The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-03-03
Charles s. Bell.
Death Of a Famous Union Scout.

From the Dayton, o., journal, February %.
There died peacefully at the Soldiers Home
on Tuesday last, one of those heroic spirits who,
amid the clash of contendlng arms in great
war, help to make the history of a nation
That man was Charles 8. Bell, a journalist by
profession, and scout and spy In the Union ar
my. Any extended notice of the stirring
events in which he took SO large a part would
be thrilling narrative Of the campaigns of
Gems. Grant and Sherman, from the surrender
Of Vicksburg to the last drum-roll at Appoms
tox.
Charles S. Bell was q man of admirable pres
ence and fine physique. Entering the army in
the first year Of the war; when very young, his
boldness, dash, and indomitable courage soon
attracted the attention of Gen. Grant, whose
trusted spy and scout be was until the close of
the war. The tales told of his daring while
thus employed trench SO much ON the marvel
GUS as to come within the domain of fiction
He was known to don the gray uniform, and
serve in the ranks for months at . time ir order
to gain valuable Information for his chief. In
the character OF rebel scout in 1863. he led
Gen: Chalmers, now 10 Congress from Missis.
sippi, into Gen. Hurlbert's lines, and In the
light which ensued the rebel general was shot
10 the face. the scar Of which he bears to this
day. In 1862, while serving in the trans.Miis
siss!ppi Department, he conducted large de.
tachmeut of the enemy across the river on the
zoe, ostensbly to surprise a Union camp, but
instead, led them into prepared ambuscade,
where the entire force was captured One Off.
Ger, at the last moment, suspected the deceD-
tioD, but ere he coult make his suspicions
known the scout shot him down, He Was tak.
en- prisoner in 1868, and his real Character ala.
covered but while on his way to RichmoDd.
heavily ironed, he leaped from the train run.
ming ct full speed, and made his escape
AN incIoent VIII fnrther serve to show the
nerve and daring OF the man. While scouting
within the rebel lines in Tennessee. after his
last escape, he had hidden his blue uniform ND
sycamore tree, and arrayed himself in Con-
ieoerate gray. Returning to secure his clothes.
he had commenced to climb the tree, when a
rebel lieutenant of gigantic stature arose from
the bushes near by, and covering Bell with his
pistol, demanded that he throw up his hands
and surren Ter. The bold scout was equal to
me Inc emergency: Gazing ixedly up the valley
inefe, SAID ne, comes q regiment of Yankee
cavalry; us my turn now, you are my prison
er. The lieutenant turned his glance for a
moment in the direction indicated. when
quick as lightning, Bell drew his revolver and
shot him dead.
After the close of the war he wrote series
OF romantic adventures, relating his own expe-
rlence. for the New York Lsdger, and suisse
qoently edited small sheet devoted to bYok.
er's interests and finance in Wall street. New
YORK. His health breaking down, be came to
the home on the 18th of July last sufferins
from consumption. He went to Arkansus
some weeks ago, hoping the change of clima.s
would beneht him, but finding this unayailine
returned here soen after to die, Pesca to ma
ashes. As far as known he has no relative iv-
aasS ; Holis In " ashinssen.~ >Hs AZ The ssa-