Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-09-25
WAR SKETCHES BY A NORTHERN RANGER
NIGHT ADVENTURE

WAR SKETCHES BY A NORTHERNRAN
NIGHT ADVENTURE.
was invited by soldier of the regiment
of the "Fire Zouaves" to accompany him in
ono Of those private adventures which were 20
popular among the men of his corps, during
our recent movements upon the banks of the
Potomac.
This kind Of expedition always carries with
it charm which infames the Imagination OF
the volunteer to degree unknown ia the more
precise movements Of regular force. The
Individual courage of the man seems lost in
comparison among concentrated mass which
depends for its success not SO much upon per-
s0nal pCrwess as upon mechanical exactitude
in its svolutions.
Men of the description of my adventurous
friend are generally despisers of stiff coared
coats and close drill, and especial admirers of
loose jacket and Stree fight" With them
amartinet, unless he prove fighter, is simply
an abomination.
In few words, accompanied by some mys-
terous gestures, my friend H informed me
that, through the disclosures Of deserter who
had just arrived from the rebel lines, he had
learned that quantity of ammunition, con-
sistng of several thousand ball cartridges for
musket use, had been concealed in an upper
room Of house belonging to a noted Seces-
sionist and suspected spy. This house was
distant about three miles from our encamp-
ment, and the cartridges which were conceal
ed therein had been packed in small canvas
bags; these bags the daring fellow proposed,
with the assistance of myself, to capture or
destroy. His plan was this: We we're to OBJ
tain, by some means, horse and wagon, to be
ready at q certain point, a short distance from
the camp, at sunset, aud each proceed thither
by different routes. In order the better to avoid
observation, and as darkness fell upon the
hrI 4 IN vrtf lin fot s,,,,
dred yards Of the dwelling containing the con-
tenplated pluDder. Then, hiding the wagon
IN neighboring chimp OF trees, some distance
from the road, We were TO proceed i'm such
manner as circumstances would permit. In
answer to my inquiries as to the feasibility,of
procuring tho wagon, and the possibility OF
ever being able to load it even if we sue
cceded in cOnBUg in contact with the coveted
ammunition bags, was greeted by a signh-
cant wink and two or three slow successive
nod. Of the head, which, il not productive Of
much intelligence, were ite>indcstive of the
Zouaves determination to carry out his de-
sign.
The sun was declining when started on my
journey, taking a somewhat circuitous path to
the place of rendezvous, and walking an
irregular strolling manner, the better to escape
the observation OF the comrades of my friend,
who were always on the alert for any adven-
ture. Behind a rising and wel-wooden piece
OF ground soon discovered my friend H,
cody seated in One-horse wagon, smoking a.
shsrt pipe, and, at intervals, philosophically
-iecturing ragged son of Africa upon the pro-
priety of his meeting us at this same spot on
the following night, in order to receive his
horse and vehicle, and the desired remunera-
tion for the use of them. After many doubt
ful scratches OF his woolly head and singular
expressions Of dissatisfaction-aI of which
were met by great distrus: and heavy threats
hp nf he Of
punishment to be dealt out to the mutinous
''darkey'' if he presumed to dog our path-he
permitted us to depart, and we left him, evil
IDENTITY in thick fog as to the fate of the prop
erty so inconsiderately entrusted to the safe
keeping of stranger.
After short drive, during which but few
words were spoken, We arrived at the spot
where We had agreed to conceal the horse and
wagon. This operation effected, we next pro-
ceedcd to calculate chances. After few part
Ing pufs H shook the ashes from his pipe,
thrust 1t Into the pocket of his jacket, and
drawing forth from the wagon a coil of fine
rope, which he hung round his neck, gave the
word to advance. 1t was now pitch dark the
distance from the place of our destination two
hundred yards, according to my comrades
estimate. A solitary light, cleaning red amid
the darkness ahead of us, betrayed the spot
where stood the building which contained the
OBJECT of our expedition. With this light for
Out guide, we cautiously advanced IN silence,
unoroken save by the occasional swapping of
some dried twigs beneath our feet and the
muttered melediction bestowed upon it by my
companion.
At length We came into close proximity to
;ne mouse. Everything seemed to be buried
~ deep stiffness. Not sound could we
near. Not the warning growl of dog gave
hs.ice he OF our approach. No light was visible
out the one which had hitherto been our guide,
ana this still shone from the half closed case
rreht OF an apartment on the ground floor.
ane Window-sill was about rs high from the
sround as the ordinary height of man, and
aHaer this We crept and crouched to listen for
~, ~. sounds that might escape from the inte-
;. or. Directly over this room, H told me, our
n'ehded prize was concealed. He was thor |
OSshiy informed as to the relative positions
~ ~ me different passages necessary to pass
rough in order to gain the desired treasure.
4, darkness Of the night was SO dense that
Vas with difficulty We could discern the |
"sSsenee Of each other as we lay and listened.
suddenly there was hustle within and the
Sraa SsUsaa OF several. voices. The warning pro-
IsSs eo oy the low hissing "hush' of my COM
us prevented q haif-uttefed exclamation Of |