t.<^ o> <^, o :i •r^. •>', • X i° -*. -J s • ...V .\ "• ' ^ , ,^^A ■(T*. ^^% '$m' . "*<, -f* .0' o^ ^^-^ 'o V 'n-. ^ O '■/> f^ ^^^^ vO. -* ,0' o'b :^-; '< ftlB^'- @\ >AAA AAA«llii4>^0Ali 4a^t i A ft ^ A A A .^ ^ A AAA A ^ A^ » A II BALLADSOFTHE SOUTH. \ Cheapest Publishing House in the Country. ! I -n^^?5- iii Da^vley's Camp and Fireside Library— No. 1. ^ .^_ . I IST C ID E TsT TS A / 1 OF AMERICAN CAMP LIFE: BEING Events whicli have actually transpired during the . PRESENT REBELLION. \ • » > ♦ • » < < ^or Second. Edition.' -»» * • • <»- Wos. 13 and 15 Park Rovr. C Entered, according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1862, by T. R. DAWLEY. in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. iTj^-LT^ T. R. DAWLBT. Stereotyper and Printer. OOXltOHtS- A Picturesque Ptebel Army, .... A Carai^ of Females at Island No. 10, A Female Secesh, A New York Heroine, A Remarkable Escape, A Maryland- Unionist, . . , . A Demijohn drilled; and its contents spiked, . A Yankee trick in Missouri, .... A Female Spy, A Young Man of the 140th, .... An Inquisitive Rebel ; or, Tapping the Lightning, An Exciting Incident of Picket Life, An Incident of the Battle of'Forts, . An F. F. Y. outwitted by a Chicago Fire Zouave, An Incident of the Williamsburg Battle, . An Explanation, Burnside and the Fisherman, .... Couldn't Stand it or, the last of Six, California Joe at his work, .... Carson the Scout — not Kit, .... Clearing the Battle-field after an engagement, . Darhig Adventure by Union Soldiers, . Drubbing a Prisoner ; or, Pat and the F. F. V., Drumming a Coward out of Camp, Death Scene of Capt. John Griswold, Details Extraordinary Telegraphic Strategy— Notes from the Diary of a Secesh Telegraphic Operator, Paos. . 16 89 . 47 62 . 56 57 . 69 72 . 93 98 . 11 12 . 20 54 . 70 100 . 44 19 , 59 61 71 43 44 67 83 101 22 VI CONTENTS. Gen. Stuart and a Darkey, .99 General McCall's First Escape, 50 How the Rebels like Yankee Cofifee, . . . . 15 Hurst, the Tennessee Scout ; or, the Persecution of a Union man in Tennessee,. . . 37 Heartlessness of a Surgeon, 104 Joking on the Battle-field— Hallo, Lobsters, we are Union men, Miss Taylor in Camp Dick Robinson, .... Not unless they lay down their arms, .... Preserving the Constitution ; or, the Incidents a'iending the operations of the Mackerel Brigade, Probable Tragic Close of an eventful Career, Rebels caught in their own trap, .... Remembered and Mourned, 102 Scenes between Pickets, . .... 21 Scene at a New York Recruiting Office, . . . .81 Sure enough, ^^ The Snake Hunters of Western Virginia ; or, the Moccassin Rangers, The Rebels and the Telegraph ; or, the Gen. Pope's Army at Bull Run, . The Burning of Cotton ; or, a dissimilar result. Take your Choice Madam, .... The Wrong Way — A funny Mistake, These are my boys, The Massachusetts 6th in Baltimore, The Drummer Boy of Marblehead, The Dying Soldier, The Drummer Boy, Vaccinnation in the Army ; or, Irish Wit, . What they all Need— Work your head, Susannah Shelter Tents . 7 for 41 . 45 55 . 60 93 . 84 87 97 102 18 . 51 Who was she, ^^ The Snake-Hunters of Western Virginia. The organization of rebel guerilla leaders in the mountain districts of Western Virginia lias led to the formation of opposing bands among the loyalists. Among the rebel organizations is one celebrated as the " Moccasin Rangers." They had a good time and an easy one, robbing the Unionists with impunity, until Captain Baggs got up his " counter-irritant " in the shape of a company of '• Snake- Hunters," a delicate allusion to the venomous reptile bearing the name of "moccasin." The " Snake-Hunters " are stalwart, rug- ged foresters, mountaineers and " original backwoods- men " — shrewd, wary, and daring*, as they are athletic and active — fleet of foot, nimble climbers, and perfect in the use of knife and gun. They were enlisted at Wheeling, and mustered into the Union service there, under that most half-horse, half-alligator, and the rest- snapp'ng turtle-cst of human beings since the demise of the lamented Colonel David Crockett, Captain Baggs, who beat every county in Western Virginia for the right breed, and sent them to Wheeling as fast as he found them, to be licked into the shape required to con- stitute a Snake-Hunter in good standing. They were recruited for mountain service, and were usually kept on the trail of guerillas, and for other independent enterprises ; but when attached to an army, their busi- ness was to " trot" in the extreme front, in the capacity 8 The Snake-Hunters of Western Virginia, of guides, scofits, and spies. For a while they were with Rosecrans' army of the Kanawha and Gauley, and came often in contact there with their rebel rivals, the Moccasin Rangers. As to their arms, the only peculiar feature, I believe, was their variety, each separate Snake-Hunter being at liberty to indulge his fancy and consult his early habits, the training of his hand and eye, in the choice of his weapons. But in their " toggery " everything was pe- culiar. A magnificent contempt for uniform distin- guished them, and motley was their only wear. No two were got up alike, and rarely did the accomplished Snake-Hunter permit himself to be seen two days in succession on parade, (if their extraordinary system of tactics included such a dandyism,) in the same eccen- tric combination of " duds." But most peculiar of all was their drill. Every move- ment was accomplished on the double-quick or in a run. They acknowledged no ♦' common time," and if reduced to a dead march, they would surely have mutinied. This, for instance, was Captain Baggs's very original style of dismissing his company : " Put down them thar blasted old guns, and be d d to you !" [Which, being interpreted, is " Stack arms !"] ^ " Now to your holes, you ugly rats, and don't let me see you again till I want 3'ou !" [AVhich, being reduced to the Hardee vernacular, means, " Break ranks — march !"] Exeunt Snake-Hunters on the run, with grand diver- tisement of whoops, yells, and squeals, interspersed with lifelike imitations of birds and beasts. The Snake- Hunters of Western Virginia. 9 Once, when the Snake-Hunters were detailed to guard some stores between Fairmount and Beverley, two ela- borate gentlemen from Philadelphia, who were making a tour of that country, had the good fortune to witness their very original style of drill, and at the close of the performance invited Captain Baggs to take a drink in a neighboring rummery. As the tin-cups were laid out, one of them expressed his astonishment, not to say admiration, of his peculiar style of dismissing, " which looked to him very much like a stampede," and was curious to know where in the world they were all gone to, and how the Captain expected to get them back if he wanted them in a hurry. Baggs replied that the process was rather difficult to explain, but " If they'd jest let that 'ere rum wait a minute, he'd show 'em ;" whereupon, going to the door, he fired three barrels of his revolver. The echo of the third report was still lin- gering among the cliffs when every blessed Snake- Hunter burst into the bar-room with a whole menagerie of roars and squeals and heehaws, and without question or apology called for tin-cups. The demonstration of Captain Baggs' style of " falling in " cost the elaborate gentlemen from Philadelphia $5. On one occasion, Baggs made his way into Floyd's camp, near Gauley Bridge, disguised as a Quaker, his suit of home-made being surmounted by the regulation broad-brim, whose orthodoxy was attested by a small Confederate flag. On passing the pickets, his unmis- takable innocence being countersign enough, he asked to be conducted to the General, to whom he had im- portant information to communicate. On being ad- mitted to head-quarters, he informed Floyd that a party 10 The Snake- Hunters of Western Virginia, of Union men were organizing in the neighborhood, for the purpose of annoying his troops and killing off pick- ets — that he had obtained complete knowledge of their ^strength and places of rendezvous, for the purpose of catching them in a trap, and that he had been arrested and compelled to take an oath of secrecy. Floyd listened to him with confidence, and was in- duced to send out three companies, who surprised the Union party, and captured most of them, meantime giv- ing his Quaker friend a pass through his lines, of which the latter availed himself without loss of time. But the oream of the story — which, you will please to observe, is the Snake-Hunter's own, and not to be sworn to by any one but himself — is to be found in the fact that the " Union party " in question was in truth a guerilla band, mustering by authority of Floyd himself. Captain Baggs's style of punishment, like his drill, was peculiarly his own. He knocked down the refrac- tory Snake- Hunter with his fist, and mauled him to his heart's content. He was once tried for cruelty to one of his own men while under arrest, but acquitted. Baggs, if still alive, is a sturdy, good-looking, swag- gering, hard-swearing fellow, of about six feet two inches, and quite young. »> ■ » ♦ ♦.. << Joking on the Battle-Field. — General Howard's right arm was shattered by a ball in one of the recent battles before Richmond, and it was amputated above the elbow. While being borne on a litter he met Gen. Kearney, who had lost his left arm in Mexico. " I want to make a bargain with you. General," said Howard, " that hereafter we buy our gloves together." 11 An Inquisitive Eebel, or Tapping the Liglitning. The following is a remarkable instance of Federal neglect and Confederate impudence : The telegraph line between Merhphis and Corinth was exceedingly important. General Ilalleck's messages to Com. Davis, Gen. Curtis and the commandant of this post, have all passed over it. Little of the line was guarded, but the rebels refrained from cutting the wires ; they found a better use for them. The Memphis operators detected something wrong in the working of the instruments, and surmised that some outsider was sharing their telegraphic secrets. They communicated this suspicion to the Superintendent at Corinth, who promised to keep a sharp look-out. They soon afterwards discovered that their uninvited confidant could talk as well as listen. The transmission of a message was suddenly interrupted by the ejacula- tion, " pshaw !" A moment after it was again broken with " Hurrah for Jeff. Davis !" Individuality shows itself as well in telegraphing as in the footstep, or in handwriting. Mr. Hall, one of the Memphis operators, instantly recognized the performer, not by his tune, but his time, as a young man formerly in Bufialo and other Northern oflSces, but now employed by the Confederates. Mr. Hall surprised him by reply- ing promptly, " Ed. Saville, if you don't want to be hung, 70U had better leave ! Our cavalry is closing in on both sides of you !" There was a little pause, and then the reply : " How in the world did you know me ? However, I've been here four days, and learned all we want to know. As 12 Exciting Iricident of Picket Life •1 this is becoming rather a tight place, I think I will leave. You'll see me again when you least expect it. Good-bye, boys !" The rebel operator made good his escape. He had cut the wire, inserted a piece of his own, and b}^ a pocket instrument, been reading our official despatches. Some of the utmost importance, giving the very infer* mation most desired by the rebels, were passing, and as they were not in cipher, he must have received them. One from General Hovey, Commandant of this post, in reply to a question from General Halleck, stated the precise number of our available men in Memphis (only about 3,000), and their exact location ! This brilliant but audacious telegraphic feat was performed between Corinth and Moscow, and probably within fifteen miles of Memphis ! An Exciting Incident of Picket Life. The outer pickets of the two armies are often posted within sight of each other ; and when the land is cleared, sometimes in hailing distance. But where the land is thickly wooded, as in the majority of cases in this vicinity, the outposts are cautiously advanced, and the pickets sometimes stand their twenty-four hours with- out even seeing the enemy. But in such cases, that invincible curiosity, which is so universally prominentl in the American mind, tempts some of the men on either^ side to advance beyond their posts, simply to gratify this peculiar fashion. And this breach of the rules by which they are supposed to be governed sometimes ro- Exciting Incident of Picket Life. 13 suits in ludicrous as well as thrilling adventures. A case in point, which happened a few days since, created some little amusement, and I will relate it as it was told to me. A member of one of our advanced regiments, being stationed at one of our outposts, took his rifle in hand, and watching a favorable opportunity, sallied forth in advance of his comrades, in hope of meeting something to break the monotony which his active mind felt im- pressed with, when standing at his post, and vainly watching for a rebel to appear before him. lie walked musingly along, busying himself b}' " getting the hang of the land," until a sudden noise, a short distance in front of him, attracted his attention, and brought him to halt to learn its cause. It proved to be occasioned by a similar genius of the rebel army, \vho was as much surprised as himself to discover their close proximity. Taking advantage of the nature of the ground, each placed himself behind a large tree, to watch for an op- portunity to try their riHes. Cautiously putting their heads out of their natural breastworks occasionally, with the hope of catching the other unguarded, they kept up quite a lively bobbing back and forth for some time, without any favorable result to either side, until at last the Yankee got impatient to cither bagliis game, or else got bagged himself. The long suspense was too much for his endurance, and being an excellent shot, and growing weary of seeking an advantage, he was anxious to give the rebel fully a fair show for his life, and then trust his own luck to the grooved com- panion, which had never failed him. Setting his rifle against his v/ooden breastwork, he stepped boldly out C 14 Exciting Incidents of Picket Life, from its cover, and exposing his entire person, folded his hands upon his breast, and coolly called upon the astonished rebel to fire, and be sure of his aim. This invitation puzzled him, and he hesitated at first, pro- bably being afraid of some Yankee trick, in which he would be outwitted ; but at last, dismissing his fears, he levelled his piece and fired. Vlt went the minnie over the Yankee's head. " Stand up, now, and give, me a show," said the live target, stretching his arm out, and grasping his rifle. The rebel doubtiiigly placed himself in position, and awa}^ sped the bullet, striking — the edge of the rebel's coat-sleeve, and, bury-, ing itself in a huge tree in the rear, left the rebel un-^ hurt. Both parties were puzzled, and remained silent a few moments ; but the Yankee was considerably cha- grined, and proposed another trial. The rebel assented,.f and the second trial was as bloodless as the first. Sq was the third, fourth, and fifth. At the last discharge*; the Yankee's wonder knew no bounds, when he dis-, covered the result, and he immediately 3'elled out :, " Damn it ! we can't shoot !" " / believe you'' was the response, and they approached each other, laughing heartily at the ludicrous turn their encounter had taken, and protesting that they had made good shots before, if they didn't then. After a merry chat of a few min- utes, they bade each other good luck, hoping to meet again after the war is over, and wended their way back, to tell their comrades of their adventure, which both agreed was too good to keep. 15 Another Picket Story. When our army was in the Chickahominy swamp be- fore Richmond, just at the breakfast hour, when the aroma of good coffee is doubly delicious, our pickets were accosted by a voice from the rebel side, a few rods only distant, with — " Hallo, there !" " Hallo, yourself!" " What you doing over there ?'