The National tribune., 1903-05-14
A Union Spy Dy impersonating the Corfed
crate Secretary Of War Secures Valuable
Information.
1.-THE Dallas Herald

hS AD'aii''o Ai'i"ab'1
One morning while Grant was besieg-
ing Petersburg, Va. n man of Jewish
cast was riding on Il train between Rich
mond and that city. lie seemed to be tax
ing pains to conceal his features behind
whispered that lie was the Confederate
Secretary of War, Judah =. Benjamin.
When the train reached Petersburg,
the Jewish gentleman took carriage, and,
having driven several miles out Of the city,
alighted at the entrance to one of tie prin-
cipal forts. 4 sentry epdeavored to stop
him, but he paid no attention to the man,
who threatened to shoot him if he did not
halt.
Call the Corporal" said the gentleman,
turning impaticntly.
Corporal of the guard No. AZ cried
t'ie sentry.
TIE Corporal came. ard the gentleman
ordered him in authoritative tones to con-
duct him to the officer commanding the
fort When they reached headquarters,
they found the Colonel commanding en-
gagged with n party of officers at a game
of draw poker.
"a gentleman wishes to see you, SIR
said the Corporal. saluting.
The Jewish gentleman pushed by the
Corporal and stood giaring at the poker
party.
Colonel" lie said, 81 came out here
expecting to find the place bristling with
bayonets. Instead | find the commanding
officer engaged ut cards with his subor
dinates and most Of his men alseep. If
the enemy surprises you and captures this
fort, our source of supply will be cut and
our cause lost forever. While the Presi
dent and his Cabinet, the Congress and
the people of the Confederate States are
straining every nerve, you, defending Il
point which the enemy is determined to
break through, are unwatchful. Do you
know, sir, that in that line of works out
there are men ready to take advantage of
the slightest neglect"
MAY l know who you are. sir?" asked
the officer, scrutinizing the speaker.
You may not. sir. If President Davis
were to come here to inspect your works.
doubtless the guard would be turned ont,
Il salute fired in his honor and everything
in order. Mr.. Davis knows that as well
as you"
1.-THE Colonel does not recognize you.
Mr.. benjamin." said one of the officers.
who said l was Mr.. benjamin."
growled the Jew. mind your own bust
ness. sir. Colonel, l desire to inspect the
fort"
Certainly, SIR" said the Colonel obse-
quiously.
Passing into the earthwork. the Jew
examined everything with the critical eye
ol lTiiIei SbitleF- NolnlilS cSclpCu
him. What do you mean by such
slight protection for your ammunition:'
he asked holly. ''That gun is of no use
there. Move it over here. The parapet is
too low. You haven't sufficient depth for
your guns"
The speaker was about to step into an
exposed position when the Colonel en-
deavored to stop him.
"A sharpshooter will pick you off in a
second"
DO you think, SIR cried the other.
that we can win our independence by
keeping out of the way Of Federal bullets?
Must |, a. citizen, show you, Il soldier,
your duty:'
Mounting the parapet. he stood in full
view of the cnemy's picket line, but Il few
hundred yards distant. The officers in
his company expected to see him pitch for
ward down the enhancement Indeed, it
is possible they may have wished that he
would do so, though the mans bravery
astounded them. But when he took out
his white handkerchief aud waved it in
defiance they We're appalled,. A dozen
bullets sang by his head, but none of them
hit him, and he coolly descended from
his exposed position
Colonel" he said at departing, though
more gently than before, 1--WE are in 4
desperate situation. You better watch
day and night; never sleep"
w llu tllS ne went 10 HIS cilTTliSc anu
rode away.
The next morning Il facetious story APP
peared in a Richmond paper describing
how Il member OF the Cabinet had given
a lesson of watchfuness to Il Confederate
officer.
Meanwhile the Jewish gentleman.
while driving through a wood north of
the city, alghted from his carriage and
dismissed the driver. As soon as he was
alone he took of wig, a piece of his
nose, rubbed some paint off his face and,
divesting himself of his frock coat, n
loose sack appeared beneath. Tossing a
silk hat aside, lie took a cap from his
pocket and put it on. Then he started
on foot in the direction Of the enemy's
works.
The next day while Gen. Grant was
sitting in his headquarters at City Point
one of his principal secret service men was
announced.
Glad to see you back" said the Gen
1.-THE bullets that sang by me assured
me the signal was seem"
EYES, and your exact position was noted
with q theodOlite."