Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-12-26
MISCELLANY
In and out Of the Rebel Camp.

During the dark days of the rebellion.
early Ia the summer Of 81, Iarper'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
towards any one suspected as spy in their
camps. A young New England volunteer
Harry D., presented himself one NOR
ming to high military fanctionary in
Washington and proposed to undertake to
learn wha. was going on at this place.
IT Is hazardous operation said the
official, gravity.
- | am aware Of that responded the youth,
but take the chances
sYour success shall be amply compensa-
ted said the other. you are discovered,
however do you know the penalty.
DEATH replied The youth, sfrmly.
You are right, young mar. Go, then
and return assured of reward, if successful
The young volunteer received his instruc-
tinns, went to camp at the Relay House.
and at dark he sailed forth, in citizens
dress, passing 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 afternoon. took the
cars as thorough passenger. Arriving
at Harper's Ferry the train did not stop.
He watched his opportunity: as the
moved slowly around 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 a thick fir-tree few moments, cal
culating what he should do next--when he
heard footsteps approaching. 1t was rebel
guard.-There We're 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. sGive us a
light Harry trembled. perceptibly +? Ham
mond's come up to-day.
of the third z asked another.
Yes. old Georgy's alive. and the Thirds
out yonder at the foot of the lane
A match was lghted-the glare fell upon
The tree, through the branches OF which Ttar-
~ could plainly see the rebels features--but
he held his breath, and his presence there
was not suspected
Got the conntersign. Barker 2
sYes. Ola Dominion forever!' said his
companion and they moved on and passed
out ofssisht. Harry had the password.
Thus armed, our volunteer FASTENED down
the lane,' determined TO see Hammond
whoever he was.
Hiatt who goes there shouted SEN
tineL. "A friend, replied Harry.
advance friend, with tie countersign.'
'oId Dominion said Harry, promptly.
Right. Pass on FRIEND was the cheering
answer. which way 2
I'm looking for Hammond. He's down
here somewhere learned
sOf the Georgia Third p
Yes said Harry, yes
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 loss for other subterfuge.
Had you relative z
Edward said the rebel.
Yes Ned we used to call him.
AT Savannah z
yes
did you know poor Ned 2
AS well as did my own brother
Harry never had brother)
Hes a gonerl,
Dead 2 exclaimed Harry.
Killed at Vienna
Poor Ned !
i would like to have seen him. continued
Harry, poor fellow
We'll, come in, insisted secesh. 'You
were his friend--be mine. Come in And
into the little tent Harry pushed behind hi:
new acquaintance, who was very anxiou.
to do the honors TO his brothers friend
sWhat might call you
Smith said Harry, believing that he
might as vel os aslied " this IS ~ any
nancy
Stepping long here Smith?
sNo--no,' replied Harry Indeed, h
intended to get away as soon as possible.)
Take drink--here's to poor Ned .
ITO poor Ned, said Harry, gulping dow
the whiskey. And then he pumped hi
friend Hammond, discreetly, until he as
certained the strength Of the enemy in tina
stronghold, who was in command, what wa
ahe artillery and field force, what wer
their designs at that time, how they wer
disposed and what was their grand plan
and then he bade Mr. Hammond Of III
~.