The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-07-22
The Spy.
by CAPTAIN JAMES MoNTFoRD.

81 have been looking over an old diary
to-day" said the Colonel, (Which / COM
menced the day l joined the forces at
Washington.
1T was nv firm intention at that time to
keep an exact and minute account of every
event that occurred within my knowledge.
IF had continued it, the book would
be of considerable interest to-day; but for
variety of reasons, the idea was not car
ried out.
"Thc last time l wrote in it was the
evening on which quite remarkable char
acter appeared in camp.
Il was then in Missouri Our duties had
for some time lately consisted merely in
guarding the loyal inhabitants and prevent
ing the gathering of re endorsements. This
last was, of course, not possible in a strict
sense. There were many bands of Confed-
crates. who constantly harassed us, and
skirmishes were the occurrence of every
day.
"One day, just at shutdown. a man rode
into camp. He was very short man; his
legs strangely short and bowed. His face
was red, with short stub nose, glittering
black eyes. Long. brown hair fell III
tangled mass upon his shoulders, and his
clothes were greasy and worn.
Notwithstanding his queer appearance
he was parsonage of considerable impor-
lance. and bore dispatches from General
Pope.
After he had discharged his commands
he seemed TO have had liberty given him to
mix with the troops, for he was soon making
merry with men of his own cheerful dispo-
'sition.
"Many knew him imperfectly or had
heard stories concerning him and his ex-
ptoits-
"He was a noted spy, said to be in the
confidence of the commanders, and had re-
ceived the name of Billy Black, no one
seemed to know exactly why.
Il was listener while he told n funny
story or two, and was so pleased with his
character that wrote an account of it and
him in my diary.
"The day following we had skirmish in
which my horse was killed under me, and
so l lost the diary.
But this was not the most important loss
of that day.
BILLY Black had been trusted with an
answer to the dispatches he had brought,
and had left camp in the early morning.
At night he returned on foot, with
quite serious wound in the hand. He had
been waylaid by party of marauders, cap
tured, and his papers taken from him. He
had managed 10 escape during the skirmish
with our troops, his party having been our
combatants and had now returned to report
his loss.
"The papers were of considerable i'm
porance, and the spy determined to re-
cover them. He knew into whose possess
sion they had fallen, and this made his task
more possible.
His wound having been cared for, he
started out that same night, at about twelve
O'Clock, toward the encampment of the
.skirmishers.
~They had their headquarters in little
village called Gordon, distant about seven
miles.
BLACK made such good progress that he
reached the outskirts of the town several
hours before daylight.
"He had taken care to disguise himself
as countryman, and he walked boldly
into the town.
"He had not gone far when the sentinel
brought him to n halt. Black made such
simple answers, and his manner was so in
keeping with his appearance, that he
passed the soldier without encountering
even his suspicious.
"The spy's papers had fallen into the
lhands of the captain of the troop-a young
fellow new 10 the arts of warfare, but who
was gallant soldier nevertheless, and had
made us feel the effects of it that after
noon.
~This gentleman had quarters at the lit
lie inn, and when the spy approached the
door he saw light, although the curtai ms
were drawn.
"Some persons were making merry in
the house, for Black could hear the sounds
of laughter and clink of glasses.
"The rest of the little village seemed fast
asleep; not even dog came out to bark at
the nocturnal visitor.
"Black considered deeply within himself
for moment, and then endeavored to open
the door.
1t was locked but the party inside had
evidently heard his attempt, for the noises
ceased, as though they were listening.
"The spy raped loudly for admittance,
and an instant later the door was unbarred,
and then opened couple of inches, while
a face pressed up to the opening.
Let me in said Black.
~"The man refused; but our adventurer
knew we'll how to plead, and, after consd-
cradle talk, and with more than one of the
merry makers, he was admitted.
"Walking inside, Black looked around
upon the company and their situation as
closely as he dared.
~There were four men in the room-three
attired in Confederate uniforms-the other
was the proprietor of the house.
"Black saw with delight that the young
Captain was one of the party, and imme-
uIttely upon Ills tHlIhuCt tue olnceI DeBhll
To question him as to his condition and
business,
"The spy told a long, rambling story to
account for his presence there that night,
and used his powers of entertainment so
we'll that he not only warded off suspicion.
but the gentlemen, who had drank enough
to make any merry conner agreeable to them,
admitted him TO their table and ordered
more liquor.
THAT afternoon had been the first time
the young officer had distinguished himself.
and he was in an excellent humor with him.
self and all the world.
"He Dragged little about his skirmish,