The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1871-02-08

ed. My companion rode a powerful
black horse-cleau-limbed, full chested,
with small, nervous ears, and quick
bright eyes. Charlie had dubbed him
Satan. The name was well deserved,
for, luc,w non lucendo, his Santanic
Majesty was nearly unmanageable IN.
der FIRE. My own horse was known
throughout the corps for his remarka.
BILE speed and graceful form. Dear
Sultan was steady as rock under fire.
The artillery storm at Gettysburg hard
ly made him prick his ears. He was
thoroughly broken, and would obey the
slightest touch of heel or hands, as we'll
as the sound Of my voice.
It was morning when We reached
Sperryville, where we rested all day.
Chester Gap and Front Royal we're held
by the enemy, so we crossed the river
at Gravelly Gap, fcrded the sparkling
Sbenandoah-Fair Daughter Of the
Stars-and by sunrise we're travelling
down the valley. There were burned
barns, torn fences, fields laid waste,
mills destroyed, but Sheridan had not
vet swept like dtvouriug fame over
the garden of Virginia, che hearts Of
! the people were as true as steel, and
there was abundant food and shelter for
the errant Confederate soldier.
ALI our ingenuity was tasked to elude
the Federal patrols, but We passed
"White Post" and Millwood uuobserv-
ed, Aanked picket, and recrossed the
Ridge. Now we we're fairly within the
cnemy's lines. My dispatch vas learned
by heart by both of us, aud hidden
about my person. I told Charlie my
whole instructions, and explained that
the dispatch must not be allowed to fall
into the hands of the enemy. Then we
pushed on.
At Upperville, we learned that the
road thence to Leesburg, where there
was a Federal garrison, was generally
clear, although squads ofcavalry patrolled
it every day or two, paying flying visits
10 Upperville, Paris aud Middleburg, in
search of the "pcstiferious" Mosby and
his men.
oUI vIvE
The morning was bright and clear,
and we we're both encouraged by the
good fortune which had attended us.
Along each side Of the road was . rag
ged stone fence. Through the woods
beyond stole the gIirtering rays Of the
rising run.
Vernon was unusually depressed. The
animation of the first days ride had
wholly disappeared, and now he was as
gloomy as pauper's funeral. The boy
had too much heart for these tough
times. A settled sorrow had come
upon his life, and it was little conso.
lation to know that she who duped
him was bearing the dull torment Of an
unloving marriage.
Our horses, strangely enough, were
restless and uneasy. A stroke Of the
spur was all that their winneying
brought them. A turn in the road
was a few yards of, and there
we hoped to find house where
we might learn the state OF af-
fairs in Leesburg. Straw was scattered
along the fence; a broken gate lay
across the road but little We Needed
them until the sharp click ofa carbine
lock, and the loud challenge, Halt +! fell
with startling distinctuess upon the
morning air. Instantly all our senses
we're on the alert. We were in mess
no doubt of it. A few PAGES in
front, in a fence corner, stood two Fed
eral soldiers with levelled carbines. So
far, our blue overcoats had deceived
them. They did not fire. Our first
thought was to dash at them--they were
but two but second glance showed Us
the reserve picket not more than hun
dred yards behind. Aud, more distant
still, a busle was sounding 'boot aud
saddle" All this flashed through the
brain in an instant. The picket chal-
lepged us-"Who comes there? My
mind was made up. Charlie, l felt, was
ready. Gathering up my bride reins, !
answered-God forgive mel" Friends." "
The pickets carelessly lowered their
carbines "Now for it, Charlie"
cried. "Ride for your life !"
"Our horses wheeled with the rapid
ty of tightening and away We sped at q
sweeping gallop. Fortunately, "the
Yanks" we're not armed with the new
tangled sixteen shooters, Of which they
gave US taste later in the war. A
brace Of bullets hummed harmIessly
over our heads. and on we went at
glorious rate. Aye! and it did my heart
good to press Ssltau's heaviug aanks,
as he devoured the ground with his
vigorous stride. looked at Charlie
The devil.may-care look was again in
his face, and as we tore along he gaily
whistled q song.
The Federal cavalry thundered be.
hind. They yelled like demons. and
wasted many an ounce OF lead oa'
their Government stock was no match
for our Virginia thoroughbeds and w
forged steadily ahead. We we're nov
near the Cross Roads; reached tha'
point and we are safe. The Gross Road'
is but space or two from Us, aud turn
ing in my saddle I take pos-shot o
our pursuers. Then rang ont Charlie
clear voice: