziness over everything.
Something else was odd. On every side of me was fields planted real neat and cheerful. Not a single sign of the battle, not the slightest mark of war. Tone up right behind me was a little bucky with a bright red fringe around the top of it drawn by a chestnut mayor stepping along Leo Prowl Oh, a very pretty young lady nineteen forty she was drained Morning
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Which way you headed? Can I give you a lift? I, oh, I was going that way. Oh, toward town. I guess just about everybody is going to town today. Come up here beside me. I'll give you I'll give you a ride. Oh, I appreciate your kindness, ma'am. Yes.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Let let let me give you a hand. No. I don't need no help, ma'am. Thank you just the same.
[00:31:54] Unknown:
Where you from? Ohio. Ohio? You're a long way from Harlem, aren't you? I reckon
[00:32:01] Unknown:
so That's a real pretty dress you're wearing, miss And a very becoming bonnet. Oh, you like it? Thank you. Oh, you don't think I'm leaning forward for saying so? Oh, not at all. Hello, please.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
My grandmother would be just as pleased to hear you say so. Your grandmother? Mhmm. You don't say. This is her dress. Been in the attic for years. She let me wear it only because the day is so special. Same with the buggy. Been Been in the family forever. My name is Mary Jo Campbell. Pleased to meet you. What's yours?
[00:32:38] Unknown:
May I ask you something, miss Campbell? What's Sydney? Have you seen any of our troops around?
[00:32:45] Unknown:
Troops? Oh, you mean for the celebration? No. I mean soldiers. Union soldiers, federal army.
[00:32:51] Unknown:
Union soldiers? Well, you can tell me if you have. I'm I'm doing my best to find them so I can rejoin them. Oh, Oh, you're
[00:32:59] Unknown:
you're from back there, aren't you? Back where? The hospital.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Oh, I was for a short time. A little sketch of a wound back of my head, but they fixed it. They fixed it real good. Oh, you see it? Well, here I rubbed my hand over the back of my head real hard like this You see any blood on the palm of my hand? No, not a bit Like I told you it was nothing
[00:33:30] Unknown:
What's that? What? What?
[00:33:33] Unknown:
It sounds like a tube of cavalry passing by and that's the infantry in the gun carriers of the artillery And they are going north headed for Nashville. That's the same army I saw back there. The silent ones, the ones I couldn't hear only put me. Now I hear them, but I can't see them. Where are they? Do you see them, miss?
[00:34:00] Unknown:
No. I do not.
[00:34:04] Unknown:
But you did hear them same as I did.
[00:34:09] Unknown:
Well,
[00:34:10] Unknown:
yes. Yes. Of of course I heard them. Oh, I'd give anything to know for sure whether they were our boys or theirs.
[00:34:19] Unknown:
Hear that? I'm not sure.
[00:34:25] Unknown:
You know who that is playing? Sam? Sam, is that you? Where are you, Sam? Fishing with my right hand. Making music with my left. Where are you Sam? Toss me some of that Virginia tobacco will you? I just hooked into the biggest darn fish in the whole state of Ohio. Hold on to it. Doing the best I know how. But you didn't. You didn't? I didn't. I didn't what? You didn't do the best you knowed how. We promised we'd stick by each other and you ran away. I didn't mean to Sam. I I didn't mean to. But you did. You left me there and dozens of others on the battlefield to die.
You saved your own skin by running away. I was scared, Sam. Scared to death. We was all scared. I'm sorry, Sam. Real sorry. You you gotta believe me.
[00:35:31] Unknown:
Sorry.
[00:35:33] Unknown:
Sorry. I can't hear what you're saying. I'm telling you, Sam. I'm telling you, I'm sorry. I am sorry.
[00:35:45] Unknown:
Easy. Easy is going to be over. Oh, that that you missed. I'm still right beside you.
[00:35:54] Unknown:
Oh, I reckon I must have been sharpener. I thought I was seeing an old fence of mine. Maybe it was only in my head. I hope you'll excuse me. Of course.
[00:36:05] Unknown:
I I never do like passing through this part of the road even in broad daylight.
[00:36:10] Unknown:
Oh, well, why is that? Well, I always get the creeps.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
A funny kind of cold chill every time I go by that old military cemetery. Oh, over there on the right. Cemetery? Oh, sure.
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Sure. Getting kinda warm, isn't it? Well, that's to be expected.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Tennessee this time of the year. In December? January? It's May. The May. May? Yeah. January,
[00:36:41] Unknown:
February, March, April. That would that would mean I I was up in that hospital for five months.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
Five months?
[00:36:50] Unknown:
What's that, miss?
