The Portland daily press., 1862-11-21
MISCELLANY.
A Story of Harper's Ferry.

A Story of Harper's Ferry.
The correspondent of the Boston Tran
script, who told the story of Joe Parsons of
Baltimore, also visited Harpers Ferry, and in
his account thereof says:
As we returned to Washington, / narrated
to our little party the following reminiscence
of this spot, the details of which came within
nv knowledge more than ayear ago-illustra-
tive of getting
IN AND OUT OF THE REBEL CAMP.
During the clark days" of the rebellion,
early in the summer of 81, Harpers Ferry
was occupied in force by the rebels, and the
Government was desirous to obtain knowl-
edge of the status of affairs there-an object
not easily accomplished, on account OF the
constant and watchful care OF the enemy, and
the sharp severity accorded by the foe towards
anv one suspected as spy in their camps. A
young New England volunteer, Harry b,
presented himself one morning to high mil
itary functonary in Washington, and proposed
to undertake to learn what was going on at
this place.
ats a hazardous operation" said the Off
cial gravely.
II am aware Of that" responded the youth,
"but take the chances"
"Yonr success shall be amply compensated"
said the other "If you are discovered, how
@Deathr replied the youth, firmly.
"You are right young man. Go then-and
return assured of reward, if successful"
The young volunteer received his instruc-
tions, went to camp at the Relay House, and
at dark he sailed forth, in citizens dress pass,
ing the outer pickets with the countersign and
a cheerful good night" At day break he
reached the station from which the cars run
up by the Ferry; and occupying himself till
~ ha
Arriving at the Ferry, the train did not stop.
He watched his opportunity, as the cars moved
slowly round the curve, and dropped from the
rear platform upon the roadside and crept into
the woods.
The night was cloudy, and Harry had been
crouching beneath thick fir tree few mo-
ments calculating what he should do next,
when he heard footsteps approaching. II was
the rebel guard! There we're four of them.
They came directly to the side of the tree
where he lay concealed. But 1t was very
dark. He felt safe.
aHold on, Barker" said one, "give us
light"
Harry trembled perceptiby!
"Hanmond's come up to-day"
"Of the Third ?" asked another.
"Yes, old Georgy's alive, an the Thirds out
wonder, at the foot O the lane"
A match was lighted-the glare fell upon the
tree, through the branches Of which Harry
could plainly see the rebels features-but he
held his Nreath' and his presence there was not
suspected!
"'The countersign, Barker"
eyes, Old Dominion, foreverw said his COM
panions; and they moved on and passed out
Of sight. Harry had the password.
Thus armed our volunteer hastened down
the lane," determined to see Hammond"
whoever he was.
.Halt! Who goes there ?v shouted sentinel.
"a friend" replied Harry.
"Advance, friend, with the countersign."
"Old Dominion" said Harry, promptly.
"Right Pass on. friend" was the cheering
answer. (Which way?"
ssPm looking for Hammond. Hes down
here somewhere, learned"
"Of the Georgia Third"
eyes, said Harry, ives"
"Half a mile on you'll find the camp
He passed the guard safely, and soon found
Hammond"
"Sone mistake" said Harry, at a loss for a
subterfuge. Had you relative?"
Edward" said the rebel.
Eyes, Ned we used to call him."
'Did you know poor Ned?"
"As well as / did my own brother" (Har-
ry never had a brother.
"He's goner."
"Dead ?" exclaimed Harry.
"Kied at Vienna"
Poor Ned! would like TO have seen him"
continued Harry, "poor felloww
swell, come in" insisted seeesh. You were
his friend-be mine. Come in" And into
the little tent Harry pushed behind his new
acquaintance, who was very anxious to do the
honors to his brothers friend.
"What might call you"
s.Smith," said Harry believing that he
might as well be called by this as by any
name.)
stopping long here, Smith?"
"No-no," replied Harry. Indeed he in
tended to get away as soon as possible)
"Take drnk-here's to poor Ned"
ITO poor Ned" said Harry, gulping down
the whiskey. And then he pumped his friend
Hammond, discreetly, until he ascertained the
strength of the enemy In that stronghold; who
was in command; what was the artillery and
time; how they were disposed, and what was
their grand plan--and then he bade Mr.. Ham
mond, of the Georgia Sd. good night, inviting
him to call upon him at the village next day
Harry passed the guards again safely, cross
ed the bridge, walked three honrs before day.
light next morning, met the return train, came
down toward the Relay, and on the second
evening after leaving, reached our outinost
picke' . 'ithout a scratch. Next day he pro-
Gee n o Washington, waited OH the Secreta-
ry, before him the facts he had learned,
and,f &c week afterwards, saw him with a
first Lieutenant's straps on his shoulders.
"Bravely earned!" said the official, when he
presented him with his commission.
Harry B is now Captain In the -
Regiment, and has proved one of the best and
bravest In this war.