THE LADY LIEUTENANT 
 
 " Litting me as if I were but a child, he rushed to the edge of the housetop ; and 
 then — horror of horrors ! I comprehended his diabolical intention to cast me over 
 the parapet and dash my brains out upon the pavement below." Page 30. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 PUBLISHED BY BARCLAY & CO.. No. 56 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 
 
 1862. 
 
# 
 
M -'-• 
 
" Lifting me as if I were but a child, he ruslied to tlie edge of the housetop ; and 
 tlicn — liorror of horrors ! I comprehended liis diiibolical intention to cast me over 
 llie parapet and duth my brains out upon the pavement below." Page 30. 
 
THE 
 
 LADT LIEUTENANT. 
 
 A MDiRFtL wmii in mill 
 
 OF THE 
 OF 
 
 MISS MADELINE MOORE, 
 
 TTIio, In order to be near her lover, joined tlie Army, 'VFsaS 
 
 elected Lieutenant, and fouprtat in l¥estern Virginia 
 
 under tlie renoi^ned C^eneral McClelian ; and af- 
 
 ter%«'ards at tlie Great Battle of Bull's Run. 
 
 HER OWN AND HER LOVER'S 
 
 Perilous Adventures and Hair-Breadth Escapes 
 
 ARE HEREIN GRAPHICALLY DELINEATED. 
 The reader may rely upon this narrative as being strictly authentic. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY BARCLAY & CO., No. 56 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 
 
 1862. 
 
Entered according to the Act of Congresi in the year 1862, by 
 
 BARCLAY k CO., 
 In tlie Clerk' Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
 
THE LADY LIEUTENANT. 
 
 In giving you, reader, an account of the wonderful adventures 
 through which it has been my fortune to pass, it will not be necessary 
 for me to dwell upon my early history. Let it suffice, therefore, 
 when I tell you that I was boru in chivalrous old Kentucky, in the 
 city of Frankfort, some twenty years ago, and that I received, in 
 early life, a good education. My mother died when I was young, 
 and my father some years since, leaving me, an only daugter, heir 
 to quite a handsome property. At the age of eighteen I fell in love, 
 as the saying is, with one Francis Ashton, a noble youth, about two 
 years my senior, then a student at Law, in Frankfort. Frank was 
 of a good family, and his father possessed a small property ; but, 
 there being some five or six to come in as heirs, left his portion too 
 small to be of any account, other than to assist him in the acquire- 
 laent of his profession. 
 
 Ca4 tms did not matter with me, for I was not one to make money 
 a god. Young, ardent, and rather romantic, 1 was just the person 
 to be pleased with such a noble young fellow as Frank ; and, I boldly 
 make the confession to you, reader, I gave him my whole heart, 
 undivided — for, save him, I had no friend I cared to love. 'Tis 
 true, I had an aunt, who assumed a sort of guardianship over me, 
 and with whom I lived ; though it must be confessed, not altogether 
 on the most friendly terms. She was one of those Avomen who can 
 be described'by no other term than a "hypocritical blue-stocking ;" 
 by which I mean to say, she attended church regularly every Sunday, 
 paid the preacher punctually, gave largely to such charitable societies 
 as were likely to blazon her name to the public, always carried a 
 long, sanctimonious face, read her prayers loudly and boldly, and 
 really passed for what she was not — a most exemplary christian ; 
 for in private life she was cross, crabbed and tyranical, would not 
 give a beggar a crust of bread to save him from starvation, and 
 
 13 
 
 525:232 
 
14 Frank's Visits at the Mansion. — His Repulse. 
 
 toward me she behaved -with a vindictive boldness, that, had I ever 
 been brought to love her, Avould have alienated my affection. Of 
 course we did not agree ; for, as I said before, my temperament is 
 quick and ardent, and having been allowed to have my own way 
 when young and with my father, I could not bear dictation and re- 
 straint from one no nearer related. 
 
