But don't be
lavish with the money I'm giving you--it may have to last a long time. It
should be more than enough, but we can't tell what will happen. And now
about being questioned: If you have to answer questions, say that you come
from Fleming County, Kentucky; that you are on your way to join the
Southern troops. I happen to know that no men from Fleming County are in
the Southern army, and so there will be little risk of meeting anyone from
there. And if you are asked why you don't enlist immediately, say that you
want to join a regiment in Atlanta."
"And if we're completely cornered?" asked one of the men.
"Then enlist."
"In the Southern army?"
"Surely. Remember, men, that you are playing a bigger game than your own
personal likes and dislikes. The idea of enlisting in the Southern army may
seem terrible, but it isn't so terrible as being captured and tried as a
spy. You can desert at the first chance. And remember this: upon every one
of you depends the success or failure of this venture."
There was a murmer of approval, then silence.
Andrews continued:
"Tomorrow morning General Mitchel starts on a forced march. He will
surprise and capture Huntsville on Friday. Our work is to capture the train
that same day, destroy communications from Atlanta and join him with all
possible speed.
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