The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-05-07
Hoe Mr.. DsioaeA sared Gen, Grant, L,fr

II has been stated that Mr.. Deloach was ap-
pointed Postmaster at Memphis by the President
because he had saved his life on one occasion.
Mr.. DelOach gave this account OF the incident
TO the Memphis POst:-
Soon after Memphis was captured General
Grant commenced extending his lines in this d.
rcction. Sherman and Hurlbut advanced from
Corinth, and had reached Moscow and Lafsy-
cite. Our scouts were trayersing the interview
ing country, and II was regarded rs virtually in
Federal occupation. General Grant was eager
TO reach Memphis, and started without strong
escort to ride toward the city. He reached Mr..
Deloach's house near noon on q hot day IN June
accompanied by fourteen staff officers and or
derles. Mr.. Deloach was known, through the
scouts, To be reliable Union man, and General
Grant greeted him warmly, and, having dis
mounted, asked for water. This was brought
and Mr.. Deloach offered the General Northern
paper which he had Just received. He sat ca
gcrly reaiing, when q neighbor, known as n
violent rebel, came In and took seat
In few minutes Q colorcd boy entered by q
back door, looking much perturbed and alarmed.
lie beckoned to Mrs Deloaeh, and whispered to
her that Jackson's rebel cavalry had encamped
Just back Of Mr.. Deloaeh's plantation the night
previous, and were then breaking up and pre-
pairing 10 move. Ms. Deloach communicated
thus, in great alarm, but in strict secrecy, to her
husband; for their rebel neighbor was watching.
As they supposed, and would denounce them II
he observed any indication Of friendliness to the
Union General. Mr.. Delosch at once returned
10 the room much excited, as he says, but he is
informed by the President that he caught q
wink from him and nod Of the head toward
the road leading to Memphis. Gen. Grant i'm
meliately arose, and said quietly, that they had
a long ride before them, and must decline Mrs.
Deloach's invitation 20 dinner. Mr.. Deloaeh
followed them TO the gate, and informed the
General of his danger, suggesting that their
safety would depend upon the speed Of their
horses. They left ut full gallOp, and when they
had ridden about two miles they caught sight
Of squad Of mounted men coming down a
cross road, and were anable to decide to which
side they belonged.
Gen. Grant told his escort that their only safe
ty was to charge through this squad, II they
were rebels, rs heavier force was behind them
They auickened their pace, and were agreeably
relieved soon TO discover that II was party OF
their own scouts, who had Just been reconnoiter-
ing Jackson's movements. They reached Mem
phs unmolested. But in few minutes after
they had left Mr.. Deloach's house, squad Of
Jackson's cavalry rode up TO the gate and hal
loed. They asked IL Gen. Grant had been
there, and Mr.. Deloach replied that he had.
They demanded what he was doing. He told
them that ne gave him drink Of water, as he
would them II they asked for il. They COM
menced abusing him, when Mrs. Deloach inter-
fercd, and told them they had no right to blame
Mr.. Deloach; that he was known by everybody
10 be Union man, but he staid ut home and
was attending TO his own business. They finally
left, aiter considerable pickering, and rode rap
idly In the direction which Grant had taken,
but their delay and the speed Of his horse saved
him from annoyance.