River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1886-06-10
The Aide-de Camp

Atlanta (GaO Constitution: During
the session of an important religious
body in our city made the acquaint-
ance of the Rev Mr. Dubuque. dele
gate 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 companion
ship very pleasant. One afternoon my
Western friend asked me if | thought
that any of the bomb-proofs, dug by
the citizens during the siege of Allan
Ia, We're stiil in existence. He desired
to see one, as he had been asked by his
friends at home to sketch it. Il know
of one that we can reach in ten minu-
tes' walk. l said. Mr.. Dubuque was
delighted and we were soon on our
way to the place.
l had a slight acquaintance with the
old lady upon whose premises the
bomb-prOOf was situated and wheu
we reached the place and stated the
object of our visit permission was read
lily granted to examine the queer look
ing hole in the ground which had serv-
ed as a refuge from Sherman's shells.
The bomb-proOf fortunately was in
state of preservation, and the old lady
pointed it out to US with good deal
of pride. At first we saw only a huge
mound of earth covered with grass,
but at one end we found an opening to
a crooked underground chamber,
abOu, 8 feet deep, 10 feet long, and 8
in width. No falling shell had sullici-
ent force 70 penetrate that mound, com
posed OF red clay, timber, and scrap
iron.
When we scrambled out of thegloomy
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 it very endurable.
Those were stirring times said
Mr.. Dubuque.
They were, indeed replied the
hostess, Il can never forgive Gen.
Sherman for shellinga city full of won-
en- and children,
lone of the necessities of war"
said the preacher in an undertone.
by the way, did any of your soldiers
ever seek shelter in this snug little
hole?
Only one,' replied the lady. land
he turned out To be Yankee spy
1t is impossible!n her two listeners
exclaimed.
Yes was never SO surprised in my
life. One day the Smelling was un-
usually hot, Two spent shells struck
the house. A so dier who was passing
ran into our ward and made for the
bomb-prOof. He requested our permits
sion TO remain few minutes
and of course we had
no objection. He was fine looking
young man, and made himself very
agreeable. When he left he express
ed wish for something to read. and
let him have The Aide-de- Camp
Confederate novel. He promised to
return it, but | did not expect to see il
again.
And did he return it?'' | asked.
Yes. and | 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 morn
ing looking after my plants, when who
should ride up to the fence but Young
officer in a spink-spank new uniform.
| wouldn't look at him until he saluted
me, and said: Madam, have called
10 return your book. leDjoyed it very
much. took the book 1t was
The Aiie-de Camp. Then | looked the
officer full in the face. so YOU were a
spy ! said. That's what they call
it, replied the Young rascal with
laugh. He bowed, waved his hand.
and galIoped oil, | never saw him
again, but | would know him anywhere
by the two scars on his right temple"
"a very interesting incident said
Mr.. Dubuque. ut is to be hoped that
your spy abandoned the tricks of his
business, and settled down into a good
citizen after the War.
Il don t believe a word of it, ;" Ic-
sponded the old lady. 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 We're 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 his
curly locks carelesslY from his right
temple, revealing two little scars, and
gazed at the good lady, who was smil-
ing upon him.
MY goodnessi' exclaimed the ex-
cited 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 ths?H ! en-
quired. Your curiosity is natural, "
said the preacher. The fact is but
hold on moment. Here is q delegate
who is looking me up to write a report
for his committee. You must excuse
me for the present.
And OF be went with his brother
minister. l returned to my Office. and
that night when | tiled to look Dubu-
que up f)r an explanation found that
he had been suddenly called home bay
telegram announcing illness in his
family. | have never heard from him
since. but he impressed me as nice
man.