Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-07-03
A War Reminisoence,

War Reminisoence.
writer in recent number of the Ampri-
cHa FTcld, published in New York and
Chicago, tells the following:
While on recent visit to Florida, I
heard related by the principal actor in the
scene an incident of the late war, so curious
anu romantic that it ought to be embalmed
III deathless verse, instead of being submit
ted 10 ordinary prosaic narrative
Starting from St. Augustine. one morn
lng on fishing excursion, in sail boat ND
the wide and dreary North river, we found
ourselves, toward evening, at the hospitable
cabin OF one OF the early pioneers Of the
section Of Florida which lies between this
river and the Atlantic ocean He had come
here with his little family from South Car
olina, at the close Of the war had cleared
land enough to raise all the sweet potatoes
he wanted; could in half an hour any day,
not five rods from his door. catch fish
enough with his little cast-net, to last him a
week, and i'll half a day, at almost any sea-
son of the year, could furnish with his un-
erring rifle all the venison he wished for.
What more could L reasonable man want, or
life afford? His ambition had been fully
gratliled by his daring achievements in the
conledrate service. In his own estimation
he lived like prince, was contented and
happy.
IN the evening as we sat around blazing
llSht-wood fire, our host entertained us with
an account of his war-ike adventures. one
of which will give the reader in the lam
guage OF the narrator as nearly as can re-
call it, As scout and spy, for he acted in
either or both capacities as emergency re-
quired, he frequently crossed the lines be-
tween tho two armies and found himself in
the Northern towns and cities, sometimes in
the garb of Union soldier, and sometimes in
III that Of private citizen.
My success, said the Captain in cross
ing the lines and gathering information
without being captured, not only made me
great iivorite with my commander but
gave me such unbounded confidence in nv
own resources and ability to escape, that |
grew absolutely reckless of danger, and
sometimes neglected the precautions that
common prudence required. | can recall
several instances in which, though was at
the time almost unconscious of it, | came
near paying the penalty ofmy fool-hardi-
ness. Perhaps one Of the most remarkable
o. 'hcSc was When one night was return
ing from Alexandria, while it was in bosses
sion of the lanks, having crossed the enc
lpy's lines several days before | mention
| yhis not 50 much on account Of tho dancer
twas in, rs to show YOU the wonderful man.
ncr ot my escape. or as the young lady who
really made ii for me, exprcssedit, of coy
cllng my retreat In my various visits to
Alexandria WAS in the habit of stayinc at
the house of Il friend Of our cause who be-
longed to one OF the best families, and whose
only daughter was one Of the prettiest and
brightest girls in old Virginia On coming
TO this house in the evening II never ap-
preached ii i'll the daytimc), used to give
notice OF 1t by rapping three times on ono of
the window shutters. When did this no
matter what time Of the night the door was
invariably opened 10 me. On the occasion
alluded to | had picked up some valuable in
formation for the general, and was ready
to carry it home, when the thought Occ,m
red to me would call for few moments ot
the old rendezvous, just to inquire after the
health of the family, and to take Il parting
look at The bright eyes of the lovely daugh
ter. She it was who usually answered nv
challenge, and let me into the house If
was not late, as thought, when Irnppe,l ON
the shutter and yet notice,l that inv fair
doorkecpcr, who let me In as usual. was at-
tired IN her night-clothes, having thrown a
shawl over her shoulders. I was about tu
apologize for the latcness of my arrival
when to cur horror and surprise we heard
the sound of horses feet approaching the
house, and the voice Of the leader exclai,n-
| ing:
Now surround the house as quickly as
possible, and see that no one escapes, at your
peril
Here was an interesting state of things,
| hot
devise ways and means Of making nv es-
cape, rs we were satisfied was the prize
they were after. My first thought was TO
climb up and secrcte myself in one of the
huge chimneys which all old -fshiond houses
in the South had such Il supply of. But I
had heard of several captures in nv profe ;.
sion, having been made lately in these hid
ing places, and | abandoned this design rs
soon rs 1t was formed, very much to my re-
llet anu safety, rs the sequel Will show. NV
next thought was the cellar, but we con
cIudcd that this too would be thoroughly
searched, and afforded very little chance of
safety. The little cavalry troop had already
approached both the outside doors. and
were banging away at them with their sword
hits, and clamoring for admission. Just
then heard my companion in low voice,
i'll which there was not trace of fear or des-
pair, direct her fatherwho had just descended
the stairs leading from his chamber, to post
pone opening the doors as long as possible ;
then seizing Inc by the hand and dragging
rather than leading me to her own chamber,
she ordered me to get between the double,
mattress on her own bed, and cover mysalI
in double quick. Accoutred as I was. I
plunged in, and did not need to bid her fol-
low, for very soon in addition to my own
heavy clothing, the upper mattress and the
bedciothes, felt the weight of the body OF
my dear deiverer, which was by no means
light; besides, it was a warm night. and I
came as near being stified to death as it is
possible to imagine, Very soon heard a
soft whisper;