The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-06-14
A Scouts Adventure.

Court House and the Confederate army lay
in Orange county, Virginia, General Lee
desired certain information which it seemed
could be best obtained by an individual
scout, and Stringfellow was selected for the
service. 1t was necessary that he should
penetrate the enemy's camps, remaining
concealed as long as possible, and return
when he had collected the desired informa-
ton. His operations were to be conducted
mostly at night. He wished to be accompa-
MED by two men, one of whom, Parrish by
name, had his home in the immediate vici-
nifty of the enemy's camps, and being init
mately acquainted with all the country
could accurately guide him from place to
place in the night as by daylight. The ex-
pedition was undertaken on foot, as the dis
lance was not great and concealment was of
prime Importance. The men we're clad in
their own uniform as scouts, not spies. The
country was a difficult one for the opera
lions of a scout. From the long and fire.
quent occupation by both the contending
armies, the land had been almost entirely
denuded Of its timber, and only here and
there few thin clusters of trees remained
standing. One day had passed since they
had entered the enemy's lines, and with
nightfall they commenced their wanderings
purpose OF locating the different corps, and
of ascertaining whether any troops had been
detached from the Army Of the Potomac.
The night had been nearly consumed in this
way, when reaching one of the clusters of
trees, of which I have spoken, they laid
themselves down to catch few moments
rest. A single blanket covered the three
men.
Treacherous, fatal sleep! Their fatigue
was greater and the night was further spent
than they had supposed, and the sun was
shining bright in their eyes, when party of
six federal soldiers with their muskets in.
their hands, pulled away the blanket which
covered them, and saluted them with hui
merous "Good morning, Johnny Reb wake
up!'' Stringfellow, lying upon his back,
was the first to arouse and to comprehend
the situation. Knowing that an open attempt
to seize his arms would draw upon himself
instant death, he feigned to be only half
awakened, and, much to the amusement of
his tormenters, turned upon his side, NUT
tering and grumbling at being awakened,
telling them to go away and let him alone.
But by turning upon his side he gave to
himself the opportunity of placing his hand
upon the handle of his pistol,
and in another second he sprang upon his
feet and opened fire. His companions Joined
in the attack, and for few moments the
firing was rapid and fatal. The federal SOL
diers stood their ground, but at such close
quarters the musket was no match for the
revolver. There was no time to reload I'M
der the quick eye of Stringfellow, and once
discharged tie muskets were useless. A few
seconds terminated the encounter, in which
Stringfellow found himself the sole survivor
of his party. Parrish was killed his other
had disappeared, he knew not how;
four of the federal soldiers lay dead at his
Leet; and the two others, having thrown
down their empty guns, were running for
heir lives.
But though victor in this fight, perils null
iiplied themselves around him. The trees
among which he stood were surrounded on
every side by open fields dotted thick with
,he enemy's tents, some at distance, some
close at hand. Concealment was impossible, |
md he must run for his life; but run in
what direction he might, enemies would be
sure to intercept his course, for the adjacent
camps had been aroused by the firing, and
The soldiers who had escaped would be sure
70 return with others to avenge the death of
heir comrades. At distance of few hum
lred yards, little branch made its way
through the open fields toward the river. |
Its banks were fringed with bushes, and |
while it offered only an utterly forlorn hope,
5tringfellow turned toward it and ran. He
was seen by those who had already started |
Tor his capture; seen to cross the open field /; |
seen to enter the brush on the bank of the |
stream. And now vindictive shouts an
that the enemy felt secure of their |
prey. But not so Entering the bed of the |
stream kind Providence guided him to the |
spot where the waters had followed out for |
lim hiding place, behind the roots OF an |
Did stump. Underneath this bank and be- |
hind these roots he forced his body, having |
hastily collected what drift wood was within |
reach still further to conceal his person !; |
Ind there be lay, half covered by the water |
Ind the mud, and awaited the result.
From every direction men were hurrying |
20 the spot with the perfect assurance that |
;he daring enemy would soon be within their |
power. For long, long hours did scores of
continue to examine every foot of
The brush that lined the stream. Many times |
lid hostile feet pass directly over Stringfel-
OW's body, and once man more inquisitlve |
han others stopped, while walking in the |
bed Of the stream, to examine the very spot |
where he lay. But the drift wood which he |
lad skilfully arranged for his concealment |
deceived the mar, and he passed on without |
making the discovery. Toward afternoon |
The search slackened, and by nightfall it was |
abandoned. But not until the noise of the |
lamps was hushed in slumber did Stringfel-
ow dare to leave his retreat. Then, fol- |
owing for some time the course of the little |
stream, he passed in safety out of the enc
ny's line, swan the Rapidan between the
oickets, and, thankful to God for his deliver
lnce, found himself once more among his
riends.-[Major Nc Czellan in PHILADELPHIA |
Weekly Times.