Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-03-12
AN INCIDENT OF FORT poNELsoN.

Since this war commenced we have had re
peated instances of the fidelity and heroism of
runaway slaves in the Union cause, and of
the black iagratltude with which they have
been treated by men wearing the American
uniform, but who are traitors to every noble
and just sentiment, leaving humanity out of
the question. We have now two instances
well authenticated, of the great value contra
bands have been TO the federal cause, one of
whom, we are happy to say, did not meet with
the astounding treachery so many have expe-
rienced. The first case occurred at Port To-
hacco, Md. A slave of man named Cox
came within Gen. Hookers lines and gave
valuable information, but was afterwards de
livered up to Cox, who whipped the slave to
death on reaching his home-an account of
which has heretofore been published. The
second instance in which a slave gave valuable
information is as follows:
''l will narrate one incident of the siege of
Fort Deneison, which has heretofore been un-
published, but which depends for its verify
upon the statement Of officer high in rank.
On Saturday night, February 18th it will be
remembered that Floyd and his brigade escap-
ed from the Fort by means of transport. 1t
was but brief time after the great thief's
abrupt departure that a contrahand belonging
to oneofFloyd' S officers escaped from he rebels
and came within our lines where Lauman's
Brigade was stationed. He brought to Gen
Grant the news of Floyd's escape, and minute
ly described the manner in which it was ac-
complshed, and the number of zen who had
escaped. His statement was at first doubted
but subsequent events confirmed the negro'S
announcement. The next morning the garri-
son offered to capitulate, and upon The strength
of the contrabdnd's announcement, and the
knowledge of its truth, General Grant sent 10
General Bnckner his demand for an uncondi-
tlonal surrender, and his threat to immediate
iy move upon their works if the demand did
not meet with compliance. The demand was
acknowledged, the garrison, equipments and
stores fell into our hands, and the Stars and
Stripes waved over the shattered walls of
Donelson through the faithfunesS of that At
rican. That negro is the servant of the
officer who impaired to us the information.
On his way down the river to Cairo, the boat
struck at landing to wood up. Several Ten
nesseeans were at the landing, who recognized
the negro, or pretended to do so, and claimed
him as the property OF Union man. The
captain Of the boat was for giving him up, but
TIE officer at once assumed the basis that pos
session was nine points of the law, and estab-
lIshed the remaining point by judicous dis
play of six shooter, accompanied with an in
vitation to take the contraband. Union own
er or no Union owner, by virtue OF the valua-
bic information impaired to our forces the ne
gro bad earned a title to himself apart from
his inalienab!e rights, and having won his
spurs was justly permitted to wear them. No
one will blame the officer for his action, which
was based upon humanity well gratitude.
Indeed the whole matter shows upon what
circumstances success depends,
and defines in this case pretty clearly the
point where the flood in the tide of mems
affairs was taken and led on to fortune"
Here we see that Grants brilliant success
wholly upon the information brought
by this poor chattle, and that he was not pun
ished for it, by sending him back to his master,
was owing to the .manly stand of the officer
whose servant he was otherwise he would ere
this have filed myrtyr's grave. We have no
doubt our cause has lost immensely, by the
pitiful prejudices of slavery officers, who
will not employ the most natural and reliable
means in their power to obtain information.