Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-08-21
I" | WOnld ~

!
dertaken sIuce the beginning of the war, an en-
terprlse which we would not, even at this time
make public.
During the course of the following day, Nc
CleIlaud sent for private in the - OHIO
regiment who had served under him in Wes-
| tern Virginia as a scout In this lne the
Quo soldier, who Was ulcE named Weasel
BoO," on account of his peciliar abilities had
no equal. Having travelled from the Atlantic
to the Pacific ocean, aud from Oregon to Flo
rda be was thoroughly acquainted with the
| country, and the various modes aud lines Of
travelling therein.
Weasel Bob adored his commander, and in
return The latter placed in the eccentric sol
der the fullest confidence. Upon entering the
presence of Mcclellan, Bob glanced about him
as though FROM mere habit, while the General,
Salllng al hun, bade hin be seated aud inme-
dlately opened the conversation with,
" Robert, have Que Of the most difficult
and dangerous affairs TO place ia your hands
shat you have yet had"
Weasel Bob at this hung his cap on his
broad knee and placing his long bondy hands
thereon, he leaned forghrd and looked intent,
ly into the face of his Gcneral, in order to miss
nothing the latter might have to suv
There will be man here to night" con-
tinucd Mcclellan, " who has offered his ser
vice to make il tour of observation through
Virginia. He is Southern man; both by
blrth and principles, aud Yet he prUftsSeS
strong attachment to the y uion.
Now, 1t is my intention u send him into
Virginia, Upon au erraud Of high Importance,
which could hardly be accomplished by any
other man lie seems to he true, and worthy
of being trusted e; but, yet have suspicion
that he may possibly be III league with the reb;
els. and only u lng an apparent loyalty to the
Uuiou as a cloak TO hide his fealty aud friend
ship TO the Confederate Government.
" He will, as have said, be here this even
ing at 10 o'clock, to receive from me certain
instructions, after hich he Will immediately
staff South You will also be here, and when
he takes his departure. you will follow him
aud never lose sight of him until be returns,
when you will report instantly to no body but
myself. Do you understand %
" | think do, General" answered Weasel
Bob with q peculiar twinkle of hi. clIm bIua
eyes, think | do but with your pcrmis
SIGN, | will ask question.
Well, go on"
Ii catch him doing anything wrong am
to shoot himI'
70 . Above all things, should you discov-
er him at aug trtachery he sure to follow ouly
still more closely than ever, until his return
to WdShiugt0n aud note we'll lii0Se with whom
he has intercourse"
All right, General, / understand exactly
now aud I'll DO my best to fix everything just
as ton wait it.
With these words Weasel Bob rose to his feet
end left the room with the usral military sa-
Iut".
The next night, true to his appointrneht,
Mr. L, was at GeulGoi MCielIan's head
quarters, and having received the instructions
as to hls Course before mentioned, set forth gu
his mission.
Like bis oxn shadow. a tall lank figure fol-
lowed him, and tibet living shadow never left
him until the following tragic incident took
place.
Mr. F--had got as far as Hnrrsonhurg
without any difficulty, and as Weasel Bob
thought at the time, with much more ease than
good Union ma should be able to do
Bob did not recognize the fact that his own
presence in the same place proved the fa!Iacy
of his reasoning Mr. L, as we have u
timated, met with his first difficulty in Halr
sonburg, here be was recogzed by man who
rabid secessionist aud traitor, fully ac
Guain,ed with the character and sentiments OF
Mr. F.. As the latter was walking one
evening in one of the principal street OF the
town, he was met by his enemy who stopped
him and began to quest;t n him as TO the cause
Of his presence in the place.
A crowd instantly began to collect abopt
the two men, and as the conversation proceed
ed. cry was raised.
A spy traitor hang him kill him p
In a moment :nSh was made npon MT
T ard he was knocked down and would doubt
less have Instantly have been trampIed 10
death, had not ouT friend, Weasel Bon, rushed
forward, aud scattering his asSalants right
and left, stopped down aud raised him TO his
feet. with the words
Il dou't believe he's Union man he is
just az good a secesher as am myself"
Who are you ? who are you?" shouted
several Of the crowd who closed up aroud
Mr. F. and his rescaer.
Who am 2" quickly answered Weasel
BobA in indignant tones. am South
Garolins man | am"
Tha, other mans Union spy" yelled
one of the rioters. " Mr.. WIiams here says
be isp
Well if he is, let's attend to him but il
he eau prove that he isn't, Why don't go t"
mnreer an innocent man. That's what
sss"
This addr,ss uttered 10 convincing tones by
Bob, restrained the feelings OF the moh, anu
ii general assent tsas given to his opinion
The intended kindness, however proved OF lit,
lie tehtft to The poor vctitr.f for being search
ed on the spot pass given Mr.. Fly
Gen. Mcclellan himself was discovered
-ifhis was sufficient evidence, and it it was