Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-01-17
Attracting Rebel Post Omce Examined
a Lady in the Case.
Correspondence Of the New York Tribune
FoBrtuss monroe, OLD PoINr CoaFoEr.}
December 30. 1861.

FORrtuss M0SRoE, OLD POINT CoaFoRr.}
December 30, 1867.
Saturday afternoon last, there came
from Norfolk two ladies', direct from Richmond; one OF
them from Rhode Island, whose identity was established
beyond all dispute, and was accompanied by her son, re-
leased from imprisonment. The other. by the name OF
Baxley, was travelling on the usual pass. On the way TO
Old Point, she made inquiries Of Capt Mlward whether
she would be subjected to an examination az Old Point,
and as SIZE WAS informed that Provost Marshal Davis
lb0ut whom she seemed anxious to know as much a.
possible in advance, would probably act According 20 cir
cunstauccs she appeared slightly uneasy. On arriving
here she was not submitted 10 a rigid examination. but
allowed TO proceed 10 Baltimore. Capt Davis suspicious
had become aroused however, aud as the boat was about
70 leave. he particularly charged his deputy, Sergeant
Brigham, Of Fortress Monroe who constantly goes up md
down the bay, TO keep n close watch GA her. This officer
formed her acquaintance during the evening, but she did
not suspect the capacity IN which he was acting.
The suspicious communicated by Capt. Davis were
strengthened, but IT was deemed prudent TO communicate
theTH 70 no ane, nor go take any steps beforo morning
AttAe breakfast table, Ms. Rayey, 0or she appeared g
herself a sseesionist, which eunfey cougiceed Dgputg
Marshal Brehsn that h. was ON the right trsak. Tla
boat ar1ved Of b 1inore, and Mrs 3. went a-aare aai
engaged IA hacN keturmng otle bost she gathered up
her luggage, which consisted 81 q safchel and two o.
three parce z and was about TO leave the boat finally
when the othcer informed her that he desired @ few mo-
deputy provost marshal for Old Poinz, acting under the
orders OF General Wool. Protesting some surp ! e, She
accompanied him to the mems saloon o. the boat where
she wBs Informed that she would have 10 submit 10 have
her person examined
Iuls piece or IlofLlauou threw her OF her balance.
In fact completely broke her down. She confessed, and
taking her bonnet from he head. disclosed the fact that n
was lined with letters and taking of her shoes and
Stockings brought ont another batch, az the same time
protesting on her honor and character that they were all
she had ia her possession. But the officer. who had i'm.
bibed no elevated opinion OF either, declined TO accept
the assurance, and informed her that the examination
must 90 on. Meanwhile, Provost MusaaI McPhaiL who
had been sent for, arrived with a female 20 make the
search, which was In q siater0om. We. need not here
eonhne ours, yes 70 minuiriy detail further than 70 state
that officer Brigham who was az tie door. soon had his
attention attracted by a noise and q scream IN the state
room Opening tine door, be beheld the searcher with
her hands griped about the throat 0f the searched, who
was nearly iH a nude state. and who clenched in one II
her hands a paper Of which the officer % being no time
for special notesty) speedily took possession. airs Bax-
ley was highly indignant IN fact she was amazed. per
iectly furious, and undertook to make an exhibition Of
herself a Ia varieties in the saloon Of the boat.
The paper in question was a commission signed by
Jefferson Davis, appointing Dr. Septamus Brown. Of
Baltimore, surgeon in the Confederate army. This. with
other papers and letters. was ingenousiy placed in the
lining OF q part Of her dress, so as to mcrease the full
ness, 30 becoming q well proporHoned woman, though
seldom suspected Of owing It's graceful lines % cOmmis-
si0ns signed by Jefferson Davis. The search was thor
oueh. J. tteIs and papers OF more or less Importance
were found in all sorts OF places Airs. BaIiey now had
little left 20 conceal aud she was perfectly ferocious
Reckoning herself, she was taken ia custody to the pro
vost marshais office. Here she undertook 10 convey a
warning 10 some 0ue-prObably BrOyru-by throwing
out Of the window a piece Of paper which had written
On i, Flee 1 Gm caught All Is lost The message
fell into other hands than those for whom 30 wasiateuded.
DR.. Brown WAS shortly atcr lodged in Fort Mcueury,
and proper steps taken IN regard to other persons inpi-
tanned in custody. To officer Brigham she confessed
that but q short time ago she left Baliim0 e. made her
way across Maryland 20 the Potomac, aud thence to
Richmond told her adventures, which wors marked BY
many a striking incident with bitter lamentations, and
with almost d broken heart, mourning the miscarriage of
Hl her undertakings