* " Making some coffee. Have some ?'* " Will you let me come over V " Yes." " Will you let me come back V " Yes." ♦' Honor bright !" « Yes." And over he came. His coffee drunk, he smacked his lips, and said : " Well, that's very nice. We don't get any of that over on our side." Then casting his eyes around, scrutinissing the neat appearance of our men, he continued : " Well, you look very comfortable. All of you live so?" " Yes." A few moments more of silence, and he broke out : " Well, I like the looks of things here. I believe I won't go back." And he didn't. Elsewhere on the lines they are not quite so sociable, though they have generally quitted the practice of shootino: our men. 16 A Picturesque Rebel Army, " Where's Beauregard ?" asks one of our men. *' Where's Banks ?" sings out the rebel. •' Why don't the balloon go up to-day ?" n«^ks a rebel near the New Bridge Battery, which iired several shots at the balloon the other day. *' Waiting for gas," say our men in reply. Exchanges of papers have been frequent, and some- times they meet half-way, and have a sit-down chat on a stump or rail. A couple met in this manner the other da}'. " Ain't you tired of this war ?" says our man. *• Yes ; and I wish I was out of it — it's all a humbug, replies the rebel. " If they'd leave it to you and me," continued our man, "we'd settle it without anymore fighting, wouldn't we ?" " Yes, sir," said the rebel, with emphasis. And so they would. If left for the pickets to settle, the whole thing would be soon and amicably arranged, and that, too, on the basis of things as they were. A Picturesque Eebel Army. General Price and his army have been described as follows : " As few people have an idea of the character of the man, I give you a hasty pen-and-ink sketch, as he ap- peared to me during a brief interview. He is over six feet in height, with a frame to match, full but not portly, and straight as an Indian. His carriage is marked with dignity, grace, and gentleness, and every motion be- speaks the attitude and presence of the well-bred gen- A Picturesque Rebel Army. 17 tleman. He has a large Websterian head, covered with a growth of thick white hair, a high, broad, intel- lectual forehead, florid face, no beard, and a mouth among whose latent smiles you never fail to discover the iron will that surmounts all obstacles. " The army of General Price is made up of the ex- .tremes. It is a heterogeneous mixture of all human compounds, and represents in its various elements every condition pf Western life. There are the old and the young, the rich and poor, the high and low, the grave and the gay, the planter and the laborer, farmer and clerk, hunter and boatman, merchant and woodsman — men, too, who have come from every State, and been bronzed in every latitude, from the mountains of the Northwest to the pampas of Mexico. *' Everj' man has come from his homestead fitted with the best and strongest that loving mothers, wives and sisters could put upon him. And the spectacle pre- sented as they are drawn up in line, whether for march- ing or inspection, necessarily forms an arabesque pat- tern of the most parti-colored crowd of people upoci which human eyes ever rested. Some are in black, full citizen's dress, with beaver hats and frock coats ; some in homespun drab ; some in gray, blue and streaked ; some in nothing but red shirts, pants, and big top-boots ; some attempt a display with the old-fashioned militia uniforms of their forefathers ; some have banners float- ing from their ' outer walls ' in the rear ; some would pass for our friend the Georgia Major, who used to wear nothing but his shirt-collar and a pair of spurs. ' Some are in rags, Some in bags, And some in velve*. gowns.' " 18 Vaccination in the Army. The troops stationed in the vicinity of Washington have passed examination, for the purpose of finding those who were in need of being vaccinated. There was plenty of fun going on during the examination — tlie boys all trying to shirk the operation. They knew* that after seven years had passed the inoculation dies out, and that it will have to be renewed in order to be a preventive against disease : so all of them affirmed that they had been vaccinated within five 3^ears. '* When were you vaccinated ?" the doctor would ask, taking hold of the man's arm. " Three or four years ago, sir, he was sure to answer. " Are you certain it is no longer ?" " Yes, sir." And he is passed on as " satisfactory." A gentleman from the Emerald Is.le, whom we will call Michael Rooney, made his appearance, his left sleeve rolled up as far as it w^ould go, when the following scene took place : " What is 3'our name, my man ?" *' Michael Rooney, sur." " Well, Michael, were you ever vaccinated ?" *' I was that," said Michael, showing a scar just above the elbow, probably produced by a cudgel in the hands of some enraged countryman. *' How long ago was it ?" '* How long ago is it ? About five years, sur." ** Are you certain it is no longer ?" asked the doctor, doubtfully. Here Michael scratched his head, looked down at his CnuldnH Stand it. 19 gunboats, tlien at the top o:" his tent, and answered " Yes, sur ; it's certain I am." After a pause, the doctor asked : •' Where were you. vaccinated, Michael T *' On me arm, sur." *' But in what town, city, or country ?" " In Dublin county, sur." " x\nd how long- liave you been in this country ?" " Tin years, sur." *' And you were vaccinated five years ago !" exclaimed the doctor. " Come, Michael, that will never do. You haven't got a very good memory." But Michael, nothing daunted, and seeing he was in a tight place, broke out with, " Well, sur, I went out there on a visit, me sister having died, and sending me an invitation to attend the wake." Further remarks were drowned in the laughter that followed, and Michael's name was put down among those who were to be vaccinated on the morrow. Couldn't Stand It. On our trip up, we had on board a tall, gaunt-looking volunteer, whose appearance not onl}^ indicated that he w^as lately from a hospital, but that it would perhaps have been better for him to have remained there still, for he certainly did not seem to be in a fit condition to travel. He was from Eastern Ohio, and b}^ some strange w^him of his comrades (soldiers have odd notions as to names) he had won the cognomen of " Beauregard." He was full of dry humor, and it had a peculiar zest, ••20 Incide7it of the Battle of the Forts, coming from such a dilapidated specimen of the human kind. I asked him : " How long were you in the hospital at ?'* " I stay'd just five days— I couldn't stand it any longer." " Why so ? Were you not well treated ?" " Well, you see, when I went in there were six pa- tients. The next day they buried one." '' Why, what of that ?" " Nothing ; only the next day they buried another." " They must have been severe cases, and made it very unpleasant for you." " D__d unpleasant ! I knew my turn would come in time. I went in on Monday, and if I stayed I would be carried out on Saturday. So I made my calculation, and on Friday I packed my knapsack and went away. If I had not, I'd surely been buried on Saturday. Six days— one man each day. 1 couldn't stand that !" An Incident of tie Battle of the Forts. Captain Boggs, of the Varuna, tells a story of a brave boy, who was on board his vessel during the bombard- 'ment of the forts on the Mississippi river. The lad, who answers to the name of Oscar, is but thirteen j^ears of age, but he has an old head on his shoulders, and is alert and energetic. During the hottest of the fire, he was busily engaged in passing ammunition to the gun- ners, and narrowly escaped death when one of the ter- rible broadsides of the Yaruna's rebel antagonist was poured in. Covered with dirt and begrimed with i)Ow. Scenes Between Pickets. 21 der, he was met by Captain Boggs, who asked, '♦ Where he was going in such a hurry ?" " To get a passing- box, sir ; the other one was smashed by a ball !" And so, throughout the fight, the brave lad held his place and did his duty. When the Varuna went down. Captain Boggs missed his boy, and thought he was among the victims of the battle. But a few minutes afterwards he saw the lad gallantly swim towards the wreck. Clambering on board of Captain Boggs' boat, he threw his hand up to his forehead, giving the usual salute, and uttering only the words, " All right, sir ; I report myself on board," passed coolly to his station." So young a lad, so brave and cool in danger, will make himself known as years go over his head. »> • » » :^n[|. Mrs. Nicholson immediately bestowed upon General Negley the vilest of abuse, and exhausted the vocabu- lary of opprobrious epithets in her rage, telling him that her husband " was willing to take the oath with her consent, but that he should rot in jail first." Rebel Practices. — The correspondent of the World, now with General Milroy's division in the Shenandoah Valley, says that the rebel guerillas lately took two Union soldiers prisoners, and having tied them each to a tree, as they thought securely, left them in the woods to starve to death. One of them, however, managing to disengage himself, untied the other, and thus sjaved their lives. Gen. Pope has issued a bull, in which he threatens to shoot every guerilla he captures. 49 Probable Tragic Close of an Eventful Career. Cleggett Fitzhugh was one of the renegade Union nen who were caj^tured in the cavalry dash on Long- street's train near Harper's Ferry. He has been engaged in business for an extensive ironmonger near the Maryland line. He acquired no- toriety as tlie man who (in company with Daniel Logan, 1 celebrated negro catcher) arrested Cook, the confrere of John Brown. Cook had escaped, and taking the mountainous ranges, had kept them until he had got within the lines of Maryland. Fitzhugh met him when Cook, exhausted for want of food, ventured down from the mountains to seek it. Meeting Fitzhugh, he gave him the masonic sign, which the latter returned. Cook at once entered into conversation, and told him who he was, and his condition, asking for relief. Fitz- hugh told him to come with him. Logan, at a given sign from Fitzhugh, seized Cook from behind, and being a powerful man, he held Cook fast. The latter resisted desperately, and would have eluded even Logan's grasp, had not Fitzhugh interfered with them.^ The force of the two athletic men was too great for Cook, and he was taken to jail, in Pennsylvania, remanded by Gov. Packer to Virginia, and hung. Logan is said to have often told as a good joke, among his companions, in boon moments, that Cook had said to him and Fitzhugh that he knew he would die, but that they would end their days upon the scaf- fold. This seems likely to become true. Fitzhugh is incarcerated, and is not a prisoner of war. Logan is now under arrest, and, if justice be done, will be E 50 Gen. McCaWs First Escape, retained and tried, if not for treason, most probably high crimes and misdemeanors. Cook may have j phesied truly. Gen. McOairs First Escape. Gen. McCall had a narrow escape of capture on r evening of the 27th June, after the battle of Gaine Hill. After the battle was over, Gen. McCall decid to seek the house which had been Gen. Porter's liej quarters in the early part of the day ; and, attend by an officer of his stah*, Major Lewis, of the PennS' vania Artillery, started out in pursuit of it. TbI mistook the road in the darkness ; and after ridi nearly a mile, they came to a house which proved I be a hospital. They were met at the door by a you^ assistant-surgeon, who informed them he had sii wounded soldiers there, that he belonged to the re| lar IT. S. Army, and that the rebel pickets were,, thrte sides of him. He said that as it nvas neuti ground, the}^ had not attempted to molest him, W seriously advised the General and Major to get ba; to their lines as soon as might be. This advice thi proceeded to avail themselves of, and turned the c<: ner of the hospital to return, but they had not gO' ten yards, before they were greeted with the shr sharp, " halt" of the sentry. An orderly who li attended them advanced at the command *' advaito friend, and give the countersign, " and respon(|d *• escort with the General." " What is your name- Gen. McCaWs First Escape. 