Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1893-05-20
CASTLES IN THE AIR.
THE SCOUTS RIDE.

Christmas day, 1862, found the Army
Of the Potomac in winter quarters near
Falmouth, Va, writes Major George F,
Williams In The Rider and Driver. With
that elasticity of spirit so characteristic
OF the veteran soldier, the Union troops
had already recovered from the effects
OF that terrible battlea at Fredericksburg,
when the several corps were buffeted by
Lees guns on ST. Mary's Heights. Many
familiar face was missing from the
ranks, but convalcscents were rapidly
arriving from the hospital, and the army
was preparing for its approaching spring
and summer campaign, which ended at
Gettysburg.
While his staff was exchanging
Christmas greetings soon after revoille
General Hooker summoned to his pres
clce jim White, one Of the headquarters
scouts
.White~ said the general II learn
from Washington that it is believed
that the rcbs contemplate q movement
through the Loudou valley. You must
20 and ascertain if this is true
All right, general" replied the scout,
with 3 brief salute as he turned 10 Leave
the tent,
:.What route will you takeg asked
the general.
~ shall go Ay the Warrenton road
aud leave our lines from the pickets OF
General Sykes regulars, From Warren
ton to Aide gap is days ride, and then
will be in the valley
81 hope to see you then in FIVE days"
IF get back at all. sir, You will see
me ON New Years eve. It can't be done
any quicker
Every we'll. Go and get your pass"
1t was great disappointment for Jim
White, this being summoned for danger
Gus duty on Christmas day, for he had
intended being one of the guests of q
comrade who had received fat turkey
from home But, putting aside all
thought of the proposed festivity, Jim
got his pass for the picket line, and sad
ding his horse rode away from head
quarters.
Reaching the little village Of IAldie on
the afternoon of the second day, Jim
rode through the gap as the setting sun
began to gid the mountain tops. Dressed
in faded butternut, the usual costume Of
Virginia farmer, the scout had met
with no adventure, and he was looking
forward to speedy termination to his
GRAND.
The horse jim rode was remarkable
animal Possessing good blood and ac-
ton, it nevertheless was rather uncouth
in appearance. Its coat was very rough,
and rs the scout seldom used the curry
comb, the brute did not look like 8 fast
one. Jim, however, knew the good quail
itiee Of his beast, for they had often been
proved in critical moments. Always
adopting the character of a Virginia
farmer, Jim's shaggy horse aided in the
deception. and only those who knew his
real character would recognize famous
scout in the queer picture he made in the
saddle.
''Seems to me-" said the scout, solilo-
Quizing, "those people in Washington
are always finding mares nests. Here I
am in the Loudon and not reb in
sight
AS he uttered the words, jim came to
another road which crossed the one he
bad been following. In an instant he
discovered the approach Of Confederate
cavalry patrol. Accustomed to such
1erils, Jim very coolly checked his steed
and waited for the little party.
.'Whar yeou cum FROM" demanded the
oovalyy leader ss ne and his mon rode up.
"Bin down In Aide" drawled Jim.
Went to see how things looked down
thar"
'.BIong to the army
well, not exactly. though I've done
my share toward thinning out the
Tanks.'
'-Oh. thtn you are ono OF Mosby's
men,
1Yuas'
"4And whar are ysou going:"
up by she way of Ashby gap. Prom
iscd to bo in Mari -sbury tomorrer.s
us that thefroal 10 Aldier
"Yaas. lis the way1've Gomez
We'll, good day, We must ges through
tho gap tonight"
-Yeou can Go 1t easy. There's no
Yanks this side q Wxrrenton.
Thanks
And then the patrol proceeded jim
having mentioned Ashby gap was COM
PEELED to take tho road just left BY the