Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-02-19
RUNNING THE BLOCKADE


federate officer in the civil war, and now
resident Of Atlanta, Ca:
IN August, 1862, CHANGED to meet IN
! Richmond , gentleman who told me Of
successful trip he had made across the
lines 20 Baltimore Ny husband had
some money there which we needed very
much. 1t was temptation not to be
resisted. Ny husband was in the Con-
federate army and my two children were
at school in South Carolina, SO there was
no one to raise objections. and INV own
inclinations to urge me speedily decided
the question. / secured from the gen
tleman his route in minute detail.
At Hanover Junction / had so much
trouble to get conveyance to Bowling
Green that was at the point Of going
back, ANONYMOUSLY, when saw q car
rage drive up to the point where was
waiting. A few questions and answers
put me in possession of the fact that DIR.
b, who lived near Bowling Green.
was expected on the train. and this was
his carriage sent to meet him. When he
arrived ! sent for him and begged per-
mission to 90 with him. He politely
consented. very soon learned that the
doctor had paid visit to our army when
it was encamped at Centreville. When
said that my. husband belonged to the
Seventeenth Virginia he asked his
name, as he had not understood me when
introduced myself. I said, ''Captain
M He exclaimed, shaking
my hand very cordially, MY dear mad
am, know him we'll. / formed the
.warmest attachment for him during my
stay at Centreville. He gave me part of
his tent and showed me many kindness
es, which am only too glad to repay in
part, at least. by any assistance which /
can render you." / was as much pleased
as he could possibly be at our meeting so
OPPORTUNITY, and somewhat elated by my
good fortune took my seat in the doc
tors carriage. When we reached his
house, after long drive, was received
by his family with extreme kindness.
After night of rest and comfort, the
good doctor carried me over to Bowling
Green, got me carriage, and departed
with his blessing. The thoughtful kind
ness of Mrs. B. had supplied me with
an ample lunch basket, well stored with
delicacies and substantials.
The next point, Port Royal, on the
Rappahannock, was reached in perfect
there four ladies returning to Richmond
from Baltimore. Listening to their glow
ing accounts of unlimited rounds Of
shopping, where there weresno blockade
prices, visions of my own probable sue
cesses in that pleasant work fitted
through my mind, determining me to
push on as rapidly as possible. The first
thing to do was to find a boatman. will
ling to row me over the river, which was
both difficult and hazardous, owing to
the fact that the Federal gunboats were
almost constantly passing and were liable
to como around bend at any time
was about concluding bargain with
party when a regiment of Federal cav
airy dashed into the town, and as sud
denly every one disappeared among
them my boatman. The other ladies
we're very much frightened and bewailed
bitterly at the prospect of being captured
and having their precious baggage con-
6scated. They implored every one to
remain quiet and not do anything to at
tract attention. fully sympathized with
them and for q while we kept very still.
But my curiosity overcoming caution, /
went out to look at the situation from
our veranda.
The federals had taken possession OF
an eminence in front of us and thus COM
manded the town. On beautifully
shaded grassy slope in full view, they
were making themselves at home after
the style of cavaliers under such circum-
stances. The horses were turned ont to
Craze Officers and men lounged about
under the trees, eating, drinking and
smoking. Sometimes a loud laugh or
snatch of song reached our ears, showing
the soldiers to be entirely at ease
AT this moment the sound of horses
hoofs attracted my attention in another
direction, supposing the newcomers TO
be more Federals / was about turning
to re-enter the house with a heavy heart
whena glance at the rapidly approach
ing party gave my pulse bound, and
with thrill of hope and fear recognized
the Confederate uniform. In another
moment saw that the foremost cavalier
was an old friend of ours. / did not 90
into the house then. An exclamation
showed that the recognition was mutual.
knew that he was member OF General
j. e. B. Stuart's stat, although when l
last met him he was minister Of the
gospel
A few hasty words of greeting and
explanation on both sides were ex-
changed, when. General Stuart riding
up, the colonel. my friend, introduced
me. He remarked at the same time that
wished to cross the lines but was afraid
to attempt il on account Of the troops.
pointing, Aas he said it, over his shoulder