Maryland free press., 1866-05-03
"sURRY OF EAGLE's sEsT.n

the nero VI Ihc Nofet, MAYOR SuFfyi
To come to the actual occurrences of
that time-I was with the cayalry rear
guard between IIarrissnnhurg and Gross
Keys, some miles from Port Republic. at
which point the infantry was concentra-
ting, whom dust, rising upon the flank,
that would go ascertain what it meant.
Take care, Surry," was his reply; "thc
enemy are close behind US. and you will
bo eaytured."
Ia. Il reckon not"
well keep u gool lookout Tho
Federal advance-guard is commanded by
Sir Percy Wyndham, an English officer,
who has sworn, | am informed, that he
will ''bag US ne. | should be sorry to
have him catch one of my friends"
II defy him"
And, with that spirit of pride which so
of,en lracedes a fall, l put spur to my
horse, aud went at full speed in the d.
rection of the dust, following u narrow
forest road
Unfortunately, Ashby's fears were speed
lily REALIZED. l had not gone quar-
nlry fankers debouched quietly into the
road behind me. and, lovclling their cur
bincs, orderel me to surrender,
1t was the coolest and III st business like
affair had ever witnessed, reader. No
ill-bred hurry--no excitement-''no vio-
lent language" or unpleasant collision
Within twenty steps OF mo Wore twen-
ty carbines, cooked and aimed at my
brcast--the officer at the head Of the men
commanded, SURRENDER, or you are dead"
and with bitterness in my heart ! surren-
lercd.
You are an officer, sir?" he said ri
ding up
Il am."
''What command ?"
., 1.-The Confederate States Army"
''Rather a considerable force in our
front, Lieutenant" said the officer, who
seemed to be something Of humorist.
"send the prisoner und0r guard, to Colo,
mel Wyndlam.
The Lieutenant touched his hat re-
member he was villianous looking fellow
-and three men separated themselves
from the column and took charge at me.
xiii him, if he tries tn escape" said
the humorous officer,
- The men cooked their carbines, and res
ted them across their ponmcls; and. with
this pleasing escort, was conducted by
winding road tAraugA the woods. to a
house near the mRip road. which had re.
lnembcred passing on the proceeding even
ing. "r 0A. ..a ..... ....
Fa llere sHperLly cquiped horses were seen
tethered to the boughs and fences-cour-
irrs went and came-nly escort conducted
me lnto preseuce ut Sir Percy Wyndham,
commanding the cavalry advance guard of
the Federal force.
| found myself in the plain sitting-room
Of a small farmhouse. Qu u table were
spread maps aud papers; and u bottle Of
wine raised its Slender neck, fauked by
glasses. 90. .'
Lolling In spllt-bottomed rocking
chair was tall, fine looking parsonage
clad in superb uniform, and wearing
sabre with magni6cently chased hilt,
which ratified against fine French cavalry
boots, decorated with enormous spurs.
The oountcnance of this officer was rud-
dy handsome, and full of pride. His hair
was light, long, aud worn in curls. II
vas a military .Adonis | saw before me III
the person of Sir Percy,
When | entered, he was talking with
n sleek parsonage, clad i9 citizens dress
who had on his kHees portfolio, in which
lay some loose sheets of paper covered
with writing. Upon my appearance. this
gentleman seized y pen, dipped it in the
ink, and held it poised above his paper,
above his paper. with the air of u man
who is going to report public speech.
IA prisoner. Colonel, said my escort,
The Culonel wheeled round IN his chair
and looked keenly at mc. .. -...
When were you captured ?"
"lfalf an hour ago"
"Y0u arc an oiiicer-a Major, sec,
What coMmand"
Il have already answered that ques-
tion." .s t-.. ~. ...-.r.
ITO whom?" .. .....
The officer who captured me-"
We'll. sir. you can, no doubt, favoE me
with a repetitiop of your reply"
L replied that belonged to the Copfed-
Srate States Army. -. .r-,.....
-, Close, Calopel = here iaterposcd the
sleek gentleman in black, who had hastily
scratched away at his paper as this dia-
logue toak place, - .'ao.@... D.
"A perfect trap exclaimed the Colo
pei, loiling careltssly in his clair; ''but
! have never known q single rebel Off
eeg WHO had not this exaggerated idea of
the Importance of secrecy in everything.
Nov, | make no mystery of my move
pients, ,-R3ne."
] lyon are goiRs to- "bag Ashby," COY
'0nel, that's = fact" came, with a laugh,
from the sleek parsonage. .......
II swear | will. At least VOW can tell
Mc, sir" he added, turning to NE.
"whefhcr yo9 know Gep, Ashby,"
9"!ntilMttclX. sir" =,
AN. and the Colonel rose in his
chair.