Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-04-10

Bell could make no objection, although
he had no reason to believe that this ar
rangement had been made to, prevent
him communicating with the Federals,
in case be had any desire to do so.
The scout found his companion to be a
very agreeable and intelligent man, Of
about thirty-fve, named Farr. he en-
gagged Captain Farr in pleasant conver.
sation, and was glad to perceive that he
had had no intimation of the existence
Of any suspicion, or of any object Of
precaution in allowing them to go in
company. Bell, however, knew that the
information of which he had possessed
himself with reference to the strength
and disposition of the defences of the
enemy, would be of the greatest possible
Importance TO Sherman, and he deter
mined to communicate it at all hazards.
The companions left Johnston's lines
at about noon. They forded Pearl river
SIX miles above Jackson, finding the
water very deep, and being compelled to
almost swim their horses at the deepest
part. The day was hot and the shade Of
the dense forest in the bottom lands of
the river was very comfortable. Upon
leaving the river, however, and taking
the main road to Canton on the high
land, the sun became very oppressive,
and Bell complained of feeling quite ILL.,
Captain Farr said he wished to reach the
house of a friend a shert distance beyond
Canton, so as to remain there overnight.
When they were about fourteen miles
out of Jackson, Bell declared that he
had an intolerable headache, and was
not able to proceed any farther. Ee
proposed that he should stop at the house
of a planter named Calhoun, near by,
where he could rest till sundown; and
then, in the cool of the night he could
ride on and overtske his companion, at
the place which he designated, by day
break. Captain Fsrr exp ressed regret
at Bells indispostion, and consented to
the arrangement.
On going into the house, Bell found
that the former white occupants had
moved eastward several DAYS before, to be
beyond the reach of the Federal army,
and that number of negro servants re-
msined behind to take care of the place
One of them tied his horse by feed :
trough in the yard, and gave him some
thing to eat, and one ofthe negro women
prepared bed for Bell in the wide pas
sage-way through the house. The cool
breezs blew through it, and it looked out
upon the shrdbbery and Chinn trees in
the yard. Bell lay down and rested un-
til dark-the negro women being unre-
hitting in their attentions, and exces-
sively voluble in their expressions Of SYM
patby. He then had his horse saddled,
and remarking that he would have to ride
all night to overtake his friend, started
in the direction of Canton. After going
about quarter of a mile, he abruptly
reined about, and making a circuit
through the country, came out upon the
road again nearer jackson, and returned
along the same way which he had trav-
eled in the morning.
he was we'll mounted, and rode very
rapidly. 1t was fourteen miles to the
Union army, towards which he was
going, aud he would have to return that
distance and go on seventeen miles fur
ther to overtake his friend. This must
be traversed before daybreak. His
horses hoofs rang in the night air as be
sped on over the rolling country, past
uuinhabited plantations that lay silent
and lonely under the starlight.
He stopped at intervals and listened
intently for any sound, for he knew it
would be a serious matter to be caught
by any Confederate force. Finally, as
he was moving forward very rapidly, he
suddenly heard the cry of Halt and
a moment after the whistle of ball and
the report of musket.
Don't fire on me" he cried. :" am
all right"
A man from among the trees called:
Who are you ?"
az am friend" responded Bell.
He supposed that the men were Fed
eral pickets, but was not certain enough
to make it prudent to commit himself
What army do you belong to p said
the men.
81 don't belong to any army replied
Bell
"Where are you from p
up the road. | am alone and IN.
armed. Come out here"
Two men stepped into the road, and
came towards him. he Immediately
saw that they were Federal soldiers, and
he subsequently found that they belonged
10 the 18th New York regiment High
landers.)
81 want to be taken TO General Parkes
headquarters" Said Bell. " / have an
important communication to make to
him."
His horse was tied to tree in charge !
Of soldier, aud he was sent to General 1
Parke's headquarters in company with |
one of the men who had FIRST accosted |
him. General Parke yss asleep, but |
upon being awakened, came out Of his
lent.
"Ihave come in again from JOhnston's |
army" said Bell.
The General grasped him by the hand, |
and exclaimed;
why, Bsll, is this you ? What news
DO you bringY
~ have been in Johnston's army for /
the lsst three days" said Bell, "and /
have full details Of everything you wish /
to know. ! cannot remain here, how |
ever, more than an hour, as 1t is neces-
sary, to avoid suspicion, that should bs !
st 3 place five miles uoriL OF canton /
soon after daylight