The National tribune., 1899-08-24

= confederate scouts are at DriNeT 3 Mills, llO'
five miles from here."" Giving us some
bread and meat, and seizing a very long
cane and a curious-looking bonnet, she, III
a voice of command, said: =.
Follow me. men," -
We followed, you bet. She was woman
TO follow. Taking US four or five miles,
with scarcely a word, by by-paths and nc
paths, she halted and said:
Remain in this thick brush until dark,
then go to that house, now seen a couple OF
hundred yards away, and Mr.. Driver Will
send you on the way. Act to him as you
did to me-"
Randy shaking each of us by the hand,
this noble woman returned the way we
had come.
APPROACHING kIr. Drivers house
another Driyer-we net him at the WELL and
he pointed to his porch, where We rather
indistinctly saw two Confederate soldiers
sitting, one of whom put his hand on his
gun. but did not move it. Giving Mr.
Driver the sign, he said: Right. but leave
Immediately; make short circuitous route
to the right, and you will reach the Mill
Creek road; here are pies. bread and meat;
go, and cd bless you all; they would burn
my house if they caught me at this ptsi-
ness he added as We departed.
Soon reaching the Mill Creek road, we
met a negro, who was alarmed, but was re-
assured when we bought all the tobacco he
had and gave him several pieces Of silver;
and asked where the Mill Creek road turned.
He said: Bout halter mile furder to de
lef'." We asked him if he knew Capt.
Bond. at Mill Creek. when he answered:
yes, sar: mighty good man is de Cap n,
if he likes ye."
Good enoughi We now rapidly ap-
preached Mili Creek, pretty little mount
ain village in western Pendleton County
As we entered the village, there was evl-
IDENTIFY some unusual commotion- A
woman few past on horseback. bell
loudly rang from a nearby rocky ledge;
and we moved rapidly TO a stout looking
house on our right, which was built of logs,
with a plank roof. Mrs. Mallow and
daughter occupied it, and they quickly
told us that there was going to be fight;
that the Confederate soldiers were making
a raid on a nearby field, on oattle-stealing
expedition. We replied that we were will
ing and able to defend her house to the last,
fit became necessary. She and her daugh-
ter produced two guns, while we locked and
baTTlcaded the door.
Shots were now heard not for away, and
through a window l saw the Swamp
Dragons" CHome Guards rapidly moving
near our house. Mrs. Mailow's daughter
then mounted a horse, and like the wind
sped away to get more news concerning the
attack She soon returned and reported
that the thieves were retreating, with the
Dragons in close pursuit. 1t was over,
and we proceeded to Capt. Bonds house.
Mrs Mallow was the widow OF Capt. Nal
low. the former commander of the Swamp
Dragons" and who was killed a year be-
fore at the time of the attack on the Home
Guards by McNeal's band of Confederate
guerrillas. while the Home Guards were
returning from New Creek with their pro-
visions. McNeal's brother was also killed
at the same time, and McNeal was beaten
of, the very women fighting with revolvers
from the wagons. Mrs. Mallow did not
know the sign, but Capt. Bond did, as We
approached his house, the first in the VIII
lage.
Greeting us heartily. in true West Viz
ginia style, he invited us to dinner; and we
were all charmed with him and his wife and
his little rosy-cheeked daughter. who did
nething but wait on US during dinner.
The Captain was noble gentleman, surely,
and gave us note to his Lieutenant, few
miles further, on, with all necessary in
,structfons. Bidding him and his family
adieu. we pushed on over the next ridge;
and in the valley we fond foriorn family.
lately stripped of all they had by the Con-
federates. We gave the three children,
who chung TO their mother, shirts, some
Gil ohm nd no t,,,cb Iooy,
his little boat to cross the stream, and while
: crossing. several Of our men fell overheard.
but scrambled out all right. Climbing
short distance, we were received with much
kindness by the Lieutenant; remained all
night with him. but he would positively re-
ceiye nothing except our thanks. We were
pretty safe now, and in Hardy County, on
good level, which we now kept, and some
is miles on reached the end of the Secret
route" at the house at Fritz-a German,
last name forgotten. Fritz knew the sign,
and said Dat vas goot," and told us We
were only 10 miles from Greenland" Gap,
where a regiment OF buecoats were sta
toned, and he was go nit us in de morn
ing" which he did.
Arriving at crossroads with Fritz and
myself on horseback, we were halted by the
guard. Fritz being well known, we were
well received, and were escorted by Lieu
tenant, who was in command, some two or
three hundred yards to the commanding
officers tent, where / grasped the hand of
Col. Stephens, who commanded the regi-
ment at Greenland Gap, beautiful and
picturesque Greenland Gap, which is on the
edge Of Hampshire County.
INSIDE THE UNION LINES.
We gave Fritz gold dollar for the use of
his horse, and he departed happy ] then
had a private interview with Col. Stephens,
who proved TO be a brother Of the Mystic
Tie; need say more?
The young men Of our party proceeded
west to meet relatives, and / had good
time generally; and found in the regiment
a string band of music, who were more thar
pleased TO have me with them-a Professor
of music-and l played much with them
serenading the camp at night, etc. The
Surgeon was particularly attentive to om
wants, regaling us with his best brandy
and congratulating us upon our safe ar
rival, etc, and inquired of cousin residing
in Staunton; but was unable to give hin
much information about his relative, wht
was a clerk at the American Hotel in Staun
ton. Isoon proceeded TO a farm house neal
- Il. L l. a