Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-04-03

assist him successfully, he addressed the
following note to her, writing it upon
tissue paper, rolling it in tinfoil, and en-
trusting its delivery to faithful colored
man. who carried it all the way in his
mouth -
September Is, 1864.
learn from Major General Crook that
you are loyal lady and still love the old
flag.
Can you inform me of the position Of
Early's forces, the number OF divisions in
his army, and the strength OF any or all OF
them, and his probable or reported inten-
,entions? Have any more troops arrived
from Richmond, or any more coming or
reported to be coming2
am, very respectfully, your most obe-
dent servant,
i. III. SHERIDAN,
Major General Commanding.
You can trust the bearer.
Enemies were on all sides of her; her
own sister was believed to sympathize
more strongly with the South than with
the Union; persecution had brought them
sore affliction. and she had only her wo-
intuition to tell her whether this note was
what it purported TO be, or decoy sent
by the enemy to get her and her father
into difficulty. If it should be the latter
she would be arrested as a spy. 1t was
a time which tried her courage and de-
votion TO It's limit. She took her life in
her hands as much as ever did any SOL
der who went into battle. She had no
means Of proving the genuineness Of the
note, she had everything to risk. That
she did not falter should en,tle her to
the respect Of every loyal soul, and to the
honor Of all who recognize and appreciate
true courage.
Gathering all the information possible,
she wrote a full statement upon tissue
paper, gave the little foil-wrapped packet
to the negro, who put it in his mouth and
went his way.
Who can measure the anxiety she felt
during the four days intervening between
sending the note and the commencement
of the battle of the Opequan, known as
the great battle OF the 10th of September,
1864:
When that fight ended, Early's forces
were driven, and Winchester was ours,
never again TO be re-taken by the Con-
federates. Gen. Sheridan came to the
house at the foot of the hill, and in the
room where the loyal little Quaker girl
taught few children TO help exc out a
living, wrote his report Of the battle, and,
taking her by the hand, thanked her in
earnest words for the service she had done
her country.
1t was JOY enough for her that the
old flag again hoated over Winchester
town, and she buried her secret in her own
bosom.
In January, 1867, package came to
her. 1t contained very handsome gold
watch and chain, accompanied by the
following autograph letter:
HEADQUARTERS DEPT or THE GULF, !
NEW ORLEANS, Jan'y /, 1867.
NJ Dear Mss Wright:
You are probably not aware of the great
service you rendered the Union cause by
the information you sent me by the colored
man a few days before the battle OF the
Opequan on Sept. 10, 1864.
II was on this information that the bat
tie was fought and probably won.
The colored man gave the note rolled up
in the tinfoil, to the scout, who awaited
him at Millwood The colored man had
carried it in his mouth to this point and
there delivered it to the scout who brought
1t TO me.
By this note became aware of the true
condition of affairs inside the enemy's lines
and gave directions for the attack. will
always remember this courageous and pa
triotic action of yours with gratitude, and
beg of you to accept the watch and chain
I send to you by Gen. J. W. Forsyth, as
memento of September 10, 1864.
am very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
PHIL. II. SHERIDAN,
Major General.
Miss REBEcCA WRIGHT,
Winchester, Va.
The watch bears this inscription
Presented to Rebecca l.. Wright o.
Winchester, Va, by General Phil. h
Sheridan; memento of September 10
1864"
The pin to which the chain is attached
is horse shoe encircling a had encasee
in gauntlet, which is clasped about
stirrup, in which the chain is suspended
Attached are tiny sword, the sheath o
which is set with precious stones tin.
fan, a seal and handsome key.
One might think the admiration whic
Southrons profess to entertain for courag
would have caused them to appreciat
the quality as manifested by the httl
Quaker girl, but such was not the case
On hearing of the watch and the occasio