Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-01-29

Thompson sought the captains room and
reported the unsuccessful issue of their
mission. When he had concluded, Cap
tain Stanwood said, in tone that ex-
pressed how deeply he sympathized with
the men in theit brothery feeling for the
uncertain fate of him who had SO cndcar-
cd himself to the hearts Of all.
Since morning have lad this matter
under consideration. | have visited
Lieutenant Franklin's room, and am con-
vinccd that his absence, for longer peri
cd than an hour or two, was as unc1pect-
ed to himself as to US. / have questioned
the men who were on guard during the
day and evening on which he disappeared
and they are certain there were no signs
Of an enemy in this vicinity, nor did they
hear any firing. Now, all this but serves
to render the mystery more intricate, with
out giving me any point upon which to
base conclusion. But there is one cir
cumstanae which, - it is mere suspic-
ion, however, and | will think Of the
matter further, before speaking to you.
Post your advance guard tonight, and
bid them be awake to any signs of our
guerilla friends. There is no telling when
they may come down upon US"
The orderly bowed, and was about
withdrawing, when the captain recalled
him.
You may call on me again at five
O'Clock orderly"
" Yes, captain"
"What time does the moon rise to-
night %
:" At nine O'Clock, l think, or there
abouts."
Very good. You may GO
At exactly FIVE O'Clock, orderly Thomp-
son again waited upon the captain, receiv-
el his orders, and then attend d to his
usual duties - detailing the different
guards, giving the scrseants and ccrporals
their orders for the night and such other
arrangements as belonged to his Office.
\ short time after tue ordery's visit,
/ Captain Stanwool left the quarters and
took his way to the residence Of Madam
Larcaux Her estate lay in 4 southwest
ly direction, and about half mile from
tAe camp. Tue house WIS similar is all
respects to the generality OF Southern
man,lon.-a large. square, low, building.
The gro quarters were back OF the house
Au abundance OF luxuriant shrubbcry and
inc trees cntirclcl the place, nearly hid.
IN the buildings from the view of passerS-
by.
Madam Larcaux' husband diel some
two years before the breaking out Of the
rebellion leaving her mistress OF one Of
;hc 6nest estates in Virginia. Her youth,
wealth, and beauty had drawn many
scion of Southern ari>tocraey to seek her
hanl, but she seemed TO reyel in the free
dom and li5er,e. of her wilowhood too
Ijoyopsy to bind herself again to a mas
ter.
II the lady shovel more favor 10 one
than another Of her suitors, it was toward
the handsome and gallant Captain Eagene
Somers, an officer in the regular army Of
the United States, who had gained pro-
motion trcm the hanis of the veteran
Gen Scott, for a single act Of bravery at
the battle Of Blcna Eista,ir the Mexican
campaign When the rebellion broke
out, he, however, resigned his commission
and accepted celonclcy in the rebel
army. And thus the beautiful widow
was robbed not only of his society, bat of
all the gay butterflies who had fitted in
the sunshine os her smiles, for the eau sc
which they had espoused demanded their
coo peration.
When the feet of Union soldiers FIRST
desecratel that section of the "sacred
soil" Of Virginia, no requirements could
have ELECTED more hearty AMI ingenious
declaration of love and regard for the
Union and the old flag than Was protferei
by Madame Lareaux. Her house was
opened to the federal officers, and they
were received with manifestations of
pleasure and gratitude, and regalel with
the best the house afforded, not the least
of which were the bright smiles and kind
words of the fair hostess, which were
most lavishly bestowed. And when those
who had been so cheerfrlly aud sumptu-
ousl9 entertained were obliged to part
with the charming laly End her hospitali-
ties, she min 5led tears regrets, and hopes
fer their success in the most feeling and
patriotic manner,
For this reason her property was held
sacred Nothing was allowed to step
within the boundary of her estate, Her
negroes were forbidden to follow the army
and all who were caught skulking away
| from their chains were returned to the
tender mercics Of the oversoer. And
later, when accounts of Madam Lireaux
loyalty and patriotism, and the number
! less attentions she had shown To our oth
GERS reached the ears of those high in au-
thority at Washington, crdersw were issued
strictly enjoining upon commanders of any
forces that might pass that way to respect
the lady and her property. Aud SO 1t
was when Captain Stanwood's command
was posted in that vicinity, that Madame
Lareaux received the protection and
claimed the confidence of himself and
off GERS, who were often the recipients of
well.6led hampers, containing choice pro-
visions, wines, jellics, and many little ar
cles of comfort.
The Captain had received several ye;y
kind and pressing invitations from the
laly to visit her, but up to this time he
had never done so for reasons of busi-
ness character. On the previous day
the widow had, however, visited his
1