51 :ried tlie guard. " Give him my name," said the Greneral. " General McCall," answered the orderly. " General what ?" said the sentry. " Gen. McCall," said the orderly ; and the picket, not seeming to recog- nize or understand the name, the General rode forward and repeated, " General McGall." «' Of what army V asked the sentinel. '♦ The army of the Potomac," re- phed the General. " Yes, yes," said the guard ; " but on what side ?" " The command of Major-General McClellan," said the General. " Th(5 h— 11 you do," yelled the sentry, and iie raised his piece, two others doing the same, who had remained quiet. The Major, who it seems had previously " smelled a rat," leaving detected the Southern accent in the queries, had taken the precaution to quietly wheel his horse, and as they fired, sank his spurs into his horse and plunged for- ward, taking the General's horse by the rein. They dashed off, and although fired at more than twenty times by the now aroused enemy, succeeded in getting back safely to camp, having suffered no injury except to their horses, all of which were hit, and one killed. What they all Need. — An oificer of an Indiana reg- iment in passing through one of the streets of Norfolk, met a pretty little girl of eight years and gently patted her on the head, when the mother, who observed it from a window, rushed to the door and bawled out at the top of her voice, " Come right straight in the house, Susannah, and I will wash your head !" 52 A New York Heroine. A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, writing from Tunstall's Station, says : "As we passed the house of Dr. Webb, about twQ| miles back on our march, there appeared, by the road- side, a female dressed in soldier clothes, who, witlij tears running down her cheeks, pitcously begged for permission to go on the baggage train and go with the troops. She was a most melancholy sight ; and, on inquiry I learned her simple stoii}\ " She came from Chenango county, New York, and her hu^and was an armorer in the 61st New York regiment. Ever since his enlistment she had gone with him, acting as mirse for the sick soldiers. At Alexandria she became separated from the regiment, and lost all her baggage. Without mone}^ friends, or advice, she knew not what to do, but finally concluded to unsex herself, and did so. She joined a Pennsylva- nia dragoon corps, but was soon discovered, An offi- cer promised to take charge of her. He cared for her a few da3^s, and, when he thought his time hail arrived, made infamous proposals to her, which she resisted This angered him, and he turned her out in a strange land, among an unfriendly people and a dangerous and in man}" cases, a brutal army. At the doctor's hous( they roughly told her she must move on, and she had come to the roadside to beg permission to go and find her husband, no matter in what capacity, so that it be an honorable one- " I am rejoiced to state that she at last found shelter,^ The kind hearts of the teamsters of Gen. Slocum's bri« Not unless they lay down their Arms, 53 gade were soon touched ; she was mounted on a wag-on and went on her way happy. " The woman's sex could easily have been discovered. Yoic^, looks, actions and shape were all tell-tales, 3^et she had successfully passed guards and broke through orders, until the brutality of a man who should be instantly cashiered, turned her out by the roadside, homeless and friendless. After this, let no one think that American women have degenerated in these days of misfortune and trouble." "Not unless they Lay Down their Arms." A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, writ- ing from one of the camps near Corinth, relates the fol- lowing anecdote : " An Indiana Chaplain selected, for singing, the hymn commencing, ' Show pitj, Lord ; 0, Lord forgive, Let a repentant rebel Uve,' Pie had scarcely uttered the last word of this line, when a private soldier in his congregation — an old man and a zealous christian— earnestly cried out: " No, Lord, unless they lay down their arms." While the clergyman was offering the concluding prayer, a rifle shot was heard as if from our pickets, a mile beyond. The report of the gun was immediately followed by an exclamation from the same venerable Hoosier — " Lord, if that's a Union shot, send the bullet straight : an' if it ain't, hit a tree with it, Lord !" 54 An F. F. V. Outwitted by a Cliicago Fire Zouave. An industrious and shreu'd typo from the Queen City of the Lakes, under Col. Ellsworth, was out on picket duty in the Old Dominion, when a haui^hty son of the chivalry rode up, driven of course by his ser- vant. Zoo-zoo stepped into the road, holding his bayo- net in such a way as to threaten horse, negro and white man at one charge, and roared out " Tickets." Mr. V. turned up his lip, set down his brows, and by other gestures indicated his contempt for such mudsills as the soldier before him, ending by handing liis pass over to the darkey, and motioning him to get out and show it to Zoo-zoo. " All right," said the latter, glancing at it, " move on"— accompanying the remark with a jerk at the coat-collar of the colored person, which sent him spin- ning several paces down the road. '' Now, sir, what do you want?" addressing the astonished white man. White man had by this time recovered his tongue. " What ? I want to go on, of course. That was my pass." Can't help it," replied Zoo ; " it says pass the bearer, and the bearer of it has already passed. You can't get two men through this picket on one man's pass." Mr. V. reflected a moment, glanced at tlie bayond in front of him, and then called out to his black man tc come back. Sambo approached cautiously, but fel back in confusion when the - shooting-stick was bran dished toward his own breast. ♦' Where's your pass, sirrah ?" 55 ^Take Your Choice, Madam. " Here, massa," presenting the same one he had received from the gent in the carriage. " Won't do," replied the holder of the bayonet. *' That passes you to Fairfax. Can't let an}^ one come from Fairfax on that ticket. Move on." A stamp of the foot sent Sambo down the road at a hard gallop. " Now, sir, if you stay here any longer, I shall take you under arrest to headquarters," he continued. Mr. V. caught up his reins, wdieeled around, and went off at the best trot his horse could manage, over the *' sacred soil." Whether Sambo ever hunted his mas- ter up, is not known. Take your Choice, Madam. At Nashville the ladies have been peculiarl}' spiteful and bitter against the hated rival which M'aves victo- rious over the stars and bars. It sometimes happens, however, that they are compelled to render a formal obedience at least, to the spangled folds. Over the large gate at the Provost Marshal's splen- did headquarters — Elliot's Female School — waves a Union flag. A very ardent secesh lady, who wished to see Col. Matthews, was about to pass through the gate, when looking up she beheld the proud flag flapping like an eagle's wing over his eyrie. Starting back horror struck, she held up her hands and exclaimed to the guard : '•' Dear me ! I can't go under that dreadful Lincoln flag. Is there no other way for me to enter ?" '• Yes, madam," promptly replied the orderly ; and turning to his comrade, he said : 56 An Escape. " Here, orderly, bring out that rebel flag- and lay it on the ground at the little gate, and let this lady walk over it !" The lady looked bewildered, and after hesitating a moment, concluded to bow her head to the invincible Goddess of Liberty, whose immaculate shrine is the " Star Spangled Banner." The rebels may all just as well conclude to follow her example. »^— «-*-^» — ^4 • An Escape. At the West Point battle, Lieut. Montgomery, of Gen. Newton's staff, a dashing officer, had a remarkably narrow escape. He rode into the very midst of the enemy, when some of them cried out, " Where is Col. Hampton ?" " About ten rods off," v\-as the answer of Montgom- ery, as he put spurs to his horse and dashed away. A volley of musketry followed him, piercing his horse in a dozen places, and killing him. The ofQccr fell unhurt, but feigned death. The rebels rushed forward, turned him over, making remarks which excited his risibilities, when he burst out laughing. They jerked him up with curses, and were moving awa}' with him when a shell from Hcxamer's 1st New Jersey Artillery burst among them. This was followed by another in such close proximity that they droi)ped their prisoner, who ex- claimed, - Go in, boys— I'll follow." Th'ey ran in one di»-ection, and he in another, making good his escape. 57 A Maryland Unionist, The rebel officers treated the citizens of Frederick with a g-reat deal of courtesy, but generally forced upon them their worthless Confederate notes and scrip, in exchange for provisions, or anything else tliey desired. The merchants and others who had articles to sell, upon the rebel forces entering the town, closed their places of business and refused to sell. Stuart threatened to use force unless the stores were opened, and then the merchants concealed the bulk,of their stocks, and open- ed their doors. One of the largest harness-makers in town saved his stock by placing small lots at the houses of his friends, leaving in his store a small quantity of the most undesirable articles. At one store, Colonel Gordon, (of the Charleston Mercury, and formerly of New Bedford, Mass.,) called at a store, and insisted upon paying for goods he wanted in Confederate notes. The merchant happened to be a man who did not hesi- tate to utter his Union sentiments freely, and he told the gallant rebel that the Confederate notes were not worth the paper they were printed on. The Colonel, in reply to this, asked, " And pray what may be your po- litical sentiments ?" Merchant : I am a Union man, sir, and always intend to remain one. Colonel : Indeed ! are there many people like you here ? Merchant: Yes, sir. We have voted on Secession, and this district gave three thousand majority for the Union. Colonel : Yes, at the point of the bayonet. 58 Jokmo; on the Battle Field, Merchant : No, sir ; there were neitlier bayonets nor muskets to intimidate us. Every man was free to vote as he pleased. Colonel : Then we have been most damnably deceived. ., The merchant then wanted to know why the rebels wanted to disturb the peace of the State, by coming here, to which the Colonel again replied that they had been deceived — that they had received thousands of letters from Maryland, stating that the people were oppressed by the Lincoln government, but that they (the rebel troops) had been treated since their arrival here d — d coolly, and " I feel like li — 11." The above is from a highly respectable citizen of Frederick, and can be relied upoii as true. Joking on the Battle Field. A correspondent of the New York Tribune, in de- scribing the first day of the battle of Fair Oaks, thus re- fers to the unsuccessful attempt of the 55th New York to go into lire : " Their movement in response to the order * For- ward !' Avas not impulsive from front to rear. It hitched in sections, like the drawing out of the joints of a field- glass. Omen of evil ! In 30 minutes red-capped and red-trousered men, mostly without their muskets, were under the fire of the scorn and the jeering of the New Y'ork 62d — a fire more galling and insupportable, as it seemed to me, than any that ever spouted from mus- kets. * Mounsheer, the muss is the other way !' ' IIello> lobsters ! we are Union men — we ain't rebels. What California Joe at his Work. 59 are you running at us for V ' The 62d is good ^lelter ; fall in behind !' Not a wrathful reply was made. The bursting of the rebel shells overhead, the screaming of their solid long shot, and the cutting of the tree tops, made the place and the time totally unsuited for repar- tee or discussion. The 62d opened its laughing ranks, and the gory-colored, but unbloody, passed through and passed on." California Joe at his Work. In this long range business, California Joe is about as usual, and adding to his laurels, still using his own pet rifle. Speaking of California Joe, I must licre be pardoned a digression in stating a fact about him that has never yet found its way into type. Bachelor that he is, and of rough exterior, he has a heart as big as an ox, " rudely stamped, and wanting love's majesty." Shortly after joining the regiment he drew up his will, giving, in case of his death in battle, $60,000, on de- posit in the Merchants' Bank, Philadelphia, to the widows and orphans of those of the regiment killed during the war. I was,, told this fact by an officer of the regiment who witnessed the will. And here is an incident of which he is the hero. Our General was near one of the bridges, giving directions about the work. A rebel sharpshooter had been amusing himself, and annoying the General and other officers, by firing several times in that directiop, and sending the bullets whistling in nnwelcome prox- imity to their heads. 