Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-01-22
MisCtIlamenMs.
BELL AVERY.

| joined Mosby in 1862, and along
in the fall of 1868 when we were in
camp at Bunker Hill, on the Martins
burg pike. about half way between Mar
tinsburg and Winchester. We were with
in half mile of where | was born and
raised My father and mother and sis
ter Bell were living on tho old farm. |
was about twenty-three then and Bell
wasn't more than seventeen. She was
a pretty girl, too, if do say so, and
smart for her chances.
One day Bell came over to the camp
and brought me some stockings mother
had knit for me, We were standing In
front of the tent talking when a squad
of our boys brought in prisoner. He
was young looking chap, smooth
faced as a boy, fair complexioned as q
girl, and couldn't have been over TWEEN
ty. He had on Confederate uniform.
My tent mate was with the squad and
when they got opposite our tent | said !:
bill, what have you got there?'
"A Yankee spy, l reckon. Dcrn
him." said Bill.
BLOWS that p said |, "he's got on a
red uniform, all right"
"Hc's got on all sorts of uniform"
said Bill" turn it tothor side out, and
its Yank uniform"
George" said Boil" II don't be-
love that boys spy. He's too inno-
cent looking"
Cant tell" | replied. "Them's the
very ones to make mischief"
"What will they do with him p she
asked.
"Wby, hang him, if he's a spy"
"Oh p said Bell, chow awful /"
BY this time they had got up to head
quarters, and sure enough they found
on him convincing proof that he was q
spy. They found some cipher writing
inside the lining Of bis hat, and no
broke down and confessed. That set
tied his case. Our command didn't keep
spies long in suspense, and be WINS sen
fenced tn be hanged at sunrise. I'd
been up to headquarters and found out
what was to no done with him, leaving
Bell at the tent. When | came back |
told her what had learned.
"IIang him in the morning" re-
peated Bell. Poor boy--how terrible
I'm going home and cook chicken for
him. Will they let him have III"
felt sorry for the innocent. looking
chap. though | knew he was guilty, and
| said eyes. you may bring it, and
I'll manage it,"
Il can't get back till late, George"
said she, "but it's a moonlight night.
I'll come az quickly as can" And she
walked off up the road looking sorrow
full enough
We had long guardhouse near the
center Of our camp, and the spy was
locked up there When he was brought
from headquarters be said to Lieut.. San
ders, who had him in charge:
Lieutenant, | see It's all up with me.
I've an old mother back 10 jersey.
Ny last wish is to write her few lines
before go. Can you allow me this
privilege ?"
Eyes, boy, think 80" said the lieu
tenant. "Of course I'll have 10 inspect
the letter, and If it's all right I'll send
il through the lines tho first chance |
have. How did you happen to become
spy Z"
"Ob. was only trying TO carry some
dispatches through to Sheridan. II I'd
succeeded I'd have boen lieutenant.
As | failed, why, I'll be hanged. It's a
mean way TO die. I'd rather DO shot.
Cant help it, Yank. That's the
way we dispose Of spies"
"Oh, | amt kicking" said the gritty
little chap, "but If I'd succeeded I'd
have been a lieutenant"
what made them send such young
chap as you on such work p asked San,
doris.
II volunteered. wanted To clint
up from the ranks, and now I'll 20
higher than | wanted TO. wouldn'
mind so much but for mother" aud the
tears came 10 bis eyes.
was on guard 10 front Of the dool
when Bell came. II was after oigh
o'clock. She had tin bucket in he
hand with the chicken 6xings. TIL,
lieutenant was standing close by wher
she cano up.
"Good evening, Miss Bell" said he
"What you got there Something goo
for George, I'll bet"
Then you'll lose your bet, lieuten
ant" said Bell. ats for the Yankee
It's chicken, mostly"
"Woll, vol you girls beat my time,