The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-01-02
Neal DOw's Narrow Escape.

III was III lOOO LlldJ UbubTdl 1IOW.
who commanded colored regiment at
New Orleans, was captured by the con-
federates. So strong was the feeling
against those who had anything to do
with the negro troops along about that
time, that grave fears were entertained
for his safety; but he was forwarded to
General Johnson's headquarters at
Vicksburg under strong military es-
cort Arrived there, the problem was
how to convey the captured leader
through to Richmond without exciting
mob violence TO such an extent as to
prove fatal to General Dow, against
whom public feeling was 80 high all
along the route, which lay through
the strongest of slavery states. re-
member as well as if it were yesterday
the appearance of Dow when l first
saw him at Vicksburg. Instead of
regular uniform, he wore an old greasy
looking duster, and for headgear a
queer kind of a nondescript hat, the
like of which this younger generation
never dreamed of in its widest imagin-
ings. His trousers were much the
worse for wear, and his general appear
ance was that of man who had been
through some very rough experience.
For some reason, have never known
just why, was selected to escort the
prisoner to Richmond.
" Do you think you can carry him
through safely?" asked the command
ing officer.
"Well," answered, "you know it
will be very risky business, but if you
consign him to my care I'll carry him
at every hazard"
How many men will you require?"
"I think, sir, that the fewer the men
the better, as large escort will at
tract attention, and l would prefer to
90 alone, as l think the risk will be
less"
THAT is dangerous risk to run, for
you know the feeling is very strong
against him all over the South, and the
news of his capture has already spread
like wildfire."
q am fully aware of that, but in my
humble judgment that is the best
plan"
Very we'll, captain. The papers
will be ready in a short time, and l
shall dependupon you TO conduct Gen
eral Dow to Richmond as expeditiously
as possible and see that no harm comes
to him."
When everything was ready set out
with my prisoner, with, must confess,
many misgivings as to the result of my
journey. We sat side by side on the
train and conversed very pleasantly.
found him man of superior intelli-
gence and possessed of large and va
ried fund of information. AS we die
not seem to attract special attention,
began to congratulate myself that We
would be able TO run the gauntlet unob
served. We reached Selma, Ala, late
over and wait for train, took my
prisoner Immediately to hotel and Sc
cured a room. 1t was bedtime, and w
had retired, being very weary, when
heard an ominous gathering and louc
talking outside, and in few minutes
the landlord came to the door, and in
few hurried words told me that tn
news had been forwarded by wire tina
Neal Dow would arrive at Selma OIL
his way to Richmond under single es
cort that evening, and that we had beel
spotted and mob was gathering t.
deal out vengeance on the prisoner
Hurriedly we dressed, and by the aid @
the landlord left the hotel quietly by
!, rear door, and hurrying away W
: remained concealed while the mo
searched the premises. The landlor
80 managed the crowd as to throw theI
off the scent, and early in the mornins
: when the train started north we slippe
= . into car and were soon speeding tC
l ward Richmond. We went along we
: enough until we arrived at a town
y North Carolina, do not recall tn
!. name just now, where another mo
o was gathering, the news of our comm
V having preceded us, but by putting o
,. a bold front and acting as though "
~ were ordinary travellers, we threw theI
off the scent, and were soon on til
wing again. Finally we reached r cl
Il mond. turned my charge over to tt
d proper authorities, and, for the fir
Is time in many hours, breathed
3, sigh of relief. After the war we bega
r correspondence, and many are th
Is letters expressing the deepest gratitut
/, have received from him, the last b
Is ing one in reply to congratulated
ae letter of mine to him on his last brit
4. day.-A tl1ntd Journal