60 California Joe at his Work, *' My man, can't you get your piece on that fellow who is firing- on us, and stop his impertinence ?" asked 'the General. " I think so," replied Joe, and he brought his tele- scopic rifle to a horizontal position. " Do you see him ?" inquired the General. « I doV' " How far is he away ?" " Fifteen hundred ^^ards. *' Can you fetch him ?" " I'll try." And Joe did try. He brought his piece to a steady aim, pulled the trigger, and sent the bullet whizzing on its experimental tour, the officers meantime looking through their field glasses. Joe hit the fellow in the leg or foot. He went hobbling up the hill on one \q^ and two hands, in a style of locomotion that was amus- ing. Our General was so tickled — there is no better word — at the style and celerity of the fellow's retreat, that it was some time before he could get command of his risibles sufliciently to thank Joe for what he had done. The "Wrong Way. — A member of the regimental staff of the 8th Alabama regiment, lying at Kichmond, lost himself one morning in the woods. Coming upon the Union pickets, he Avas brought to a stand, and mistak- ing the character of the men, inquired for his regiment. The picket directed him to the Colonel's tent for infor- mation. He went there, and was told to consider him- self a prisoner. He merely replied, " A d — d funny miatake of our picket to send me the wrong way." 61 Carson, the Scout. Among the killed at Pittsburg Landing was " Young Carson the Scout," a man of wonderful daring and energy, reckless of danger, but prudent, acute, active, and intelligent, rivalling in all these qualities his name*- sake of the Plains and Kocky Mountains. His name in full was Irving W. Carson. He was born in Scotland, although in physique he was a true type of the men of the North-west. He emigrated from his native coun- try, then a mere youth, to Chicago, Illinois, in the 3^ear 1853, and obtained employment in the Illinois Central Machine-shops. Subsequently he left the building and repairing of engines to run them, and for a long time faithfully fulfilled the duties of an engineer upon the above road. Naturally roving in his disposition, and undecided as to his calling, about two years since he changed avocations abruptly and singularly, and enter- ed a la'^ office in Chicago as a lawyer's clerk. He was a faithful student, rose rapidly in his profession, and about the time the war broke out, was admitted to the bar. Nature, however, had not destined him for the forum, and it is a matter of doubt whether he would have succeeded in the practice of his profession. At the first call for volunteers, young Carson abandoned his calling, and enlisted as a private in Barker's Dra- goons, in which company he received- his first lessons' in the school of war. Subsequently he was attached to General Prentiss' staff, as a scout, at Cairo, then went into the same service under General Grant, whose con- fidence he enjoyed thoroughly. General Grant entrust- ed to him the most delicate and dangerous missions, G €2 Carson^ the Scout. ail of which he fulfilled to the very letter of his instruc- tions. At the time of his death, he had just returned to General Grant with the intellig-ence that General Buell's reinforcements were coming up, delivered his message, stepped back, and that instant a cannon ball took off his head. Carson was about six feet two inches in height, very slight, but well knit, sinewy, alert, and handsomely formed. , His face was thin, and bronzed by exposure to all kinds of weather ; his cheek-bones high and pro- minent, his eyes large, black and })ierci]ig,,and hi-s hair, which he always wore very long, as black as a raven's. He combined in his personal appearance the peculiarities of an Indian with a native Southerner, .^a fact which was of great advantage to him in his scout- ing expeditions among the rebels. He was very taci- turn and non-communicative, even among liis friends ; made little conversation, and appeared and disappeared like a flash. Vidocq himself could not have been more mysterious. We have known him to retire early in the evening, and would find him in bed early in the morii- ing, t^\dyet during the night he had ridden many miles. He A^lis seldom absent an^^ length of time, as his cxpe- , ditions required the utmost despatch. We have known him to come into the room, hastily seize his. saddle, spurs, and pistol, mount his horse— and lie was a splen- did horseman---daSh off in , a, direction no one ever thought of taking, and only a f^w hours after would be strolling about the St. Charles like some awkward rustjc just in from the Egyptian swamps. His trip to Columbus, Kentucky, was an instance of the manner in which he accompli siied his duties. He Carson, the Scout. 63 rose early that morning, arrayed himself in a rough homespun suit of blue — a style of clothings which alter- nates with the " butternut " among the rebels — rowed across the Ohio to the Kentucky shore, tied up his skiff, and struck off through the woods and swamps until he reached a corn-crib, near which a wagon and pair of mules were standing. Carson rapidly loaded the wagon with corn from the crib, jumped aboard, and drove off at a rapid pace for Columbus. He reached the town about ten o'clock in the forenoon, having passed the enemy's pickets without trouble, and came rattling down the bluff behind the town at a merr}^ pace. Tlie rebel General Polk confiscated the wagon, corn, and one of the mules, magnanimously allow^ing him the other to return with. Before leaving, hov/ever, he ob- tained permission to go through the fortifications, the rebels little dreaming of the real character of the awk- ward Kentucky farmer they w^ere admitting* into their works. He spent two or three hours upon the blulf, ascertained the number of guns, their calibre and range, a rough estimate of the forces, and made a diagram of tlie spot while in the w^ater battery. He ate dinner in one of the log houses used as barracks by the soldiers, and about two o'clock left the town upon his mule, with his thumb upQu his nose, and fingers gyrating Colum- busward. At eight o'clock the same evening he was seated in the supper-room of the St. Charles at Cairo. We were present wheii our forces occupied Columbus, and found his diagram w\as correct in all its particulars, Tlie same diagram appeared in many papers after the evacuation, to the correspondents of which he had fur- nished it. 64 Carson, the Scout, He was present at the battle of Donelsoii as General Grant's special courier. Upon the Sunday when the rebel Buckner sent in his flag of truce. ]\c v?.--. ordered to go to the right wing and tell General AValh.co, Gen- eral McClernand and Colonel Oglesbe to storm th<.- works of the enemy at once. In a letter written to n Iriend in this city, which we have before us, alluding i.) this order, he sa^^s : " I never went with a despatch to i\nj place in my life faster than I did with that one. I felt as if I wanted to see the last man wiped out. I have got a natural hatred for traitors, and never intend to let any chance slip, when I can dispose of them in a decent way." After the battle, he found many letters in the rebel ca,mp. Among them was one from an interesting young woman in the Southern part of Tennessee, writing to her brother, desiring him to capture a live Yankee, and send him to her for a pet. On one of his scouting ex- 23editions, some time after, he made it in his way to call upon the identical 3"0ung lady. He went to the house, and inquired for the damsel that wanted a pet. She soon made her appearance. He told her he had been captured at Fort Donelson b}'- her brother, and had been, sent to her as a pet, and very politely informed her iioj was at her service. The young woman looked horLi|. fied, and said there must be some mistake. Carson said there was not ; that he was going to live South in the future, and more than that, was bound to be her. pet, and would make himself as useful as possible, strongly intimating that she might do the same by get- ting him some dinner. The young woman, scared (>i\t of her senses, complied, and furnished him an excellent Carson, the Scout, 65 nipal, during which he showed her the letter, and in- formed her that her brother was a prisoner in the Fed- eral camp. The 3^oiing woman went into hysterics, and the whole family commenced a sort of Tennessee dance. By this time his arrival was noised abont in the neigh- borhood, and as preparations were making' which looked to an unpleasant state of things for Carson, he mounted his horse, and was off and out of sight not a minute too soon for his safety. His hatred of traitors was most bitter and intense — whence did speak of them, it was- only to denounce them 111 the most violent terms. Even in his sleep he would toss about restlessly, and mutt(3r his denuncia- tions. One night we disthictly remember at the " St. Charles," when he jumped from his bed and frantically rushed about the room, cursing secessionists, and thrust- ing his cutlass into the bureau, chay-s and wall Avith desperate strength. The next instant, a correspondent, lying in another bed, was horrified to behold him rush- ing at him and thrusting the cutlass into the sheets, at the same time expressing a vigorous determination to rid the wtn-ld of one more traitor. The correspondent was out of the sheets and under the bed in a twinkling. It was a long time before Carson was awaktned to a realizing sense of what he was doing. Aft ei" that, no one was especially desirous of sleeping' with him. ? The last letter he ever wrote was to a lady in Chicago, and is as follows : Savannah, March 20th, 1862. My Dear Friend : Your note of Marcli 17th was hand- ed to me last niglit, in General Grant's headquarters. I have been absent for eight davs. 1 went wirli des- 66 Carson, the Scout. patches from this place to find General Bucll. I was ignorant of his whereabouts, but made up my mind to keep going- until I found his division. I kept on until we came to Columbia, Tenn., just 150 miles from this place. In traversing this distance I was obliged to pass through three secession camps. As everytliing depend- ed upon my getting through safely, I came to the con- clusion that I would make the trip, or get down to New Orleans in trying. After four days' ride I got to Xash- ville, some two hundred miles from this point. I felt as if a feather-bed would not hurt me in the lea^t, but to my surprise I was ordered to return to General Grant with. my despatches. I mounted a pretty nearly worn- out horse, and again set out to brave whatever dangers might lie in my path. For a long distance we passed o'ff f9r secession soldiers, and got along finely till we reached Columbia. In coming to this place, the South- ern soldiers had been through the town, and the bridge had been destroyed across Duck river, which obliged us to leave our horses in a livery stable. In the mean- time, the secesh soldiers came into town, and made in- quiries as to where we left our horses. I came to the conclusion that they would catch me and get my des- patches, which would give them just the information 'they needed. They placed men all around the town for the purpose of catching me. I had only two men with ' rae, and one of them did not amount to much. I told them I was going to run through, or burst up in busi- ness. We moved on very slowly till we came close on to them. I put spurs to my horse, the other two doing the same, dashed through the stream, and got through Drumming c Coicn.rd out of Camp. 67 safe. Tiiey chased ns for a long distance, but we soon left tlieni far behind. ...... We are expectinp; a battle soon. Perhaps, after the fight, if I do not get killed, I vrill make a visit to Chi- cago. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain 3^our true friend, ' . I. W. CARSON, Majof-General Grant's Scouts. Poor Carson's presentirnent was realized. His muti- lated body was sent to Chicago, where it was interred, as w^as befitting, wath military honors. His valuable services, rendered at all times in the most imminent danger, will secure for him a lasting and grateful recol- lection as one of the j^outhinl martyrs of the w^ar. Drumming a Goward out of Camp, The culprit, after having his head shaved, has affixed to his back in large characters the degrading epithet *' coward ;" the regiment is drawn up, and he passes between the lines, two of his former comrades closely pressing upon him with fixed bayonets, whilst he is pre- ceded by two of the regiment with arms reversed, au indication that the culprit is dead to the corps. He is, in this humiliating position, marched between the ranks. The drummers follow alter him, beating the rogue's march. Any one who considers for a moment, though he has never witnessed the scene, cannot fail to appre- ciate the degraded position of the culprit. Certainly such an example must have a permanent and salutary effect upon the minds of men valuing honor and man- hood above life. 68 Eebels Cauglit in their own Trap, A private letter from a soldier in General Jameson's briga,d;e says : " Our division, or rather brigade, took eighteen prisoners jesterda}-, dowji at Pohic Church. They were taken by Colonel Hayes, of the 63d Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, an active and efficient officer. The 63d were out on picket duty, and the attention of the sergeant of the guard being drawn to. the tinkling cf a cow-bell in the bushes, with visions of new milk run- niiijg through his head, he examined carefully, and, to his intense^ ci-stonishment, he found himself euchered of his milk, and no cows there, but he made the discovery that as he advanced said cow-bell retreated. The ser- geant smelt a moderPvte sized mice, and made a double- quick retrograde movement without investigating fur- ther. He immediately reported the fact to Col. Hays. The colonel secreted a squad of men in the woods, and the sergeant made liimseif conspicuous. Soon the gentle tinkle of a cow-bell was again heard. The sergeant kept threshing in the bushes, and the bell gently tinkled, approaching all the while. Soon the squad in ambush had the satisfaction to observe the cautious approach, not of a cow, bitt of a veritable Secesher, with a cow- bell around his neck, and a 6-shooter stuck in his belt. He came slowly on until within easy range of our men. The sergeant then hailed him and asked wiiere he had rather go ; " to — — or to "Washington." '• To Wash- ington, I reckon," drawled tlie Secesher. '' I ain't clothed for warm weather," and he came up, without looking to the right or the left, and delivered himself lap. He would liave been looked ui^on as quite a hero I A Beinijohn Drilled and Contents Spiked, 69 by our men, if the revengeful Secesher had not given information where the I) dance of his comrades were. That night, company A, Pennsylvania 63d, went about six miles outside our pickets, and took seventeen pris- oners and six horses. One of the Seceshers requested the hostler to take good care of his horse, for he had had nothing to eat for two days." A Demijolm Drilled jind_its Contents Spiked. A correspondent says : - Some one had been permit- . ted to set up a tent inside of our lines, and sell eata- , bles to the soldiers. This individual dared to sell rum, ■ which made a few drunk and noisy. This drunkard- maker was arrested by the Colonel's order? and taken to the guard-house. His liquor was also seized. He was drummed out to the tune of ' Hogue's March,' pre- senting a laughable appearance, with a bottle slung over each shoulder, a toddy-stick in his rear, soldiers ahead of him and soldiers behind him with bayonets charged. After this the sound of shattered glass told us that the demijolm was drilled, and its contents spilled." In the enemy's lines the reverse seems to be the order of the day, if we may judge from the following : " On the first night after my arrival, in passing from on® quarter to another, I was stopped by a sentinel, whom I recognized as private P , (though he di^. not recognize me). I was asked 'Who goes there T and replied, ' A friend with a bottle ;' the reply was, ' Advance bottle and dra-.v stopper,' which I did, and was suilered to pass on my way rejoicing." 