Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-09-22
5fiscelinnu.
A New Story of Lees Surrender.

Lee might have escaped but for a wo-
mans boasting; and I'll tell you the
story which has never been printed, and
which know to be true, for Gen. Bah
cock its hero told me of it himself
After the evacuation of Richmond
there was at once swift and eager pur-
suit of the retreating rebels. Grant and
Sheridan had laid most carefully the
plan by which they hoped to force Lee
to an immediate surrender. They had
cut off as far as possible, all available
lines of retreat; yet, alert and vigilant,
their troops were kept ready for any new
emergency.
On the 7th day of April they were
sure that Lee was aiming to reach Dan
will; and accordingly Sheridan with his
forces moved rapidly forward to defeat
that purpose. Grant, with his staff and
several other officers, halted for the night
at plantation demanding rest and re-
freshment. 1t was nearly dark they
were jaded and worn with the fierce ex,
citement and the hard riding of the PIE
ceding days, and cared very little wheth.
er their host was surly or kind. Supper
was speedily dispatched; guards and
sentries were posted, orders issued for an
early breakfast, and then the tired men
stretched themselves wherever they
might for the sorely needed repose.
During the preparation of their sup
per and once afterwards, tall and ele
giant woman had been visible; but she
vouchsafed no word or look to the Yam
kee officers, and evidently sought by hel
naughty and disdainful bearing to make
them feel how u1welcome was their pres
ence.
Possessing perhaps, more vitality ol
power of endurance than his companions
General Babcock did not find himself SC
tired and sleepy as the rest; so acting
as sentinel, he paced up and down the
hall running in Southern fashion through
the house.
The servants had retired and none Of
the family were visible; but through a
partly opened door he caught the glow
of bright fire and glimpse of pret
ty room which awoke strong memories
of home.
You must remember that their camT
duties had been especially arduous, and
all social pleasure where ladies were
a feature, had been denied them fol
months The General is very gallant
man SO after passing that door two oil
three times, he coolly tapped on the ca
sing. The lady whom he had noticed
answered his knock, and with very
naughty aspect demanded his errand.-
Not whit daunted, the General bowed
and something like the following colo
guy took place:
Madam, am afraid you will deem m,
very impertinent, but it will be my dut.
topace this hall For an hour. The glimps
l could not help snatching of your brigh
fire and cozy room has given me viviC
picture of my own home as left it 81
long ago. Tomorrow | expect to be ii
battle; and though you regard me al
your enemy, can you not forget it for al
hour, and allow to the gentleman wha
you might deny to the Yankee ? 1t i
long since / have had the pleasure o
speaking to lady and if you will leav,
this door open and allow me now anC
then few words / shall account it ,
great favor"
Bitterly hating those Northern officer
and smarting under the fall of Richmond
the lady came very near a refusal: bu
the General is handsome man, and hi
eyes were pleading for him while h
spoke.