[00:36:52] Unknown:
That that's not in my head, is it? No. That's the army band all the way down from Washington, DC. This was a day celebration. What are they celebrating? Oh, you'll see. You'll see when we get there.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
It is fitting and appropriate that today, of all days, we pause to pay tribute to the valiant men who gave their lives
[00:37:24] Unknown:
in the courageous defense of their country. Who is that man up there on the platform talking? But The United States senator. We can all be pleased.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
I know I am. But you good citizens have had the imagination to come here and address in the costumes with the horses and buggies of so many of our grandmothers and grandfathers. It adds the color of a joyous celebration
[00:37:49] Unknown:
to the solemnity of the day. What's he talking about? Costumes?
[00:37:53] Unknown:
Listen. But this is, after all, a day of dedication, a commemoration of the more than 20,000 soldiers of both sides, North and South, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, who spilled their life's blood here on these very sacred grounds. And so, in solemn memory of the gallant men who served on those three bloody days, 12/31/1862 to 01/02/1863.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
I was there.
[00:38:27] Unknown:
I was one of them soldiers. He's not getting a mercy crown. But I By order of the congress of the United States,
[00:38:34] Unknown:
I hereby dedicate these 345 acres as a national battlefield and a national cemetery.
[00:38:50] Unknown:
I made my way through the crowd of people best I could trying to get to the platform to tell that senator who I was. In my hurry to get there, I tripped and stumbled into a big pool of clear water left over from last night's rain. As I tried to get to my feet I caught a glimpse of my face in the water and what I saw filled me with horror I was looking at the face of a very old man. The skin was like old brown wrapping paper. The hair was white, snow white. I raised the triumphant hand to the back of my head looked at the palm no blood strange I thought
[00:39:44] Unknown:
that a little bullet that just grazed the skin
[00:39:48] Unknown:
and a couple of days in the hospital could do this awful thing to me well can it be that I was in that hospital long good and I pretty good much much much,
[00:40:14] Unknown:
much.
[00:40:16] Unknown:
I feel so sorry for him, doctor. All the other civil war veterans are gone. So far as we know, he was the last of them.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
Do Do you have any idea at the hospital how old he was? Well, this is 1927.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
The battle was on New Year's Day, eighteen sixty three. That's over sixty four years ago. If he was, say, 20 at the time of the battle, that would have made him about 84, 85.
[00:40:41] Unknown:
Do the hospital records show the nature of his battle wounds? Well, we dug up the old records from the first hospital.
[00:40:47] Unknown:
He was admitted New Year's Day, 1863. A bullet had gone into a delicate part of his brain too dangerous to remove. And so he lived all those years, sixty five of them, all at the hospital with a Confederate bullet sitting right there in his brain.
[00:41:06] Unknown:
By the way, doctor, who was he? What was his name? We'll never know.
[00:41:12] Unknown:
No record of any name. Whoever he was, he either couldn't or wouldn't tell.
[00:41:25] Unknown:
My name is Might Have Been. I'm also called No More, Too Late, Farewell. The body of the old man was placed among his comrades in arms, and he became another of the nameless dead that already rested under the sod and the dew, waiting for the judgment day. Love and tears for the blue, tears and love for the gray. I'll return in a moment. Today in a little Tennessee town, the Stones River National Battlefield And Cemetery stands as a proud memorial to the more than 20,000 soldiers of both North and South who fell there on 12/31/1862. The valiant soldiers of William B. Hazen's Brigade are especially honored by a monument that was erected there in 1863 by the survivors of that brigade.
And sleeping there peacefully among the over 2,500 unidentified dead may well be someone like the old man of the story you've been listening to. Who knows? Our cast included Russell Horton, Lloyd Bautista, EV Juster, and Arnold Moss. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dream.
With the American Express Platinum Card, you can unlock over $1,500 in value annually with statement credits on select purchases and other benefits. That means getting access to even more of your favorite things. More jet setting, more trend setting, and more resetting. And downward dog. The stage is set for you to do even more with the American Express Platinum part. Learn more at americanexpress.com/us/explore-platinum. Terms apply.
[00:00:31] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents
[00:00:50] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Who can undo what time has done? Who can win back the wind, renew the redness of a last year's rose, or dig the sunken sunset from the deep? Time has an inexorable way of going on no matter how hard we may try to stop it, it. And it keeps on unwinding at its own relentless pace no matter how much we may wish it were yesterday or tomorrow.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
When can I get out of this hospital, doctor? Soon, maybe. It was just a tiny wound. The enemy bullet just grazed the back of my head, just brushed by right here.
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Soldier, have you any idea how it happened that in the midst of battle, you got hit by an enemy bullet in the back of your head?
[00:01:52] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, A Long Way From Home, is based on a classic short story of Ambrose Bierce. It was especially adapted for the mystery theater by Arnold Moss and stars Russell Horton. It is sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour cold capsule, and the True Value Hardware stores. I'll be back shortly with act one. It's a warm spring day in the year 1927 in a little town in Central Tennessee about 30 miles from Nashville just the week before the people of the town had screamed themselves hoarse at the news that a daring young man named Lindbergh had been the first man to fly the Atlantic solo.
Today, they are gathered to celebrate another event, one that took place over 65 ago on this very soil. As those years slowly unrolled, something had happened to one man whose life had been curiously interwoven with the events taking place today. Our story starts in Ohio, back in the warm autumn days of 1862, two young men drift lazily in a small rowboat, fishing poles dangling from their hands.
[00:03:08] Unknown:
Sam, why don't you stop playing that full mouth organ of yours and do some serious fishing? Now how can you expect to be catching anything laying there on your back in the front of the boat while you go on playing that dang thing? Beyond my understanding.
[00:03:25] Unknown:
I'm fishing with my right hand and making music with my left.
[00:03:28] Unknown:
One don't interfere with the other. Music. Now all you're doing is scan off what few fish may be swimming in this lake. Or maybe charming them that come up and take a good look
[00:03:39] Unknown:
at the unusual young fella that's creating all them beautiful sounds. I don't see that you charmed too many so far, Sam. Just one little bitty pike you should buy right to throw it back. And I don't see that you've done even as well. Well, maybe even you laid off what you call your music, I might. You want some tobacco in your pipe? Wouldn't mind.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
Yeah. Light up your pipe and enjoy it while you can. With this war going on, that's the end of any tobacco we'll be getting from Virginia for a long time. This war has been going on for over a year now. We got to get into it, Sam. You know that.
[00:04:22] Unknown:
Yeah. I've been thinking the same. We're almost old enough.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Any way we look old enough, we're healthy enough, and old Abe Lincoln says he needs us. Yeah. He's still putting out his call for volunteers.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
I've been thinking of the Ohio forty first. Me too.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
I was thinking of going down to the recruiting place tomorrow morning to enlist.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Funny. So was I.
[00:04:46] Unknown:
Well, we we could lie a little about our age. Hey. We'll go together. It ain't as if it's he's saying. Wait a minute. Now hold everything. I I think I hooked on to the biggest darn fish in the whole state of Ohio. Hold on to it. What? What in tarnation have I have I got at the end of this pole? It's just been almost an hour. Whatever it is it's gonna bust your mind. Oh and my pole too. It it don't seem to be jerking around does it? Yeah dang thing just pull steady like some big old whale. Maybe you're hooked onto some big old log. Now it ain't funny, Sam. This ain't no log. Oh, wait. It's coming. It's coming.
Now you get ready. When I get to the surface, just you catch it with your knife. I'll lift the blade. I'm ready. Now once it's in the boat, whacking over the head with Yes. Yes. Here it comes, Sam. Here it comes. Look at them air bubbles rising out of the water. You ready? I'm ready. Here we go. No. Good lord in heaven. No. You you see what that is, Sam? Yeah. I see. Yeah. It's the body of a soldier. An infantry man, and he's one of ours. Cut the line, Fame. I'll try. I'll try. Cut it, Sam. Will you please cut it? I'm doing my best. It's just that I feel a little sick.
You did it, son. See the body sink into the bottom again.
[00:06:26] Unknown:
How do you suppose it ever got here?
[00:06:28] Unknown:
I I don't know. From his looks, I'd say he'd been dead a long time.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
His face was all puffed up and bloated like Well,
[00:06:40] Unknown:
we better get back. More than enough fishing for one day.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
Pull into your line, Sam, and start rowing. And tomorrow morning,
[00:06:49] Unknown:
we go to the recruiting office
[00:06:51] Unknown:
to volunteer as soldiers. After what we just seen Yes?
[00:06:57] Unknown:
Maybe, we had to give the whole thing a little more thought.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
We made it. They took us. We are now soldiers of the Great Army of the United States. Report back here in twenty four hours. It's what the man said. I can't wait to get into one of them fine blue uniforms with that dandy little cap. Oh then they're gonna issue us rifles.
[00:07:24] Unknown:
And take us on a long train ride south. Hey. That's the best part I heard. Best part? The train. It stops at every station on the way to wherever we're going. One of the fellas told me. Why is that the best part? Every time it stops, they feed you. Bread and cold meat, coffee, pickles, cheese. And pretty girls with pink cheeks and shining eyes, they smile at you. Sometimes they come right up to you and even kiss you. Oh, yes, sirree. We're gonna be treated like real heroes. Hey. What's this fella like? The one we'll be serving under, this Colonel Hazen. You hear anything about him? Well, only that he commands the forty first Ohio volunteers and and fought the Indians in the West. A young fella. Oh, did real good, they say, at the Battle of Pittsburgh Landon.
Reckon we're filling in for some of his troops. The ones that didn't make it back. I reckon so. Say, what's wrong with you? Mhmm, laughter. Well, you're acting real glum. Like you wasn't so pleased about being accepted.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
No. I'm glad we done what we done.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
You still got the body of that soldier we fished up yesterday on your mind, ain't you? No. I ain't.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
It could happen to anybody.
