The National tribune., 1902-01-16


Captain had supposed that | was Con
fcdcrate deSertCr coming into the Union
lines. This was now simple enough, but
why under such circumstances, he had
rot questioned mo in regard TO what WA
in his front, | could not m all understand.
| tried again To speak, but was command
( ed to be silent.
This was a ludicrous experience. though
unpleasant. My only serious conSidcrl-
ton was in regard to Jones. | feared that
he would wait for me indefinitely, and
would be captured. Although such a re-
suit could bring no blame TO me, yet l was
very anxious about him. Concerning my
self. | knew that | could suffer restrint
but very short time; just so soon as
could get speech with any officer willing
To listen, | should be set right.
The Sergeant and his two men marched
me back nearly 10 HaweS'S shop, some
two miles beyond Crump's Creek, where
| was brought before Col. Tyler. who was
in command of two or three infantry reGi-
ments which had advanced from Old
Church on that morning.
Col. Tyler was the center of Il grOup of
officers: the regiments were under al ms.
The Sergeant i'll charge of me reported
that | was n Confederate dcscrter, whom
the PENNSYLVANIA cavalry had found in
the woods beyond Crumps Creek. Col.
Tyler nodded, and began to question me.
w ii'il Nl'l you lt'lNt YOUR ItSlilltIl.
"On the 22d, Colonel" / replied.
THAT is Il long time to lie ont in the
woods said he; ''now be sure that your
memory is right. What day of the month
is this?"
The 9th. think, sir''
''And it has taken you two days to come
a few mles?"
From what place, COlOnel?'
'Why, from Hanover"
'NO sir. If has taken hut n few
hours"
What is your rcgiment?'
"The 11th Mass. Colonel"
The Colonel smiled. Then he looked
angry. Then he composed his counte-
nance.
"Have yOu any idea what is the mat
ter with this man, SergeantT
The Sergeant shook his head. 81 don't
know anything about it, Colonel. l only
know thot we took the man as ! have
said. He tried to talk to Capt. Lewis.
but the Captain thought it best to send
him back at once"
"You insist on belonging to the-what
regiment did you say?
"The 18th Mass, sir" said I, unable
to restrain Il smile.
"Then what are you doing here?"
y v~"s T. "ught here much against my
will Colonel"
But what were you doing when you
were captured?
u have not been captured. Colonel;
when ] came to meet the lancers, | was
returning from n scout"
'What brigade do you belong to?'
"Gcn. Growers"
''What divisiOn?
"Gcn. HOoker's."
"Where is your regiment nOw?"
Near Bottoms Bridge, Colonel"
said; then added, "it was there on the
Dist; where it is now | cannot say"
The Colonel saw that | was very re-
markahlc Confederate deserter; he was
beginning to believe my story; his tOne
altered.
But why are you in Confederate uni
form?"
Colonel" said l, 81 have been sent ont
by order, and | was just returning when
our cavalry met me: | tried to explain,
but they would not listen to me. The Off
Ger threatened me and would not let me
speak
The Colonel looked puzzled. Have you
anything to prove that you are Union
sOldier?'
mo, sir" said l, mot n thing. It
would be dangerous for me to carry any
thing of that kind, sir. All ask is to
be sent to Gen. MOrell."
Where is Gen. Morell?"
"On the reserve line near New Bridge
"Why send you TO Gen. MOrell:'
Because / must make my report to
him."
Did he send you out?'
eyes, sir"
How is it that you are attached to
Gen. Grover and also to Gen. MOrell?'
well, Colonel, that is something l do
not like to talk about, but it is perfectly
straight. If you will send me under
guard to Gen. MOrell, the whole matter
will be cleared mp to your satisfaction.
beg you to do so at once. l know that
Gen. Morell will consider my report inn
portant, and will be disappointed if it
should be delayed, sir"
''Not yet" said he; but will send him
a description of your person. shall want
you here in case Gen. Morell does not
clai'r YnU ard justify your claims"
''But if Gen. Alorell does not justify me.
am rebel, and what would you do with
meF
IF you are a rebel, you are a deserter
or a spy, and you say you are not de-
serter; if y0u are either, Gen. Morell does
not need you"
Colonel said I, would not a rebel
spy be an idiot to come voluntarily into
the Union lines dressed as | am dressedE
Zone cannot be too careful" said he.
''YOu claim to be Union man, but you
cannot prove it."
"Then, Colonel, since you refuse TO
you at once send back for my companion"
What companiOn?"
His name is Jones. He was chosen
by Gen. MOrcll to accompany me. He is
near the spot where | met the lancers.
He has both of our horses, and | fear he
will wait too long for me, and be cap
tured."
by the LancerS?'
mo, sir, by the rebels. He has on hi.
own Federal uniform" $"
fOre?"
to send me to Gen. MOrell; you refuse,
justify me to you; but time is lost in get
| tirr to Gen. Morell, sir"
Col. Tyler wrote something and handed
it to the Sergeant, who at once went off,
accompanied by his two men.
What force of the enemy is in our
frOnt?' asked the Colonel.
"My report is to be made to Gen.
MOrell, Colonel"
'DO Won '.'"Ognize me as u Union sol
der. Colonel?"
What has that got to do with it?'
command Il rebel spy to betray his cause
said l.
but you may be rebel desertcT," said
he, smiling.
"If l were n rebel deserter, why should
| not claim to be one, after having reach
ed safety?"
But you may have intended to 20
/ home, or you may have been lost, and il
B CO. H-.u al FA a nT