Decision on the Yonah

In due time the General rounded McGuire's Curve and reached the Etowah River, passing easily over the great bridge. The Raiders did not stop here, but the first serious cause for delay was apparent. On a side track, connecting a spur line that ran upriver to Maj. Mark Cooper's Iron Works, stood a locomotive. Smoke was rising from the stack, showing only too plainly that it was ready to go. It was the Yonah, used in switching box cars and gondolas from the iron works to the main line. Several men were gathered around the engine. At first sight of the Yonah, Knight spoke directly to Andrews.

"We'd better destroy that," Knight said, "and this bridge with it." Andrews shook his head. "It won't make any difference," he said. Moreover, he reasoned, destroying the Yonah would show clearly the mission of the crew, when the intent was, to Andrews' knowledge, yet unsuspected.

The Yonah and the Etowah bridge left behind, the Raiders passed on through Cartersville and continued without incident until they reached Cass Station. Here they took on wood and water for the thirsty General. William Russell, the wood tender at Cass, was curious about the short train and its purpose. With no hesitation, Andrews glibly stated that he was running an extra train through with powder and ammunition for General Beauregard at Corinth. General Grant was pressing him hard, according to Andrews, and ammunition was needed with the greatest haste. Russell knew of a battle going on (Shiloh) and Andrews' explanation appeared quite logical, so much so that Andrews was given a train schedule by Russell, who said he would also send his shirt to Beauregard if he needed it.

The Raiders were now within seven miles of Kingston, resupplied with wood and water, and with a complete schedule of trains on the road. Kingston was a junction point with the Rome (Georgia) Railroad and there, at the Kingston siding, would be the morning train from Rome waiting for Conductor Fuller's General to pass. In addition, a local southbound freight was scheduled for passing. Thus Kingston was the first real complication the Raiders would meet. Andrews had made himself familiar with the workings of the railroad at this point and they entered Kingston a few minutes ahead of schedule, confident of being able to steam through with a minimum of delay. All the while, a slight but steady rain continued to fall across north Georgia, shrouding the hills and budding countryside in a gray mist.

Any possible success of the raid had been sacrificed the moment Andrews decided to postpone the event one day. General Mitchel had not postponed his plans as Andrews had anticipated and with the capture of Huntsville on April 11, the Confederates were forced to ship goods out of Chattanooga, thus increasing the number of southbound trains. The extra traffic on the road, caused complications for the Raiders, slowing them down and facilitating pursuit.