[00:08:46] Unknown:
Me, you. But then again, the fella running next to you could drop with a couple of ounces of lead in his belly and nothing ever touch you. Once we actually get into battle,
[00:08:58] Unknown:
what do you think it'll be like, Sam? Hard to say. Think you'll be scared? Coming under enemy fire? Hard to say.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Maybe. Well, then what?
[00:09:14] Unknown:
Well, seems like I have one of three choices. I either go forward without being touched or or I get hit in a fall or
[00:09:23] Unknown:
or or what?
[00:09:25] Unknown:
Nah. Nah. Nah. I don't think I could ever do that. Do what, Sam? Turn around and run. Run-in the wrong direction.
[00:09:33] Unknown:
Nah. Nah. I just couldn't do that. How do you know you couldn't see him? How can you be sure? Couple of months went by. And suddenly before we noted, it was winter. The trees was as bare as skeletons, and the cold bit into us like the jaws of a steel hunting trap. We were somewhere in Tennessee with the first light of dawn. The fog began to lift, and we could see the whole army of the Cumberland. Our army in front of us stretched out for what seemed like miles. Rumors that a common battle been spreading through the camp. Sam, don't you ever stop playing that dang mouth organ gets me all upset.
Now it really does. Decide, you're gonna wake up the whole company.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
What? Just a little music in the spirit of Christmas. Are you plum crazy Sam? Christmas was over almost a week ago. What's the difference? It's a good tune any day of the year. Even today, the last day 1862. December 31
[00:10:50] Unknown:
Say you, you sleep any last night?
[00:10:55] Unknown:
Not much
[00:10:56] Unknown:
You? I mean, we get her too excited I reckon about what could happen today
[00:11:04] Unknown:
you know something Sam laying down there in the grass the night was so still I I could hear my heart a beating and every blade of grass pressing against my cheek was it telling me how sorry they all was for me
[00:11:27] Unknown:
for all of us now you gotta stop thinking that way you just gotta it's not good for you
[00:11:33] Unknown:
yeah I couldn't tell anyone else Sam but well I can't tell you I am scared
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Real scared Well now I'll tell you something What's that? So am I scared right down to my bones That's why I keep on playing this here mouth organ to keep up my spirits. And I'll tell you something else. But so long as we stick together, the two of us keeping an eye on each other, protecting each other, well then I ain't half as scared than I might be yeah I know what you mean Sam today could be the biggest fighting of the whole dang war but we're gonna watch out each for the other no matter what happens
[00:12:25] Unknown:
ain't we? No matter what happens. The words was hardly out of our mouth when all hell broke loose. The Confederate troops had retreated to this area some 30 miles south of Nashville. Our boys, with a much bigger force, has entailed them for days. He was planning an attack on the other's left flank and the enemy struck first. Our brigade, East's brigade, would fight smack in the line of their biggest gun. Keep your head down. The minute they're fire, let's have a bit. We'll make recover on that big rock over there. We gotta get this top of the hill ahead of us. No. Dog. Go on. That was a close one. Stop. Any minute now, we're gonna make a run for that rock. And we stayed together.
The rebel gun was shooting fast and furious. Just foot by foot we jacked ourselves across the bodies of our own hands. Firing as we went. We we could hardly see where we was going. What we were shooting at. The the smoke was that thick. All of a sudden, Sam sprang to his feet and started to run forward. Here they come. Right at us. We'll stop them. Now let's go. Sam. Sam, what's the matter? I'll be sneaking it over here. Get that. You just keep going straight ahead. I I can't help you, Sam. There's nothing I can do to help. I know that. I know that. What's the matter with you? Where are you going? I'm I'm going going this way. Put the enemies over there ahead of us. You're running the wrong way.
The
[00:14:17] Unknown:
wrong way. As his fatally wounded companion sinks helplessly to the ground, the young man ignores him, runs in a blistering sweat faster and faster back to his own lines. His eyeballs crack like two hot stones. His lungs choke with the suffocating smoke of battle. How far can he go? Can anything slow down this panic of self preservation? I'll be back shortly with act two. Have you ever stopped to think of the meaning of the word courage? Is it, for example, the extraordinary act of boldly pushing forward into the face of almost certain death? And does cowardice, what might be called the lack of courage, mean a weak hearted refusal to accept that challenge?
There are some who think it takes a certain kind of courage just to be what others would call a coward, to act in a manner different from what's expected.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
As I ran from the enemy's life, the rest of our men were running forward. A good many were dropping to the ground like so many sacks of flour. Some still moving and twisting in funny positions like they were dumped out of the sky. It was all I could do not to step on them. Him. The more I ran, the more the shells kept whirling around and exploding all over the place. Every little left ball was searching for me, a ball of death with my name on it. And and I thought of Sam laying out there, pleading his life away and I I got mad at myself not because I was running away but because I'd done nothing to help Sam I began to laugh. Why? I I don't know.
