Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-10
Saved from Lopez's Vengeance.

Saved from Lopez's Vengeance.
From the atlanta (GG.) Constitution.
When the Senorita Maria Lopez made
her appearance in Atlanta during the
siege she created a decided sensation
among the gallant young officers who
were fighting all day and dancing all
night. The senorita was pretty. She had
that dark Spanish beauty, which has a
certain lurid deviltry about it. Her fash
ing eyes seemed to look right through a
man, and her manner of fiuttering a fan
was too eloquent tor anything.
just where the SenOrita Lopez came
from no one knew. She said that her
father, a New Orleans refugee, was in
Richmond, and that In returning from a
visit to friends In Charleston she had re-
ceived instructions to await his arrival
here. or course this explanation was
satisfactory, and if there had been any
doubts the young lady's glittering dia-
mOnds, bright eyes. and ardent Conteder-
ate principles would have won the day.
We were not entirely given over TO
sackcloth and ashes during the siege.
Balls and receptions took place almost
every night, and there were various anna
teur entertainments. In all the festivi-
ties OF the time the charming Spanish
senOrita bore her part. She was the ack-
nOwledged belle OF the siege, and her
mated the officers, from the Generals
down.
One thing about Maria Lopez delighted
us. Federal shells had no terrors for her,
and when other ladies shrieked and ran
off unceremoniously from their visitors to
plunge into bomb proof, this brilliant
and fearless creature would simply clap
her hands and make some scOrnful
remark about the wretched aim of the
Van lyaa ann A nfTr 40
around the city had been nearly
completed, the senorita rode
out every day with some OF
her military admirers to view
the works. This was rather perilous.
Stray bullets and shells were always
whiZzing by, and 1t was common thing
to see General or Colonel dodge behind
a tree. But it was soon noticed that the
senorita never even ducked her proud
little head. She would SIT her horse
like statue and laugh in derision when
her escorts proved themselves unable to
stand the racket.
"Oh, would give anything to be a SOL
dierl" she said one day. after looking
through Col. Blanks field glass. 81
would glory in the opportunity of show
ing men how to fight and die for a great
cause"
Perhaps this was too intense, to boom
bdSlACg Bub III butsC Aelg NNCl luAnk budl
we wrote and spoke was in this fervid
strain. So the senorita's talk provoked
no comment, except tribute OF admira-
ton.
One day our heroine passed me at a
gailOp on her way pack from the breast
works. Something white fiuttered down
from her riding habit. picked itup. but
the lady was out of sight, riding like the
wind. ThOughtlessly allowed the paper
70. Il k.l a1
not a little. / saw traced out in detail
the plan of fully half of our forts and
trenches. The paper also contained tie
location of certain government buildings,
and an estimate of our forces.
There was but one thing TO do. hated
to get pretty woman into trouble, but |
had to do my duty. In an hours time the
paper was in the hands OF the Provost
Marshal The next day l was brought
face to face with Maria Lopez. The hear
ing was In private, and circle OF Colo
nels and Majors sat around the accused,
frOwning at me as If had been guilty of
some criminal act. When | related the
circumstances attending the finding of
the paper, the little Spanard looked at the
officers with a merry smile.
81 think" said she, "that you don't care
to hear from me. l will say, however,
that never saw the paper, and therefore
tOuiu uOL nave Tue IOunk uld0
perhaps found it, but he could not have
seen me drop it," She smiled sweetly on
the provost marshal.
"Ahem!" said that individual. There
must be some mistake here. We do not
doubt your fidelity, sir, but we mad better
hear no more of this.'
[ was dumbfounded and abashed.
Knowing very little about the ways of the
world, hastily retired, thanking my stars
that had saved my head.
In a day or two the Senorita Lopez dis
appeared. Her lovers did not have time
to mourn her loss, because Slocum's corps
crossed the Chattahoochee, and our forces
had to get out in a hurry. But j was
destined TO see the senorita again.
Many of US failed to follow Hoods army
South. We were whirled about in such
vortex of confusion that we were glad TO
escape with our lives. Among other hot-
som and jetsom l was thrown beyond the
Federal lines. Stranded in Nashville, at
that time vast military camp, felt
badly enough. l could not 90 south, and
| could not get pass TO go North.
One night went TO the theatre. Dur
ing one Of the scenes there was buzz,
aud people stood up 10 look at a man in
the dress circle just above my head.
Finally rose, as somebody said:
she is the most successful guerrilla and
spy on the Union side"
| stood up until my face was on a level
with the railing Of the dress circle.
IL was wonder that l didn't faintl
Looking calmly, mOckingly into my
ewes was the handsOmest mau l ever saw.
He was dressed ia a glittering uniform
aud wore diamonds. That Gle ar cut, dark
face, those burning eyes, the slight scar
under the left ear-there could be no mis-
take.
/ seized my overcoat and rushed out OF
the door just in time 20 hear the alleged
senorita Lopez say In a voice like bugle;
"Arrest that man.
A wave Of darkness came over me. An
officer caught me by the arm. l felt that
was lost. II the senorita was not only
a man, but an enemy, l had no mercy 10
hope for.
There was a sudden tumult, a wild cry
OF fire, and then a crowd surged down the
stairway. When l picked myself up the
officer who had arrested me lay on the
sidewalk with fractured skull. hmped
quietly away, and took the outgoing train
for Louisville. 1 had no passport and
trusted 10 luck.
PASSES, gentlemenw shouted a sleepy
Lieutenant as be passed through the car.
/ kept my head bowed down with my hat
over my eyes.