News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1896-08-06

NN" T fofS. were TRe S bard
times of the Con-
federacy had come to stay. Things use
full, if not indispensable, were scarce
and only to be procured at enormous
cost or by blockade running. By block
ade running Mrs McGhee had gathered
together, after facing great hardships
and dangers, the valuables which an
hour had swept away. She determined
to recover the family fortunes in the
same hazardous way. The hated north
was the treasure land of the war bound
southerners, and toward the north she
turned her steps. Tennessee and Ken
lucky were occupied by Federal armies,
and even the northern border of Georgia
lay within the enemy's lines.
Nashville was the point fixed upon
for the first objective. A route was
planned out across Lookout mountain
into Wills valley, then the line of the
Nashville railroad. A resident of the
mountain region, who was a good Con-
federate, offered to guide the plucky
woman to point near the enemy's
lines. The mountain was gained with
out adventure, but the first stopping
place, made at night when the guide
missed the road, proved to be den Of
outlaws. The discovery was made before
it was too late, and the guide, with his
fair companion, slipped away separately
to a rendezvous of safety. Fortunately
the right road was found, and next
morning the travellers reached Wills
valley. The Federals were in possession
of that region, making it unsafe for the
guide to proceed Giving Mrs. McGhee
careful and minute instructions, he
started her northward.
Captain McGhee was a Mason, and
his adventurous wife had made use Of
the privileges Of that order in her pre-
vious trips. Because of her knowledge
of the ways Of the fraternity she had
been called as good a Mason as any
man. She found a resting place the first
day of her lone journey with well to
do Mason, who unfortunately had lost
all his horses and mules to the army and
could only offer temporary succor and
advice, She rested three days and then
set out on foot to the nearest village,
which was 20 miles off. The distance
was made between sun and sun.
The most stirring adventures of the
trip began at that time. ''Just at the
outskirts of the town.. - said Mrs. Nc
Ghee, 81 met squadron of Federal
cavalry. The commander gave me a
scrutinizing look as we passed. He
wheeled his horse at the distance of a
few rods and rode back. Refining up he
asked where was going. With outward
calmness, but much inward trembling,
/ mentioned the name of a gentleman
living in the village to whom my friends
had directed me to apply and said that
was going to his house. The officer
made no reply, but 1 felt rather than
saw that he was cycling me critically,
not to say threateningly. [ walked on
quietly and after minute or two he
turned and galloped ON after his men.
"When 1 reached the house I was
seeking, the lady of the family asked
me if had met soldiers. I said, YES
Her answer did not tend to quiet me,
for she said, They will come back and
arrest you I at once made myself
known to her husband as a Mason's
wife. He said he would do everything
he could to aid me, but stated that he
was afraid the soldiers would come
back, because they arrested every one
who attempted to enter or to leave the
town. He then said that he had friend
who was Federal scout, and he would
find him and make strong appeal il
my behalf. While we were all excited
with the difficulties and possibilities Of
my situation back came the soldiers
marching into the house. They arrested
me and said must go to headquarters.
The gentleman was very polite to them
and asked that / be allowed to take
some supper before going with them.
He gave his word that I should moi
leave his house until their return. After
a good deal of parleying they withdrew
for time. was placed in care of hi:
wife, while he went to look for the
scout. In very short time he came
back. I held my breath to hear his first
words, for the fear of arrest and deten,
ton was overpowering just at that
time. Well, he said, Il have seen him
and he has promised to take you in
charge as soon as he returns from his
present expedition. If the Confederates
do not kill him, he will return in a few
days. In the meantime he has inter
viewed the commandant, and the order
for your arrest will be Withdrawn.
"The scout came back within three
days and guided me to point six miles
from Chattanooga The Federal forces
were massing there against Joe John
ston. Orders were that any persons en-
tering the lines should be treated az
CHILDREN GYv for