Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-11-13
00Ottrster 4ailg SPY
In and Out of the Rebel Camp.


<" During the ''dark days of the rebellion.
early in the summer of 81, Harper's Ferry
was occupied in force by the rebels, and the
government was DESTROYS to obtain a 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 toward
any one suspected as a spy in their camps. A
young New England volunteer, Harry b,
presented himself one morning to high mill
tary functionary in Washington, and propos-
ed to undertake to learn what was going on at
this place.
at is hazardous operation" said the Off
cial, gravely.
81 am aware of that" responded the youth,
''but | take the chances"
''Your success shall be amply compensa-
ted said the other. eff you are discovered,
, however, do you know the penalty?"
''Death p 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,
passing the outer pickets with the countersign
and cheerful ''good night" At daybreak he
reached the station from which the cars run
up by the ferry; and, occupying himself till
ger. Arriving at Harper's 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 road
side 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. Itwas
the rebel guard! There were four of them.
They came directly to the side of the tree
where he lay concealed. But it was very
dark. He felt safe.
'Hold on, Barker" said one of them.
''Give us light" Harry trembled percepti-
bly,.
diamonds come up to-day"
''Of the Third? ?" asked another.
eyes, old Georgys alive, an the Thirds out
yonder, at the foot O the lane"
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 breath, and his presence there was not
suspected
SCOT the countersign, Barker?"
'Yes. Old Dominion, forever!" replied
his companions; and they moved on and
soon passed out of sight. Harry had the pass
word.
Thus armed, our volunteer fastened ''down
whoever he was.
"Halt! Who goes there?" shouted SEN
tinel.
ga friend, replied Harry.
Advance, friend, with the countersign."
sold Dominion" said Harry promptly.
"Right. Pass on, friend, was the cheering
answer. (Which way?"
''I'm looking for hammond. He's down
here somewhere, | learned"
''Of the Georgia Third?'
eyes" said Harry, eyes"
Half a mile on you'll find the camp. Good
night"
He passed the guard safely, and soon found
Hammond.
, "Some mistake" said Harry, at a loss for
other subterfuge. ''Had you a relative?'
edward" said the rebel.
eyes, Ned, we used to call him."
cat Savannah"
eyes"
"Did you know poor Ned?"
GAS well as l did my own brother" (Har-
ry never had BROTHER
Giles goner!'
''Dead?" exclaimed Harry.
''Killed at Vienna"
''Poor Ned"
81 would like to have seen him." continued
Harry, poor fellow"
were his friend-be mine. Come in" And
in4o 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"
"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 y
"Take drink-here's to poor Ned"
''To poor Ned" said Harry gulping down
the whiskey. And then he pumped his friend
Hammond, discretely, until he ascertained the
strength of the enemy in that stronghold, who
was in command, what was the artillery and
field force, what were their designs at that
time, how they were disposed, and what was
their grand plan-and then he babe Mr. Ham
mOnd OF the Georgia Fourth good night in
viting him to call upon him at the village next
day.
Harry passed the guards again safely, cross
ed the bridge, walked three hours before day
light next morning, met the return train,
came down towards the Relay, and, on the
second evening after leaving, reached our
outmost pickets, without scratch. Next day
heproceededto Washington, waited on the sec
rotary, laid before him the facts he had learned,
and, one week afterwards | saw him with
first lieutenant's straps on his shoulders.
''Bravely earned!" said the official, when
he presented him his commission.
Harry B. is now captain in the TIL
regiment, and has proved one of the best and
bravest soldiers in the war