The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-08-24
NO. 81

place was admirably situated and
adapted to Caywood's convenience and
safety.
1t was but twelve miles from Wash
ington, from which place communica-
tions were received almost daily from
friends of the Confederacy concerning
the movements of the Northern army.
In addition to this, Immediately adj
joining Jarboe's home was dense for
est of cedar, pine and underground,
and swamp extending over several
square miles, without human habita-
tion, and entirely impenetrable by cav
airy. A dog would have had great
difficulty in following rabbit through
many parts Of it, and thus it afforded
an ideal hiding place. Caywood was
brave and adventurous, and admirably
suited for the calling he had taken
upon himself He was man of strong
physical ability, agile and active, saga
cious and capable Of great endurance.
He continued successfully in his occu-
patton until the end of the war
ALWAYS SLEPT IN OPEN AIR.
Shortly after Jarboe secured the
spurs from the Baltimore manufac-
turer, Caywood paid one of his period
ical visits to Prince Georges county,
and went to Jarboe's house All du-
ring the war Caywood, when outside
of the Confederate lines, declined to
sleep within any inclosure, but always
remained out of doors and slept in the
open air. For six weeks after Jarboe
received the spurs, Caywood was
blockaded in the swamp in hiding, as
the presence of Union soldiers pre-
vented his escape back to the Confed-
crate lines. Had the troops known of
his presence they would have fired the
timbers to drive him out, as he was y
much-sought-for man. Jarboe pro
vided him with food during all this
time, taking it to isolated spot,
which served as meeting place at the
hour OF midnight.
At the expiration Of a month and a
half large portion of the Union sol
diers were withdrawn from the sur
rounding country, and the treasured
spurs were placed in Caywood's pos
session by Jarboe, who admonished
him never to part with them while he
lived until they were given over to
General Lee. This caution was, how
ever, unnecessary, as the Confederate
spy had often declared that he would
never be captured alive. Being adj
vised that his way was clear to the
river, Caywood left with his precious
gift for St. Mary's county, where he
could cross the river
At the point where he usually made
his crossing there lived an eccentric
old farmer named Cartright, whom
Cay ywood made useful in his expedition.
He was too old to 60 to war himself,
but was always glad to help out the
Contederates wherever possible A
boat which he owned had frequently
carried Caywood and others similarly
engaged across the Potomac. Cay
wood, travelling at night and sleeping
in some dense thicket during the day,
reached Cartright's place without mis-
hap.
Upon arriving there he found two
Confederate soldiers, and the three ar
ranged to cross the river that night in
Cartright's boat. A heavy storm came
up, however, and the two soldiers urged
Caywood to delay the expedition until
the following night. This he refused
to do, but crossed the river alone with
the old farmer, and it was due to this
fact that he escaped death as a spy
and the loss of the spurs, for shortly
after he had departed Cartrights house
was raided by squad of Union cav
airy and the two lettering Confederates
were arrested and held as prisoners of
war.
Once on the Virginia side it was a
comparatively easy matter for Cay
wood to reach General Lees headquar
ters, to whom he presented the spurs
in person. The great Confederate
General continued to wear them until
the close of the war. They now form
one of the most interesting relics ofthe
war, and are treasured by son of the
Confederate commander, who now re-
sides in Fairfax county, Va.-Baltt-
more american.
WHAT NOT TO SAY.