Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-04-10
Adventures, PerilS and Escapes
OF C. &. BELL.
The Union Scout of the Mississippi

The Union Scout of the Mississippl
BY GEORGE wAKEMAY.-NO TX.
In and Out of the Lines Again-Pri
yate and Confidential Interview
with General Johnston, and AnOth
er with General sherman an En-
barrassing though Agreeable Com
paniOn-a Strategic Illness and
surrepiiiious Night Ride.
From the New York Lodger.l
Riding out under the stars from the
lines of the Union army besieging Vickt'
burg, Bell picked his way as well as be
could through the maze of fallen trees
which had been thrown across all the
paths in the vicinity, for the purpose Of
partly protecting the pickets from sud-
den dashes Of Confederate cavalry. he
went about among the timber without
keeping very regularly upon any road,
but the night being clear and light, he
was enabled to preserve uniform course
in the direction of the headquarters OF
Jacksons scouts at Halloman's.
1t was in the latter part of June, and
though the day had been warm, the night,
as is usual in the South, was cool and
pleasant. The deep silence about him
was only disturbed by the occasional
hoot of an owl or chirp of a. tree.frog,
aud when he came to Bear creek and
forded it, the horses hoofs gave forth a
grating and crunching sound, as they
settled into the gravel and stones in the
bed OF the stream.
Feeling the necessity of rest, Bell
finally turned into dense portion of the
woods, dismounted, hitched his horse to
a tree, and lay down upon the leaves.
The sweet cool air, freighted still with
the odor Of the magnolia, stirred softly
through the forest foliage; the blue sky
with its myriads Of quiet stars was seen
in patches through the heavily leaved
branches overhead, and with a pleasant
thought of the gsodly work which he had
been permitted to do for the cause of the
Union in the day past, and with an invo-
cation for equal protection and success
in the future, the scout sunk into sound
and refreshing slumber.
He was awakened in the morning by
the sound of the hoofs of approaching
cavalry. He quickly jumped 10 his feet,
equipped his horse, and sprsng into the
saddle. As the force came down the
road he saw that it was Stevens COM
mand. Stevens was at the head of the
column, and Bell rode out to meet him.
So You are going out again, said he
to Bell.
YES, l am on another expedition,
replied Bell.
The scout stood at the side Of the road
as the column passed, and shortly after
proceeded to the place where he had
secreied his Confederate uniform, donned
it, leaving the blue uniform in its place,
and continued on his way toward Halo
mans.
Here be met the sceuts who had
directed him on bis way toward the Union
lines, and one Of them, who was going
back 10 Vernon, to General jackson s
headquarters, rode on in company with
him. They had not proceeded far, when
q lsrge hog suddenly whisked his nR-
wieldy form into the road from the bushes
at the side, with lOnd grnnt, and fright
ened Bells horse into saeh an pnex-
pected spring as to unhorse him, and
give him very violent shock He took
his place again in the saddle, but on ar
irving at Monigonerg's plantation; found
himself too weak TO proceed, and stopped
at the house. BE remained there over
night, and the next morning be vas taken
BY Mr.. Montgomery 10 Vernon in buggy,
his horse being led behind.
He reported to General Jackson, and
almost Immediately after his arrival,