Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-28
SCOUT LIFE.
some of the Experiences of Rev.
Frank StriasIeiiow.


Oath News)
There are many among US to whom the
name Of frank stringfellow' will call
up host Of war memories. We whh all
such could have been present at Coving-
ton Friday evening to hear him tell his
experience as scout We can give only
hasty review. Scout-llfe, as such. said the
SPEAKER, originated In the last war. II
has not been dealt with In history. The
scout had not only to know the position
OF the enemye lines, but to ascertain
what would be the future movements OF
the foe. His meals were 10 be captured,
for he carried none; his information to be
gotten In every conceivable way, ranging
from hints dropped by refugeeing friends
to plans forced from newly-made prl-
soners. The speaker then described an
expedition on the Rapldan In which he
and three other scouts were engaged. The
river was swollen by recent rains, and
the passage had 10 be made the first
part OF the way by using a projecting
Ledge OF slate bluff. Beyond this tho
stream, though narrow, was exceedingly
swift and dangerous. and the uncertainty
was aeesntuated by Ignorance OF the
enemys line OF pSkets, who might
be stationed along the rivers edge ready
TO capture the scouts as they stepped
over. Fortunately, the way was clear
for 10 yards. After various adventures
and escapes fight was had, and three
OF the enemy were wounded by Mr..
Strngscilow. who soon afterwards was
captured and made his escape on a little
mule. AT another time he went 10 a
Yankee colonePs tent and secured the
latest newspaper from a chair three feet
l.. - II.
Ing sun In the Federal lines, with no
shoes on and hungry, he nevertheless
lay down and began reading the papers.
which were the funniest he had yet seen.
Soon the shadow OF gun, then Of a cap
and another gun, appeared on his papers.
The papers suddenly lost all interest for
me. said the speaker. The Yankees threw
their guns 10 my breast and told me I
was theirs. Something had 90 be done,
or my cake was all dough. Raising some-
what I demanded. In sruff tone. what
business they had to disturb Federal
solder In ranks; they could play no Joke
on me. They wanted credentials. l had
just studied the names OF the companies
and their men from one OF the papers,
and ratified them on with vim. They
couldn't understand why / wore con-
federaie coat. "You gfeenhorns." said.
you've just been mustered in and don't
know that We conflscate every rebel coat
We can lay our hands on" The guns
hadn't come down yet Well
we've got Just one more question TO ask
you; II you answer that ali right, you're
fsee man. III you are q Union soldier
why haven't you got any shoes ongs
wen. boys" / said. You've asked mo
one too many. I'm a Confederate scout
Now. which OF you want the
honor Of capturing a genuine rebel scouty'
! reached for my two pistols, took
them by the barrels In my left hand, and
proceeded 70 hand them over. Zach OF
the two men wanted the honor. and tho
guns began 70 lover. Just as the hands
were ready 20 receive. quickly put my
right hand 20 my side. whipped out my
deryfnser. End had II cooked az che head
OF the men. Now, move 2 piuscie."
said. "and you'll never a3ow who killed
you. Hand over yopr sgrs. drew
them up beside me. oni eat on .hem.
taking care 70 notice the expression OF
my prisoners. n Was irdesc-tbab,e.
room 90, thsm IN good hunior.
and began reading them jokes from The
rewsrcDcr I remarked that that WIS
the funniest paper Ia ever Sen. They
said Il YVES the crycst tnh the
older ran that I'd have 10 have his shoes
ard cap why. ia take eo,1." no
| matter; OF with 'em. IN take cold. too"
He Didn't seem 10 see Il tha' wsy. and
protested. My derrinser heirea 10 set
his mind right en- the point, and was
soon within and he out Of his brogsnA