The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-11-28

to send MN provisions, put not TO see
him. The Rebels told him that the Con-
federate Government would starve the
Union prisoners until the Yankee Gov
ernment would consent to their terms of
exchange, and leave SUCH men as himself,
Col. Straight, and officers of negroe reg
iments in their hands to be properly
punished.
By careful observation DR.. Rucker
ascerianed that the jailor's son, not 20
months old, at times had the key to the
debtors room, which was directly oppo-
site his cell, to play with; he at once
determined to secure this key, and thus
effect his escape. At favorable mo-
ment he bribed the child with chestnuts
and fruits, and thus gained possession of
the much-desired key. On the night of
the 18th of October, soon after dark, he
softly turned the key, slid back the bolts,
and almost in moment he was free
He passed out of the village of pittsyl-
vania on the Raleigh road, having deter
mined to Ieach Union troops on the
North Carolina coast. When a short
distance on the road he discovered that
he had left behind papers that would be-
tray his rou through North Carolina,
and he therefore, changed his course.
lie retraced his steps through the
village, meeting persons returning from
church, and travelled all night as rapidly
as possible, and having secured a horse
a short dis ance from the village, at day
light he was in town far to the north
ward. where he was received by a trusty
friend and concealed until the 27th.-
During th.s time he was visited by many
old acquaintance, who gave him proper
assistance and the means of Escape
Among other things, they presented him
with Il blooded charger, valued at $1,000,
provided especially for the occasiou.-
On thc night of the 9th with this ami
NAL he travelled 60 miles. During the
next day he slept soundly in The house
of Il loyal friend, and his horse was con-
cealed in a cornsh shock pen. Early at
night be resumed his journey, and at 2
O'Clock next morning, passed through
Covington, Allegany county. In this
village he called at friends house to
make some inquiry, and Immediately
preceded on his way. When afew mi es
from Covington he found his strength so
rapidly failing that he determined to stop
in thicket near the road and rest
Soon af er daylight, judging from the
noise and confusion along the road, he
believed himself betrayed by his friend
IN CoviDgton, and he at erwards learned
his suspicion had been we'll founded, and
that the wife OF the gentlemen of whom
he had inquired had published the fact
of his passage through the village. He
determined to abandon his horse and
equi pments and flee to the noun aims. -
lie made sure his escape and remained
two days and nights in the Aleganics
without food, and only once obtained
water.
On the evening of the 3lst of Octo-
Der, pressed with hunger and perishing
with cold, he descended to the foot Of
the mountains. When night set in
heavy rain commenced falling, and the
u,ght was dark and stormy. 1t was a
question of life and death the scouts
thirsting for his blood were on every side
and on every road twice they had pass
ed close to his retreat in the mountains,
and he knew not what moment he mi gh 70
fall into their hands. He however de-
termined to come out into the valley and
seek relief. The first house to be passed
he knew to be the residence of noto-
rious Rebel. As he was passing mar
row ravine near this house, he suddenly
heard soft and low whistle he in
S antly stood still as if pierced to the
heart aud transformed into stoue while
celebrating what to do, the sound was
repeated. 1t might be an enemy signal
ing to a comrade, or it might perchance
I've friend lie seized his plsto! and
demanded, Whose there z" A voice
repled-. The doctor thought he
recognized both the name and voice to
be those of faithful negro boy, tile
property of the Rebel owner of the house
near by. The negro inquired Are
you DR.. Rucker Come up coser."-
The negro, half frightened, yet still con-
fden', said " Your voice sounds NIGH
ty like the Doc or's." lie stepped for
ward, and there was mutual recogni-
tion and short greetings. The loyal ne
gro had come out to save his friend
lie told him guard was Stationed on
every road, and that he was completely
surrounded the scouts had bA at his
masters house the night before aAd dur
ing the day, and be overheard in their
conversation that they we're after DR..
Ruckcr, and expected 20 catch him on
the road near by. He had determined
to save him if possible, and for that pur-
pose had watched for him in the royine
where he had provided some bread aud
! meat. This the furnished fusi i've Gag
erIy consumed, and then followed his
fai hful guide, who piloted him round
three sets of pickets, and left him safe
in the hands of friend several miles
beyond thence be made his way across
Greenbrier River, aud was ploted to
concealed fertilization erected by the
Union men and eonscrlpts, who are well
armed and determined to defend them
selves TIL DEATH
DR.. Rucker remained in this fortress
two days, and thence in three days made
his escape to Gauley Bridge, held by the
TTn;on trcnns .ooumonded nv Cant Mar