Maybe I was glad it was Sam's inside spilling over the Tennessee soil and not mine. I noticed I had no rifle. My cap was gone too. There seemed to be a lull in the fight. Something hit me on the back of the head. I put my hand up and saw some blood then everything about me suddenly went pitch black I passed out passed out cold
[00:16:49] Unknown:
Hold still, young fella. Unless you wanna lose an ear. Yeah. There we are. Who who are you? What what's going on here? It's beginning to close. The opening is healing very nicely. Well, where am I? Who who are you? Major Armistead Surgeon, US Army in charge of this section. What section? This base hospital. Army hospital? You're a very lucky young man. If that bullet had hit half an inch to the left or to the right, you wouldn't be here. What bullet, Major? The one that you got in the head during the fighting. But,
[00:17:29] Unknown:
we're taking good care of you. You're gonna be alright. We with just a little wound, wasn't it, Major? I I didn't feel no pain. Just a little buzz noise. You you get some rest, son. I I I gotta get back soon as I can. Of course. Of course. I understand. I gotta get back to my company. Mostly, I gotta see what happened to Sam. Sam? My best friend. He got hit
[00:17:58] Unknown:
real bad, I think. Well, you just laid back and take it easy. I'm gonna ask you a couple of questions for the record. Yes, sir, Major.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
What company are you attached to? Company? I I, company? Mhmm Oh
[00:18:14] Unknown:
Mhmm What's your name, son? My my name? My name is Your your name? What do your friends call you? What do Sam call you? I
[00:18:29] Unknown:
I can't remember. We try. Try real hard. I I can't remember. I see.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
When can it get out of this here hospital, Major? Soon. Maybe. How soon? Can't quite say. Well, not yet. A bullet just grazed the back of my head. Just brushed by right right here. Keep your hand away from your head. Don't put your fingers on that bandage. One last question, soldier. And try to remember. Yes, sir? Have you any idea how it happened? You got hit by an enemy bullet in the back of your head.
[00:19:21] Unknown:
The next I remember, I was standing on a low hill overlooking a wide stretch of forest and field. I had no idea how much time had gone by with a warm summer moon. By the full moon hanging low in the west, I know that it was near the hour of dawn, a light mist lay along the Earth. Nowhere could I see the inside of life except for two or three little cabins in the distance. The sound of dogs barking far off somewhere. I felt strange and a little lonely. Suddenly, a light blinked on in one of the cabins. I made my way toward it and knocked on the door. Open the door, please.
I mean no harm.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
Who are you? Where's you at?
[00:20:17] Unknown:
Just some information. Plea please open the door.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
I'd help you in trouble. Why are you? Well, what can I do for you?
[00:20:26] Unknown:
Just a couple of questions. Questions?
[00:20:28] Unknown:
At this time of the morning, the matter is you, mister. Well, excuse me if I woke you up. Well, you said what you wanted. Now make it quick and better not try no funny business as my two dogs will rip it up hastily. Well, you see, I'm a soldier.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
Soldier? Yeah. Serving under Colonel Hazen in the Federal Army, the Army of the United States. Well, you sure don't look like no soldier to me. Where's your uniform? Well, that's just it. In the middle of all that fighting, it got ripped up, muddied up, and, they took it from me. They they, took it. Who are you talking about? Who is they? Well, those people up at the hospital. Oh, that's where you're from. What do you wanna know? What's been happening? Happening? Like what? Well, where are the armies? Which side won? Which armies are you talking about? Ours and theirs. I I gotta know which side won.
Besides, if if they catch me out of uniform, they could hang me thinking I was a spy. But when they see this bandage on my head What bandage? Then they'll know I ain't a spy. They'll know I've been
[00:21:31] Unknown:
discharged from, up there. Now you look ahead. You woke me up. I got work to do. I can't stand here all morning talking to the likes of you. Then can I talk to your master?
[00:21:42] Unknown:
My master? The man who owns this farm, this,
[00:21:45] Unknown:
plantation, whatever it is. But I ain't got no master. Oh. You're one of the lucky ones. You already been freed? Look. I I'm gonna have to shut this door, mister. For me, I could find my regimen if if I only knew where I was. Door, mister. I can't help you. But I will tell you one thing. What what's that? The hospital's up that way. You better turn around and get back up there by yourself. Before you know it, they're gonna come after you and put you there.
[00:22:15] Unknown:
There was no sense asking any more questions of an ignorant old woman anybody could see wasn't quite right in the head. I got back on the road and started walking again. A faint gray light was coming up on the horizon. Then, like you come from nowhere Good morning, sir. Oh, good morning. I salute you, sir. Oh, why do you do that? Oh, excuse me. Sitting up there on your horse, I I thought you were a cavalry officer. Cavalry officer?
[00:22:49] Unknown:
No. I I I'm still in Moulton. Doctor's still in Moulton. I'm a physician. Been up all night with a very sick patient way back in the hills. That's why I took the course. Haven't I seen you someplace before?
