The weekly Shasta courier., 1873-03-29
Macs Ride.
BY GRACE GREENWOOD.


In the spring of lS65, clerk in one Of
the departments at Washington, "a young
man by the name of Mcclure, but famil-
iarly known as Mac" applied, through a
friend, to the provost marshal for pass, in
order to cross the Potomac for ride He
had been ill, and required the recreation for
his health. He received pass, and dash
ed gayly off toward Georgetown, presenting.
on that occasion, quite gallant appearance
tor civilian, being handsomely dressed
with half mllitl Try hat, cavalry boots and
silver spurs, and being mounted on a fleet
and fiery steed. The day was beautiful, as
only an early spring can be, in Washington
and as our cavalier passed into the suburbs
and out into the country, the delicate scent
OF the sprlnging grass under foot, and of the
bursting buds overhead, the healing balm
of the air, the tender warmth of the sun
shine, the light and easy action of his horse
all hled and thrilled him with fine 10y OF
congalescence. But just in the height of his
Joyances his annoyances began. He had
turned little aside from the road to water
his horse at spring, and while he halted
there, stranger, who had been following
him for some little time, rode up, looked al
him sharply, and then brusquey asked who
he was, and where he was going. IL do
not know that it is any of your business, sir
nor what authority you have to question
me-" This was said rather sayagey-the
stranger seemed little alarmed, aud putting
spurs to his horse, galloped back towards
Georgetown, while Mac continued his way
towards the chain-bridge. He had scarcely
made half mile when he heard horses gal
Looping behind him, and presently two feder-
al officers dashed past, wheeled and faced
him. with cooked pistols and menacinp
countenances. Mac drew rein in angry as
tonlshment, and was about to demand the
reason OF this bandtti-like proceeding. when
one OF the officers seemed to recognize HIM
and laughing, said, Excuse me. took YOU
for another man." The three then rode on
together, pleasantly chatting, crossed the
chain bridge, passed Fort Marcy, and went
some three or four miles bevond. out into
old, desolated Virginia. Suddenly Mac
perceived that change had come Ger the
spirit of the day. Ii grew sombre, and a
niue CHILL with prospects of rain, and tax
ing leave OF his companions he turned, and
rode homeward at full speed. So intent
was he ON getting back with dry skin
that he dashed through Fort Marcy and
down the hill, toward the chain bridge, with
out drawing rein. Coming to fork of the
road, he noticed some cavalry, halted. but
held on his way, and though he presently
heard them galloping behind him, not
dreaming that they could have anything to
do with hun, he kept bravely on till he also
heard pistol shots, and bullets began to
whiz around his ears. Then thinking that
matters were getting little serious, he
wheeled and found he was being pursued by
whole company of cavalry. He threw up
his hands in token of surrender. His pur-
suers dashed up and formed hollow SQUARE
about hum, while the officer in command
saiuted him, with sort of grim courtesy.
and addressed him as colonel Colonel p
exclaimed our innocent civilian, now thor
oughly irritated, What in thunder do Won
mean :" and am sorry to say that he then,
and at other times during that irving day.
made use of some streng expressions which
he never learned at Sunday school. "Wbo
do you take me to be-" he 6ercely demand
ed. The othcer smiled, wise. slow smile "
An, know you very well, colonel We
all Know you. There is but one of your
sort. Hows your health, colonel. Wounds
quite healed, hope? Fine horse that, and
You ride him calamity, by Jove."
Mac, for all answer, triumphantly produc-
ed his pass Another knowing smile from
the captain Of cavalry. as he examined it.
Good name in Washington. Nav ask
colonel, how long you have been McGuire?"
just here, one-eyed Irish soldier, on guard
a. the bridge rushed up, discharged at the
prisoner frantic volley of oaths, and claim
60 the privilege of shooting him on the spot,
LOT having shot out me eye at Centreville. -
ne actually ieveled his musket at Mac and
oolgeo MN to ask the protection of his
eaPtorS' VINO commanded the irate Irishman
70 return to his post and keep the peace. In
q lew minutes our bewildered hero was al
lowed TO proceed, but with the full cavalry
escort lie rode in sullen silence over the
oridge ne had crossed so gaily. That very
morning he arrived on the shore. the cantain
commanded halt, and called into anTious
consultation colonel of artillery there sta.
toned. This officer after keenly and SOME
what severely scrutinizins the prisoner. stem
ped up to him. and said with an air of stern
Importance, Colonel, You will be pleased
to dlsmount here and walk into town.
Colonel, responded Mac, with ouite az
stern and lofty an air. Il shall not be
pleased to do any such thing I have been
Ill lately, and am not able to walk so far
Besides. my horse is borrowed one. and T
am bound 10 return it to its owner: mora
over, deny your right to interfere with me
In any way. On the whole, / decline to
dismount.' There followed a whispered
consultation among the officers, and finally
it was concluded to send the contumacious
colonel +" under double escort of cavalry
and infantry to Georgetown. Arrived here,
Mr.. Mcclure underwent a severe examine
ton before the provost-marshal. That Off