Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1894-05-12

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As with the Federals at Arlington, so
with the Confederates on the fields and
meadows to the south. Battles were
fought on the eastern coast and on the
western rivers-battles which made
history were fought in North Carolina,
Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri, but
the Army of Virginia remained in its
camps. Its leaders realized from the
beginning that Virginia would be the
real battle-ground of the war, and that
the Army of Virginia would be called
upon to render heroic defense. Every
hour gained was an advantage, every
day a gain Of men and material and
experience.
When Regal Kenton reported to
General Jackson as per order, he was
asked if he knew the country to the
north of the Confederate outposts. He
was forced to reply that he was entirely
ignorant of it.
This is a disadvantage, but one you
can overcome, said the general. I'VE
are in need of a few more brave men at
the front to act as scouts. Would you
have any objection to serving in that
capacity"
IL should not like to act the part
of a spy" stainmered Kenton in much
confusion.
Nor would | ask you to. A spy is
generally a brave man ard often moved
solely by patriotism, but few of them
are soldiers, and the profession is n
der a stigma. As a scout you go in
your uniform. secure such information
as you can in a legitimate way, and if
captured you are treated as a prisoner
of war. You can take a comrade with
You Of go alone, as you elect. Do not
be afraid to state your objections if you
have any"
II will go and go alone" replied
Kenton after a moments thought.
Very we'll, am glad to hear it.
You can now return TO your company,
and during the day | will send the
proper order to your captain. Upon
your return report to me direct, and
have no doubt you will bring informa-
ton of value"
That afternoon Captain Wyle return
ed TO his company, and when he re-
ceived the order detailing Private Ken
ton for temporary duty at headquarters
and learned its object he was almost
tempted to congratulate him. AS be-
tween captain and private or between
man and man, he would have done SO
with great heartiness, but as a rival
lover he could not. When Ike Baxter
had related the story of the attempted
removal, as he called it, he expected
words of praise, but they were not ut
tered. On the contrary, his action wa
severely criticised, and he went away
to sulk and growl.
Understand me- said the captain
as Ike betrayed his disappointment by
word and look, Il don't want murder
or assassination. | hate him because
he's a Yankee and because he is an en-
envy among as. | want TO drive him
out-force him to desert to his own
side. want the news to 60 back heine
that he has deserted and is a traitor to
us. Bring that about, and I'll do any
thing ] can to reward you, but don't
shoot him down in cold blood. Now
that General jackson has taken him I'M
der his wing W. must be more careful
than ever"
Armed with a pass that would take
him through the Confederate lines and
pickets, Royal Kenton made bis way to-
ward Washington. When he reached
the last outpost, the officer in command
gave him the lay of the country along
that front, the position of the Federal
videttes SD far as known, and named
many farmers who sympathized with
the Confederate cause and would give
him shelter. 1t was about 10 O'Clock
in the forenoon when Kenton left the
last post behind him and disappeared in
the woods. He knew in a general way
what was required OF him. It was. FIRST.
I'd push as nearfha Federal hines u 6gae