Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1866-02-16

ike AFFAIR nau ever witnessed, reauer.
No ill-bred hurry-no excitement-no
violent language" or unpleasant col
lision. Within twenty steps of me were
twenty carbines, cooked and aimed al
my breast--the officer at the head of the
men commanded, Surrender, or you
are dead and, with bitterness in my
heart, l surrendered.
"You are an officer, sir p he said,
riding up.
g am"
"What command ?"
" The Confederate States Army"
''Ratber considerable force in our
front, Lieutenant, said the officer, who
seemed to be something of humorist
"send the prisoner. under guard, to
Colonel Wyndham."
:" Kill him. if he tries to escape" said
the humorous officer.
The men cooked their carbines, and
rested them across their pommels and,
with this pleasing escort, I was con-
Quoted, by winding road through the
woods, to house near the main road,
which | had remembered passing on the
preceding evening
Here superbly equipped horses were
seen tethered to the boughs and fences
couriers went and came-and my escort
conducted me into the presence of Sir
Percy Wyndham, commanding the caval-
ny advance-guard of the Federal forces.
found myself in the plain sitting
room of small farm house. On table
were spread maps and papers; and a
bottle of wine raised its slender neck,
fanked by glasses.
Lolling in split ottomed rocking
chair was tall, fine looking parsonage,
clad in superb uniform, and wearing a
sabre with q maguifcicntly chased hilt,
which ratified against fine French cavalry
boots, decorated with enormous spurs.
The countenance of this officer was rudy,
handsome, and full of pride. His hair
was light, long, and worn in curls. 1t
was military Adonis I saw before me
in the presence of Sir Percy.
When l entered, he was talking with
sleek parsonage, clad in citizens dress,
who had on his knees portfolio, in
which lay some loose sheets of paper
covered with writing. Upon my APP
pearance, this gentleman seized pen,
dipped it in the ink, and held it poised
above his paper. with the air of a man
who is going to report a public speech
A prisoner, Colonel said my escort
The Colonel wheeled round in his
chair and looked keenly at me.
When were you captured p
/" Half an hour ago."
You are an officer--a major, I see.
What command 2"
II have already replied to that quos-
ton"
"To whom 2"
" The officer who captured me-"
" Well, sir, you can, no doubt, favor
me with repetition of your reply"
| replied that | belonged to the Con-
federate States army
Z" Close, Colonel I" here interposed
the sleek gentleman in black, who had
hastily scratched away at his paper as
this dialogue took place
"A perfect trapp' exclaimed the
Colonel, lolling carelessly in his chair I;
but | have never known single rebel
officer who had not this exaggerated
idea Of the Importance of secrecy in every
thing. Now, | make no mystery of my
ovements-none."
-" You are going to bag Ashby,'
Colonel, and that's fact" came, with a
laugh, from the sleek parsonage.
U n
tell me, sir" he added, turning to me,
whether you know General Ashby."
Intimately, sir"
" Ah:" and the Colonel rose in his
chair
81 have been with him throughout
the retreat-thougb am not attached
to his command"
These words seemed to attract the
Colonel's attention and excite his in
terest.
Take seat, Major" he said. 81
did not hear your name -
" Surry."
+" An English name. You Virginians
come Of the genuine English stock--and
ought to fight WELL"
We try to do the best we can,
Colonel"
"And you do it devilish well, Major.
Asbby has given me world oftrouble."
"He will be delighted to hear it,
when I get back"
:" Ha (! but / am not going to part
with you SO soon, my dear sir. Let us
talk little first"
" Willingly, Colonel"
Z" have sworn to capture Ashby."
Don't you think it is difficult un-
dertaking n
Well, he is cool and watchful
enough, but l will get the better of him
yet. | thought had him the other day
at the bridge"
g Over the Shenandoah p
Yes-did you witness the chase after
bin ?"
Il was with him."