The times., 1899-12-09

tFrom the Rochester Democrat and ChronieIe-)
Almost everyone living at the time Of
the Civil War frequently saw Il mention
OF an underground mail route between
Richmond, Washington, and Baltimore.
II was an actual fact that such did exist.
that II was duly organized and was con-
Quoted with as much regularity as circum-
stances would permit. II is true that it
was not conducted with the same regular
ity and frequency Of transit as now; still
it was in being. One day it made the trip
from Richmond, the next day the return
trip was made. The information regarding
1t was given the present scribe years ago
By Lieutenant Jenkins, who was second
in command of the expedition.
Jenhns-his given name now slips my
memory-was a member of the aristocratic
family of Jenkins that was, and is now,
4 part Of BaItimOre's high-tOned society.
He was the Cnly one OF that numerous
family that espoused the Confederate
cause. Capt. Charles White was in com
mand. Not alone was ii devoted to the
transmission OF the mails, but boc.s. shoes.
dry goods, and other merchandise was car
ried In getting out Of Richmond the road
travelled depended very much upon the
position occupied by the Union forces
Sometimes the Hanover Court House road
was used, then again the Old Church read,
then again the -ChanceilOrville rOad-auy
way so Bowling Green could be reached
It was generally easy enough TO get that
far out on the journey and without mOies-
tatiOn. II was to cover these roads thar
the second division. First Corps, Gen.
John c. Robinson commanding when it
lay near Aqua Creek, had a part of the
picket line, but his command was so
spread out as 10 make it impossible at
all times to maintain strict guard over
the territory. Just below Aqua Creek,
and reaching back from the Potomac all
the way from two to three miles. was a
fiat level stretch OF land, heavily wooded
and cut up by numerous small creeks that
empJied into the river. Bowling Green
was near this, and near 90 il was the Tay-
Tor mansion, a superb residence. situated
on bluff From its chamber windows
an extended view OF the adjacent country
could be had. II was at this house the
Coufederacy bad a sort Of headquarters.
Here a signal corps was at AL times on
duty. The place was in charge OF d boats
vain, who had all the while under his
charge from a dozen to twenty-five men.
These were fed and supplied with the nee
essaries FOR sustenance by Confederate
sympa thizers who lived In the neighbOF-
hood.
Al this point a light built IiiebOat was
stationed constructed especially for this
service. The guards here located had a
regular code of signals. by means of which
| they communicated with their friends on
/ the eastern shore or elsewhere as Oeca-
sion might require or suggest. Passwords
I were in their possession and all things
/ perfected to make the undertaking secret
and success. When any were leaving
| Richmond for points North they were given
| the password and, with instructions how
/ to reach the parties in charge of the mode
/ OF transit across the river when these
! were reached. other instructions in COnsO-
/ nance with the existing state of affairs
were given to the travellers. The river
here was about six miles wide; the OBJ
! jective point TO be reached ON the Mary
/ land shore was WicomicO Greek.
When all was ready the IifebOat would
! shoot out the creek, care being taken to
avoid the patroling gunbOats Of the Union
l forces that were constantly moving UP
! and down and across the river. The cross
{ ing was really safer at night, as the flash
/ lights carried by the patrOlling boats con
{ veyed the intelligence to the occupants OF
/ the small boat Just where was located
| what they had TO avoid. When the other
! side was reached a fOur-mlle walk through
| a swampy fiat country had to be taken
! care had to be exercised in order 70 avoid
| the cavalry picket who patrOlled that sec
! ton of the country from Washington tC
/ Point Lookout This picket duty was done
| by several New York cavalry regiments
/ that had their headquarters at the last
! named place. After completing the pedes
! ,rian tour the traveller came 10 a hOstetry
known as Lloyd's Tavern, place that is
I even TO this day a popular resort for the
fishermen. hunters, and sporting men. whS
/ make Baltimore their home. Il was al
| this place that he. she. or they. would
ascertain the lay Of the land" and gather
| instructions how 10 further proceed. Il
| was at this point a decision was made
| In all this maneuvring on the Maryland
| side the objective point was Leonards Inn
| When this was reached safe housing wa
| had at the hotel there located
The balance OF the way was easJ
| enough One could go either by stage Ol
| wagon to either Baltimore or Washington