70 All Incident of the Williamsburg Battle. Some years ago, a 3'oung" Georg-ian, whom we will for the present call Arthur, came to New York to take a clerkship in one of the leading publishing- houses of this city. ''Of good connection, and possessing a fair share of worldly goods, he passed his time pleasantly in the gay metroptjiis of the Western world. The fear- ful stoi-m which had lor years been gathering m the South, was now casting its deepening shadows on every part of the country ; and the roar of Sumter's cannon ushered it in with all its fur}^ We all remem- ber how New York responded to the duty which this event imposed on her, and how her streets resounded with the tramp of gathering hosts, and the music of fife and drum. Arthur, forgetful of his Georgian home, of parents, brothers, and .sisters, caught the spirit of the time, and enrolled his name under the " Stars and Stripes," in one of the volunteer regiments of this city. An event- ful year passed away, and the arni}^ of the Potomac was before Yorktown. The regiment to which Arthur belonged, took an active part in the daily conflicts before that position. After its evacuation, his regiment was among the advance at Williamsburg, driving back the rebels to their stronghold. ' The battle of AYilliamsburg was fought, and we find Arthur among the wounded prisoners who fell into the enemy's, hands. He v/as taken to the common hospital afid tht-re left on the bare floor, to get along as best he eould. Arthur having obtained some water, managed to Clearing the Battle-field after an Engagement. 71 wash and dress his own wounds, as well as circum- stances would permit. His next object was to escape 'from the sickening horrors around him ; and for this purpose he commenced making his way oyer and among the dead and d3dng, which were lying singly and in heaps around him. Among the harrowing sights which met his e^'e, was one which bound him awe- stricken to the spot. An aged man was^ kneeling on the rough floor, supporting the lifeless form of a young rebel officer in his arms, murmuring words of prayer, and kissing fhe pale brow now cold in death. Trem- bling with conflicting emotions, the young Union soldier knelt beside the grief-stricken man, murmuringi "Fa- ther ! Brother !" Arthur has since returned to New York, The story we have told is a true one, as more than one furloughed soldier or denizen of our hospitals can testify. Clearing the Battle-field after an Engagement. Few can form an adequate idea of the horrifying and repulsive aspect of a hotley contested battle-field the day after the fight. The ground is literally strewed with slain animals, the decay of which, would be apt, in popular language, " to breed a pestilence" among the .troops in th.eir neighborhood. To prevent this, burn- ing the* dead animals is an easier as well as safer prac- tice than burying them. " Clearing the battle-field," however, means more than the mere disposing of the poor dead brutes that man has pressed into service. It means the gathering of the wounded, the burying of ihe slain, and the remo 72 A Yankee Trick In Missouri, val from the face of the fair earth and the eye of heaven, of the hideous traces of man's rag-e and wick- edness. This sad task can on!}- be described by those who have participated in it, and over its horrors the impulses of humanity bid us draw a veil. A Yankee Trick in Missouri. The Yankee is not only up to tricks in trade, but knows how to play them off in war too, when he wants to trap a secessionist. Among the most cunning as well as successful, is one told of Major Hovey, practised near Clinton, Missouri. It was at the time when our Federal trains were so frequently attacked and cap- tured by roving marauders lying in ambush on their route. '^ -^"^ Anticipating such a contingency to him, the Major took one hundred men, put them in wagons so as to hide them from view, and then putting a few stragglers to walk, as if guarding the train, he started out. Se- cession, shot gun in hajid, hiding in the brush, saw the cortege, and supposed it a federal wagon train poorly guarded, and hence an easy as well as legitimate prize. Keasoning thus, secession walked from the bush, pre- sented his shot gun, and demanded a surrender — which demand was instantly met by fifty men rising irom the wagons, presenting a row of glittering muskets, and requesting a similar favor of astonished and now morti- fied secessionists. They generally complied, and worked off its ill-humor by cursing such " mean Yankee tricks," unknown to all honorable warfare, and unworthy of chivalrous hearts. 73 " These are my Sons." There came daily, to one of the government hospitals Vin St. Lonis, a lady, whose tender care of the sick and i\ wounded soldiers attracted observation. She was known as the wife of a citizen and as an educated woman, who • moved in refined society. Before the war commenced,^ she was among the most cheerful and companionable in I a large circle of friends. All the elements of life were in harmony. But, very soon after the mad assault of corrupt men upon their government, Mrs. G 's whole demeanor changed. Friends wondered, and asked for the cause ; but she was silent. She went no more into society, but held herself away from public observation, shutting herself up for most of the time in her owp house. Conjecture was of course busy, and many theories, to^ cover the case were advanced and admitted — some near the trutli, perhaps, but nearly all remote therefrom. .The change in her manner and state of mind was com- plete . the warm, bright sunshine had passed, and- she was under the shadow of heavy clouds. All this was remarkable, in view of the fact that Mrs. G was known as a woman of cheerful, reactive disposition ; of clear, common-sense thought, and of large self-controll- ing power. Whatever trouble might come, her friends had faith in her ability to meet it with the calmness and dignity of a superior mind. Was it possible that a public calamity Imd been felt in her invUvidual life sO' keenly ? Whatever the cause, Mrs. G did not rise above it.. Bhe was present no more in the circles to which she 3 74 ^^ These are my Sons. ^^ had always lent a charm: Occasionally an old acquaint- ance would see her on the street, but with a manner so changed and subdued that she was scarce]}' recognised- The Sabbath always found' her in church, sitting- with "bowed head, an ab's^tbed and fervent worshipper; and, as she moved down the aisle after the service had closed, and out from the pOrtico ■amid--ilie' crowd, instinctive delicacy in the mincls df a large n'umbei^ of old friends let her pass without intrtision. '• ' ' , Thus it was with Mrs. G— -, when disease, in league with bullet, cannon ball, and Httursting shell, beg-an to crowd the hospitals* of St. Louis with sick and w'ounded men, thus bringing into the very heart of the city, peace--! ful and prosperous a few months before, the ghastly fruits of treason. Among the earliest to enroll herself in the common sisterhood of charity, was Mrs, G . Almost on the very day that the first wounded man arrived, she presented herself at one of the hospitals, and claimed a woman's privileg'e of ministering to pain. Her care. was less for the sick than for the wounded, ^aiad" less for strongmen than for 3'outh — tender boys, wlio had felt the kindling fires of patriotism, and gone forth in arms to meet the foes of freedom and law. Towards these she displaj'cd all the interest and com- passionate care of a mother, ministering to the mind and heart, as well as to the suffering body. It was re- markable iiow completely her life came down into this work, and how soon duty was absorbed by love. • Among" those who were brought in from one of the many battle-fields of Missouri, were three young men, the oldest not over twenty-two. One of them had lost an arm ; one had his right knee shattered by a shell J i' These are my Sons^ *75> and the other had received three bullets in hi:^ body. They were laid on three beds, standing side by side ; and the lirst woman's face that looked down in pity upon their pale, suflering; faces was that of Mrs. G— ->- ^ The first sound, so full of home and love— so soft and.- sweet to their cars, and like the voice of a mother- was the voice of Mrs. G . Do we wonder that, as their eyes looked up to hers, they grew blinded by tears ? i Mrs.G— did not leave tliem when the surgeon; came. ^ The sight of his insti^iments pressed the blood back upon her heart, and she grew faint ^, but the eyes of a fair-haired stripling, whose hurt gaze turned from the , knife and probe, and reached upwards towards her, like \ clinging hands, held her to the post of duty, and com- passion gave new life to her heart, so that all its pulses. ! were strong again. The surgeon's best assistant, i through all the painful work that had in mercvto be I done upon the bodies of these young men, was Mrs. I G— ; and their best strength came from her tender ; and maternal voice. She was an angel to them; and I thankful love filled their hearts, and skone from their faces, in the calm, and ease, and rest that followed the torture, and not only filled their hearts, and slione from their faces, but awakened by its ardor the purest and truest of all loves in her heart— a mother's love. She did not leave them through the feverish night that followed, and only returned to her home in the o-ray morning that broke upon her self-imposed vigils. Nature demanded-rest. Mrs. G— was more exhausted than she had ever been before. It was not so much the watch that left her with weak and jarred nerves ; feel- ings had been awakened into too strong a lite, and i 76 ^^ These are my Sons." burned with too consuming an intensity'. It vras late in the afternoon when Mrs. G — returned to the hospitah Her first visit was to the three 3^oung men with whom she had passed the night. Tliey received lier with grateful eyes and welcoming smiles. Something about them touched her more deeply than she had been touch- ed by anything which she had seen during her walks of mercy amid sick and wounded and dying men. Sitting , down, she talked first with one, and then with another, about themselves and their home. One had a mother in far away New England, and his lashes lay wet on his cheek as he spoke of her. " She loves her country, and has given three sons for its defence," he said ; and in pride of such a mother, his heart beat quicker, and sent the flusliing blood to his pale face. *' I will not tell her how badly I am hurt," he continued ; *' she shall only know of that when I am well again. But she shall know of your kindness, dear lady ! My first letter will tell her that!" " Happy mother, to have brave and loyal sons in a time like this !" answered Mrs. G , her voice losing its firm tones, and sinking to a sad expression. *' Have 3^ou no son to give to your country ?" asked the fair-haired stripling, whose head had rested, a few moments before, against her bosom, while the knife and probe were making him sick with agon3\ " I will call j'-ou my son," was replied, after a brief silence. Mrs. G 's voice was in a lower ke3% but calm and steady. She seemed to have encountered a strong wave of feeling, that made all the timbers in her vessel of life shudder ; but the stroke had proved harm- ^'^ These are my Sons.'* less, and she was herself again. , " And you are my sons also," she added, almost proudly, as she looked upon the others " Worthy sons ! • I will give you a mother's care." There entered, at this moment, two men, carrying a litter, on Avhich a man was lying. A surgeon and nurse ^ were in attendance. The large room was full of beds, and on one of these the man, who moaned iji v. low, plaintive voice, was placed. Mrs. G did not stir from where she sat by the young soldier. Scenes like these were of almost daily occurrence, and did not dis- turb the order for duties of the institution. " A wounded rebel," said the nurse, who had come in with the litter. She crossed the room to Mrs. G , whispered the sentence, and then moved back again. She did not know what a thrill of pain her brief sen- tence had awakened. A wounded rebel ! The very bullet that shattered the bone, and rent the sensitive flesh of the loyal youth over whose couch she sat, might have been sent on its cruel mission by his hands. Yet was he now brought in, carefully to be ministered to in suffering, and saved perhaps from death. This was the very thought that flashed through the mind of Mrs. G , as the thrill of pain which the announcement occasioned went tremb- ling away into stillness. The moans of the wounded man soon died away. He had first been taken to the surgeon's apartments, and after the abstraction of a ball, the passage of which had been more painful than dangerous, he was removed, under the charge of nurses, to the room where he now rested. T8 ^^ These are my Sons." Mrs. G — 'r interest in the three young men, who were now specially in her charge, found no abatement, but rather increased. In brief conversations with each of them, she gathered little facts and incidents and senti- ments that expressed the quality of their lives, of a cha- racter still further to interest her feelings. Each had been tenderly cared for in early years, and each was loyal as well to all home memories as to the country he had gone forth to serve, bearing his life in his hands. It was nearl}^ an hour after the wounded rebel had been brought in, when a nurse, crossing from a distant part where he \^y, came to Mrs. G , who was assist- ing the surgeon to dress the shattered limb of one of the young men under her care, and stooping down, said to her, with suppressed agitation : ** It is your son, madam !" " Who? where ?" The color went otft of Mrs. G — 's face. *' The man who was last brought in." " My son ?" " Yes, ma'am, he says be is your son. Won't you come over to him ? He w^ants you." Mrs. G caught her breath with a gasp, bat, gain- ing self-possession, she answered, with a calm eloquence of tone that was full of heroism, " These are, my sons !" For an instant she looked proudly from face to face of the three wounded soldiers, and then bent over the task in which she was engaged. Her hand showed no tremors, as she wound the long bandages about the tender limb, and in every minutia obeyed the surgeon's directions. When the painful work was done, she wiped from the sufferer's pale fore- « These are my Sons.'' '79 hoad the clammy sweat that covered it, and laid her hand softly upon his temples, smoothing back the damp hair. No mother's hand had in it a tenderer touch. For a minute the surgeon drew her aside, and they stood in earnest conversation ; then he moved away, and Mrs. G — resumed her place. Not long afterwards, the rebel soldier, who had been brought in, was carried out again, the men who bore the litter almost touching Mrs. G — as they passed. But she did not stir or look around. One, two, three hours, and she was still in the hospital ; but her loyal, heroic heart had taken up a burden that no true mother's heart has strength to bear. The surgeon, who comprehended the case, was watching her with intense interest. He saw, with eyes that could read signs which others might not under- stand, the gradual failing of power to sustain herself in this self-imposed ordeal, and more than once offered gentle remonstrances, which she failed to heed. But all things yield, when pressure is in excess of strength. Three hours after her rebel son had been removed, by her order, with a nurse in attendance, to the home be had dishonored, Mrs. G was carried thither -insen- sible, having swooned from exhaustion of vital power in the unnatural conflict of mind to which she had been subjected. On the day after, she was absent from the hospital • but on the third day she came in again, paler, and to some eyes sadder, and again administered with lor- ing care to the sons of her adoption. 