[00:23:04] Unknown:
What? I don't reckon, sir. I'm a soldier. Ohio forty first, Colonel Hazen's Brigade, Army of the United States. Oh, that that's why I saluted you. I took you for one of our officers. I see.
[00:23:15] Unknown:
Would you happen to know which side won? Ours or theirs? Would you mind if I asked you a question? Oh, no, sir. Not at all. Why do you keep putting your hand up to the back of your head? Oh,
[00:23:28] Unknown:
I was wounded in the battle. Nothing very serious. Just a glance and blow from a bullet. No blood. No pain. Uh-huh. I I got separated from my friend, Sam. Quick, doctor. Get behind this top of cedar trees. Quick. What's wrong? Don't stop to ask questions, and and don't go talk. They won't see us from behind these trees. And would you stare at that? My oh my. Just look at them. Why there must be hundreds and hundreds of them. How far off would you say they are? 50 yards from where we've been? A 100? Just look at them horsemen coming along, riding in formation toward the north.
And behind them, all them foot soldiers marching slowly in column, their rifles a slant on their shoulders, gleaming in the morning sun. And look there. Follow them. The cannoneers sitting stiffly with folded arms, sitting straight up on the seats of the two wheeled case holes that are pulling the cannon. And do you notice something very peculiar? We don't hear a thing.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
There isn't the slightest sound of a voice,
[00:24:53] Unknown:
of a horse's hoof of a wagon's wheel. Nothing. There they are all moving in absolute dead silence Why is that? Talk to me, doctor. Say something.
[00:25:13] Unknown:
But what do you want me to say?
[00:25:16] Unknown:
Oh, thank the Lord. I hear you. I hear you and I hear my own voice for for a minute there. I thought I'd gone deep. You know, doctor, if them men are what I take them to be, we've lost the battle. That's the Confederate army moving north on to Nashville to last. Only, I can't figure out why they don't make any noise. The whole dang army. Man, the horses are clearly moving along and not a single sound.
[00:25:45] Unknown:
Wait. You know, some people think there could be an explanation for that. Well, there could? Uh-huh. Something called acoustic shadows. What's that? Well, now if we were both standing on one side of that big oak tree over there and I was talking to you, and as I kept on talking, I circled the tree, there would be a moment or two when I would be on the opposite side of that tree where you wouldn't hear me, at least not hear me as well. The tree would be causing what they call an acoustic shadow, like a blind spot for the ear. It may be you don't hear the sound of those troops because we're standing in a path of just such a shadow.
You don't hear them either, do you? No, I do not.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
Look, they're just about passing out of sight. That's the end, double.
[00:26:40] Unknown:
I think it's alright now to come out from behind these trees, don't you?
[00:26:45] Unknown:
I better get out of here real fast. They might discover me, take me prisoner. Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Oh, why not? There there could be others. No. Just put it out of your mind.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
May I ask if you'll allow me a personal question? Just how old do you think you are? Well, 19. Go on 20. Why? What's that got to do with anything? Well, I just thought I'd ask. I shouldn't have guessed that that was your age.
[00:27:16] Unknown:
Well, let me take you back to the hospital. They'll be getting worried about you. Not till I know more about them troops we see moving to the North. Now, what was the color of the uniforms? I couldn't make it out. Did you notice? Here. Let me help you onto my horse, and I'll walk along beside you. Look. Was they wearing blue or was they wearing gray? Tell me. You gotta tell me. At first, you gotta take your hands off of me. That's better. Was they wearing blue or gray?
[00:27:44] Unknown:
You're gonna have to face the truth. They were wearing neither blue nor gray. What are you saying? Nor any other color. There were no troops. Not one single solitary soldier.
[00:28:04] Unknown:
In the devastation that follows in the paths of war, one cannot begin to evaluate the extent of the destruction. Young lives are snuffed out in an instant. Families are destroyed. And often minds, too delicate, perhaps too unready to withstand the shocks of war, collapse and are shattered as completely as any body can be broken, which may well be the case with our young friend. I shall return shortly with Act three. In the year 1862, a young man and his friend enlist as volunteers on the side of the North, in our country's most devastating civil war.
In their first exposure to battle, the friend is fatally wounded. The young man runs away from the battlefield, receives a head wound for which he is treated at an army hospital. Some time later, he finds himself wandering about the Tennessee countryside, trying to discover the whereabouts of his regiment. He meets a physician from whom he is trying to get this information.
[00:29:14] Unknown:
Let me take you back to the hospital.
[00:29:16] Unknown:
It's less than a mile from here. Well, why should I go back to the hospital? The head wound I got is all fixed. You were not discharged from the hospital, were you? Well, not exactly. You left on your own, didn't you? Sneaked out in the middle of the night. Am I right? Well, there weren't no sense in my staying there any longer. Anyone on the staff see you go? Not a soul. You walked out of the hospital before, haven't you? You won't tell nobody? Oh, trust me. I'm only trying to help.
