The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1904-05-27
WITHIN The ENEMY'S LINES

copyright. 1868, by Charles B. Lewis.I
During the war Of the reDeihon
whenever n Union general wanted IN
formation not TO be had through ms
scouts he sought for some one to play
the part Of q spy.
The Federal scouts secured much
valuable information without running
the risk of the moose, but nevertheless
there were numerous occasions wheh
volunteers were called for to pene-
trate the enemy's lines. The escape OK
private named Garretson, MEMBER
tf an Ohio regiment. was as curious
rase rs has appeared In print. Having
volunteered In the spring OF 1858 TO
inter Lees camp, he took the role OF
Gn escaped Confederate prisoner. He
dressed in an old suit Of butternut,
committed his programme to memory
and then boldly set out for the ell
cmy's camp. There had been half a
dozen skirmiskes along the front dur
Ing the past month. with number OF
Confederates captured. and Garretson
was posted as to regiments and officers.
He had decided to become member OF
the Fifth Alabama. and he took the
name Of prisoner captured from that
regiment. He did not ct all resemble
the man In looks or build. and there
was a difference Of FIVE years in their
ages, but he depended on cheek to pull
him through.
On reaching the Confederate pickets
Garretson set forth his claim and was
passed on to report to the provost mar
shall and be sent to his regiment. SO
far as he knew that regiment might be
the very one which received him. He
soon learned, however, that it was sta
toned some miles away. His story
was unquestioned at first, but rs he
was ready to be forwarded the colonel
Of IL Georgia regiment sent for him to
ask him about men in his command
who had been captured ut the same
time. AS the spy was not posted about
them he naturally fell under suspicion.
When taken to brigade headquarters
for examination he made better
showing, but was held that his regi-
mcnt might be communicated with.
Then some very remarkable things hap
pened. The colonel, after thinking
things over. declared Garretson TO be
all right, and he was released from
arrest and passed on.
When he reported to his company
he was received without question, and
1t seemed to have been agreed that
no man should seem to suspect him.
These things aroused his suspicious
and put him on his guard. He had en-
tered the camp for certain purpose,
but no sooner was he detected trying
to estimate the strength Of the force
around him than he was again put un-
der arrest. This time it was his colo
mel who questioned him 1t so hap
pened that the man represented by
Garretson was new recruit and had
been captured five days after joining
and before having had time to form
acquaintance.
For this reason none Of the officers
was sure of him, and the majority Of
the company drought him MI right.
There were two recruits, however, who
had Joined the company Mt the same
time and were townsmates of the third.
and both of these men stated en-
phatically that the Federal was an i'm
poster. He was asked about the town
he claimed to hail from-its streets.
buildings and citizens-ana his an
swers appeared to be fairly satisfac.
tory Nevertheless he WAS held and
next day sent to division Headquarters
to be questioned anew.
There was a disposition to give him
4 fair show, and Mt the end of his
fourth examination letters were sent
on to people whom Garretson claimed
10 have known for years, asking for
particulars. Replies We're received
from all; but, queerly enough, no two
agreed in their descriptions OF the man.
and that was considered as much in
his favor us against him. His case
was still hanging fire when soldier
came forward from another regiment
and said he was cousin Of tie man
represented by Garretson and the two,
had been brought up together. 1t was
certain that he would either identify
or denounce him.
They worked a rather slick game on
the spy in making the test. He was
turned loose, and it was SO arranged
that the cousin should approach him
ut a campfire. Garretson saw the man
coming along in careless way. but
Immediately suspected that something
was up and was the first to step out
and hold out his hand.
My name is Thomas White. whisper-
"a the stranger as their hands met.
ana We arc supposed to be cousins
md to have lived together Mt Opelika.
am here to back up everything YOU
say"
Before the man could say more bc
vas ordered back, but he had said
'nough. Garretson was dumb with |
surprise Mt first, but was not long in
lgurlng out that the soldier must be n
mon man at heart and anxious to
ave his life. When the spy was cues
Toned he gave the name as It had been
to him, and during an ex-
mlnation lasting an hour the officers
ouio not catch either man in a dis.
~ r.,tz