The National tribune., 1897-10-28
WITHOUT A couNTERSIGH.

WITHOUT A COUNTERSIGN.
Picketed at Night in a Southern Forest with
Orders to Shoot.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The Penn
sylvania Roundhead Regiment was doing
service in South Carolina. On Sunday, June
15, 1862, while stationed on James Island,
s. c., a detail from the ROundheads was made
for picket duty. George Stephenson, John
Clemens, and G. c. Lobingier, all Of Co A,
were stationed on the extreme advance post.
This particular outpost was located some
500 yards into the worst tangle of vines and
bushes ever saw. So dense was the under
growth that it seemed not possible for man
or beast to pass through.
The only way to reach this advance post
was by way of a cowpath worn through the
bowling wilderness by the domestic ami
mails in search of water, or to rid themselves
of the flies.
The enemy had been shelling our army
all day, but no regular engagement had
been brought ON. The officer in command
of the pickets stationed US by huge oak,
at least three and half feet in diameter,
which furnished some protection from rebel
shells.
1t was lovely moonlight night, almost
as bright as day, but in my several years
service in the army l consider it to have
been the most agonizing night OF all my
army experience. The forest was swarmlng
with musketos and gnats. Sleeping on this
particular pickst-post was an utter impossi-
bility, had one been tempted to do so.
No grand rounds were necessary on this
particular night, and none made their ap-
pearance. In the morning my face was as
bloody as prize fighters, owing to the
swarms Of musketos that had tormented US.
But our post received no countersign.
When we inquired Of the officer for the
countersign he replied:
"Yonr orders for the night are to shoot
any person who comes either from the rear
or the front"
Was there ever another post of pickets put
on duty on the extreme outpost for "a hours
without countersign?
Along about 9 or 3 o'clock, as near as
can judge, was standing with gun in hand,
while my two companions were sitting on
the ground leaning against the great oak,
having their faces covered with their over
coat-capes to protect them from the muske-
tos. As the nights in the swamps of the
Cotton States are always chilly. our overcoats
came in good play. / suddenly heard foot
steps from the rear from our lines, coming
briskly and heavily. Owing to sharp
bend in the cowpath would not be able to
see what was comid dRntil within % feet of
our post. 49,
Every moment brought the footsteps
nearer; SO, just as Itexpected the individual
to turn the curve and make his appearance,
I drew back the hammer of my gun, pre-
pared to shoot on sight. On hearing the
click the owner Of the feet whose appear
ance / was awaiting suddenly sprang around
the bend, with hands up, aud cried out,
"D0n't shoot!"
There stood, in full view, man dressed
in the uniform of Federal officer, who
began to reprimand me because | did not
halt him and demand the countersign, as
was the custom of pickets and guards to do.
He threatened to report me and have me
punished for such unwarranted action as
shooting on sight on the picket-post
I simply replied to the man in uniform
that / understood my business. He sud-
denly disappeared around the bend in the
cowpath, retreating in the direction he
came. I never saw or heard Of him after
wards.
From what occurred the next day, and all
the circumstances connected with the case,
| have arrived at the conclusion that the
above individual, dressed IN the uniform of
U. S. officer, was rebel spy within our
lines, who had obtained the countersign and
was passing out of our lines. Seventy-fve
(75) feet more would have put him within
the rebel lines. He had passed our reserve
picket-post, and was making haste to con-
vey the important information obtained
within our lines of the proposed advance of
the Union troops on Charleston the follow
ing day. Our army did advance early the
next morning, and made an attack on the
fort at Secesslonvile, but met with defeat.
NY conclusions were formed after the de-
! feat Of our army at Secessionville, and not
when the man stood in my presence and
held my finger on the trigger, ready to put
out his life. l wonder who he was?
| l regret very much that my two COM
panions who shared with me the duties of
that long, lonely, weary night have both
| long since crossed the dark river Clemens
laid down his life on the battlefield. Com
rade Stephenson returned home, and died in
Pittsburg, Pa, some 10 or Is years ago
C. c.. LoBINGIER, Co. A, Tooth Pa, 25A
Euclid avenue, Plttsburg, Pa.