Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-23

The accompanying diagram will aid in better
understanding OF the Typographical features Of
the vicinity of the occurrence. The old state
turnpike road ran from Brady's toll-gate, or
Brady's gap, as the point was also designated,
and, as shown on the diagram along the val
ley, following the course of Elk Water river,
and being on low ground was subject 20 over
flow from the river in seasons Of high water
On this account q new pike had been constructed
on higher ground, and On this new road. at
some distance below Brady's gate, General Lee
had established his headquarters. The bluffs
on the opposite side of the river from the old
road had been heavily picketed by Federal SOL
diers for several miles, extending from Col.
Morrow's camp below, very nearly if not quite
up to Brady's gate. Owing to the mountain
GUS character of the surrounding country, Gen
eral Lee was iinperfectly informed of the loca-
ton Of the Federal forces, and in order to
obtain reliable information in this regard,
directed Colonel Washington, with a detach-
ment, to proceed up the new road to the forks
at or near Brady's gate and thence down the
old road, cautioning him not to venture be-
yond a certain point. Washington, however,
it appears, probably actuated by over zeal and
anxiety to be able to report valuable informa-
ton. went beyond the point indicated His
movements along the entire route on the old
road were, 1t seems, fully observed by the
pickets, and Immediately after he finally started
on his return volley was delivered from the
picket-line and
WASHINGTON WA: SEEN TO FALL
from his horse, which galloped away with the
retreating escort. He was apparently the only
one stricken by the volley. Colonel Morrow
states that he was standing but short distance
from where Washington fell, and hurried to
the spot and discovered him to be an officer of
rank He knelt by him and raised him so as to
enable him to recline against his breast, and
directed one Of his men, standing near and
who wore felt hat, to run and fill it with
water from the stream Col. Morrow bathed
the wounded mans forehead and endeayored
to press water between his lips from a saturated
handkerchief; but he could not swallow as
blood was flowing from his mouth and nose,
and in a few moments later he was dead. The
dead officer wore a valuable ring, pin in his
shirt bosom. and a gold watch and chain.
These Colonel Morrow removed. and also took
possession of his sword and pistols, and ordered
new ambulance, under his CONTROL to be
brought at once from camp, in which he had
the body placed and taken to his headquarters,
near by.
Not long after, Gen. William L. Loring. bear
ing flag, and accompanied by a two-horse
wagon. arrived from Gen. Lees camp in order
to obtain possession Of and remove the body.
1t was then that Col. Morrow learned the name
Of the officer who had fallen, and with whom
1t happened, he had been personally well ac-
quainted when connected with the steamboat
service between Washington and Aqua creek
Gen. Loring desired to transfer the body
from the ambulance to the wagon, but Colonel
Morrow kindly insisted upon his taking the
ambulance, when Gen. Loring's driver sprang
upon the box, taking the reins, with Col Nor
row sitting beside him, and in this manner the
body was taken to Gen. Lees headquarters.
The watch and chain, with ring and pin, were
turned over to Gen. Loring, and later the
sword and pistols were delivered to Gen. J. ].
Reynolds U. s. A., now retired, who. at that
time, was also serving in Gen. McClellan's
command. THORNTON A. WASHINGTON.