Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-08-21

GENERAL MeCLELLAN's SCOUT.
BY WESLEY BRADSHAW.

There is not, perhaps, one Of onr numerous
readers who has not tors0tie" the anxiety, the
doubtS and fears, which possessed the public
mud Immediately after the Bull Bun battle.
Nor is there one perhaps, who forgetS the
thrill of joy which took the place OF all other
cmotlons III the peoples heart, when in the
terrible hour OF natiouai suspense, liio star OF
George B McClelitn rose promfsimglv from
the mountains Of Western Virginia. The
veteran Scott, LAYING aside all motives but his
couarry's welfare, said To the nation, iictC is
your future guiding star follow alil aud you
will he saved
Amidst the darkness and tempest The
haton'S eye has ever since been bent conhd'
iagIy gu the guiding STAR aud they have been
led by it to glory and success.
When the gallant young cUirimandet, who,
In 50 te of the murhuatlomS of his enemies, Is
still first in the hearts of his countrymen." "
first arrived in Wa>hlngtGn, IL found single
letter waiting for him. Breaking the SEAL he
learned that 1t was from an old friend "a strong
advocate OF Southern rights asking an early
Interview on BUSINESS Of The highest impoc
lauce to the GovernElcnt.
For IL while Mcclellan musCd Gpnu the tone
Of this m>sive. Trrachery was rampant ID
The Capital it !u.-ru iu every department,
ana scarcely any Cpe could he trusted by
those VINO had been selected TO guide public
afIlrS McCielIan'S decision was, however,
speedily made, ard as speedily pct III tAecu
lion, for The same evening the writer or The
mysterious letter was cIoseted with the new
commander for nearly All hour aud half.
During the interview the latter elected
from his visitor information CT the utmost in
pOrtance, provided 1t proved true. But here
VAS the difficulty. The statements made hy
the geutem we're all given III Candid,
Straight forward manner, aud no cross queStOi-
could shake il in the least Mcclellan fixed
his eyes upau the face of his Old friend, and
scrutlnlz@d every lineament thereof, but failed
10 discover the least expression that might
awaken distrust.
At last aftef remaining minute or so III
profound thought, he turned quick, penetrat'
!us glance upon his visitor, aud asked with
peculiar emphasis /:
" Mr. T., you say that you have the
cause of the Union at heart, that you cherish
II more than aught else wonld you be willing
70 run any risk for its sake !'
" | would, General" was the immediate aud
uuheslraling reply.
Would you be willing TO give up your fam
i!y for The sake OF your e0dntry 2"
The answer 10 tins 'nterrogalory was delayed
lof iu half Il minute, during which delay
NcClcIIan's look seemed to pierce to the very
ae,nhs If the q. hers soul. A flush came to
I The cheeks Of Mr. L. and his hand which
thrust carelessly b IL attn tne breast tf lis C a
\ ciaLchlU 1T something once or twice. The
VI Hush lett his cheek, however, aud the conceal
4 ed hand became stlII as he replied i'll voice
y almost as firm as before
TAat, General is the hardest part, bnt |
am willing even to give up my family for my
4 country"
Tie gallant McCelahs generous feelings
Iho Impulses welIed up within his breast, aud
le was about to grasp the hand of his friend,
Nj 'ueu the position in which he stood toward
nS county reeutered his MUD with full force,
anu he continued his questions.
Mr.. F---would you be willing to give
Nm Jour lie tor the Uuou 2"
HI " | would,
lhere was even less hesitancy abort This
"0s%er than the most prompt of the others.
Would YOU" cOntInued Mcclellan, be
wiling TO go in amy portion Of the rebelhods
p'ateS aud obtain Information such as would
=, 70 useful TO the Government iu the prosecu
BOD Of its plans for The war;"