Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-08
A SCOUT-PREACHER.
REV. FRANK STRlNGFeLLow M THE
CITY TO CONDUCT SERVICES.
"Reminiscences OF His Life OF Daring with
Lee, Beanrcgard, Jackson. stszrt,
and Other Great Leaders.

Rev. Frank Stringfellow. who is well
known as having once been one OF the
most daring and distinguished scouts Of
the Confederate army, arrived in the city
yesterday.
Some years after the war Mr.. Stringfellow
felt that he was called on to enter the min
istry OF the Episcopal Church, and has since
been an active and useful minister OF
Christ.
A Dispd'ch reporter, feeling that some m
cidents OF his remarkable career might be
/ OF public interest at this time when memo
ries of the past are being refreshed. and
knowing that Mr.. Stringfellow was often a
trusted and special scout of General
Robert +. Lee and other prominent leaders,
sought 10 get from him some remlnis-
cences.
WHY HERE.
Mr. Stringfellow is staying at Rev. J. Il.
Funsten's. Sl4 north Twenty-third street,
and is in the city for the purpose of hold
ing a series of services at Christ Episcopal
church, on Nenable street. These services
commence tonight. Mr.. Stringfellow is n
pleasant-looking man of medium height
who does not appear to oe over forty years
of age. A casual observer. however. would
soon detect those lines of resolution and
daring which made him remarkably sue
cessful scout and soldier. In his clerical
garb he looks very little like the veteran
familiar with musket and campfire.
WENT N At TWENTY.
Mr.. Strngfellow," inquired the re-
porter, " do you object to giving the Dis
patch a few incidents from your scout
life?"
We'll, hardly know whore to begin"
said he. " 1t is too comprehensive snb-
iect, and besides am preaching now, and
that is far better work than soldier llfe.'
" How old were you when the war be-
GAM"
About twenty. Joined the Powhatsn
Troop as II passed through Culpcper, which
company was almost Immediately assigned
as escort 10 General Beauregard. The first
special duty that devolved on me was to
attempt to arrest spy who had surrep-
titiously obtained a pass from General
Beauregard. Owing to the red tapeat that
time. while we were having proper forms
made up, the man had gotten twenty miles
away. We did things quicker IN after
DAYS"
was with General Beaurcgard during
the three days fight at Manassas. and was
appointed courier on the battlefield. |
saw the stubborn retreat from Sedley
Mills to the Horny House. | saw the stand
of Stonewall jacksons brigade on that line
OF hills. Here it was that Sherman struck
the Virginia line aud found It a stone wall,
and here Jackson WAS baptized IN fire and
won his imperlshable name of stone
WALL The point from which | witnessed
that battle was very high. The battle was
a most magnificent and awful affair. IL
was a very imposing sight. We We're all
new men and unused TO military affairs.
JACKSON AND BEAUREGARD.
Az q boy was struck with the determl-
nation of Jackson and with the military
cunning of Beaurcgard. He was rich IN
little devices which struck terror 20 the
hearts of tho enemy.
Upon this battlefield I first met with
General j. T.. B. Stuart, who had ne per-
manently attached to his headquarters im-
medmtely after the removal OF Beaure-
gard 10 tho South. From this time to the
close of the war my life was entirely de-
voted 70 scouting. The hazards Of the life
constituted its fascination, as We had no
other reward save consciousness OF duty
performed.
~ began to 60 in and out of the lines
of the enemy on the Peninsula. and
had command of twenty of the rear
guard of the cavalry, which covered
one road on retreat. Immediately after
the battle of Williamsburg. rs the COntede-
rates continued their retreat towards
Richmond, q small piece of artillery
captured by General Washington from
the British at Yorktown was nired
and abandoned 10y the gGnDers. Gene
raj Stuart dashing up and seeing
this piece gave me orders 10 defend the
gun until sufficient force arrived to Sc
cure IT, 4 desperate fight ensued around
the gun. The men were driven back aud
WAS left alone in n very uncomfortable
plight. surrounded by many of the enemy.
until tho General advanced 10 my rescue
aud saved me from the company Of people
with whom / did not care 10 associate too
intimately.
BOTH MEN AND MONEY.
During this retreat won nv first offer
of promotion by saving two regiments Of
General Semmss command from capture.
On the signal given the men fought brave
" and repulsed the enemy with heavy loss.
| was one Of the men appointed 81 prepare
the way for Siuart's famous raid around
Mcclellan. During the first or secondraId
around Mcclellan I captured $4,000 IN
greenbacks and turned 1t over 10 the Con
federa.e Government and Il was used in
the secret service.
WITH LgE AND DAVIS.
sIn the battle of the Wilderness General
Stuart was ordered to send a scout, who
would be permanently attached 10 General
L.. T.. Lees headquarters. | was the man
selected by General Stuart. remained
with General Lee until assigned to duty
in the city Of Richmond under the direct
orders OF President Davis. This was not
long before the close Of the war. My life
during the period was n scout for Stuart.
Lee and President Davis was spent, nine
tenths Of the time, in the lines of the
enemy.
General r. L. Lee struck me az the
greatest military mani should say the
greatest man--of this age. He was more
than soldier; he was man OF mental and
moral greatness-the noblest produced on
either side by the war. He was "A man who
never lost anything by intimate contact
with you, but he grew upon yOu with each
interview. / believe that he was the
highest type Of Vrginia's culture,
character, and chiyalry.
ALfFE PULL OF PERIL.
As to my scout life it was daily full Of
peril. IL was about the close OF the war.
while was coming from Washington city.
where had been sent by request of fresi-
dent Davis. that / was captured and
thrown into prison at Chapel Point. Nd.
BY eyading the guards / escaped. After
twenty-one days of pursuit | managed 10
cross the Potomac. which at this place IL
over three miles wide, in a small boat at
great hazard to my life. was alone in
the boat. The first thing did when got
back to old Virginia was 10 kneel down
and thank God for His deliverance.
When | reached Virginia the last scene
at Appomattox had been enacted, so
started TO join General Joseph +. John
ston, but before ] reached him he had sur
rendered.
1t is impossible for me TO give in brief
form my many thrilling experiences" said
the reverend gentleman IN conclusion.
Mr.. Stringfellow spoke in the highest
terms Of President Davis. with whom he
was constantly brought into intimate con-
nection.
Belyidere Councils Officers.
Past Grand Regent w. K Drinkard and
C-a.l lhn..lnir Z. w LInr...-.L Lot r,.rLe