The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-04-22
THE YANKEE SPY.
How He Entered An Atlanta BombprO0f and the
Subsequent Events.
[Auanta (Ga.) constitutional

Atlanta (Ga) constitutional
During the session of an important eligious
body in our city | made the acquaintance of
the Rev. Mr.. Dubuque, a delegate from one OF
the Northwestern States. What attracted me
to the man was his amability 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 bombproofs. dug by
the citizens during the siege 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 a 10-minutes' walk" 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 sit
uated, and when we reached the place and
stated the object of our visit permission was
readily granted to examine the queer-looklng
hole in the ground which has served as ref
uge from Sherman's shells. The bombproof for
tunately was in a fine state of preservation, and
the old lady pointed it out to us with good
deal Of pride. AT first saw only huge
mound of earth covered with grass, but at one
end we found an opening to a crooked under
ground chamber, about six feet deep, 10 feet
long, and five in width: No falling shell had
sufficient force to penetrate that mound, COM
posed of red clay, 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
a night in the dugout, as she called it, very en-
durable
''Those were stirring times" said Mr., Du-
buque.
"They were, indeed" replied our hostess.
II can never forgive Gen. Sherman for shclling
city full of women and children"
Zone of the necessities of war;" said the
preacher in an undertone. by the way, did
any of your soldiers ever seek shelter III this
snug little hole?"
"Only one" replied the lady," and nc turned
out to be a Yankee spy"
SIS it posSiblei" her two listeners exclaimed.
Yes, l was never so surprised in my life.
One day the shelling 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 permission to
remain a few minutes, and of course we had no
objection. He was fine-lOollng young man.
and made himself very agreeable. When he
left he exposed a wish for something to read,
and 1 let him have The Abide Camp a Con-
federate novel, lie promised to return it, but
! did not expect to see it again."
And did he return it?" | asked.
ayes, and l wish he hadn't. Why, what do
you think? Two weeks later, after Sherman
had occupied the city. was out in my front
yard one morning looking after my plants,
when who should ride up to the fence but q
young officer in sphinx spank new uniform.
wouldn't look at him until he sauted me, and
said: Madam, have called to return your
book. / enjoyed it very much l took the
book. 1t was The Aidde Camp Then l
looked the officer full in the face. So you
were spy, said. That's what they call it,
replied the young rascal with a laugh. He
bowed, waved his hand and galloped cff l
never saw him again. but would know him
anywhere by the two scars on his right temple"
"A very interesting incident" said Mr.. Du-
buque. 1T is to be hoped that your spy aban-
doned the tricks of his business and settled
down into good citizen after the war"
81 don't believe word Of it, responded the
old lady. "I If had known what he was at first
| would have had him turned over to Gen.
Hood and shot"
By this time we had seen all there was to be
seen, and were ready to take our departure. AS
he turned to 60 after thanking the mistress of
the house for her courtesy, Mr.. Dubuque, be-
fore replacing his hat, brushed away his curly
locks carelcssly from his right temple, revealing
two little scars, and gaZed 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 sardonic 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 re-
port for his committee. You must excuse me
for the present"
And off he went with his brother minister.
returned to my Office and that night when
tried TO look Dubuque up for an explanation
found that he had been suddenly called home
by telegram announcing illness in his family.
l have never heard from him since, but he i'm
pressed me as nice man.
nIHHI1nEc az GHpICT