Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1867-08-17
MISCEL-aANY a
SCOUT LIFE.

Wade Hampton, is taken from Tho August
number of the "Land we Love-"
Capt. john Esten Cooke, in his last book,
"Wearing Of the Grey'--a most interesting
aud captivating work has given a chapter to
this same subject. Hc gives various gallant
deeds and hair. r.breadth escapes us occurring
to one of those brave men, whom recognize
well, though his name is not mentioned but
he omts one exploit which was among the
most remarkable Of his career. In supplying
this omission, shall preserve the incognito
of S., as Capt. Cooke has not given his
name. The occasion to Which alryion is here
made, took place when Meade had his army
campcd near Culpepper Court House, and the
object was to endeavor to ascertain the posi-
tion, numbers, &C., of the Federal troops
S. undertook to accomplish this object,
and he adopted plan worthy of his boldues,
and address. Disgusting himself as coun-
try woman, he procured small cart, which
and he drove boldly into the Yankee lines,
where he made application for pass. This
| ho obtained he then sold his stock, and af.
ter spouding three days at Mcadc's hcadquar-
ters, he left his friends in blue, bringing in
| to Gen Stuart all tho information dcsired-
This anccdote forms the only exception to the
statement mado by me previously. That ouly
such as came under my personal observation
would be'givcn. This occurred before S.
was associated with us, as he was after Gen.
Stnart's death but have every reason to be-
lleve that the affair happened just as has been
described
Selecting special scouts and particular Incl
dents from the whole number, as propose to
do, bog now to introduce to your readers,
Sergeant Shadbourne, Of tho jeff Davis Le-
gion, whose exploits would Of themselves
form volume. Shadbourne was detailed as
scout by Gen. Hampton, and he was CON
stantly engaged on this duty until tho end of
the war He was young u,an, of very pre-.
possessing appearance, tall active and rcsoute
Ordinarily, he appeared to be only . hand
some young fellow, with large, soft, mild eyes !;
but as soon as fight began, he became trans
formed instantly into the dashing cavalryman !;
his whole soul seemed to he in the battle, and
his black eye blazed like fire. Armed with
at least two pistols; nnd! ceten three, lie wyuiiu
q 81 against the enca1y, firing with rapidity
aud precision, not surpassed by even Niosby,
who was every handy with his pistol" But
in oil the excitement Of battle, Shadbourne
was perfectly cool, ready for any emergency,
or to avail hinnsclf of any advantage. On
occasions OF this sort, he proved that he pos.
sessed qualities which only needed wider
field for their exercise to mako him leader
AS illustrative Of this, shall give, first, an
account of one of his performances, which
was witnessed by myself. If you remember,
Wilson and Kautz, with large force, mado
raid against tho South-side and Danvlle
Railroad. At Stanton River Bridge, they
were repulsed and returned to join Grant near
Petersburg. Near Stony Greek, they were
met by our cavalry and defeated with Loss
fw Hits ,nd msaa Station they
route became complete and final. Kautz
pushed down to cross the Halifax Road, 80
that he could got into his lines, while Wilson
fed towards the Nottaway River Shad-
bourne was sent by Gen. Hampton, just after
the fight at Reams' Station, to find where the
enemy were. Taking FIVE mon with him, he
moved up country road. On this, he had
not proceeded far, when he met the advanced
guard of kautz's retreating column. lie at
onco ordered thcm to surrender, when they
began to deploy. Without moments hest
tation, he gave orders in loud voice for " two
regiments to to brought up; one on the right,
the other on tho left" AS soon as this order
was given, tho Yankees said they would sur
render. Placing ono man on one side of the
road, aud occupying the other, Shadbourne
directed the Yankees to advanccand drop their
arms. While doing this, tho main column
OF the enemy came in sight, and seeing the
condition of their advanced guard, they charg.
ed to release them. IIo put his prisoners in
motion, guarded by three men on each flank,
made thom gallop, then form fours, and all
swept down towards our command. AS soon
as prisoners were closed up, and charging from
their own mon, he despatched man to in:
form Gen. Hampton to " look out, for the
Yankees were charging down the road he was
on" The General Immediately took fcw
men back and soon met .Shadbourne, who had
brought off safely scventy-thrcc prisoners
the whole advance squadron Of Kautz's com.
,mand, and this, too, in full sight of the enc.
coaap.,Eor this feat Shadbourne was highly
: no was reenahy. his commanding officor. nnd
t ground OF his I" extfhdSisx. promotion, on The
8 lantry," shown by him in his c6ia;;n and gal
affair. ef this
, On one occasion, he was betrayed by a nc
gro, while sleeping in the lines Of the enemy
and was captured. While his captors wer
f taking him off, ho requested them to look fo
( his hat, which had been dropped. Tn tn
, pretended search for this, he got near wood
when dashing through the surrounding enemy
nc made into it, followed by volcy from tI
whole party. and a vigorous pursuit, whicl
proved fruitlcss.
Subsequently; he, with another brave scou
l