The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-11-20
Misteaalteous.
A DARING SOUTHERN L0YALIsT'

The "Annals of tho Army Of tho Cum
berland" is valuable and interesting work.
The most interesting and novel parts Of it
arc doubtless the chapters relating to the
Spy and police system Of the army. Per-
haps the most remarkable story Of this vol
ume is the following, Of daring Southern
loyalist, whose operations appear to have
been at ono timo Of Importance
The NANsLEss SrY.-This man, says the
author Of tho "Annals," went into and came
out from Bragg's army At Murfrecsboro' )
throo times during the week of battles at
Stone River-even dincd at the table OF Bragg
and of his other generals-brought us cor
rect information as to the force and position
of the rebel army, and Of the boast OF Its
head officers. lie was tho first to assure US
positively that Bragg would fight at Stone
River, telling us of that generals boast that
"ho would whip Rosecrans back to Nashville
if It cost ten thousand men," For tho
four days. service thus rendered by our spy
he was paid fivo thousand dollars by order OF
our general, and the auther saw the money
passed to him.
In 1862 there lived in the State OF -
n Union man, with wife and children. lie
was friend Of the Union and an anti.slavo-
ry man upon principle. After the rebellion
broke out, and when the "Southern heart"
had become fired, this man, living in strong
proslavcry region, and surrounded by opu-
lent shareholders, his own family connections
and those of his wife being also wealthy and
bitter scccssionists, very prudcntly held his
peace, feeling his utter inability to stem
tho tide Of rebellion in his section. Thus,
without tacit admissions, or any direct ac-
ton on his part, the gentleman of whom we
write was classed by tho people Of his Sec
ton as q secessionist.
Circumstances occurred during that year by
which this person was brought into contact
with federal commander in Kentucky, Gen.
Nelson. Their meeting and acquaintance
was accidental. Mutual Unior sentiments
bcgat personal sympathy and friendship
Nelson wished Q certain service performed in
the rebel territory, and he persuaded tho
citizen to undertake Il, which tho latter final.
ly did as matter Of duty, We arc assured, {,
rather than of gain, for he made no charge
for the service after its speedy and successful
performance. Soon after, a similar work
was necessary; and again was tho citizen
importuned, and hc again consented, but
not considering himself as professional spy.
During this or similar trip, and while
at Chattanooga, our man heard of the sud-
den death Of Gen. Nelson. Hc was now at
n loss what to do. Finally ho determined
to return and report his business to Major
General Rosecrans, who had assumed COM
mand Of tho federal army. Thus resolved.
no proceeded to finish his mission. After
ascertaining tho. position Of military affairs
at Chattanooga, he ca,no to Murfreesboro',
where Bragg's army was then collecting
Staying here .cveral days, he was urged by
his Southern army friends to act as their
spy in Kentucky. The better to conceal his
own feelings and position. hc consented to
do 80, and he left General Braggs head
quarters to 60 to that State by way of Nash.
vile, foigning important business, and from
thence to 60 to his home, passing by and
through Rosccrans' army as it lay stretched
out between Nashville and Louisville.
GENERAL BRAGG TAKEN IN.-Tho nameless
man now makes his way to the federal head
quarters, seeks private interview with Gen.
Rosccrans, and states his case fully as wo
have just related. Here was something re-
markablc. surcly-a spy in the confidence oil
tho commanders Of two great opposing ar
mics Our general took pains to satisfy
himself Of the honesty and soundncss OF tho
stranger. He was pleased with the mans
candid manner, and his story bore an air of
consistency and truth. Yet he was South.
crner surrounded by rcbcllious influences, and
enjoyed Bragg's confidence; and what guar
anty could bo given that ho was Union man
at heart? None; and our general, in great
perplc1ity, held council with his chief OF
police, and requested the latter to "dis up"
sho case to its very root. This was done
but in what manner We need not especially
state. Satisfied that II would do to trust
the spy, to certain extent at least, no was
now sent on his way to perform his mission
for Bragg. At all events, that 'ohemins
general so supposed when our mans report
was made at the rebel headquarters few
days afterwards. His information was very
acceptable to Bragg; but we strongly qucs.
ton It's value to rebeldom. as the spy report.
ed only what he was told by that old fox
Colonel Trucsdall.
Perhaps tho reader will here inquire
How can wo answer for tho report thus made
to Bragg? It may havo bccn moro true and
valuable than wo supposed. Well, there is
force in tho query. However, we were then
quite confident of tho worthlcssncss Of tho
report Of our SPY to Bragg, because he had
nothing else to tell him. For five days did
our SPY keep himself locked in q private
room in tho police building at Nashville.-
IT,. ..,. ,,o-o .o~r;ed IN him nv n trusty