The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-06-14
SOLDIERS BUDGET.
The Scouts Ride


that elasticity of spirit so characteristic
OF the veteran soldier, the Union troops
had already recovered from the effects
of that terrible battle at Fredericksburg,
when the several corps were buffeted by
Lees guns on st. Marys Heights. Many
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.
While his staff was exchanging
Christmas greetings soon after reveille
General Hooker summoned to his pres
ence Jim White, one of the headquarters
scouts.
White" said the general, 81 learn
from Washington that it is believed
that the rebs contemplate a movement
through the Loudon valley. You must
go and ascertain if this is true"
"All right, general" replied the scout
with brief salute as he turned to leave
the tent.
"What route will you talSe?" asked
the general.
81 shall go by the Warrenton road
and leave our lines from the pickets of
General Sykes regulars. From Warren
ton to Aide gap is days ride, and then
l will be in the valley"
81 hope to see you then in five days"
'lf get back at all, sir, you will see
me on New Years eve. 1t can't be done
any quicker"
Very well. 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
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 Aldie on
the afternoon of the second day, Jim
rode through the gap as the setting sun
began to gild 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 a speedy termination to his
errand.
The horse Jim rode was remarkable
animal. Possessing good blood and ac-
ton, 1t 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 a fast
one. Jim, however, knew the good quail
tiles of his beast, for they had often been
proved in critical moments. ALWAYS
adopting the character of Virginia
farmer, Jims 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 a reb in
sight"
AS he uttered the words, Jim came to
another road which crossed the one he
had been following In an instant he
discovered the approach Of 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 he and his men rode up.
Bin down in Aldie," drawled Jim.
event to see how things looked down
thar"
"B'long to the army"
'Well, not exactly, though I've done
my share toward thinning out the
Yanks."
"Oh, then you are one of Mosby's
mem"
"Yaas."
"And whar are yeou going?"
Cup by the way of Ashby gap. Prom
ised to be in Martiusburg tomorrer."
as that the road to Aldie?"
"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 no
Yanks this side of WarrentOn."
Thanks"
And then the patrol proceeded Jim
having mentioned Ashby gap was com
PEELED to take the road just left by the
Confederates, for unless he did so he
knew their suspicious might be aroused.
Thanking his lucky stars for getting by
them so easily, Jim supposed he had es-
capped. He had not yet got out of sight,
however, when he heard one of the men
say:
"Pears to me, sargint, that fellows
Yank. Mebbe he's scout"
Jim White dug his spurs into his
horses TANKS. The animal started off
on gallop. Having got so good a start,
the scout decided to risk everything by
instant flight. The rapid reverberations
of his horses hoofs on the frozen earth
betrayed his purpose, and the patrol was
soon laundering i'll pursuit after him.
Jim knew that he was in danger of
being shot, but as he was also aware that
the aim of galloping horsemen is always
very uncertain he entertained very little
fear on that score. To him capture now
meant certain death at the end of rope
swung over the convenient trunk of a
tree. Unless he could outstrip his pur-
suers his career as a Union scout was at
an end.
On and on rode the fugitive scout and