Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-05-03
The Yankee Spy.

A correspondent of the Atlanta, Ca, Con-
stituton tell. the following story:
During the session of an important relig-
lous body in our city made the acquaintance
of Rev Mr.. Dubuque, delegate from one of
the Northwestern States. What attracted me
to the man was his amiability and meekness
Mr.. Dubuque came up to my ideal of a
preacher, and | found his companionship
very pleasant One afternoon my Western
friend asked me if thought that any of the
bombproots dug by the citizens during the
seige of Atlanta were still in existence. He
desired to see one, as he had been requested
by his friends at home to sketch it. 81 know
of one that we can reach in l0-minutes'
walk" l said. Mr.. Dubuque was delighted,
and we were soon on our way to the place.
| had slight acquaintance with the old
lady upon whose premises the bombproof was
| situated, and when we reached this place and
stated the object of our visit permission was
readily granted to examine the queer looking
hole III the ground which had served as a
refuge from Sherman's shells. The bomb
proof fortunately was in fine state of pres
ervation, and thu old lady pointed it out to
Us with good deal of pride. At first we
saw huge mound of earth covered with
grass, but at one end we found an opening to
a crooked underground chamber. about feet
deep, 10 feet long, and 5 in width No fall
ing shell had sufficient force to penetrate that
mound, composed of red CLAW, timber and
scrap iron.
When we scrambled out of the gloomy
place the old lady remarked that when she
occupied it the walls were lined with old
carpets, and the floor was covered with rugs.
With few chairs and some blankets her
family had found night in the dug out, as
| she called il, very endurablp
Those were stirring times said Mr. Du-
buque.
They were, indeed" replied our hostess
Il can never forgive General Sherman for
Smelling city full of women and children -
Zone of the necessities of war" said the
preacher in an undertone. "Bv the way did any
of your soldiers ever seek shelter in this
snug little hole p
"Only one" replied the lady, ''and he
turned out to be Yankee spy
as it possible!" the two listeners ex-
claimed.
Yes, was never so surprised in my life.
One day the Smelling was unusually hot. Two
spent shells struck the house. A soldier who
was passing ran into our yard and made for
the bombproof. He requested our permits
sion to remain a few minutes. and of course
we had no objection. He was a fine looking
Young man, and made himself very agreea-
Bile. When he left he expressed wish for
something to read, and let him have The
Aide deCamp,' a confederate novel He
promised to return it, but did not expect to
see it again.
"And Gid he return it ?" l asked.
Eyes, and | wish he hadn't. Why, what
do you think Two weeks later, after Sher-
man had occupied the city, | was out in nv
front yard one morning looking after nv
plants, when who should ride up to the fence
but young officer in spick-span new uni
! form. | wouldn't look at him until he salut-
ed me, and said Madam, | have called to
return your book. l enjoyed it very much.
I took the book. 1t was The Aide-de- Camp.
Then | looked the officer full in the face.
| so you were spy l said. That's what
they call it, replied the young rascal with a
laugh. He bowed, waved his hand and gal
! Hoped of. | never saw him again, but |
would know him anywhere by the two scars
on his right temple
"a verv interesting incident" said Mr..
Dubuque. at is to be hoped that your .pv
abandoned the tricks Of his business and set.
tied down into good citizen after the war. !"
81 don't believe word of it, responded
the aid lady. "It had known what he was
at first | would have had him turned over to
General Hood and shot,
| Nv this litnt WE idu seen all there To
be seen. and were ready to take our departure
As he turned to go, after thanking the
mistress of the house for her courtesy. Mr..
Dubuque, before replacing his hat. brushed
away bis curly locks carelessly from his
right temple, revealing two little scars. and
eszed at the good lady. who was smiling
upon him.
my goodness" exclaimed the excited
woman. Why, you are the spy, the very
man himself"
With a ssrdonic grin the Rev. Mr..
Dubuque bowed, and putting on his beaver.
turned and walked rapidly away, gently
drawing me with him.
See here, how about this?" | INQUIRED
your curiosity is natural" said the preacher,
The fact is-but hold on a moment Here
is delegate who is looking me up to write
report for his committee. You must excuse
me for the present."
And on he went with his brother minister
| returned to my Office and that night when
l tried to look Dubuque up for sn explana-
ton 1 found that he had been suddenly
called home BY telegram announcing illness
IN his family. have never heard from him
since, but he impressed me a. . nice man.