80 " The Spirit of 76." A lad — he was but a stripling, though he had seen ^rd service — lay stretched out on the seat of the car. Another lad, of less than twenty summers, with his arm in a sling, came and took a seat behind him, gazing upon hiin witli mournful interest. Looking up to me (for I was accompanying the sick boy to h'is home) he asked . " Is he a soldier ?" " Yes." " Of what regiment ?" *' The Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry." " Are you a soldier ?" " Yes.'' *' Where do you belong ?'* " In the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of Illinois Yolunteers." " The One Hundred and Fifth Eegiment ? That sounds well. Illinois is doing nobly." " I did belong to the Eleventh Illinois Infantry." " Then how came you in the One Hundred and Fifth ?" " I was wounded at the battle of Fort Donelson, so i that I was pronounced unfit for service, and discharged. | But I recovered from my wound, and when they com- ' menced raising this regiment in my neighborhood, I again enlisted." Hitherto the sick boy had been perfectly still. Now he slowly turned over, looked up with glistening eyes, stretched forth his hand, with the slow movement of a sick man, to the top of the seat, and, without saying a Scene at a New York Recruiting Office, 81 word, eagerly grasped the hand of the new recruit. The patriotism that glowed in those wan features and prompted those slow, tremulous movements, like elec- tricity, ran • through every heart. The twice-enlisted youth, as soon as he saw his intention, delighted at the appreciation and reflection of his own spirit, grasped the outstretched hand, exclaiming : " Bully for you !" Words cannot describe the effect upon the passen- gers, as they saw those hands clasped, in token of mutual esteem for love of country ; a mutual pledge that each wjis read^^ to give his life, his all, for that country. They felt that the spirit of '76 still sur- vived. Scene at a New York Eecmiting Office. While walking up the Bowery, a few days ago, we noticed a small-sized crowd in front of the recruiting office of the second battalion of Duryee's Zouaves, be- tween Hester and Grand streets. Upon coming up to the gathering, we discovered the well-known figure of Horace Greeley, surrounded by some half-dozen red- breeched and turbaned soldiers. *' Come, Mr. Greeley !" exclaimed a strapping fellow, who stood six feet high, and was proportionably broad across the chest and shoulders. " Now's your time to enlist ! We give $188 bounty to-day. Won't you go to the war with us ?" " Gentlemen !" answered the philosopher, " it's im- possible. I am too. , old ; besides, 1 am doing a great deal more service at home." 82 Scene at a New York Recruiting Office. " Then 3^011 won't go ?'' asked another Zonave. "I cannot do it, my friend," repMed Horace. " You ain't afraid, are you ? You don't know how well you'd look until you saw 3'ourself dressed up in Zouave uniform," chimed in another. " I have no doubt I should cut a pretty figure in 3^our dress — " " Especially if 3'ou wore a white coat," interrupted a waggish bystander. " But that is nothing, my friends. Dress neither makes men nor soldiers. Principle, good character, good habits, and resolution is ever3^thing." " yes ! that's all right ; but that ain't enlisting," . persisted the first speaker. " Uncle Sam wants soldiers, and talking or writing isn't the thing. There's lots of men older than you in the ranks, and any quantity of editors, reporters and printers. If a few men like you enlisted, our regiments would soon till up/' " That is true ; but it is impossible for me to join you," continued Horace. *' You'd soon get a chance to wear the straps. May- be you might sport a spread eagle," put in another Zou Zou, persuasively. " No, no ; gentlemen, I must leave you ; but," turn- ing around in a quiet manner, and eyeing the crowd, which b\^ this time was considerable, " perhaps some of these citizens I see gathered about you will volun- teer. If any one will do so, I will give an extra bounty. Does any one wish to join?" At this unexpected offer the crowd began to give way and scatter about, while se^ral proposed three cheers for the white-coated philosopher. We did not Death Scene of Capt. John Griswold. 83 hear whether Greeley secured any recruits by his extra bounty ; but he soon after moved off, followed by the Zou-Zous, who laughed quite heartily at the attempt made to entrap Horace into the Union army. Death Scene of Captain John Griswold. It is the highest testimony to his merit as a man and his value as an officer, to tell you that Gen. Burnside (in whose corps the Captain's regiment served) visited the Captain before his death. A barn floor littered with straw, formed his death-bed. He was surrounded by the wounded of the rank and file. Some of them were his own men. They were weeping at the prospect of his speedy dissolution. He had received a ball in his bowels, which must prove mortal. But for his conduct none could anticipate that the mournful event was near. His loving soldiers and others wept. His mind was clear to the last, and sustained, if not joyous. " Weep not, my friends, for me. I die as I have always wished to die," and he ceased to breathe, without a sign of sadness. He was a young man, in appearance not more than thirty, and a resident, I was told, of Lynn, Conn. At Memphis and Nashville, the sending of rebel sym- pathizers South, is kept up. If citizens give evidence of disloyalty, Gen. Sherman and Gov. Johnson say, " Go to Dixie !" an improvement upon an old and somewhat kindred expression. 84 The Massachusetts 6th in Baltimore. Sumter has fallen. A call has gone forth for the loyal people to rally to the rescue of the National Capitol, and the defence of the Government and country. Un- T\'arlike in habits and tastes, they nevertheless have come forth from the ofiQce, the counting room, the studio and pulpit, in obedience to their country's summons. The first in the field were the " Massachussetts 6th." Hurrying from the plow and workshop, they gathered at Lowell, bade farewell to kindred and friends, form- ed in a solid column, listened with quivering- lips to the praj^ers of their pastor and the parting addresses of their fellovv^-townsmen, their bands struck up a national air, their colors were unfurled before them, and the line of march was taken up for Washington. In seventy-two hours from that time, they were in the heart of Baltimore, and in the midst of an infuriated mob numbering thousands.- The particulars of this outrage, and its electric effect on the country at large, are too well known to be repeated here. It was during the murderous affray of the 19th of April that the following incident took place, an incident fraught with more than usual interest, showing, as it did, to the world, an example of heroism aad daring that deserves the praise of a just and enlightened people. The regimental band of the Massachusetts 6th, at the time of the attack, consisted of twenty-lour pieces, and occupied a separate car. By some mishap this car was " switched off," so that instead of being the first it was left in the rear of the regiment. Thus isolated, uu- The Massachusetts 6th in Baltimore. 85 armed and incapable of making any defence, the mem- bers of the band became the objects of attack of the fiendish mob, which immediately commenced breaking" up the car with bars of iron, at the same time pouring- in a shower of stones througli the windows, while others were calling for powder to blow np the car. Finding it Avoiild be certain destruction to remain longer thus cooped up, the unarmed musicians leaped out to meet their merciless foe hand to hand. Twenty-four men in a strange city, surrounded by a yelling mob bent on. their destruction, v/hile beyond these demons were thousands of citizens silent witnesses of this unequal contest, not daring even to speak a word in behalf of that band of fellow-beings, who were seeking in vain for some avenue of escape. Goaded by pain, and faint with loss of blood, they were making a final desperate effort to reach some place of shelter, when a rough- looking man sprang in front of their leader, exclaim- ing, " This way, boys I tMs way !" His was the first friendly voice they had heard since entering Baltimore, and they followed without a moment's hesitation. The strange, rough man led them up a narrow alley to an open door through which they rushed, for their pursu- ers were close at their heels. Inside they were met by a powerful-looking woman, who grasped each by the hand, with an assurance that they were safe beneath her roof. The last of the band was knocked senseless by a stone as he entered the door, but the amazon who had welcomed them took hiai up in her arms, and directing his companions to follow, led the wa}^ to a room in the upper part of the building, where she immediately com- 86 2Vie Massachusetts 6th in Baltimore. menced to wash and bind up their wounds. After hav- ing done this, she procured food for them and a change of clothes, so that they were enabled to go out in search of their comrades, without danger of detection from the ruffianl}^ crowd which had given them so rough a recep- tion. They then learned the particulars of the attack on a portion of their regiment, and of the escape of the greater portion. They saw also the dead and wound- ed that had been left behind in the hostile city. One of their own number was missing and could- not be found, and it was uncertain whether he had been killed or had escaped. On going back to the house where they had been so kindly cared for, they found that their uniforms, together with their battered instruments, had been carefully packed up and sent to the depot of the Philadelphia Kailroad, where they were advised to go^ as they would there be sure to meet friends. The^^did so, and started in the next train for Philadelphia, and arrived jusiin time to meet the " Massachusetts Sth," under the command of General Butler, who told them to hurry on to the " Old Bay State," and show their battered faces and broken limbs, in the certainty that they would be sent back to play " Ilail, Columbia !" in the very streets of Baltimore, where they had been so inhumanly treated. The noble-hearted woman, who -defied a desperate mob in rescuing and protecting those men, is a well- known character in the city of Baltimore. According to the verdict of Christian societj^ she is an outcast, lost to all that is good and elevating ; but she is a true heroine nevei;theless, and by her noble conduct entitled to the nation's grateful thanks. When" Governor llicks The Drummer-Roy of Marbleheaa. 87 had succumbed to the mob of miscreants, and Winter Davis himself had fled in dismay, and men of influence, of hig-h official standing-, had hidden themselves in their terror — when all the municipal powers of the city were unable to protect a few unarmed strangers who were struggling for life — then this poor woman, this despised outcast, took them under her protection, dressed their wounds, fed and clothed them, and sent them in safety to their friends. No doubt, thousands of lo^^al citizens would like to knov/ the name of one, who should be remembered for her humanity to their countrymen. It is Anna Marley. The Drummer-Boy of Marblehead. A lad of fifteen is the hero of this story, showing that in the hearts of even the children of the Korth, the in- domitable spirit of liberty throbs with an enthusiasm and courage, that quails not on the tented field, and is eager to do and to die for the country's flag. Who can for a moinent doubt the purity and success of the national cause, when we see ihe very hoys of the Union, the darlings of the hearth-stone, tera-ing them- selves from their mother's arms and from their weep- ing sisters, and foremost in the fight, beating their drums, or seizing, as in the case of Albert Manson, a rifle from a wounded soldier and firing on i\ie foe, till falling faint and dying from a rebel ball ? It Avas the murder of the jMassachusetts troops in the streets of Baltimore tliat roused the rage of his young heart to aveni:!,-e their blood. Father and son at once S3 The Drummer-Boy of MarUehead. enlisted. The son could play the " Star Spangled Ban- ner" and " Yankee Doodle," and on trial, Col. Kurtz, struck with his bold and inspired mannc:\ appointed him in one of the companies of tiic x\Iassachus<.lts 23d, being the youngest drummer in the regiment. They sailed in the Burnside expedition ; and in the battle of Roanoke Island, after a weary march tlirougli slime and water, they came in sight of the enemy's bat- tery- " Who will go and take it ?" asked the General commanding. " The Massachusetts 23d," was the quick reply. *' Forward, then, double-quick !" and in the teeth of a galling fire they rushed to their death as it had been to their bridal. The father fell wounded by his side, but the son heeded him not ; his whole soul had lost itself in the work before him. '^ Look at that child," said one officer to another ; " No wonder we conquer, when boj'S fight so." " Did'nt 1 say they should run to.the old tunes ?" and seizing a disabled revolver for a drum-stick, he struck up, in a wondrously defiant wxiy, our impudent old strain of Yankee Doodle. A flying rebel heard it, and looking back, took sure aim at Albert. A man near the boy saw him, and tried to pull Albert down, but he stood his ground, and the ball did not fail to do its deadly work. i And you will love his knightl}"' colonel none the less" when 1 tell you that his strong arms held tlie dying bo}'. His pale lips moved at last, and they bent eagerly to hear his words. Some inquiry for his miss- ing father — some last precious words for his lonely mother ? No ; only this, boylikc, " Which beat, quick, tell me?" Tears ran like rain down the blackened faces, and one, in a voice husky wi^i sobs, said, '' Wq, A Camp of Females at Island No. 10. 