Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-08-21

riage than the private solder, gave
himself away by his military bearing.
The man looked for was one who had
not been lcng at the front. 1t was net
that he lOked smart or cunning, but
rather the eeynrse. The man who
talked too much would be pa3ed over
for the one having a reputation for
guinness. Middle-aged men were pre-
ferred to younger ones, and the point
of the makeup was always considered.
If General Sheridan, IOr Instance,
had no spy aId wanted information
which could only be gathered within
the enemy's lines, the right man was
searched for through regimental and
company commanders. A colonel would
call upon his captains and ask who
could recommend the man wanted. A
score of men might so up to headquar
tiers to be rejected. When the right
che had been found he would be asked
if he was willing to undertake the
work. There was no cOmpuisiOn used.
The perils OF the trip were laid before
him, and if not willing to assume them
he suffered no los Of prestige. If will
ing, details were gone into and set
tied. Explicit instructions were given
him and his disguise planned. lie was
then regularly detailed, so that if he
never returned the rolls of his COM
pany would show that he died in the
line Of duty.
Most Federal spies assumed the dis
guise OF peddlers, and carried valu
able packs with them. They would
claim a residence in Washington, AL
eXandria ca Baltimore, and were often
provided with forged certificates Of
character Each and every one expect
ed to be arrested and put through the
mill, and were well prepared with a
story. A month before the battle OF
Manchester, Sheridan sent spy into
Early'S lines to discover the strength
of his artillery. The soldier had been
an eXhorter at home, End his sancti-
monious lock and humility of spirit
had been much Tidiculed by his com
rades. He b,untiy informed Sheridan
that would not tell a lie to save mis-
neck, but yet would return with the in
| formation wanted. He got into Win
chester with a peddleT's pack, and he
met with singular good luck. He was
! ct once recognized by the officer at q
| picket as the Rev. Charles Davis, CT
| Charlestown, and later on his identity
was established by others. That he
| closely resembled the man named could
! not be doubted, but that men should
| have claimed TO have sat in his con-
| gregation a dozen times over was Gu
rious indeed. He was offered shelter
| in a private house, and for three days
he wandered about at will. Then al
! officer whom he reproved for cuTsing
raised a doubt of his identity, and he
was arrested and taken before Gen
| eral Early for examination Before
! half dozen questions was asked, the
| general was called away and the pris-
( oner was sent TO the guardhouse.
| There were only three or four soldiers
! in the place, and after a couple OF
hours the officer OF the day came along
! and ordered them to their commands,
! as heavy skirmishing was going on
| and an attack in force was expected.
| The Reverend" was turned out with
| the rest, and having accomplished his
: errand ne made his way through the
| lines with his information. 1t was
| perhaps the safest bit of spywork IN
| dertaken during the war, but what
| proved the mans safety in the first
| instance brought about his death in
the second. After Winchester, and be-
/ fore Early made his famous dash. the
F, spy was sent out again. In getting
| into the enemy lines he was arrested.
| and to clear himself he sent for the
]. men who had before Identified him as