Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-01-17
lrRIBrsE coRRESPoSpEseE
A Model Secesh Widow.


A Model Secesh Widow.
1 have on former occasions spoken OF the
abuse to which the flag of truce, in spite of
the utmost vigilance OF the officers, was LA
BILE. / have an Interesting case, and as
usual, there is woman in it illustrating
the fact. Saturday afternoon last there
came from Norfolk, two ladies', direct from
Richmond one Of them from Rhode Isl
and, whose identity was established beyond
all dispute, and was accompanied by her
son, released from Imprisonment. The
other, by the name of Baxley, was travel
ing on the usual pass. On the way to Old
Point, she made inquiries of Capt. Milard
whether she would be subjected to an ex-
animation at Old Point, and as she was in
formed that Provost Marshal Davis, about
whom she seemed anxious to know as much
as possible in advance, would probably act
according to circumstance she appeared
slightly uneasy.-On arriving here she
was not submitted to rigid examination,
but allowed 10 proceed TO Baltimore. Capt.
Davis suspicion had become aroused, how
ever, and as the boat was about to leave
he particularly charged his deputy, Ser
geaut Brigham, of Fortress Monroe, who
constantly goes up and down the bay, TO
keep a close watch on her. This officer
formed her acquaintance during the even
ing, but she did not suspect the capacity in
which he was acting. The suspicious COM
muncated by Capt. Davis we're stregth-
ened, but it was deemed prudent to commu-
nicate them to no one, nor TO take any steps
before morning. AT the breakfast table
Mrs, Baxley (for she appeared to be a
married woman) threw off all disguise and
avowed herself a Secessionist, which en-
tlrely convinced Deputy Marshal Brigham
that he was on the right track. The boat
arrived at Baltimore, and Mrs. b. went
ashore and engaged hack. Returning TO
the boat, she gathered up her luggage,
which consisted of satchel and two or
three parcels, and was about TO leave the
boat finally, when the officer informed her
that he desired few moments further con-
versa.ion in his proper character as Deputy
Provost Marshal for Old Point, acting un-
der the orders of Gen. Wool. Processing
some surprise, she accompanied him to the
mems saloon of the boat, where she was in
formed that she would have TO submit to
have her person examined. This piece of
information threw her off her balance, in
fact completely broke her down. She con-
fessed, and taking her bonnet from her
head, disclosed the fact that it was lined
with letters, and taking off her shoes and
stockings brought out another batch, at the
same time protesting on her honor and
character they were all that she had in her
possession. But the officer who had i'm
bibed no very elevated opinion of either,
declined TO accept the assurance, and in
formed her that the examination must 90
on. Meanwhile, Provost Marshal Me-
Phail, who had been sent for, arrived with
female to make the search, which vas in
state-room. We need not here confine
ourselves to minute detail farther than to
state that officer Brigham, who was at the
door, soon had his attention attracted by a
noise and scream in the state-room.
Opening the door he beheld the searcher
with her hands griped about the searched,
who was in nearly nude state, and who
clenched in one Of her hands paper, Of
which the officer lit being no time for spec
ial modesty) speedy took possession. Mrs.
Baxley was highly indignant; in fact she
was amazed, perfectly furious, and under
took to make an exhibition Of herself, la
Varieties, in the saloon of the boat. The
paper in question was a commission signed
by Jefferson Davis, appointing DIR. Sep
tamus Brown. of Baltimore, surgeon in the
Confederate army. This with other pap
ers and letters was ingeniously placed in
the lining OF part OF her dress,so as 10 m
crease the ful.ness. so becoming in we'll
proporiioned woman, though seldom sus-
pected of owing lis graceful lines tie COM
missions signed by Jefferson Davis. The
search was thorough Letters and papers
OF more or less Importance we're found in
all sorts Of places. Mrs. Baxley now had
little left TO conceal, and she was perfectly
ferocious. Re-clOthing herself, she was
taken in custody to the Provost Marshafs
office. Here she undertook to convey
warning 10 some one-probably Brown
by throwing out of the window piece OF
paper which had written on it. Flee !
am caught. All is LOST" The message
fell into other hands than those fer whom