, 1897-04-12
THE WRONG
A Observation-Disclosures Adventure Dur
ing the War.

In 1868. John Smith, 4 Southern spec
ulator, who was better known by an
other name, which it is not necessary
to give here, thought it best to wind up
his business and get out of the cOnfed-
eracy. He quietly converted his prop
eriy into confederate money. with
which he purchased diamonds and
~greenbacks. The money and gems
amounted to about slOO. OOO.
The Spectator had made arrange
ments to Take passage for Nassau on a
blockade-runner from Wilmington. He
had exemption papers and a confederate
passport, and the only thing he dreaded
was his possible capture by a federal
war vessel. To guard against this he
spent two or three months in Wilmong-
ton before sailing. and he made it his
business to cultivate the most experience
ed blockade-runners and get pointers
from them about his trip.
1t was a dark, rainy night in October
when Smith boarded q blockade-runner
and went to his stateroom. He was
plainly dressed in a suit made TO stand
the wear and tear of travel, and it was
his intention not to take off his clothes
until he reached a place of safety on dry
land. Under his sack-coat, suspended
by a strap around his shoulder, he wore
a strong leather pouch, securely lock-
ed, and in this receptacle he carried his
money and diamonds. He intended,
sage on Il British steamer for Liverpool
and remain in Europe until the wal was
over.
Just before the ship weighed anchor
that night, a messenger from Richmond
came on board and asked for Mr.. Smith.
He was conducted to the passengers
sLateroom und there introduced himself.
He brought with him a package OF dis
patches from the confederate state de-
parment to its representatives in Lon
don and Paris, and u letter requesting
Mr.. Smith TO see that the documents
were placed in safe hands, so that they
would reach their destination.
This was an unpleasant surprise to the
Spectator. If he was captured with
these papers on his person it would 60
hard with him. He was not so much
concerned about his valuable personal
property, because he had influential
kinsmen in high federal positions who
would look after his interests.
He could not refuse, however, to take
the dispatches. If he carried them safe
ly they would introduce him TO some
very prominent men, and if he found
himself in danger of being captured he
could at the last moment throw them
overheard. So he took the package, I'M
locked his leather pouch, and slowed
the little bundle snugly away side by
side with his own precious parcel. The
man from Richmond departed, and
Smith proceeded to the deck, where he
watched his surroundings with lively
curiosity.
After taking several pulls at a flask,
Smith swelled with pride as he thought
OF his important mission.
Perhaps the fate of the confederacy
was in his hands. He would deliver the
dispatches in person., and he would
make the highest officials OF the English
and French governments understand
that he was their eQual-an envoy eX-
traordinary in disguise on secret bust
ness. He would become familiar with
court life and perhaps get a glimpse OF
royalty.
He took another drink, and wa franz
ing some grandiloquent sentences to be
used when he met the head Of the Brit
ish foreign office-he was in The midst
Of this occupation when an unusual
hustle around him attracted his atten-
ton. 1t was good daylight, and the
ship was out on the broad ocean,, with
no land in sight.
The gently lifting fog made the out
lines OF three federal cruisers distinctly
visible a short distance off: Smith did
not know what to do, and he took an
other bracer. This last drink muddled
his head.
He ran in every direction, looking for
his friend, the captain. but chat worthy
was too busy to attend to him. Then
questioned the other officers and the
but could learn nothing definite.
He was told that they were in a devil
a fix and would be captured.
The federal cruisers came nearer, and
Of them fired a shot which narrow
ly missed the blookade-runner.
What is the matter with our ship"
yelled Smith to a passing sailor.
machinery disabled" was the An
we must get back to port or be
Escape was out OF the question, and
the frightened man opened his pouch,
his hand into it, and threw a
package into the sea.
THAT won't trouble me any more"
he said, land If 1 am taken prisoner
will swear that l am a union man leav-
ing the confederacy TO avoid military
That will save my property"
Ono or two more shots were fired and
The vessel surrendered. In . few min !