Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-02-08
From Harper's Monthly.
CLOSE QUARTERS.
"You're hiding rebels I'm the house
Wrout the leave o. me-"
n

l am a Georgia gentleman. and serve,
the South during those four crucial year
which one side calls ''our late struggl,
for independence. J." and the other stigma
tizes as "the rebellion In skirmisf
before Fredericksburg | was taken prison
or, and was sent North with squad oI
fellow -misfortuna.es TO Point Lookout
Thence, after while. a number Of u
were transferred to Fort Delaware. Dur.
ing the journey, while the train was run.
ming at slack speed, about fifteen mile:
from Baltimore, managed to jump of
of it. | took the leap literally in the
dark, not knowing where was going tc
land, for it was growing dusk, and the
day was the I'd of February. There was
snow upon the ground, and | slipped as
| struck the track, rolling over and over
until | brought up in snow-drift below
steep embankment, and saw the lights
Of the receding engine flashing round a
curve in the road. AS soon as could
rally my wits, gathered myself up, and
turned my face toward Baltimore.
After walking few miles saw the
hazy glow that hangs at night over a
large city. | had never been in Mary
land had no friends and no acquain-
,ance there. | had no money, and felt
faint for want of food; but | knew that
Baltimore was a sort of outwork TO the
Southern Confederacy, and that was
likely to find aid and sympathy amongst
its women; while knew likewise that
had better steer clear Of azy men met,
as most OF those who favored the Confed-
crate cause had gone already into the
Southern army.
At Point Lookout had observed sew
eral letters directed by some of our prison.
ers TO Miss Fannie Lewis, lSi Reade
Street, Baltimore. As | walked on
KEEP; repeating this address over and over.
had no idea who Miss Fannie Lewis
was, nor, for that matter, had my friends
al Point lookout. though they were in
the habit of addressing her. according to
the prison etiquette, as MY dear Cousin.
They only knew she was charitable
lady who sent boxes ofgood food and ca,t-
oH clothing to the prisoners, while they
in return made rings for her out Of their
coat buttons, and lnlaid them with moth
er-of-pearl cut from their shirt studs.
entered Baltimore toward the east,
and presuming on the universally of that
great law, westward the course OF fash
ION takes its way | walked on until !
found myself, abou, half past nine clock
in what seemed fashionable quarter OF
the city. Presently reached a church
q Roman Catholic church, | presumed,
from the cross upon the front-and | OBJ
served that several ladies who came out
Of it had prayer. books with gilt crosses
in their hands knew we'll enough that
the Roman Catholic population Of Bal;i-
more was Southern 10 iComdn, and al
most to a man. followed these ladies',
and contuyei to stop them without
frightening them. concluded they felt
| Was gentleman by my address, and
were no, influenced by the clothes phi
lusophy. | asked them to tell me the
way TO Reade Street. They gave me
clear but brief directions. raised my
ma, and walked on. striking into shadow
whenever could, and fearing the glance
ot policeman. made my way to
Re4de Street, and pulled the bell of 1874.
II was house standing IN garden lit
tie back from the street, and an alley ran
along one side Of the lot. An Irish
servant girl answered my summons.
That was 4 good omen. Irish servant
girls were all sympathizers in their way.
"Can see Miss Fanny Lewis for
moment
No; Miss Fanny's sent of-gone
away. The master is come home. May
be our other Miss Fannie would do for
ye."
"Let me see her," said.
She opened the door of a sort of library
or side sitting room, turned up the gas,
and left me there. looked al my torn
clothes. my Drowned hands, my haggard
face, and unshorn beard and hair; for
there was a large mirror over the fire.
place. AS stood waiting, | wondered
what impression l should produce on that
other Miss Fanny when she came.
Presently the door opened. A small
blonde woman entered. She was about
twenty-five, with very pleasant face.
She looked as frightened as felt myself
to be. Closing the door carefully. she
came up close to me without word.
who are you" she said, trembling.
Madam" | answered, 81 am Major
Dangerfeld of the Confederate service.
| know Miss Fanny Lewis to be lady
very good to our poor fellows at Point
Lookout. know nobody in Baltimore.
| came to ask your advice and protec-
tion." And told her my story.
"Oh" she cried, ~ am the wrong
lady: you expected to see my sister-in-
law. You have run yourself into the
greatest danger. My husband, Colonel
Lewis, has just received staff appoint
ment here, under the major general COM
manding in Baltimore. He does not al
low me to have anything to do with
treason or disafection. He is Federal
officer"
IL beg your pardon, madam" | said,
taking my hat 81 will 60 away at once"
mo, NJ" she cried, wildly, running
to the window as the bell rang. ats
too late; hear my husband. That's