Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1883-12-18


White House landing, ON the Pamunkey
liver, in May, 1852, provisional brig
'de, consisting Of the Fifth (Duryea's)
and the Thirteenth New York volun-
ieers, First Connecticut heavy artillery
acting a. Infantry, Rush's Pennsyl-
eania lancers and Wecden's First Rhode
Island battery, was formed 10 operate
upon the extreme right flank Of the
Union advance up the peninsula. To-
ward the latter part Of the month this
detachment occupied Old Church, q
small hamlet on the Pamunkey, stu
ated few miles north Of Hanover Court
House, this latter place being twenty
miles in the same direction from Rich
mond on the Virginia Central railroad.
The main body Of the army marched
directly on the rebel capital via Bot
toms bridge, ON the Chickahominy.
The movement TO the right was expe-
ditiously carried, and so secretly that it
proved complete surprise TO the people
living along the line Of march. The ar
rival Of troops at Old Church was the
first intimation the people Of that vicin-
ity had Of their approach. A short dis
lance from the church lived relative
Of Gen. Lee, at whose house the vile
and daughter Of the Confederate chief
tain were stopping, and upon arrival a
guard was placed around the premises.
and every precaution taken 10 prevent
communication with the enemy ON the
part Of the distinguished ladies or their
friends. The perturbation Of the occu-
pants OF the mansion was 80 great
rs TO attract special attention, and
cautious inquiry among the colored
folk developed the fact that Gen.
Lee himself was shortly expected ON
visit to his family. This piece Of in
formation set every one ON the qui vive.
Gen. @. K Warren, commanding the
expedition, caused the guard TO be
doubled and videttes 10 be stationed
upon every road and bridle-path leading
to the dwelling, and kept scouting par
ties patrolling lthe surrounding country,
whose duty IL was 10 arrest all persons
attempting 10 pass beyond the li:ies.
Everything worked splendidly, and there
was every reason for expecting the capt
ure Of the rebel leader. The bayonet
blockade seemed effectuai, and the sue
cess Of the plans Of the Union command
er appeared 10 be a question Of but a
few days-perhaps only Of few hours.
II was upon the Oath or 25th of May
that news Of Lees approach was brought
TO camp. Immediately all were astir.
The lancers were sent out in squads,
with view Of cutting OF his retreat, the
troops were smbushed along the route
he was travelling. and, having adopted
every possible means 10 prevent failure,
the provisional brigade awaited the COM
ing Of the expected prisoner, who, I'M
accompanied save by two or three per
sonh attendants, was leisurely riding
from Hanover Court House, on the main
turnpike. unconscious Of the danger
awaiting him. II was not far from noon
when the videttes stationed in piece Of
woods fringing the road saw him coming
over the brow Of a hill some half mile
distant, and not more than two miles
from where his wife. daughter and
friends sat, a prey TO the most cruel
doubts and fearA He had just begun
descending the slope when q negro
sprang out Of the bushes beside the way
and accosted him A short oolloquy
evidently ensued. and directly after the
cavalcads turned their horses heads and
rode Of at the top Of their speed The
carefully Laid plots and plans had failed
nATES DxEGER PROM A LUSATrC.
Just before the 4th Of March, 1877, n
young gentleman Of this city, Mr.. Ha-
gan. went 70 the Rev. Father ReviIle.
the famous Dominican pulpit orator
L - A