The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1864-06-24
DllVt III IilC Nbi
To pay part Of the price
MISS MAI. PAULINE CUSH
MAN.

The Federal scout and spy.
Among the women Of America who
have made themselves famous since the
opening of the rebellion, few have suf-
fered more or rendered more service to
the federal cause than Miss Maj, Pau
line Cushman, the female scout and
spy. At the commencement of hostil-
tiles she resided in Cleveland, Ohio,
aud was quite well known as clever
actress.
From Cleveland she went to Louis
vile, where she had an engagement in
Woods Theatre. Here, by her init
macy with certain rebel officers, she in
CURED the suspicion of being a rebel
and was arrested by the federal Au-
thorities. She Indignantly denied that
she was rebel, although born at the
South, and having n brother in arebel
Mississippi regiment.
In order to test her love for the old
flag, she was asked if she would enter
the secret service Of the government
She readily consented, and was at once
employed to carry letters between
Louisville and Nashville. She was
subsequently employed by Gen. Rose
Grams, and was for many months with
the army of the Cumberland. She Wis
tied the rebel lines time after time, and
was thoroughly acquainted with all the
country and roads in Tennessee, North
ern Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi
in which sections she rendered oul
armies Invaluable service. She was
twice suspected of being Il spy, anc
taken prisoner, but managed to escape
At last, however, she was not so for
tunate. After our forces had captured
Nashville, Mai Cushman made a scout
toward Shelbyville to obtain informa
ton of the strength and position of tht
enemy, and, while returning to Nash
vile, was captured on the Hardin pike
eleven miles from the latter city. Sh,
was placed on horse, and, in charge
of two scouts, was being taken tC
Spring Hill, the headquarters of Tor
rest.
While on the way to this place, sh,
feigned sickness, and said she coulc
not travel any further without falling
from the horse. Her captors stopped
at house on the roadside, when i
was ascertained that Federal scout
ing party had passed the place an houl
before Knowing that her guards haC
important papers for Gen. Bragg, the
quick witted spy seized the fact and
schemed to use it to her advantage.
Seeing an old negro, who appeared
to eommiserate her unfortunate plight
she watched her opportunity and
placed $40 in Tennessee money in his
hand, saying run up the road, Uncle
and come back in few minutes, tell
ing us that four hundred Federals are
coming down the street. The faith
full negro obeyed the order literally
and soon came back in the greatest ex
element, telling the story. The two
''rebs" told him he lied The old col
ored man got down on his knees, say
ing: "Massa, dey's comm, sure huff
de Lord help us, dey is cumin.'
The scouts at this believed his story
mounted their horses, and 'skedad
died" for the woods Miss Cushman
Selling pistol belonging to a wounded
soldier in tho house, also mounted hel
horse and fed toward Franklin. Sh,
travelled through the rain, and aftel
nightfall, lost her way. Soon came
the challenge of picket, "Who comes
there ?" Thinking she had reached
the rebel line, she said; "a friend o
jeff Davis" "All right" was the re
ply. advance and give the counter
sign"
She presented the countersign in thu
shape of canteen of whiskey. Sh'
passed five pickets in this way, but th'
sixth and last was obdurate. Sh'
pleaded that she was going TO see
sick uncle at Franklin, but the sentr,
couldn't see it. Sick and disheartened
she turned back. Seeing q light at ,