The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-04-28


something like accurate knowledge Of the
force of the enemy in and around Leesburg.
One scout had been drowned while crossing
the river, another had been shot by the
Confederates, another captured and sent to
prison, and in one way and another, all at
tempts to ascertain particulars in regard to
the enemy had been failures One or two
deserters from the Confederates had esti-
mated the number of troops, the number of
earthworks and pieces of artillery, but their
information was worth little. For full
month before the fatal 21st Of October
which witnessed the fearful slaughter at
Balls Bluff, Mcclellan was unceasing in
his attempts to secure such particulars as
he did finally receive, and that caused him
to order over the force which was slaught-
cred, he acting on the belief that the Con-
federates had no real strength in that vi
cinity.
The colonel's regiment was stationed at
Conrad's Ferry, above Leesburg, on the
Maryland side, and we finally arrived at his
camp. Before night was introduced to
General Mcclellan, who was passing along
the shore on tour of inspection. He ques-
toned me long and closely in regard to my
knowledge of Virginia, and particularly as
to my acquaintance with the country about
Leesburg; and when he had been convinced
of my loyalty, he at once engaged my SER
vices at figures which would have been
princely in any other occupation, where the
employe was reasonably sure of having a
months life ahead of him. knew the
hardships and dangers which were part
Of the duty of a scout, and it was not with
adventurous life.
For the next week l was busy preparing
maps and marking out roads for the benefit
of the generals, and several days more in
making map for my own guide. However,
at length received orders to report to Col
onel Devins who was in command of few
hundred troops stationed on Harrison's
Island, bank of sand in mid river, and ex-
down to within mile of Edwards Ferry.
The troops were sort of advance picket
to keep watch of the movements Of the ene-
my on the Virginia shore, and their princi-
pal duties were drilling, and exchanging
harmless shots with the Confederate pick
cts on the Bluffs opposite. / found the
colonel quick-spoken man of very plain
speech.
$50 you are the new scout, are you ?" he
inquired, as entered his tent and reported
myself.
eyes SIR"
We'll, sir, / want you to cross the river
tonight, count the Confederate force from
the Bluff to Leesburg, and report to me at
daylight. Take your own way of doing it,
but don't bring me anything but reliable
news"
every well, SIR" I replied, as I backed
out of the tent, but wanted to ask him
why he didn't order me to go to Richmond
and back in twenty-four hours.
The task assigned me could not be ac-
complished by any scout living, but must
try it.
spent the afternoon in observing all
that was TO be seen on the other shore, cal
culating the force of the river current, at
tempting TO locate the Confederate pickets,
and only commenced my real work after
sundown. 1t was too long distance to
swim to the Virginia shore, and deter
mined to make the crossing in a small skiff
which had come into possession Of the sol
diers. The boat was frail little thing,
probably used by some duck-hunter, and
the only means of propulsion was a rough
paddle. But, any conveyance was safer
than swimming, and had no doubt that
l should make the passage in safety.
Just at dark Colonel DeYins pointed out
to me what he thought my route should be
to ensure a safe landing on the opposite
side, and gave me some further instructions
as to securing the information which he de-
sired. He believed that the actual strength
of the enemy had been greatly over-estima-
ted, and he wanted reliable news from
every camp. know afterwards that his
theory was to cross force, If the enemy
were not too strong, drive them back, and
open communication with the Union troops
by way of the DrainsvilIe turnpike, but Of
course he gave me no hint Of this at the
time.
The night was starlight one, but yet SC
dark that in looking out on the river
could not see above thirty feet in advance
to distinguish any object. I did not believe
that anything would be gained BY waiting