89 Albert, the field is ours." The ears death had already deadened caug-ht no sound, and his slight hand flutter- ed inipatiently as again be gasped, " What, tell quick V " We beat 'em intirely, me boy," said a big Irish ser- geant, who was crying like a baby. He heard then, and his voice was as strong as ever as he answered, " Wily don't you go after 'em ? Don't mind me, I'll catch up — I'm a little cold, but running will warm me.'* He never spoke again : the coldness of death stiffened his limbs, and so he passed from the victor}^ of earth to the God who gave us the victor}-. If the mother of the Gracchi could point to her sons and say, " These are my jewels," with wliat a loftier, holier pride can the Massachusetts mother of this gal- lant boy recall the memory of her heart's idol ! Build him a monument of the old Bay State's granite, and let his name live for ever high in the temple of Fame I A Oamp of Females at Island No. 10. We are carried back, by the scenes here described, to the times of the Spanish buccaneers, aiid learn with a blush the abandonment of moral restraint among the soldiers of the South. " On a beautiful hill," writes an ofiScer of Commodore Foote's victorious flotilla, "surrounded by beautiful groves, budding wild flowers, and the accompanyitig charms of a rural retreat, we found a bevy of nymphs encamped, and enjoying soldierly life in. real earnest. There were twelve or fifteen of them, of different ages, but all young, and more or less fair to look upon. They 90 A Camp of Females at Island No. 10. sat round the camp fire, and cooked their breakfast, a little disheveled and rumpled, as might, perhaps, be expected, in remembrance of the scenes of excitement they had passed through, but yet as much composed, and as much at home, as though they had campaigned it all their lives. There was a stray lock of hair hang- ing here and there, an unlaced bodice granting chary glimpses of vast luxuriance of bust, a stocking down at the heel, or a garter with visible downward tenden- cies — all of which was attributed to our early visit. There were all the marks of femininity about the place. The embowering trees were hung with hoop skirts and flaunting articles, which looked in the distance like ab- breviated pantaloons. A glance at the interior of their tents showed magnificent disorder. Dimity and calico, silk, feathers, and all the appurtenances of a female boudoir, were visible. It was a 7'ai'a avis in terra — a new bird in the woods. *' These feminine voj'ageurs were real campaigners. The chivalry of the South, ever solicitous for the sex, could not resist the inclination for its society, and hence the camp of nymphs by the river side, in the embower- ing shade, et cetera. I will not say much for their fair fame, or for the good fame of the confederate officers, Avliose baggage was mingled in admirable confusion with the rumpled dimity and calico, whose boots and spurs hung among the hoop skirts and unmentionables, and whose old hats ornamented the tent-poles or decked ihe heads of the fair adventuresses. It was a new fea- ture in war." 91 l^ho was She ? On April 28th, while the National fleet was anchored off New Orleans, and before the city liad been definite- ly surrendered by the authorities, a small boat, pulled by one pair of oars was observed leaving- the levee. A closely veiled lady was noticed in the stern. When she reached one of the vessels, she drew" back her veil and beckoned to the officer of the watch. The Captain, who had remarked that she was young" and apparently very lovely, dreaded the influence of the fair syren upon his subordinate, as with a gesture he forbade his respond- ing" to the mute appeal, and repaired himself to the gangway. Probably he imagined that forty odd years were more secure than twenty from treasonable temp- tation. *' Pra}'-, sir," she asked, in the most musical voice imaginable, " might I inquire if a person named Mc Clellan is on board." At the same time she made him a brief but impera- tive sign, which he construed to signify that he was ex- pected to reply in the affirmative. " Certainly there is, madam !" The white lie may be pardoned on the score of the brilliancy of the flashing eyes which partially bewil- dered the Captain, " Might I trouble you to give him this letter ?" As the Captain descended to take it from one of the smallest and most delicately gloved hands he had ever seen, he partially recovered the presence of mind which had not deserted him once during- the fierce strunrsrle of the preceding days. He was unwilling that the first 92 Who was she ? pair of bright eyes he had seen for weeks sliould vanish BO quickl}'-. • " Would yon not wish to step on board, madam, and speak with him ?" A wicked smile flitted over the charming face before him, and but for his age, and the wife he had left in the North, he would infallibly have lost his heart. As it was, he felt it almost going, and laid his heavy hand upon it to check its disposition for levanting from its legitimate owner. "No ; I thank you," she said. " Such an unexpected pleasure might prove somewhat embarrassing." Saying this, she again sat down, drew her veil over her face, and making a sign to the colored boatman, was pulled once more towards the levee. The Captain gazed after her, sighed, and then looked at the letter. " I suppose I must do duty for McClellan on this oc- casion," he said. '• But who the deuce can she be." He then opened it. The letter contained a great deal of valuable infor- mation respecting the temper of the population of the city. It also stated that Forts Pike and Livingston had been evacuated, and their garrisons despatched to join Beauregard rU Corinth, and distinctly affirmed that no Union sentiment could find expression in New Orleans until those who felt it could be guaranteed the pro- tection of United States troops against the temper of the populace. Subsequent events have proved that the fair correspondent was right; and the young subaltern, who was only able to catch an occasional glimpse of those delightful e^^es as she was speaking to his com- A Female Spy, 93 manding officer, says that, "Never before was the flashing glance of beauty one half so agreeable.'* A Female Spy. No doubt the sunny South has received many, and some very important, favors from the fair sex. At Washington, for a while, they played an almost open game, being several instances educated, handsome and fashionable, having access to cabinet circles, and intimate with heads of bureaus, officers of war. State, etc. A pretty and talented woman is a dangerous ar- ticle to the peace of man individually, and sometimes to the peace of the country. Even patriotism is not safe against the charms, and wiles, and intrigues of the gay deceivers. Therefore it was that our generally gallant Secretary of State felt compelled to arrest and imprison, first in their own houses, and afterwards in less comfortable quarters, a few of the most dangerous of the sex. At last a well-known lady was detected in corresponding and receiving messages through the medium of pound- cake, which circumstance determined him to ship them all to Norfolk by a flag of truce, as the only wa^^ to get rid of such a nuisance. The heroine of our chapter is a Mrs. Baxley, who was arrested and examined on the steamer Georgiana, be- tween Fortress Monroe and Baltimore. From some remarks she made, a Mr. Brigham, who was a detective, jocosely asked her if she was a seces- sionist, to which she answered " yes." After the gang 94 A Female Spy. plank was run out, the boat having Janded at Balti- more, Mrs. Baxley was heard to say that she " thanked God she had arrived home safe ;" and when about step- ping ashore, Mr. Brigham tapped her on the shoulder and requested her attendance in the ladies' cabin. As soon as the room was reached her bonnet was taken off, between the linings of which was found upwards of fifty letters sewed in, when she exclaimed that having been found out, she thought it best to deliver up the " contrabands" and be allowed to proceed on her way. But Mr. Brigham insisted upon it that she had others, and lo ! in her shoes and stockings numerous other let- ters were also found. The lady was closely guarded until the Provost Marshal of Baltimore was informed of the circumstance, when he sent a woman to examine Mrs. Baxley with more scrutiny. Almost every pos- sible place about her clothing was filled with letters from Secessia for rebel sj-mpathizers in Baltimore, but in her corsets was found a document which, when taken by the woman examining the smuggler, Mrs. Baxlej' rushed at her, and getting hold of the paper, tore it in two. The document proved to be a commission from Jeff Davis to a Dr. Septimus Brown, of Baltimore, also passes and direction for him to run the federal blockade in order to gain the rebel domains. j Mrs. Baxley was taken to a hotel, and several police officers placed on guard over her. While locked in her room she dropped a note out of the window addressed to her lover (the rebel doctor), imploring him for God's sake to ll}-, as all was discovered. It seemed to be her onl}^ and darling desire to get her lover a commission in the rebel army, and, having succeeded, she was only 3Iiss Taylor in Camp Dick Robinson, 95 detected in her nefarious transactions when about com- pleting her mission. Miss Taylpr in Camp Dick Eobinson. A young lady who has been with the East Tenues-^ seens during their stay in Camp Dick Robinson, is thus alluded to by the camp correspondent of the Cincinnati Times: " One of the features of the 1st Tennessee Kegiment is the person of a brave and accomplished young lady of but eighteen summers, and of prepos- sessing appearance, named Sarah Taylor, of East Ten- nessee, who is the step-daughter of Captain Dowden, of the 1st Tennessee Kegiment. Miss Taylor is an ex- ile from her home, having joined the fortunes of her step-father and her wandering companions, accompany- ing them in their perilous and dreary flight from their homes and estates. Miss Taylor has formed the deter- mination to share with her late companions the dangers and fatigues of a military campaign. She has donned a neat blue chapeau, beneath which her long hair is fantastically arranged ; bearing at her side a liighly- finished regulation sword, and silver-mounted pistols in her belt, all of which gives her a very neat appearance. She is quite the idol of the Tennessee boys. They look upon her as a second Joan of Arc, believing that victory and glory will perch upon the standards borne in the ranks favored by her loved presence. Miss Captain Taylor is all courage and skill. Having become an adept in the sword exercise, and a sure shot v/ith the pistol, she is determined to lead in the van of the march 96 31iss Taylor in Camp Dick Robinson, bearing her exiled and oppressed countrymen back to their homes, or, if failing, to offer np her own life's blood in the sacrifice." A gentleman who was on the ground on Saturday night, the 19th instant, when the order was issued to the Tennesseeans to march to reinforce Colonel Gar- rard, informs us that the wildest excitement pervaded the whole camp, and that the young lady above alluded to mounted her horse, and, cap in hand, galloped along the line like a spirit of flame, cheering on the men. She wore a blue blouse, and was armed with pistols, sword and rifle. Our informant, wlio has been at the camp the whole time since the arrival of the Tennes- seeans, says that Miss Taylor is regarded by the troops as a guardian aiigol, w^ho is to lead them to victory. These persecuted men look upon the daring girl who followed their fortunes through sunshine and shadow, with the tenderest feeling of veneration, and each would freely offer his life in her defence. There was but little sleep in the camp on Saturdaj- night, so great was the ju}"^ of the men at the prospect of meet- ing the foe, and at a very early hour in the morning they filed away jubilantly, with their Joan of Arc in the van. Just before taking up their line of march they all knelt, and, lifting up their right hand, sol- emnl}^ swore never to return without seeing their homes and loved ones. Whether the East Tennessee- ans of Camp Dick Ixobinson shall do daring deeds or not, Miss Taylor's fame is perfectly secure. She is a girl of history, and poetry will embalm her name in undying numbers. * The Dying Soldier. 97 A CHAP in Virginia was taken prisoner the other day by the rebels, who demanded that he should take an oath to support the Confederate Government. The fellow said he had taken many big oaths in his day, but he could not support his family, and to swear to sup- port the Jeff Davis Government was taller swearing than he dared to do these hard times. The Dying Soldier. — In one of the hospitals near Alexandria lay a youthful soldier gasping for his last breath. He could not speak ; but by signs he made his comrade, who was a kind-hearted, though unlettered son of Erin, understand that he wanted the chaplain. Kev. Mr. B was soon by his bedside. " What is it, my poor boy ?" lie said, kindly. The youth feebly point- ed to his mother's signature in a letter lying beside his pillow, then more feebly to the dark locks which shaded his pale brow. The ^chaplain was quick to catch the boy's meaning. *' Send a lock of hair to your mother, James ?" The eager nod answered him. " Any mes- sage, dear boy ? Can you whisper a word of farewell ?'