The National tribune., 1901-03-14
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about 10 o'clock they stopped at farm
Ehouse to rest their horses. They remained
here until nearly 3 O'Clock in the after
! noon, conversing with the old farmer, who
seemed to be much panied at the condi-
ton Of affairs, but who had two sons who
had Joined the rebel army.
They renewed their journey in the af-
| ternoon, and in about two hours reached
! the little village of COlemouth, where
there was a rebel encampment On pass
ing this they were halted by the guard,
who inquired their business and dcstina-
ton. Lewis told him he was an English
man, accompanied only by his servant. and
that he was travelling through the country
| for pleasure. The guard informed them
that he could not let them pass. and asked
Lewis to go with him to the Captains
headquarters, which was located in a large
stone house, few hundred yards distant.
MY operative willingly consented, and
leaving Sam in charge OF his carriage, he
accompanied the soldier to the officers
quarters. He was ushered into a large
| and well-furnished apartment on the sec
/ ond fio0r, and in q few minutes the Cap
tain came in.
He greeted my operative pleasantly.
and informed him that he regretted the ne
cessity OF detaining him. but orders had to
be obeyed. Lewis related in substance
what he had already stated to the guard.
which statemeJ the Captain unhesitating-
iy received, and after a pleasant conver-
sation he invited the detective to accent
the hospitality of the camp.
An English gentleman travelling for
pleasure was not to be treated with dis
courtesy, and upon Lewis's accepting of
his invitation, soldier was dispatched TO
bring the horses and carriage and their i'm
patient driver into camp.
Supper was ordered, and In q short time
the Captain and his guests were discussing
"a CT tNTht t.I Co..
than soldiers fare usually is During the
meal Sam stood behind the char of Lewis
and awaited upon him in the most ap-
proved fashion, replying invariably with
a defcrential,
Yes, my lord"
After full justice had been done to the
repast, Price directed Bridgeman to bring
IN from the carriage a couple Of bottles
OF champagne, and by the time the hour
of retiring had arrived the detective had
succeeded in impressing his entertainer
with very exalted opinion of his rank
and standing when at home.
Lewis, being an Englishman by birth,
was very well posted about English af-
fairs, and he entertained his host with
several very well invented anecdotes of
the Crimea, in which he was supposed TO
have taken an active part, and his jnti-
macy with Lord Raglan, the commander
OF the British army, gained for him the
uhbo,incea admiration and respect of the
doughty Captain.
From this officer Lewis learned that
there were a number of troops i'll Charles
| ton, but 4 few miles distant, and that
| Gen. Wise, who was then in command
had arrived there that day.
| After refreshing sleep and boun-
teous breakfast, Lewis Informed the Can
tam that he would continue his Journey
| toward Charleston, and endeavor TO oh
! tam an interview with Cen Wise. The
captain cordially recommended him TO do
| so, and furnished him with passports
which would carry him without question
or delay upon the road. As they were
| about taking their leave the Captain put
INTO Lewis's hands an unsealed letter. nj
the same time remarking with great earn
| eStness:
My lord, beg of you to accept the in
closed letter of introduction to Gen. Wise.
AS am personally acquainted with him,
TINS letter may be OF some service to you,
ana L should be only too happy il it will
be So"
| Thank you," replied Lewis, "but you
have been far too kind already. and he.
lieye me l shall always recall my enter.
tainment at your hands with pleasure"
The valiant Captain was not aware
that he had been furnishing very valuable
information to his gentlemanly visitor.
| and that while he was unsuspectinpIy y
| answering his well-directed questions his
servant, the quiet Sam Bridgeman. was
unobservediy making notes of all that he
heard In relation to the situation of AZ
| fairs and with regard to the probable
movements Of the rebel troops.
A rather ridiculous incident occurred to
| our two travellers after leaving the camp.