Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-07

At the rear a lot of negroes were peering so
intently through the blinds as not to notice
us. led file of my men stealthily along
the broad veranda and stationed them BY
the open windows on the front and side. /
gazed into the parlor. There was an affect
ing sight The company was gathered to-
gether, mostly of women, and aged ones,
too. Every head was bowed.
Opposite to me stood grav-haired
clergyman, his trembling hands spread in
benediction over the heads of young
couple kneeling before him-a Confederate
officer in full rig and as fair q girl as have
ever seen. The prayer ended. The happy
pair arose and embraced. Friends flocked
around them in congratulation. 1 stepped
forward with revolver in hand, and as I
did SO soldier advanced through each win
dow and stood as motionless as a statue of
fate.
"t"You must surrenderp'I cried as GOV.
cred Macrane.
"'There was an agonizing scream. The
sweet-faced bride sank senseless on her
husbands arms, restraining him through
her clinging from any rash resistance. All,
it was pitiable, but what could do, and
what could he do? Despite the wailing,
the entreaty, the awful malediction, 1 led
him away. He nevef spoke. 1 heard his
voice for the first time just now, when he
gave his parole. And, General, I've been
sorry ever since. Though I'm proud of our
success, I wish that this raid had never oc-
Cured.
Tut, tut. man, demonstrated, you are
hipped and tagged out, and no wonder. Get
good nights rest and you'll be far less
morbid. Warfare at best is an unspeakable
horror, but we must keep our eyes fixed on
the glorious goal of peace, and not heed the
specters that throng the pathway
"The Captain saluted and withdrew to
his post, but I could see that he was de-
jected and distressed. A brave heart is
ever tender one. On we rode. One way
led US past a crossroad which sprang from q
wood. There was a slight elevation to its
left, and this presented a startling spectacle
to us. A young woman, clad In white,
with long veil foatin, in disorder about
her, and with orange blossoms still cling:ng
to her dark tresses, all disheveled, was
Watching our approach intently, with hand
shading her eyes.
"By her side, supporting her and SEEM
ingly dissuading her stay, was an aged man,
whose venerable locks strayed from his
shoulders like another veil. ,As our captive
Brigadier General and staff pranced by they
exchanged anxious glances, and gallantly
doffed their caps. BY no look or gesture
did the young woman heed their courtesy.
But when Macrane appeared by the side of
Captain Brown, with bowed head and
melancholy bearing, then clear, thrilling
note penetrated the air:
"'Ralpb, Ralphl Oh, my husbandp
"QuicK struck the spurs, and away to her
side dashed the young officer saw him
bend tenderly over her. I saw her face
light with hope. with rapture. Their lips
met and fingered, ami then Macrane Joined
us transfgured, for his cheeks were glow
ing, and his eyes were asparkle. His bride,
yielding to the urgency of her companion
and upheld by him, disappeared within the
windings of the wood"
The different members of the staff were
allotted to different ones of my officers for
entertainment, Macrsne continuing with
Captain Brown, while made the brigadier
my especial charge And well they Jared,
you may be sure. I know their leader did,
for after an elaborate dinner, of which my
colored boy never thereafter ceased ID boast,
as he toasted Better days in a glass of
champagne, he gravely remarked that it
was the first time he had dined since the
outbreak of the war
HE meant it, too. poor fellow; even the
most distinguished Southern officers were
forced to content themselves with Spartan
fare, and scanty at that--a fact which
should mitigate our indignation over the
privation which our captured soldiers en-
dured.
at was early the next morning that Cap
ain Brown came to my quarters pale and
anxious
General hssaid, 'Lisusenans Macrsns