The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1903-11-04

lculed the idea and insisted we were
spies, and, to make the matter look
still more serious, we were placed in
the depot. Four guards, with fixed
bayonets, stood near US and there was
a strong guard placed outside the de-
pot, and it was evident we were re-
garded as desperate characters.
The next morning, to make the
thing still more serious, an iron-clad
engine and car drew up in front of the
station and, under strong guard, we
were conducted aboard and we're soon
at Harper Ferry. We were put in
the dungeon once occupied b. John
Brown.
Here was the most serious phase in
which our affair could turn. The fate
of spy is death. When the guard
brought US our dinner he said extra
guards had been stationed around the
prison and that we were regarded as
spies, and would probably be execu-
ted next day as srch. We were kept
in suspense.
Tanner! said McCathron, things
look blue for US; and it makes me feel
worse to think that after being so near
our lines we should again be in even
a worse position than we were before.
We will be shot as spies tomorrow.
1t looks that way, Mac. I would
take any desperate chance to get away.
If they would only open this door, a:;d
if a regiment of men stood at it I
would attempt to break through them
THAT would be folly. They may
yet write to Fort Delaware and find
out the truth
L would as soon die as go back
there.
SO would I, almost
I am tired of this see-saw Of mis-
fortune, and life is not worth it.
The guard came and seemed very
sympathetic and I believe was so.
He told US there was no doubt about
the seriousness Of our case and that
he heard we would be shot that day.
Now said he, why don't you fell
lows send word that you will make
clean breast Of everything and get out
of this?'
'We have told the truth. 1t can be
confirmed by writing to Fort Della
ware
well, if you will take the oath OF
allegiance and join usthey might spa {,
your lives.
McCathron and I had been observ-
ing our religious duties very strictly
up to this point, but this was too
much for US.
I'll see them in hell before I'll do
i'll we both fred of in one voice.
We paced the floor all that day and
night. There was one redeeming fea-
ture about our miserable fate. One
Of the guards, whose name was Mans
field, was one of the most sympathe-
tic and humane human beings whom
have ever met in all my life. His
heart was aroused to the tenderest
pitch for, US. With beaming face
and almost breathless to get to us to
impart the news, he came on the
fourth day and said: "Thank God,
boys, have good news for you; you
will be sent back to Fort Delaware
This meant that the Yankees had
found out we we're escaped prisoners.
Great Godr I said, go back to
Fort Delaware-and, shis good news!'
BE quiet said Mac, 'it's better
than being shot.
Il don't think so.
But We were soon on the train and,
to our sorrow, we would have to pass
through Baltimore. Suppose some of
our friends should see us?'
tried to jump off the flying train
between Baltimore and Harper's Fer
ry, but was prevented by the guard,
whom I thought asleep. It was
fool-hardy thing to do, but I revolted
at the idea Of again going back to Fort
Delaware. We arrived at Fort Della
ware, and we're carried before the
Hungarian commander, Gen. Sohoe-
peff.
He was furious at us and abused us
in very bad English to his hearts con-
tent for daring to try to get away from
his hell.
Take these men down to the dead
house, he said to the guard. Take
off their clothing and give them some
dead Rebels clothes, and bring those