The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-05-29
BELL AVERY.
And Her Ingenious Way of Releas-
ing Yankee Spy.

Tjoined Mosby in 1862, and along in
Fahe fall of 1868 when we were in camp
at Bunker Hill, on the Martins burg
grdke, about half way between Martins
fSorg and Winchester, we were within
S1calf mile of where | was born and
raised. My father and mother and
sister Bell We're living on the old
Farm was about twenty-three then
and Bell wasn't more than seventeen.
fsahe was pretty girl, too, if l do say
$50, and smart for her chances.
One day Bell came over to the camp
gSDd brought me some stockings mother
dad knit for me. We were standing in
&rOnt of the tent talking when a squad
tot our boys brought in a prisoner. He
?sas a young looking chap, smooth
faced as boy, fair complcxioned as a
girl, and couldn't have been over
twenty. He had on a confederate
Aniform. My tent mate was with the
squad and when they got opposite our
cent I said:
bill, what have you got there?"
"a Yankee spy, l reckon. Dern
BIN" said Bill
CLOVIS that?" said l, "he's got on a
red uniform, all right"
Hes got on all sorts of a uniform"
said Bill, turn it t'other side out, and
lis Yanl1 uniform"
George" said Bell, "Isdon't believe
that boys spy. He's too innocent
hooking"
Cant tell, replied. '"Them's the
very ones to make mischief"
"What will they do with him?" she
asked.
why. hang him, if he's spy"
''>Dh.' said Bell, chow awfulr'
BY this time they had got up to head
quarters, and, sure enough, they found
ON him convincing proof that he was a
spy. They found some cipher writing
inside the lining of his hat, and he
broke down and confessed That
settled his case. Our command didn't
Keep spies long in suspense, and he
uas sentenced to be hanged at sunrise.
I'D been up to headquarters and found
ont what was to be done with him,
leaving Bell at the tent When / came
back told her what had learned.
Hang him in the morning?" re-
peated Bell Poor boy-how ter
ribIe! I'm going home and cook
chicken for him. VIII they let him
have it?"
felt sorry for the innocent-loolling
chap, though knew he was guilty, and
& said: Yes, you may bring it, and
III manage it,"
Il can't get back till late, George"
said she, but it's moonlight night
III come as quickly as can" And she
walked off up the road looking sorrow
Tnl enough.
We had log guardhouse near the
center of our camp, and the spy was
al>cked up there. When he was brought
from headquarters he said to Lieut..
Sanders, who had him in charge:
Lieutenant, l see it's all up with me.
Eve an old mother back in Jer-
5ey. My last wish is to write her a few
lines before l go. Can you allow me
rhis privilege?"
Yes, boy, think So" said the lieu
1enant. ''Of course I'll have to inspect
the letter, and if it's all right I'll send
Et through the lines the first chance l
have. How did you happen to become
IN spy?'
''Oh, Twas only trying to carry some
dispatches through to Sheridan. If I'd
tancreeded I'd have been a lieutenant
AS failed, why, I'll be hanged. It's a
-esIean way to die. I'd rather be shot"
Cant help it, Yank. That's the way
I'VE dispose of spies"
-'Oh, amt kicking" said the gritty
Ejttle chap, "but if I'd succeeded I'd
have been a lieutenant"
What made them send such young
chap as you on such work?" asked San
aiers-
81 volunteered. / wanted to climb
mp from the ranks, and now I'll go
higher than l wanted to. | wouldn't
mind so much but for mother" and the
tears came to his eyes.
was on guard in front of the door
when Bell came. 1t was after eight
O'Clock. She had q tin bucket in her
Sa2nd with the chicken fiXings. The
lieutenant was standing close by when
she came up.
GOOD evening, Miss Bell" said he.
"What you got there? Something good
Sor George, I'll bet"
''Then you'll lose your bet, licuten-
ant" said Bell. Its for the Yankee.
It's chicken, mostly"
''Well, well! you girls beat my time"
said the lieutenant. Chicken for a
Yankee spy tonight and a rope in the
morning"
That's the reason I brought it.
What's his name, Heutenant?" she
asked.
''He says it's Arthur Corwin," replied
Sanders.
-'Can give him the chicken?"
Eyes, let the poor fellow have it if he
wants it, but why not give it to George
AND let him pass it imp"
E'Oh, because l want to see what a