The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-12-03
A ROMANCE OF WAR.
Extraordinary Account Of n
Federal Spy and llis Operations.

In 1862, there lived, in the state of -
-. Union man, with wife and children
He was friend of the Union, and an anti
slavery man upon principle. After the re-
bellion broke out, and when the "Southern
heart" had become fired, this man, living
in strong pro-slavery region, and surround
ed by ,ulent Shareholders, his own family
conn ections and those of his wife being
wealthy and bitter secessionists, very pru-
,dently held his peace, feeling his ntter ina
lbility to stem the tide of rebellion in his sec
tion. Thus. without tacit admissions, or
any direct action on his part, the gentleman
of whom we write was classed by the peo-
pie of his section as secessionist.
Circumstances occurred during that year
by which this person was brought into con-
tact with Federal commander in Kentuc-
Ky, Gen. Nelson Their meeting and ac-
ouaintance was accidental. Mutual Union
sentiment beyat personal sympathy and
friendship. Nelson wished certain SER
vice performed IN the rebel territory, and he
persuaded the citizens to underta Ike it which
the latter finally did as matter Of duty, we
are assured, rather than of gam, for he made
no charge for the service after its speedy
and successful performance. Soon after q
similar war was necessary, and again was
the citizen importuned, and again he consen
ted, but not considering himself as . pro-
fessional spy.
During this or similar trip, and while at
Chattanooga, our man heard Of the sudden
death of Gen. Nelson. He was now at .
loss what to do. Finally he determined to
return and report his business to Major
General Rosecrans, who had assumed COM
mand Of the Federal army. Thus resolved.
he proceeded 70 finish his mission. After
ascertaining the position Of military affairs
ut Chattanooga, he came to Murfreesboro' /,
where Bragg's army was then Collecting
Staying here several days, he was ur led by
his Southern army friends to act IS their
spy in Kentucky. The better to conceal
his own feelings and position, he consented
to do so. and he left Gen. Brags's hesdqqar-
ters to 60 to that state BY way Of Nashville,
feigning Important business, and from
thence to go to his home, passing by and
through Rosecraps' army IS it lay stretch
out between Nashville and Louisville.
The nameless now makes his way to the
Federal headquarters, SO eks private inter-
view with Gen. Rosecrans, and states his
Gasp fully as we have just related. Here
was something remarkable, surely--a spy
in the confidence ol the commanders Of the
two great opposing armies. Our general
took great pains to satisfy himself Of the
honesty and soundness Of the stranger. He
was pleased With the mans candid manner !.
and his story bore an air of consistency and
truth. Yet he vas Soptherner, surround
cd BY rebellious influences, and enjoyed
Braggs confidence; ard what guaranty
could be given that he was Union man at
heart? None; and our general, in great
perplexity, held counsel With his chief po-
lice, and requested the latter to "dig up"
the case to its very root. This was done !;
but in what manner we need not specially
state. Satisfied that it would do to trust
the spy, to certain extent, at least, he was