* No, he could not, his breath was nearly spent. But a single movement of his finger, first pointing to his heart, and then upward, was full of significancy to the intent eye of the soldier's friend. " Yes, James, I un- derstand — 3'our soul is resting on Jesus, you are going to your heavenly home ; I shall write to your mother, and she will bless God amid her tears." A loving, grateful smile beamed upon the chaplain, and James was no more. 98* A Tough Customer. They grow some tough customers up in the " Northt Woods." A chap named Jim Hill, of White Lake, enn listed in a cavalry compan}^ a 3'ear ago, and deserted.l He then enlisted 'in Col. Whenlock's regiment, fromi which he also deserted. He came home, enlisted under the recent order, received his bounty, and skedaddled for John Brown's Tract. He was subsequently nabbed; lodged in the Lewis County Jail, started for the seat 0: war, got as far as Booneville, where liis handcuffs wer( taken off and where he " mysteriously disappeared ' during the night. He was again caught, handcuffeC' and put into a room, and his clothes taken away. n( escaped from an " upper story " by making a ladder the bed-clothes, wrapped himself up in a quilt and re visited the classic shores of White Lake, where he wa at last accounts ! That man has genius. A YOUNG MAN who had been employed as a waiter i a saloon, in Rochester, and who had enlisted in tli 140th llegiment, deserted. He was caught by a guar sent in search of him, and, on his way back to cam^ asked permission to call' at a shoe store to do an erranc The request being granted, the chap ran through tlii back door of the store and entered the saloon- where h had been employed. Thither he was pursued by tl, guard, who after a thorough search of the premise left, satisfied that he had escaped. All tjiis time he wt concealed under the crinoline of the cook, who subs, quently confessed to tlie part she had played. The d< serter, when the search had been given up, emerge from his hiding-place, and got away. Sure Enough. 99 Sure Enough. — A teamster in our army was out- rageously rough, and yelled at his mules very foolishly, annoying all around him. The General, who happened not to be in uniform, once heard him, and ordered him to stop such outcries. "And who are you?" said the driver. " I am the commander of this division," replied the General. " Well, then, command your division ; / am commandtr of these mules, and I'll holler and swear as much as I please," roared the team driver. S. H. Hill, a young man about 18 years of age, who has just returned from New Orleans, where he has been a waiter for an ofiScer in a Vermont regiment, enlisted in Northampton, Mass., a few days ago, but was re- jected b}' the surgeon in consequence of having a stiff finger. He was told by the surgeon that if he would have the finger taken off. he would pass him. The fin- ger waft accordingly removed, and the plucky young man has re-enlisted. ft» ^- o » « < ■ When General Stuart seized on General Pope's camp, he found there a darkey about the same size as General Pope, and this contraband individual he encased in the General's best clothes, cihoulder-straps and all, and caused to ride beside him on a mule through Warren- ton, labelled on his back, " No retreat !" " Onward to Richmond !" No doubt but that General Stuart thought that to dress a darkey in the federal uniform, was suf- ficient to make him fit to ride beside him ! 100 An Explanation. Hard bread, or as it is generally called in camp, « hard tack," is the soldier's food on a campaign. It comes in square wooden boxes, on which different ma- kers put their various brands. One day a lot of boxes of peculiarly hard crackers arrived in the camp of the 5th Excelsior. Several of the boys were wondering the meaning of the brand upon the boxes, which was as follows : « B. C." 603. Various interpretations were given, but all were rejected, until one individual declared it was plain enough — could't be misunderstood. '■« Why, how so ?" was the query. " Oh," he replied, " that is the date when the crack- ers were made— six hundred and three years before Christ. (003 B. C") When the Fifth Excelsior regiment was camped near Port Tobacco, Md.,.the secesh farmers in the neighbor- hood raised a great outcry about a few chickens which had been missed from their poultry yards. Stringent orders were accordingly issued against foraging. Still, now and then an unlucky fowl would find its way into the mess kitchen, but nobod^^ could account for its presence there. At last an unlucky wight was caught bearing a goose into camp. He was brought to the Captain of his company, who in tones of severity demanded how in the face of such stringent orders he dare steal geese. * Details. 101 *' I didn't steal it," indignantly retorted the culprit. *' Did 3^ou buy it ?" *' No. I'll tell 3^011 how it was : I was coming" up from the village whistling Yankee Doodle, when out ,came one of old Farrell's geese, and hearing the tune I was whistling, commenced hissing. I couldn't stand that, and so I up and knocked it over. Well, as I had killed it, I thought that like as not a detail would be ordered out in the morning to bury offal, and I thought I might as well bring the goose up to camp and have it handy." The Captain could hardly " see it ;" nevertheless, Farrcll never g-ot paid for that goose. Details. There is not a Captain in the service who has not a chronic horror of the approach of the sergeant-major with tlie order, " Captain, you will detail ten men for ." Whatever has to be done, a detail is called for ; but the follov>'ing anecdote would seem to indi- cate that Gen. Sickels carries it rather farther than is ordinarily done : # At tlic battle of Fair Oaks, the enemy posted a lot of sharp-shooters in trees, and some of them had made some very good shots at the General. lie sent for a Captain of one of his companies. The Captain touched his hat, and awaited orders. " Captain," said the General, quietly, " there is a fellow in that tree yonder, who has been firing at me ; I wish you would detail a couple of men to shoot him." IIow the Secesh relished the detail, is not told. 102 1 The Drummer Boy. One of the volunteer military companies recently organized in Chicago, had a drummer boy 13 years old, a member of a Sabbath School of that city. As the company on drill were marching, through one of the streets, a fine flag, bearing the stars and stripes, was displayed from one of the many drinking saloons which mar the beauty and morals of that city, as they do all our cities, east and west. The Captain, overflowing with patriotism at the sight of our national ensign, ordered his men to halt, and give it a royal salute. The drummer boy, supposing the salute to be intended for the place, as well as for the flag, held his drum in perfect silence. The Captain, in a reproving tone, inquired the cause. " Sir," said the boy, " I w^ould not go into such a place as that, and I certainly can- not salute it." " My good boy," said the Captain, pat- ting him on the shoulder, " my good boy, you are right, and I am wrong." Eemembered and Mourned. For every man who falls in battle, some one mourns.. For every man who dies in hospital wards, and of whom perhaps no note is made, some one mourns. For the humblest soldier shot on picket, and of whose humble exit from the stage of life little is thought, some one mourns. Nor this alone. For every soldier disabled ; for every one who loses an arm or a leg, or who is wounded or languishes in protracted suffering ; 103 for every one who has " onlj' camp fever," some heart bleeds, some tears arc shed. In far otf humble house- holds, perhaps, sleepless nights and anxious da3^s are passed, of which the world never knows ; and every wounded and crippled soldier who returns to his family and friends, brings a lasting pang with him. Oh ! how the mothers feel this war ! If ever God is sad in heaven, it seems to me it must be when He looks upon the hearts of these mothers. We who are j^oung, think little of it ; neither, I imagine, do the fathers or the brothers know much of it ; but it is the poor mothers, and wives of the soldiers. God help them ! James Leonard, of Upper Gilmanton, has written a letter stating- his difficulties in trying to enlist. He says, among other indignant things : " After accept- ing several men over 45 3^ears of age, and several in- fants, such as a man like me could whip a dozen of, I was rejected because I had the honesty to acknowledge that I was more than forty-five 3^ears of age. The mustering officer was a very good-looking man, about thirty-five 3^ears old ; but I guess I can run faster and jump higher than he ; also take him down, whip hinij endure more hardships, and kill at least three rebels to his one." A preacher of the M. E. Church says that he and his brethren will f.ght the rebels in this world, and if God permit, chase their filgh'.ened ghosts in the next. 104 A citizen in one of onr neig-hboring cities, who had stirring appeals to his fellow-citizens to enlist, finally concluded to set the example and enlist himself. lie was " blessed" with a physical infirmity which he sup- posed would exempt him from military duty. Never- theless, knowing this, he was bound to show his pa- triotsm, and signed his name to an enlistment paper. The surgeon examined him and pronounced him '• all right — ^just the man for a soldier." " What !" said the astonished " patriot," '• you don't mean to say I can go?" "Certainly, sir." ''But," said he, "I haye a serious infirmity" — at the sam(3 time pointing it out to the examiner. " Never mind that," said the heartless surgeon, " you are all right ; go and do your duty." The last that was seen of this " patriotic" "individual, he was endeavoring to procure a substitute. A geography seems to be badly wanted down South. A letter from a sergeant in the 29th Massachusetts Regiment, dated " Near Norfolk, Virginia, Camp Mis- erj% Fifteen Miles from ' the Knowledge of God,' May 13th, 1862," says that Capt. Tripp's company was as well as could be expected, considering their situation. -« • m — f<- _ Every available article seems bound to go to lint, '" -^ju^i now. The oddest instance of this that we have "^J^ heatd .of, however, was furnished last week by our * 5^.Milesia(i Reporter, who, on being asked for the loan of *$>*, ^'to^mwAella, said that it Avas Lint already. 1^^ ^lif Dawley's Camp & Fireside Library.— No. 2. o 9 Written Expressly for this Series. The scenes of this strange story are laid in California, com- mencing some years before the gold mines were discovered, and brought down to the time " when mobs and murders were as plentiful as golden slugs ;" when gamblers were reckoned right and proper men, and gambling hells were the saloons of fashion, and men of mind, manners and money amused them- selves therein ; when theatres outnumbered churches, and play books. Bibles ; when courtezans were the acknowledged lead- ers of ton ; when San Francisco rivalled her elder sisters, both of the Old and New World, in her bowers of pleasure — for here was the great nucleus of splendor and gratification of every sens e. Fortunes were made in a single day. Men who had made fortunes in the mines came here. What wonder, then, if crime jostled crime in the streets. What wonder if fraud' throve in the mart of opulence, or that midnight brawls dis- turbed the repose of the few who tried to be just. Then arose the Vigilance Committee, taking judgment in- to their own hands, when the quivering bodies of flajgrant offenders swung from the wide windows of the Committee Rooms in Battery Street, an awful example of the dues of evil. THE PROMINENT CHARACTERS WHO FIGURE IN THIS STORY ARE- URREQUADA, the Mountain Outlaw. MERCEDES, his Lovely Daughter. ANGELA, the Nun of Santa Rosa Mission. HAROLD LUMAIN, the Mountain Adventurer. LILIAN DAHL, the Courtezan. HARRY GALTRIM and EVERHERT, the Gamblers. CHARLOTTE VESPASIAN, the V^oms n of the Street, and Murderess o-f Everhert, THE ROBBERS OF THE MINES, &o., &c. T, R. DAWLEY, Publisher, 13 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. DAWLEY'S CAMP AND FIRESIDE LIBEARY-No. 4. 9 The Avenger: A TALE OF LOVE AND HATE! TnE writer of this truly interesting and effective story is a lady of rare genius and well cultivated power of description She lias faithfully delineated her characters, which are true to life, and they will find an echo in many a heart. The trials of Isabella Trevard will awaken sympathy in every woman who has looked forward to a life of happinees and felt but its shadow. The history of Justina, her daughter, will thrill the reader with strange delight and admiration. As for Madern- 'oiselle Laureaux, the brilliant woman, none can excel her. Henri Livingston, he is worthy the contempt of all just men for his unvaryhig cruelty to, and unjust suspicions of his wife — ho but heaped coals of fire upon his own head, for his day of retribution came at last. Ernest and Mahel, his children, whom ho had taught to believe that their mother was un- worthy the name of wife, shared llie doom which burst like a thunderbolt among thera. Richard Carlton, the friend of Justina, was of that pure and noble type which shine like dia- monds in the social circle. Paul Moncrief, the betrothed ol Mahel, passes through many trying ordeals, from which hi* true heart never faltered. ^ PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS-MAILED, POSTPAID. T, R. DAWLEY, Publis^ 13 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. eO 1.2.2 ^^o^ C° _/^i/?^^ ^^-^^ ^1:. -^ •■'Si A -^.A. Ao ^"-V. .^' v s * • : - . ^ -.^ '^- ■^<:^ ?>.' i>"' ■''*. ^^ .r .0* » • o ^ .-,f ■ A. o :ie^% ^. .4y c ^ • « -♦ "^^ \. \- ,"^ h^' ^. ^^'^ '^^^. -,« .x ^, •7> -» ;- c° %. '^^^i^'' J^ ^^ [^"^ DOBBS BROS. LIBRARY BINOINO ST. AUGUSTINE ,^^ "^.^ - FU. ■'^' - 32084 :^'