Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-10-06
DIN MORGAN AND HIS TREASURE.


The long, weary days march was ended
and our troops bad encamped for the night
on the verge Of a vast prairie. Our pick cts
we're already upon duty our tents cleaned
white through the dusk our campfire had
been kindled, and the half-ismished men were
eagerly awaiting the evening rations Far
away we could hear the roar Of the Red river,
and occasionally rising above it the shrill cry
OF a prairie wolf. The sky was Aecked with
notified clouds through which the moon now
and then cast dim light, and the wind, as i,
swept through the tangled graas amid which
we bivouacked, had the hollow, sullen muir
muir that betokens storm.
sat in the glow Of the Ere, wondering
what would be the fate Of the Red river cam
psisn, and recalling many events Of our civil
war, when a sergeant approached me and
said
DR.. Greenhurst, should like to speak
with you few moments; can you grant me
sprivate interview
Oh, yes replied aud we we re soon in
comparative seclusion of tent we found va
cant.
Our pickets have just brought up two
persons.
And who are theyH | asked.
sergeant; but in the enemy's country am
always afraid of spies and you know as well
as what base stratagems they have employ
ed to gain information with regard TO our
movements
Yes. yes said earnestly; L admire
your caution, and we certainly ought to be
on the lookout; but where are the stran-
gers ?
toldBarrett to keep them till could see
some superior officer, and left them on the
south side Of the camp where he was station
ed
i will 20 back with YOU | observed,
and test them by few questions
A brisk walk soon took us to the place
where private Barrett was on picket duty. |
cannot adequately sketch the picture which
presented itself as we reached the spot, but |
will attempt to give you faint outline A
young girl stood leaning against heavy bag
gage wagon in an attitude a sculptor might
love to reproduce, for its unstuded grace
her figure was wrapped in gray cloak, which
fell around her like the rare draping of
statue; her uncovered head was finely mold
ed, and perfect luxuriance OF chestnut hair
swept about her, not curling in heavy ring
lets; but as full of ripples as a mountain
lake when the night breeze sweeps over its
surface. Her face was delicately chiseled,
her eyes and cheeks all afame with excite
ment and her red lips compressed as If it re-
CURED no light effort to accomplish her mis-
zion. At her side might be seen a child, who
might have counted nine or ten summers, with
tattered garments, and bare and bleeding feet,
and bearing strong resemblance to her COM
panion. he whole scene was touching in
the extreme, and my heart softened at once.
Sir exclaimed the young stranger, is it
true that the poor slave may find refuge in
your csmpS
A Slave muttered the sergeant in a tone
scarcely above whisper this girl cannot
be slave-the idea is preposterous.
The girls face paled moment, and then
bushed burning crimson.
Hush rejoined she has overheard
you already, and knows you do not believe
her 10 be a contraband.'
Yes, continued the girl understand
that he doubts me, but no master nor mist
ress could ever teach me to tell falshood.-
II you think me an imposter, look at this,
and she drew forth envelope, adding
took it from secretary drawer when was
sent to put things in order, for thought it
would be Of service to me- if | should try to
carry out my plans.
MATCHES, July I4th, 1864
Bought Of Jason Dunlap. Agent of Antoine Lat
ouche six house servants, wa Dinah and Chloe cook
and laundress. John and William, fnotman aud butler,
Psulette, lady's NAIL and Jeanne her sister nursery
girl
The above was duly signed, and at sight
Of the signature, started, mutterng:
'Morgan-Morgan that name has sent a
thrill Of dread TO many Il loyal heart but can
the far-famed guerrilla leader be your mas :
ters'
Yes replied the girl, slowly | am the
Paulette mentioned in the bill of sale have
right to the protection your army offers our
race
1t is yours said with grave earnes tness
Barrett, allow the fugilives to pass
The young man drew back, and the next
instant the fugitives were within our lines
The little girl expressed her thanks with
childish eloquence, and while tears Of Joy
gushed into Paulette's eyes she faltered
Sir, have sometimes gone down to secret
meetings OF my masters slaves, and read the
forbidden Bible, and in my dreams at night,
and on my journey to you, the Union camp
has seemed like the land Of promise to the
fugitive Israelites.'
smiled as rejoined
Paulette, | hope your most sanguine anti.
cipations may be realized freedom must be
sweet to the oppressed, and therefore dc
not wonder at the hardships many Of your
people have undergone to gain it,
The girl did not reply at once, but it was
evident that she was passing through some
great internal conflict, for her whole frame
shook.
Slavery has been the curse of my life,
she exclaimed, a vein of pathos trembling
through her sweet voice ever since have
been able to understand anything, | hav,
hated 1t, and you may be sure have not beet
easy to manage. Harsh words and blows
have been my daily lot; / have spent weeks
In the calaboose, and have been sold foul
times within twelve years Twice | have
run away, but was discovered and brough
back, and sent to work in the rice-6elds-
the horror Of my race, sir. Oh, my wrong
have been terrible and when Morgan thu
guerrilla bought me, he declared he would
humble my PRIDE
And did he succeed ?
No sir : and the speaker laughed bitter
ly; none Of the persecution have received
from his family, has ever made me shed