Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-29
Adventures, Perils and Escapes
OF q. y. BELL,

The Union Scout of the Mississippi
BY GEORGE wAKEMAN.-No. XVI.
ON the scout-Recognitien aud Dan
ger Of Recognition Move ment "a
Rescue Union Prisoners = south
ward Hound.
From the New York Ledger.l
After the battle at Colliersville, Chal'
mer's command encamped about mile
below Byhala. Bell still hoped for the
approach of Hatch, whom he believed to
be somewhere in the vicinity, Chalmers,
though he was much chagrined at his re-
pulse, and at his failure to capture Sher,
man. had taken one hundred and eight
Federal prisoners, and Bell was panied
when he thought that they were destined
TO be confined in some loathsome kennel,
to wait for months perhaps, with meagre
food. and in O noisome climate, before
being exchanged. He longed to give
Colonel Hatch the information which
would enable him to engage Chalmers in
battle, and perhaps release them.
Chalmers had bis headquarters at the
house of a planter named lngraham. .
One morning, as the General and Bell
we're in the front room, a man was
brought in whom the scout Immediately
recognized ss the chaplain who had taken
simmer with himself and Colonel Trafton,
Of the Seventh Illinois regiment, on his
way to Memphis, as mentioned in No.
XIV of these sketches. The chaplain
had been captured at Colliersville, and
came to urge that he should be set at lib
erty, being q non-combatant.
He looked at Bell, and Immediately
recognizing him, made a step in his direc-
ton, Bell was in a tremor of apprehen-
sion lest Chalmers should observe 1t, and
make further inquiry which might betray
him but giving the chaplain quick and
significant glance, that could not fail to
be understood, the latter was discreet
enough to make no indication OF recogni-
ton. he was evidently puzzled, how
ever. as to Bells real character, The
incident was so slight that it did not
catch Chalmers eye, and the chaplain
soon retired
AZ am in danger Of discovery every
moment" thought Bell, land might as
we'll be doing something as be lying here:
| may be able to come across Hatch, and
nut him on the right route to intercept
these Union prisoners. L should like
also to 90 to Memphis and see Hurlbut.' =
He proposed to Chalmers to 90 on q
scout, and received permission. Alter
being furnished with pass, he set out on
foot about half an hour after sunrise on
the Memphis road, telling Chalmers that
he should try to capture o good horse
hafors be came back. After going about
a mile he turned to the right, and struck
,be CoIliersville road. He had not gone
far wben he met squad Of half dozen
men of the Second Mississippi cavalry.
These men demanded 10 see his pass,
which he showed then, deEspding anx-
iously: a.
rosd7'
MARY Yank," replied the Sergeant.
"Your pass is all right. Go ahead
Nevertheless he bad not walked more
than half mile when, coming to the TOP
of slight hill, be found himself Directly
in front of several mounted Union SOL
diers, who we're advancing with oarbines
at q ready. They instantly brought their
weapons to bear on him. DE threw up
his hands, crying:
Don't shoot ana unsrmed."
The Sergeant looked at him steadily &
minute or two, and said, rather sternly
al think / have had the pleasure oi
meeting you before,