Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1893-09-01
THE SCOUTS RIDE.

Christmas day, 1862, found the Army
of the Potomac in winter quarters near
Falmouth, Va, writes Major George T.
Williams in Tho Rider and Driver. With
that elasticity Of spirit so characteristic
Of tho veteran soldier, the Union troops
had already recovered from the effects
of that terrible battle at fredericksburg,
when tho several corps were buffeted by
Lees guns on St. Mary's Heights. Many
a familiar face was missing from the
ranks, but convalescents were rapidly
arriving from the hospital, and the army
was preparing FOR its approaching spring
and summer campaign. which ended at
Gettysburg.
Christmas greetings soon after revcille
General Hooker summoned to his pres
encJ Jim White, one Of the headquarters
scouts.
white" said tho general, II learn
from Washington that it is believed
that the rebs contemplate a movement
through the London valley. You must
go and ascertain if this is true"
"All right, general, Z" replied the scout,
with a brief salute az he turned to leave
the tent.
"what route will you taEey' asked
the general.
II shall go by the Warrenton road
and leave our lines from tho pickets of
General Sykes regulars. From Warren
ton to Aide gap is n days ride, and then
1 will be in the valley"
81 hope TO see you then in five days"
eff 1 get back at all, sir, you will see
me On New Years re-. 1t can't be done
any quicker"
every well. 60 and get yonr pass"
It was a great disappointment for jan
White, this being summoned for danger
Gus duty on Christmas day, for he had
intended being one of the guests of a
comrado who had received a fat turkey
from home. But, putting aside all
Thoughts 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 Aldie 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
a Virginia farmer, the scout had met
with no adventure, and he was looking
forward to q speedy termination to his
errand.
The horse Jim rode was a remarkable
animal. Possessing good blood and &C
ton, it nevertheless was rather uncouth
in appearance. It's coat was very rough,
and as the scout seldom used the curry
comb, the brute did not look like u fast
n Jim, however, knew tho good quail
tiles of his beast, for they had often been
proved in critical moments. Always
adopting the character of q Virginia
farmer, Jim's shaggy horse aided in the
deception. and only those who knew his
real character would recognize n famous
scout in the queer picture he made in the
saddle.
"Seems to mo" said the scout, solilo-
quizing, 'those people in Washington
are always finding mares nests. Here ]
am in the Loudoa and not a reb in
sight"
As he uttered the words, Jim came tc
another road which crossed the one he
had been following. In an instant he
discovered the approach Of q Confederate
cavalry patrol. Accustomed TO such
perils, Jim very coolly checked his steed
and waited for the little party.
"Whar yeou cum FROM demanded the
cavalry leader as no and his men rode up
''Bin down in Aldie," drawled jim.
event to see how things looked down
thar"
"Blong to the army"
"Well, not exactly, though I've done
my share toward thinning out the
Yanks."
"oh, then you are one of Mosby'
menY'
"Yaas."
"And whar are yeou going?"
up by tho way Of Ashby gap. Prom
ised to be in Martinsburg tomorrer."
'Is that the road to Alder
''Yaas. It's the way I've come"
"Well good day; we must get through
the gap tonight"
'Yeou can do it easy. There's N
Yanks this side Of Warrenton."
Thanks"
And then the patrol proceeded. Jir
having mentioned Ashby gap was CON
PEELED to take the road just left by tn
C~onfederates, for unless he did so h
knew their suspicious might be aroused
Thanking his lucky Ftars for getting b
them so easily, Jim supposed he had e.
capped. He had not yet got out Of sigh
however, when he heard one Of the me
say:
"'Pears 20 me, sargint, that fellows
Yank. Mebbe he's a scout"
Jim White dug his spurs into hi
horses tanks. The animal started O
on g gallop. Having got so good q star.
the scout decided 10 risk everything b
instant fight. The rapid reverberatior
Of his horses hoofs on the frozen cart
betrayed his purpose, and the patrolw wa
soon laundering in pursuit after him.
Jim know that ho was in danger {
being shot, but as he was also aware tina
the aim Of galloping horsemen is alway
very uncertain he entertained very littl
fear on that score. To him capture mo-
meant certain death az the end Of a roI
exvunv ovar fho convenient trunk of