Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-05-16
miscellaneous.
My Capture and Escape.

In the ranks of my regiment, | arrived
at Washington City, in June, 1861, and
was soon after sent out to the sacred soil
of Virginia Oar regiment was sent to
the advance OF the Federal lines, and
portions were sent out on picket duty
When it came my turn to advance near
the cncmy's lines, felt some apprehen-
sions for my safety, and though | was a
soldier. must frankly confess | feared
the rifles of the sharp-shooters. Near
where our pickets were stationed was a
little old-iashinncd log house that looked
comfortable and cheering, and often made
me feel sad, when seated in some little
nook or corner of the bushes watching
the enemy. How that old log house made
my heart palpitate, and drew from me
deep and heavy sighs. Not that ! had
lost one particle Of my patriotism or felt
any the less brave or willing to fight for
my country, but it would bring to my
mind pictures of home, and OF the many
pleasant scenes | had passed with my Sis
tcrs aud brothers around the family board
noticed that the house was occupied,
and fair forms fitted in and out, aud one
in particular drew my attention. | be-
came deeply interested in the inmates OF
that house; and, AZ thought the matter
over, it seemed as il | could not restrain
my curiosity but | must visit it. Stand
ing, a. it did, between two hostile armies.
what could induce its inmates 10 remain.
with destruction visible all around them
1t was beautiful afternoon in the lat
tier part of June. that was again on
picket duty in the vicinity Of the log
house. was determined that day To
satisfy my curiosity, and visit the hguse.
leaving my companion, stole across a
field or two, watching, with 4 yigilaut eye
every bush or fence, to prevent surprise
As | approached the house, heard 4
plain,ive song. but sung 20 sweedy that |
wept, though | felt ashamed Of myself,
as soldier, for my weakness. | drew
.rlosc up beside the house, aud IN a crouch
aug position, silently listened. The
song ceased, heavy, hasty step sounded
on the floor.
Father, what is the matter =" heard
voice ezcaiu, that was mingled Nlth
an agitatcd aud mourniuI quiSer.
My dear, dear daughter, you and
YOUR mother must depart at once. 1ou
snust 90 to Washington, aui from thence
you may find your way to Massachusetts,
where your uncle lives. Tell hun, that
his brother implores him to protect YOU
until can reach you. Our country l.
torn and distracted ard utter ruin seems
to hang over il. Oh, Cod when Will all
this trouble end r.
And you, George" believe this was
the voice OF the wife, where are you
going?'
| had now approached creviee thro'
which 1 could see the interior Of the
house, and when the question vas asked
] could see the man start, and look at hi,
wife in mute astoniskmeHt. His face
turned white then scarlet, aud then
dark blue +; his eyeballs seemed to start
from their sockets, and the VEINS III his
neck swelled to au enormous size; he
trcmbled aud reclcd, and down he sat i'll
chair.
"Wherc am going be gasped.-
God only knows ~
why, what on earth do you mean p
fairly screamed his wife.
| mean this" said he, more calm
Il am going into the rebel army, not
from my own free will but from comPu.-
sion, to save my property from contsta-
tion, aud save home for you aud Jenny.
"Oh, father, do not Join the rebel
army, bu. fight for the old Stars and
Stripes, and Tor the country you have so
long loved" and Jenny caught her father
about his neck and kissed him.
could get but a single glance at her
face, but how lovely she looked, pleading
for her country and her fathers honor
The mother was standing by him; and
the great tears flowing down her checks
and dropping on his shoulders.
"Come, dear father, let us 80 North 4;
Uncle Dasid is good man, and We can
live in safety there"
The father sat and listened TO the
pleadings of his daughter, and these were
Joined by the wife With such stirring pa
fhos, that he yielded. and consented TO
leave Immediately for Washington, and
join the Federal army.
You have decided me, | will 60" he
exclaimed. and the terror that ogtated
him few moments had entirely fled.
"Bless you, father !" exclaimed 1nny,
Ms she drew back an old board that was
against the wall, over the mauteI-piece
and from secret hiding-place, drew out
small 4tiful Star Spangled Banner.
There my father, under the folds of
that flag you must fight, ii you will go to
war, but not beneath the Palmetto, the
Pelican, aud the Serpent" and she threw
it around his shoulders, while his stalwart
frame braced up, and his eye frightened,
as he pressed the Stars and Stripes to his
bosom.
How loved that girl, as she stood
there in all the majesty Of her pride,
gazing on her father. | could have
fought regiment of rebels at that mo-
ment, or as many more as might have
been against me. Had been ready to
marry at that moment would have