The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-04-04
A Brave and Useful Contraband.

1 Gen Hooker's division on the lower Poto-
mac has had the services of negro from
Virginia. called Potomac Jim," who has
done gallant and important work as a scout.
The correspondent of the New York Times
gives the following account of him -
"The name of this negro is James Lawson.
born near Hampstead. Virginia. and belong
ed TO Mr. TAYLOR. He made his escape
last December. Capt Magaw, shortly after
Jim's arrival on board the Freeborn. sent
him upon a scouting tour through tie rebel
Notifications, more to test his reliability than
anything else: and the mission, though
fraught with great danger, was executed by
: Jim in the most faithful manner. Jim had
wife and four children at that time in Nir-
slnia. They belonged to the same man as
jim did; he was anxious TO get them; Yet
1t seemed impossible. One dav in January.
Jim came to the captains room and asked
tor permission TO be landed that evening on
the Virginia side. as he wished to bring off
his family. why, Jin,' said Capt Magaw,
how will you be able 70 pass the pickets p
want to try, captain think can get EN-
over safely meekly replied Jim. Well, YOU
have my permission; and Capt Mayaw or
dered one Of the gunboats TO land jim that
night on whatever part of the shore Jim GeS-
ignated, and return for him the following
evening. True 10 his appointment, Jim vas
at the spot with his wife and family. AID
they were taken on board the gunboat and
brought over 10 Liverpool Point. where Col
Graham had given them log house 10 i've
in. just back of his own quarters. Jim ran
the gauntlet of the sentries unharmed, never
taking to the roads. but keeping the woods
every footpaih of which, and almost every
tree. he knew from his bovhood up.
"On Tuesday, week ago, it became nee
esSary TO obtain correct information of the
enemy's movements. Since the: batteries al
Shipping and Cockpit Points had been evac-
uated, and their troops moved to Fredericks-
burg. Jim was the man picked out for the
occasion, by Gen Sickles and Capt Nagaw.
The general came down to Col Graham,s
quarters, about o o'clock in the evening. and
sent for Jim. There were present the gener-
al, Col Graham. and myself Jim came into
the eolonel's. jim, said the general, Il want
You to 90 over to Virginia tonight, and find
out what forces they have at Aqua Creek
and Fredericksburg. If you want anv men
. W tOu, lisSh lIltIii tIt- Il KNOW
two men that would Ike to 60 jim answer
ed. We'll, get them, and be bac, as soon as
possible Away went Jim oyer to the con-
:raband camp, and returning almost immedi-
ately. brought into our presence two very in
telligent looking darkies. Are YOU all rea-
dy,' inquired the general. Al ready, SIR
the trio responded. We'll, hece, Jim, YOU
take my pistol said Gen Sichles, unbuckling
it from his belt. 'anl if vou are successful
will give YOU 500 jim hoped ne would
be, and bidding Us goodbye, started of for
the gunboat Satellite, Capt Foster VINO land
ed them short distance below the Potomac
Greek batteries. They were TO return eariy
in the morning. hut were unable, from the
great distance they went III the Interior
Long before daylight on Saturday morning
the gunboat vas living off the appointed
place. As the day tawned. Capt Foster dis
covered a mounted picket guard near the
beach. and almost at the same instant saw
Jim to the left OF them. in The woods sight
ing lis gun at the rebel cavalry lie orier-
Ell the gig to be manned and rowed to the
shore. Tie rebels moved along slowly.
thinking TO intercept the boat. when Foster
gave them a shell, which scattered them
Jim, with only one Of his original compan-
ions. and two fresh contrabandS, came on
board. Jim had lost the other. Gen Hook
er has transmitted TO the war department an
account OF Jims Reconnaissance to Fre.e--
ichsburg. and uniteS with the army and navy
stationed or tie left wing OF The Potomac. IN
the hope that the government viii present
jim with fitting reconpense for his gallant
services"