[00:29:46] Unknown:
Well, once before.
[00:29:49] Unknown:
I walked out once before. And if they send me back, I'll do it again. Yeah. But why?
[00:29:54] Unknown:
I'm sure they treat you very well up there. Because
[00:29:57] Unknown:
I got to rejoin my regimen. Can't you get that through your head? I've done something bad and I gotta get back. Most of all,
[00:30:08] Unknown:
I I gotta find Sam. Let me take you back to the hospital. Yep. You get up out my horse.
[00:30:15] Unknown:
Get your hands off me. Now don't you dare touch me. Come with me. We'll take good care of you. I've got a good idea how you'll be taking care of me. You just better take care of yourself Please I don't even believe you're a doctor No I ain't going back to no hospital and you sir for all I care you can go straight to hell I left him standing there and I went on anxiously down the road it was still early but I began to feel the rising heat of the coming day kept looking about me on all sides for some sign of my company any sign of Colonel Hayden's brigade In some curious way, the surroundings seemed familiar, but there was a funny kinda fuzziness over everything.
Something else was odd. On every side of me was fields planted real neat and cheerful. Not a single sign of the battle, not the slightest mark of war. Tone up right behind me was a little bucky with a bright red fringe around the top of it drawn by a chestnut mayor stepping along Leo Prowl Oh, a very pretty young lady nineteen forty she was drained Morning
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Which way you headed? Can I give you a lift? I, oh, I was going that way. Oh, toward town. I guess just about everybody is going to town today. Come up here beside me. I'll give you I'll give you a ride. Oh, I appreciate your kindness, ma'am. Yes.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Let let let me give you a hand. No. I don't need no help, ma'am. Thank you just the same.
[00:31:54] Unknown:
Where you from? Ohio. Ohio? You're a long way from Harlem, aren't you? I reckon
[00:32:01] Unknown:
so That's a real pretty dress you're wearing, miss And a very becoming bonnet. Oh, you like it? Thank you. Oh, you don't think I'm leaning forward for saying so? Oh, not at all. Hello, please.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
My grandmother would be just as pleased to hear you say so. Your grandmother? Mhmm. You don't say. This is her dress. Been in the attic for years. She let me wear it only because the day is so special. Same with the buggy. Been Been in the family forever. My name is Mary Jo Campbell. Pleased to meet you. What's yours?
[00:32:38] Unknown:
May I ask you something, miss Campbell? What's Sydney? Have you seen any of our troops around?
[00:32:45] Unknown:
Troops? Oh, you mean for the celebration? No. I mean soldiers. Union soldiers, federal army.
[00:32:51] Unknown:
Union soldiers? Well, you can tell me if you have. I'm I'm doing my best to find them so I can rejoin them. Oh, Oh, you're
[00:32:59] Unknown:
you're from back there, aren't you? Back where? The hospital.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Oh, I was for a short time. A little sketch of a wound back of my head, but they fixed it. They fixed it real good. Oh, you see it? Well, here I rubbed my hand over the back of my head real hard like this You see any blood on the palm of my hand? No, not a bit Like I told you it was nothing
[00:33:30] Unknown:
What's that? What? What?
[00:33:33] Unknown:
It sounds like a tube of cavalry passing by and that's the infantry in the gun carriers of the artillery And they are going north headed for Nashville. That's the same army I saw back there. The silent ones, the ones I couldn't hear only put me. Now I hear them, but I can't see them. Where are they? Do you see them, miss?
[00:34:00] Unknown:
No. I do not.
[00:34:04] Unknown:
But you did hear them same as I did.
[00:34:09] Unknown:
Well,
[00:34:10] Unknown:
yes. Yes. Of of course I heard them. Oh, I'd give anything to know for sure whether they were our boys or theirs.
[00:34:19] Unknown:
Hear that? I'm not sure.
[00:34:25] Unknown:
You know who that is playing? Sam? Sam, is that you? Where are you, Sam? Fishing with my right hand. Making music with my left. Where are you Sam? Toss me some of that Virginia tobacco will you? I just hooked into the biggest darn fish in the whole state of Ohio. Hold on to it. Doing the best I know how. But you didn't. You didn't? I didn't. I didn't what? You didn't do the best you knowed how. We promised we'd stick by each other and you ran away. I didn't mean to Sam. I I didn't mean to. But you did. You left me there and dozens of others on the battlefield to die.
You saved your own skin by running away. I was scared, Sam. Scared to death. We was all scared. I'm sorry, Sam. Real sorry. You you gotta believe me.
[00:35:31] Unknown:
Sorry.
[00:35:33] Unknown:
Sorry. I can't hear what you're saying. I'm telling you, Sam. I'm telling you, I'm sorry. I am sorry.
[00:35:45] Unknown:
Easy. Easy is going to be over. Oh, that that you missed. I'm still right beside you.
