The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-03-05

In 1861 to 1865 was a cavalry
man and a scout. During Sherman's
continued fight on his way to Atlanta
the enemy would make a standa throw
up breastwork and thus bring our
forces to halt. Then our cavalry
would push out on his flank, get in
his rear, and his retreat would COM
mence again. On one OF these oc-
casions, when we were on his flank,
our cavalry commander sent me in
advance TO report on the position he
proposed to occupy. l went in uni
form, which, in case was taken,
would protect me from the fate OF a
spy. After going the first half OF
the distance on my horse picketed
him and walked. had map show
ing the roads over which the Confed-
crates would march II they retreated.
and | crossed most OF them without
seeing any large bodies OF troops. So
| resolved to return and report the
fact to the general
Passing through wood just of
the road, ! came upon house, one OF
those southern dwellings with an
open space between two parts, In
this case each part was but a single
room. Being concealed by trees, |
considered it good place for rest
and something to eat, So went up
to the open door and knocked.
A girl about eighteen came to an
swer the summons. When she saw
strapping young fellow in blue and
yellow, with carbine slung over his
back. she turned pale. But ! smiled
at her as pleasantly as | could, which
seemed to reassure her. She was
pretty, so far as country girl OF her
station could be pretty, and, judging
from an ambrotype in the possession
of my grandchildren taken at that
time, | was fine looking young man.
resolved to work my way into her
good graces and kept up perpetual
look OF admiration for the purpose.
| told her that, though Yankee, |
had no reason to do her any harm and
if she would give me snack ! would
consider myself eternally obliged.
There was no one in the house ex-
cept the girl and an old woman who
kept herself in one OF the rooms. The
girl held me till just before dark.
Then was about to pull away from
her, but she said if would wait till
she could find the COW she would fill
my canteen with fresh milk. She
took pail and went away. ! waited
nearly half an hour and was about to
leave without a goodby or the milk
when | heard a mans voice order me
to throw up my hands. ! was sitting
on the porch between the two parts
OF the house. My carbine was rest
ing against a chair | had my revol-
YER, but dare not draw it, so put my
hands above my head and waited. A
man in butternut advanced from be-
hind a tree covering me with shot
gun, followed by two other men and
lastly the girl. She had gone away
for the purpose Of betraying me.
! was disarmed, and the men
searched me, finding the map, which
they appropriated. One Of them went
away and returned with Conferer-
ate officer and half dozen men, all
mounted. The officer looked at the
map, then at me, and said:
"This is spy work. You are in
uniform, but you will be treated as a
spy"
The girl was standing by, different
expressions fitting across her face.
At times she seemed proud OF what
she had done, then very sorry for it.
She asked the officer how spy was
treated, and when he said "HangedV
she turned white as a sheet The
Confederates put a lariat around my
neck and, mounting their horses,
started me off at a run on foot before
them. | cast a reproachful glance
back at the girl and saw on her face
look OF horror at what she had
done.
We had gone mile when we met
troop of cavalry and turned back
with them. Repassing the house we
had left, the officers who had me in
charge told the commander of the
troop that he would await "the gen
eral" there, and ! was permitted to
sit on the porch in charge Of two SEN
tinels. Suddenly there was a sound
Of breaking twigs, and scattered