St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-01-02
THE FATE OF TWO SPIES.
The Boldness of a Brace of Soldiers of
the Confederate Army,
And the Punishment Which Followed Their
Reckless Daring.

rode into the Federal camp at Franklin, Ten
nessee, and proceeded at once to the tent of
Col. Baird, the commanding officer, to whom
they introduced themselves as Col. Orion
and Maj. Dunlap, both of the inspector gen.
erals department of the United States army.
Col. Orion presented an order from the
secretary of war instructing him
in company with Maj. Dunlap 10 proceed to
make critical inspection of the army at
that time in the state of Tennessee, and also
an order from Gen. Rosecrans, then at Muir
freesboro, to all officers commanding out
posts and detachments to afford the inspect
ors every facility for the discharge of the re-
spousible duties imposed upon them
by the war department. The papers
seemed genuine, in fact there was
no suspicion in regard to them,
and the commanding officer at Franklin pro-
ceeded at once with them to make a minute
examination of the defences of the place,
sanitary condition of the camp, etc. After
the inspection the inspectors expressed salts
faction at the admirable police regulations
established in the camp, and after partakng
of bounteous lunch prepared for them, and
borrowing $50 from Col. Baird, they mounted
their steeds, saying that they were going
to Nashville, and actually started on
the main pike for that city.
They were scarcely out OF sight before the
idea flashed across Col. Baird's mind that
they might be spies. He ordered Col. Wat
kins, Sixth Kentucky cavalry, to take small
detachment, pursue, arrest and bring them
back to his headquarters. There was no time
10 be lost, for it was now quite dark and the
two men were well on their way. Watkins,
calling to his orderly to mount and follow
him, started in hot pursuit. He instructed the
orderly to carry his carbine in readiness for
service and when they overlook them if he
noticed any suspicious motions on the part of
either to fire on them without further orders.
after an exciting chase of a few miles they
were overtaken and informed that COL Baird
wanted to make further inquiries, and re-
quested them to return. This they politely
consented 10 do, after some remunstrance on
account OF the lateness of the hour and the
distance they had to travel. Col. Watkins
led them to his tent
where he placed them under a
strong guard. At once they began to mani
fest great uneasiness and pretended great
indignation at being thus treated. Col.
Baird told them frankly that ne had his sus-
picions in regard to their true character, but
if they were really what they represented
themselves, surely they could not object to
necessary caution on his part, as the safety
of his command would be in Jeopardy If
hat su1
TO be. 1t was very difficult
matter to satisfy them, so the
commander told them that no indignation
on their part would deter him from doing his
duty, and then informed them that they
were under guard and would be held as prs
oners until he was satisfied that they were
what they represented themselves 10 be.
He photographed to Gen. Rosecrans and re-
ceved a reply stating that he KIN ew nothing
of any such men, that there were no such
men in his employ or travelling under pass
from his headquarters. Long before this dis
patch was received, however, every one who
had an opportunity TO hear their conversa-
tons, we're satisfied that they were spies.
Shrewd as they were they gave frequent aud
distinct evidences of dupcty. On receipt
of Gen. Rosecrans' dispatch, which was about
midnight, search of their persons was
ordered. To this the major readily assented,
but the colonel protested against it as IN in
dignity and outrage 10 an officer Of his rank,
but resistance was useless and both sub
United. When the majors sword
was dra wn from the scabbard there vas found
etched upon II these words: sit. w. G..
Peter, c. S. A" They then confessed the
whole matter, and upon furi her search vari-
Gus papers showing their guilt were discOv-
cred on their persons. On removing the
white flannel havelock from the cap Of the
major, it was discovered 10 be a uniform cap
of the southern army. All these facts were
telegraphed Gen. Rosecrans, whereupon he
sent dispatch to Col. Baird directing him 10
try them by drum-head court martial and IL
found guilty chang them immediately"
The court was convened, aud before dag
light the cas- vas decided, and the prisoners
were informed that luey must prepare for
immediate death by hanging. Workmen
were ordered TO erect a scafTold. One of the
chaplans visited the prisoners, and at their
request administered the sacrament
TO them. They wrote some letters
and deposited their jewelry for
transmission to their friends The galoRs
was erected near the depot and in very pub
lie place. Two ropes hung dangling from
the beam. About O'Clock the garrison was
paraded to witness the execution. Two
coarse, rough collins were lying n few feet
away. AT twenty iniuues after Q o'clock the
guards conducted the prisoners to the scaffOId
aud they walked firmly aud steadily as II un-
mindful Of the terrible experience through
which they were soon TO pass. On their
arrival at the place of execution they stepped
upon the platform of the cart and took their
respective places. Haudkerrhiefs were tied
over their faces and the ropes adjusted.
They then asked the privilege Of bidding
each other last farewell which being granted
they teuderly and lovingly embraced each
other.
The cart moved from under them and they
hung in the air. What a fearful penalty
What 4 sad end for two men
OF such rare and varied accom- Olisbmentsi
I When life was pronounced extinct they were
cut down aud eucoiti7ed in their full drcss.
The colonel was buried with a gold lOcSct
and chain around his neck. The Iocket con-
tanned The picture aud lock Of hair of his
intended wife. In his vest pocket be had
her photograph aud AL these
things were, at his request, bur
led with him. Both we're bur
led in one grave-companIons
in life aud crime, and now companions in
the cold embrace OF death. When they
learned that they we're to be hanged, they
requested a Communication OF the sentence TO
being shot 70 death with musketry.
The elder and leader OF these unfortunate
men vas Laurence A. Williams, formerly
an officer in the regular army of the United
States, son Of Capt. Williams, who was killed
in the battle Of Monterey, aud was
one of the most accom- p!ished men in the
army-tali, handsome and intellectual. After
the hrst battle OF Ball Run he left the Fed
eral service and joined the Confederate army
under the assumed name Of Lawrence ".
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