Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-12-18

the North carolina coast. w nen u bnOl
distance on the road he discovered tbs
he had left behind papers that would be
tray his route through North Carolini
and he therefore changed his course.
He retraced his steps through tn
village, meeting persons returning froI
r church, and travelled all night as rapid
as possible, and having secured hors
a short distance from the village, at day
light he was in a town far TO the north
ward, where he was received by a trust
friend and concealed until the 27,h
During this time he was visited by man.
old acquaintance, who gave him prope
assistance and the means of escape
Among other things they presented hin
with a blooded charger, valued at s :
900, provided especially for the occasion
On the night of the e27th with this ami
NAL he travelled 6j miles. During the
next day he slept soundIy in the house
of loyal friend, and his horse was con
cealed in corn-shOck pen. Early al
night he resumed his journey, and at 2
o'clock next morning, passed through
Covington, Allegheny County. In thi.
village he called at friends house tc
make some inquiry, and Immediately
proceeded on his way. When few
miles from Covngon he found his
strength so rapidly failing that he deter.
mined to stop in thicket near the road
and rest. Soon after daylight, judging
from the noise and confusion along the
road, he believed himself betrayed by
bis friend in CoviDgton, and he after
ward learned his suspicion had been well
founded, and that the wife of the gentle>
man of whom he Lad inquired had pub
lished the fact Of his passage through the
village. He determined to abandon his
horse and equipments and flee TO the
mountains. He made sure his escape
and remained two days and nights in the
without food, and only once
obtained water.
On the evening Of the 31st of Octo-
Der, pressed with hunger and perishing
with cold, he descended 10 the foot of the
When night set in a heavy
ain commenced falling, and the night
was dark and stormy. 1t was a ques-
ion of life and death the scouts thirst>
ng for bis blood were on every side and
IN every road; twice they had passed
lose to his retreat in the mountains, and
e knew not what moment he might fall
ito their hands. He however deter
lined TO come out into the valley and
eek relief, the first house to be passed
e knew TO be the residence of notori-
US rebel. As he was passing a narrow
avine near this house, he suddenly
card a soft and low whistle lie instant.
7 stood still as if pierced to the heart
nd transformed into stone while DELHI
rating what to DO, the sound was re-
Gated. 1t might be an enemy signal
lg to a comrade, or it might perehance
e a friend. He seized his pistol and
emanded, Who's there ? A voice re-
lied -. The doctor thought he
eeognzed both the name and voice to be
hose of faithful negro boy, the prop
rty Of the rebel owner of the house
ear by. The negro inquired: Are
GU DR.. Rucker P No. What do you
now about DR.. Rucker? Come up
loser The negro, half frightened, yet
till confident, said; Your voice sounds
nightly like de D3ctor's.' He stepped
orward, and there was mutual recog-
ilion, and short greetings. The loyal
egro had come out to save his friend.
lie told him guard was stationed on
very road, and that he was completely
urrounded the scouts had been at hi,
masters house the night before and dur
ng the day, and he overheard in their
that they were after DR..
fucker, and expected to catch him on
he road near by. He had determined
0 save him if possible, and for that pur-
'oSe had watched for him in the ravine
where he had provided some bread and
neat. This the famished fugitive eager.
y consumed, aud then followed his faith.
al guide, who piloted him round three
cts of pickets, and left him safe in the
auds OF a friend several miles beyond :;
hence he made his way across Green
rier River, and was piloted to con
called fertilization erected by the Union
len and conscripts, who are we'll armed
nd determined TO defend themselves ;il
cath.
DR.. Rucker remained in this fortress ,
40 days, and thence in three days made
is escape to Gauly Bridge, held by the
Inion troops commanded by Capt. Mer-
man of the 9th Virginia. a
From this post he telegraphed to Sec
'tary Stanton the fact OF his escape, and
$50 informed the Secretary of War that
oseph Sherman and Edward Ludrich.
rivates in the 4th Maine Regiment who
ere captured near Alexandria, were
led and convicted of niger stealing 3
the October term Of Botetourt County
curt in 1852, and sentenced TO three n.