The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1865-04-13
THE FEDERAL CHAMELEON.
Interesting Sketch Of Scouting Strategy.

men. dressed in sOiled rebel uniforms
each holding in his hand a good Ameri.
can rife, tapped at the door Of small
frame building, near the .e-road, in
Virginia
The knock was answered by an old
woman, whose face was almost concealed
by the tangled masses of her gray, I'M
combed aud tiisheyeleCi hair
And what do you want here?" she ex-
claimed. as her deep-set eyes flashed on
the two men. Il haven't the smallest
bit of johnny cake in the house, to Of
fer We, for it was all-''
No, no, interrupted one of the sol
diers, I'VE don't want anything to eat:
but we want to tell US, and that in quick
time, too, whether or not YOU have seen
slight but strong looking slip OF q man
90 by here of late"
Dressed in blue, and carving double
barreled rifle added the other.
Hey, hey cried the bag. lifting her
hands, and speaking in sharp. angry
voice, IF We hadn't interrupted me,
reckon you, d heard me speak of him be
fore now, as he was the very man who
came here and bought all my cakes 1t
was about two hours ago. and-'
Nv hich way did he 20 after he left
you: inquired both men eagerly.
before | answer that question you
must tell me who he Is" said the old
woman, with the curiosity natural to her
sex.
Hes celebrated Union scout whom
we call the Federal Chameleon because
he changes his uniform so often. Some
times it is blue, other times gray, and he
has even been seen wearing the disguise
of an old farmer. He has shot more of
our men than is pleasant, and we have
rowing commission from our colonel to
90 on a hunt after him; and capture him.
II we can, dead or alive stAnd now as
we have replied to you," continued the
speaker little impatiently, 1--WE demand
that you answer our question, and
"Demand"' interrupted the bag in
shrill, piercing tones. rs that the prop
er way to speak to q woman, an old wo
man at that
come, come, answer us if you please"
cried the soldier in a milder tone. Il
mean no harm-it is only my way of
speaking"
We'll, perhaps l may forgive and per-
haps not, said the old woman. shaking
her head How far is your camp from
here:'
whats that to YOU? What has that to
do
There You 90 again with your cursed
lnclvlIity' shrieked the bag fiercely;
but you shall answer my question be-
fore you get single word out of me-
Now. then, how far is your camp from
here. and how many men have YOU in
and around it? intended to carry Your
fellows some corn cakes, dye see, and |
want to know the number of mouths
that | have to cook for
''Oh, in that case" said the rebels. Il
do not see any reason why.I shouldn't
satisfy you. Our camps, then, is about
i've miles from here, near the cross roads .
and our number may be about five thou
sand
That will do cried the old woman
with grin of satisfaction-..ye that
will do. And now YOU are sure that the
man who came here to buy supper is
the one YOU are after:'
we are sure of it, for although we
nave never seen the mans face. we'd
know INN by his double barreled rifle. as
nobody else in the Yankee army carries
l weapon of that kind"
"Ay. a., its the right one them said
he bag. After he had finished and paid
or his meal, he says to me. Friend, |
should like to put up here for the night
+ You have no objections" But as did
lot like the idea Of accommodating n
anEee any more than | could help. |
old INN there was no room for him, as
expected visitors before many hours.
w I'll, then, says he, can Won tell me of {
phce where | can pass the night lit
lie comfortably? You see he added. |
ooling toward his big double barreled |
life, Il don like to camp out. a. it looks |
orain. and this might be hurt by it" [
: know of no place, / answered. ..short /
! four miles from here in an old barn
hlch IS tight enough, | think, to keep
L the rain -Four miles is n pretty
ing distance. said he and as | have C
cen tramping about considerably to Cav X
don't feel much like carrying this il
eavy load so far, pointing to his KNAPP u
lck as he spoke. Will You be kind II
Rough to let it remain till morning - II
" ell, yes, said /. hesitating a little, t,
I'd throwing significant glance at the ii
ell filled pocket book in his hand. He ii
lderstood the look and gave me a green s.
TEX dollar. '.All right" said 1, and he n
ell departed, saving he would call for t,
5 luggage in the morning, after he p
ould wake from his sleep in the barn d
Now, them continued the woman. h
&
wait IN ambush for him till morninos-'
The two soldiers drew back few pa :
5 and held short consultation. after a
lleh they advanced TO the side of the
oman. l.
I'VE will go now, said lie who had !"
oxen first: that is if you can describe -
Us the exact position of the barn - -
Il don't think | could describe it so ~
At You could find it in the dark" re
led the bag, but as l am willing to do al
in my power for the Confed
ley, l Will 60 with you to show you the "
ace"
That's right" answered the rebel.
nd Wei see that You are rewarded for Liz
ur zeal rer
i don't want any reward for helpino for
countryuen," replied She. II am he'
yays ready to help along the cause hs'
v 18th these words she disappeared in nal
an inner room, but came forth in
minutes with gray blanket thrown ian
ar her shoulders "a
| took this ont Of *ba Novr-.- -