[00:35:54] Unknown:
Oh, I reckon I must have been sharpener. I thought I was seeing an old fence of mine. Maybe it was only in my head. I hope you'll excuse me. Of course.
[00:36:05] Unknown:
I I never do like passing through this part of the road even in broad daylight.
[00:36:10] Unknown:
Oh, well, why is that? Well, I always get the creeps.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
A funny kind of cold chill every time I go by that old military cemetery. Oh, over there on the right. Cemetery? Oh, sure.
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Sure. Getting kinda warm, isn't it? Well, that's to be expected.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Tennessee this time of the year. In December? January? It's May. The May. May? Yeah. January,
[00:36:41] Unknown:
February, March, April. That would that would mean I I was up in that hospital for five months.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
Five months?
[00:36:50] Unknown:
What's that, miss?
[00:36:52] Unknown:
That that's not in my head, is it? No. That's the army band all the way down from Washington, DC. This was a day celebration. What are they celebrating? Oh, you'll see. You'll see when we get there.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
It is fitting and appropriate that today, of all days, we pause to pay tribute to the valiant men who gave their lives
[00:37:24] Unknown:
in the courageous defense of their country. Who is that man up there on the platform talking? But The United States senator. We can all be pleased.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
I know I am. But you good citizens have had the imagination to come here and address in the costumes with the horses and buggies of so many of our grandmothers and grandfathers. It adds the color of a joyous celebration
[00:37:49] Unknown:
to the solemnity of the day. What's he talking about? Costumes?
[00:37:53] Unknown:
Listen. But this is, after all, a day of dedication, a commemoration of the more than 20,000 soldiers of both sides, North and South, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, who spilled their life's blood here on these very sacred grounds. And so, in solemn memory of the gallant men who served on those three bloody days, 12/31/1862 to 01/02/1863.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
I was there.
[00:38:27] Unknown:
I was one of them soldiers. He's not getting a mercy crown. But I By order of the congress of the United States,
[00:38:34] Unknown:
I hereby dedicate these 345 acres as a national battlefield and a national cemetery.
[00:38:50] Unknown:
I made my way through the crowd of people best I could trying to get to the platform to tell that senator who I was. In my hurry to get there, I tripped and stumbled into a big pool of clear water left over from last night's rain. As I tried to get to my feet I caught a glimpse of my face in the water and what I saw filled me with horror I was looking at the face of a very old man. The skin was like old brown wrapping paper. The hair was white, snow white. I raised the triumphant hand to the back of my head looked at the palm no blood strange I thought
[00:39:44] Unknown:
that a little bullet that just grazed the skin
[00:39:48] Unknown:
and a couple of days in the hospital could do this awful thing to me well can it be that I was in that hospital long good and I pretty good much much much,
[00:40:14] Unknown:
much.
[00:40:16] Unknown:
I feel so sorry for him, doctor. All the other civil war veterans are gone. So far as we know, he was the last of them.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
Do Do you have any idea at the hospital how old he was? Well, this is 1927.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
The battle was on New Year's Day, eighteen sixty three. That's over sixty four years ago. If he was, say, 20 at the time of the battle, that would have made him about 84, 85.
[00:40:41] Unknown:
Do the hospital records show the nature of his battle wounds? Well, we dug up the old records from the first hospital.
[00:40:47] Unknown:
He was admitted New Year's Day, 1863. A bullet had gone into a delicate part of his brain too dangerous to remove. And so he lived all those years, sixty five of them, all at the hospital with a Confederate bullet sitting right there in his brain.
[00:41:06] Unknown:
By the way, doctor, who was he? What was his name? We'll never know.
[00:41:12] Unknown:
No record of any name. Whoever he was, he either couldn't or wouldn't tell.
[00:41:25] Unknown:
My name is Might Have Been. I'm also called No More, Too Late, Farewell. The body of the old man was placed among his comrades in arms, and he became another of the nameless dead that already rested under the sod and the dew, waiting for the judgment day. Love and tears for the blue, tears and love for the gray. I'll return in a moment. Today in a little Tennessee town, the Stones River National Battlefield And Cemetery stands as a proud memorial to the more than 20,000 soldiers of both North and South who fell there on 12/31/1862. The valiant soldiers of William B. Hazen's Brigade are especially honored by a monument that was erected there in 1863 by the survivors of that brigade.
And sleeping there peacefully among the over 2,500 unidentified dead may well be someone like the old man of the story you've been listening to. Who knows? Our cast included Russell Horton, Lloyd Bautista, EV Juster, and Arnold Moss. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dream.
Introduction to the Mystery Theater
A Long Way From Home: The Story Begins
Enlistment and the Call to War
The Battle and Its Aftermath
Hospital Recovery and Memory Loss
A Strange Encounter and Silent Army
The Journey Continues: Seeking the Regiment
A Day of Dedication and Reflection
