Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1879-05-22
A NIGHTS RIDE.
During the Late Civil War, by
;lNaVai Volunteer.
IFrom the Washinoton Gazette.l

a. Naval SoIuRtCcf.
GFrom the Washington Gazette
Our gunboat was lying at point
called Windsor Shades on the Chick
ahominy river, about eighteen miles
below Richmond. Mcclellan, with
his army, had retreated from in front
of that city, and was encamped on
the north bank of James river, at ana
in the vicinity Of Harrison's Land
ing. We had been on the Chicka-
hominy, when Mcclellan commenced
his retreat, but in obedience TO the
mandate Of "dispatch' boat, had
suddenly gone around to the James
river, where we arrived in time to par
ticipate in the battle Of Malvern Hill
After a few days we were again Or
dered TO the Chickahoniny, with two
other gunboats, where we lay when
the facts of this brief sketch occurred.
The awnings were spread to keep
off the rays of a July sun that poured
down with torrid yigor. l had the
deck and was slowly pacing up and
down, when the Captains bell rang.
The quart ermaster went below in an
swer TO the call and in q few minutes
returning, approached me, saying:
''Mr. S, the Captain wants to see
you"
DANGEROUS MISSION.
went into the cabin and found
Captain O. reclining upon a lounge,
smoking a cigar, and having some
manuscript papers in his hands which
he was attcntively reading. He told
me to he seated, and said:
''Mr. S, l have got duty for you
to perform to -night-apt to be dan
gerous, but l rely upon your GOODNESS
and discretion for happy consum-
nation"
l here modestly bowed my ac-
acknowledgements, and the Captain con-
tinued:
Il want you to leave here about 9
o'clock to night with these dispatches,
and ride across the country toward
the James river, taking the Charles
City road for your route; get inside
our army lines, give the dispatches 10
a responsible officer with instructions
to Immediately forward them to the
general commanding, and then, with
out any more delay. return at once to
your vessel. You will have to get q
horse somewhere about here to carry
you thither-you can take him foI
the time being, and then bring him
back all right. However, don't run
into danger -needlessly. The dis
patches are not of sufficient import
ance to warrant it, and if you find
your road obstructed, don't attempt
to finish your errand, but return
AS the sun went down / got ready
for my journey. In capturing severa
prizes prior to the time speak of, al
of us, more or less, became possessed
of clothing, both male anl female
and some of the former / now founC
to be of service to me in doffino m,
uniform and donning q civilian:
dress. The suit did not fit me Will
the nicely Of one purchased from F;
fashionable clothing dealer, but i
served my purpose completely; ant
with an immense, brOad-brimmet
SLOUGH hat, l reported myself to th
Captain as the clock marked 8, a
ready! He looked at nee approyingl,
and said, Captain f. of the Satelit
will be here directly with his boat
crew and 60 oD shore with you. Yo
will go in our ships boat of course
but when on shore send our boat back
and do you accompany Captain F.
who has some business in that hous
on the hill off our starboard quarter
You'll be able to get your horse there
I guess, and when you get one be of
and may God bless you'll"
AS he concluded, the sound of oar
alongside indicated the arrival of th
! other boat, and the captain and in