The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-08-02
PERILS OF A. SCOUT.

thrilling adventures among the rebels,
which cannot be better told than in his
own words.
I was out scouting, with three or four
others, when We got separated, and on
turning bend in the road, I suddenly
came upon a party of rebel cavalry. They
commanded me to halt. replied by
firing my revolver at the foremost, and
then putting spurs to my horse galloped
away, but the rebels were not disposed SO
easily TO loose their prey and they follow
ed, all going at break neck pace, and
they firing upon me as they could get near
enough. Presently I perceived path
way in the woods, that led off from the
main road. Into this path l turned my
horse, as though the trees would afford
me a better chance to escape them and
their bullets. My horse was feet and
used to brush, and l gained on them
little. I began, to think my chance was
tolerabIe, when I came to a large tree
that had blown down directly across my
path, and when | attempted to leap it,my
horse stumbled and fell, throwing me off
and before I could remount the rebels
were upon me.
Surrender = shouted sergeant, Sur
render, you id blue bellied Yankee, or
III blow your heart out ?
And he pointed his revolver at me,
which motion was followed by the rest Of
the crowd.
See here, old covy,' said I, put up
your popgun, and take me prisoner if you
like, but don't murder a fellow in that
! baTbarous manner
Of course was prisoner, and thoF
it was the better part Of yalor to fall in
and trust to chance and strategy to get
me out. So was in line, tOted up to the
rebel camp, and brought before the notO-
rlous StonewaH The General eyed me
about one minute, and then said:
well sir they tell me you are yankee
spy
Whew thought I, this is more than /
bargained for; but was determined to
put jolly face on the matter, and said
Yes, General, that's what they say
bat you rebels are such blamed liars
there's no knowing when to believe what
they say thought the Yankees could
out lie any other nation, but hang me
| if you follers can't beat u.s.
| 'Ah,' said the General, You don't seem
to have very exalted opinion Of your
brethren
why should I ha7o?' said I. I've
| lost and suffered a good deal in that same
Yankee nation
That's strange said the General. Don't
the Union officers treat their soldiers
well p
They're like all other officers said l,
| good and bad amoug them; but that's
not where the shoe pinches. To make a
long story short, although l live in Yir-
ginia, l was favorably disposed to the
Union cause, but the beggarly Lincon-
ties wouldn't believe it; so they fed their
troops on my granary and cupboard till
l was about ruined, and when | wanted
pay they told me | was fool, and said if
l was good Union man, l ought to. be
glad to aid the Government. One day
one of the officers told me if I would en-
list they would think better of me, and
instead of.destroying my property would
protect it. So the upshot of it was was
compelled to enlist to save my property
That's q plausible story said the
General, but not a very probable one
Why didn't you come into our lines at
once if you wanted protection2'
That's just what I'm coming at said
7. i was sent out with scouting party
SO kept on scouting till l got within
your lines and was taken byyour cavalry.
Take care, young man. said the Gen
cral sternly L understand you attempt
ed to escape
This was poser; but as 1 had get
under way, I thought must try and
make the ripple, I felt tolerable streak
ed about the result, too, but I said, earn
estIy:
OF course l did. Who wouldn't with
a half dozen horses and bullets after him?
| hadn't time to say surrender, and be.
sides the officer cursed, me. I don't like
to be cursed, it's against my principles
and then I was mighty mad to see such
DeastIy towards, that nan made up my
mind to get away from both sides'and 60
to Canada.'
The General looked at me and tnen at
his staff, and they all smiled, while I look
ed as sober as deacon. l had heard
that the General was pious old fellow,
and | thought thrs would tickle him.
fAre you willing said he, fo take the
oath Of allegiance to the cOnfederacy, and
fight in our cause 2
To be sure said 4 told you before
that had been trying to get into your
lines. But | don't want to fight for you
if | am not protected in my rights I
want nv property respected