The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-06-26
From the Nashville Daily Press, Of the 18th.
The Execution at Franklin.
Detos1ed Facts and History Of the taco Spies.
HEADouARrERs PosT,
FRANKLIN, TENN, June 9, 1868.

Last evening about sun down TWO strangers
rode into camp and called at Col Baird's
headquarters, who presented unusual appear
ances. They had on citizens overcoats, Fede-
raj regulation pants and caps The caps
were covered with white flannel havelocks. -
They wore side arms, and showed high intel
ligence. One claimed 10 be Colonel IN the
U. S. A., and called himself Col. Austin; the
other called himself Major Dunlap. and both
representing themselves as Inspector Gene
rails of the q. S. A.. They represented that
they were now out on an expedition in this
department, inspecting the outposts and de-
fences, and that day before yesterday they
had been overhauled by the enemy and lost
their coats and purses They exhibited off
cial papers from General Rosecrans. and also
from the War Department at Washington,
eonfrnsing their rank and business. These
were all right to COL Baird, and at first salts
fed1him Of their honesty. They asked the
Colo M to loan them $50, as they had no coats
and DO money to buy them. Col. Baird loan
ed them the money, and took Col. Austin.s
note for it. just at dark they started, saying
they were going to Nashville. and took that
way. Just SO soon as their horses heads were
turned the thought of their being spies struck
Col. Baird, he says, like a thunderbolt, and
he ordered Col Watkins, of the 9th Kentucky
cavalry, who was standing by, to arrest them
immediately. But they wero going at light
ming speed. Col. Watkins had no time to
call q guard, and only with his orderly he set
out on the chase. He ordered the orderly
to unsling his carbine, and if, when be 1.-THE
Colonel) halted them they showed any suspi-
cious motion, to fire on them without waiting
for any order. They were overtaken about
one-third of mile from here. Colonel Wat
kins told them that Col. Baird wanted to
make some further inquiries of them, and
asked them to return. This they politely
consented to do, after some remonstance on
account Of the Iateness of the hour and the
distance they had to travel and Col. Watkins
led them to his tent, where he placed strong
guard over them. 1t was not until one of
them attempted to pass the guard at the door
that they even suspected they were prisoners.
Col. Watkins Immediately brought them to
Col. Baird under strong guard. They at once
manifested great uneasiness, and pretended
great indignation at being thus treated. Col.
Baird frankly told them that he had his sus-
picions Of their true character, and that they
should. if loyal. object to no necessary eau
ton. They were very hard to satisfy, and
were in great hurry to get off. Col. Baird
told them that they were under arrest, and he
should hold them prisoners until he was ful-
" satisfied that they were what they purport
ed to be. He Immediately telegraphed to
Gen. Rosecrans. and received the answer that
he knew nothing Of ang such men, that there
were no such men in his employ, or had his
pass.
Long before the dispatch was received,
however. every one who had an opportunity
Of bearing their conversation was we'll satlsh-
cd that thew we're spies. Smart rs they were,
they, gave frequent and distinct evidence OF
dAplicity. After this dispatch came to hand,
y eh It did about IL o'clock, tmidnight,) a
sArch of their persons was ordered. To this
the Major consented without opposition, but
the Colonel protested against it, and even put
his hand to his arms. But resistance was
useless, and both submitted. When the Ma
jor's sword was drawn from the scabbard
there were found etched upon it these words,
.Lt. w. G. Peter, C. S. a." At this discoye-
y Col. Baird remarked, Gentlemen, you
have played this DID we'll. - yes" said
Lieut.. Peter, "Gnd 1t came near being per-
.Jccs success" They then confessed the whole
mafters and upon further search various pa
pers showing their guilt were discovered upon
tneir persons. Lieut.. Peter was found to have
havelock. 90 = NIX
Cei Baird immediately telegraphed the
Iacts 70 ten. Rosecrans, and asked what he
enouia no. and N short time received an or
der 20 .ry them by drum-head court mar
tlai' ana II found guilty hang them immediate
y The court was convened. and before day-'
light the case was decided. and the prisoners
informed that they mus prepare for immedi-
ate death by hanging. -
At daylight men were detailed to make 4
scaffold. The prisoners were visited hv the
chaplain Of the 18TH Illinois. who, upon their