 She knew I hated her, if I must use so harsh a term to express 
 the state of my feelings toward her ; and she took good care that I 
 should never have occasion to change my sentiments. She not only 
 vented her spite on mo, but on all who seemed to like me ; and 
 among the rest Frank Ashton came in for his share of her ill-humor. 
 For a time she permitted his visits to the house with only grumbling 
 and cold looks ; but finding he cared little or nothing for these, she 
 at last resorted to the bolder measure of telling him his presence 
 was not desired in her house ; and as this did not prevent his coming, 
 she finally declared that if he darkened her doors again with his 
 presence, she would order her negro servant to drive him forth. 
 He did not wish to quarrel with her, and so came no more ; but this 
 did not prevent our meeting ; for the grounds surrounding my aunt's 
 mansion were large and heavily shaded ; and we met there in the 
 still hours of night and exchanged sweet words, rendered still sweeter 
 by the romantic charm thrown around them of being stolen inter- 
 views. 
 
 I mention these things to show how unpleasant was my Jiome, and 
 what strong inducements I therefore had for leaving it on the de- 
 parture of my lover. That Frank loved me as ardently and devotedly 
 as I did him, I have never so much as doubted ; but he was a very 
 high-spirited young fellow, and, knowing himself to be compara- 
 tively poor, could not bear the idea of allying himself with one so 
 wealthy as myself lest people should say he married for money ; 
 and therefore he said we must wait until his course of study should 
 be completed, and he should be able to earn a living by his profession, 
 which he sincerely hoped and trusted would not be long. 
 
 In reply I told him that I was one M'ho did not care for t-he 
 opinions of the world ; that the money I had was of no use to me, 
 beyond the pleasure derived from making those I loved happy by it ; 
 that I would rather have it sunk in the ocean than that my crabbed, 
 eanctimonious old aunt should touch a cent of it; and that he of 
 all others was most welcome to it ; and, I added, there were the 
 very fewest number of young men who would refuse to take it under 
 the peculiar circumstances in which we both were placed. Eut all 
 my reasoning would not do away with his scruples ; and he solemnly 
 averred that, as much as he loved me, he would rather we should 
 never Aved, than while he was dependant on my gifts, though they 
 might be ever so freely and cordially given. 
 
 Thus matters stood between us when the news reached our neigh- 
 
 m 
 
Frank forms a Regiment of Volunteers in Kentucky. 15 
 
 borhood of the bombardment and fall of Fort Sumter, and shortly 
 following the proclamation of the President, calling for volunteers 
 from the diflferent States for the defence of the Capital. It will 
 doubtless be remembered by the reader that the Governor of our 
 State refused to furnish troops from Kentucky. 
 
 Scarcely had the first excitement, occasioned by this refusal to 
 afford Kentuckians an opportunity of adding now laurels to the un- 
 fading wreaths that still decked their brows, died away, when it was 
 secretly reported that there was already a regiment forming for the 
 ostensible purpose of constituting a Home Guard, but the real 
 design of which was to offer to the Government at Washington its 
 aid in' the suppression of the rebellion and the restoration of peace. 
 
 Now, when a project of this kind was once set on foot, or even 
 canvassed freely in the public prints and private circles, there is no 
 spot under heaven where more true valorous enthusiasm prevailed 
 than in the hot-mettled youths of chivalrous old Kentucky. Ever 
 ready for love or war, it hardly needs a hint that their services are 
 required in either quarter to bring them upon the ground of action, 
 ready to do their duty like the gallant, noble fellows they are. 
 
 Among the foremost in getting up this regiment was Francis 
 Ashton ; and so secretly did he operate, that I, who believed I knew 
 his very thoughts would hardly credit the assertion, when he came 
 one night, and said it was to bid me farewell, that he was going 
 away, and it was, of course, uncertain if ever he should return ; 
 but that if he did, he should come back with a name so coupled with 
 deeds of daring and renown as to overcome his delicate scruples to 
 our union. 
 
 " Good heavens ! Frank," I exclaimed in breathless astonishment, 
 " whither are you going ? But then, I know, you are not in earnest." 
 
 *' Indeed, my dear Madeline, do not mistake me — I was never 
 more in earnest in my life," he replied, with a sigh. 
 
 *• But why are you going ?" 
 
 *' Because my country calls." 
 
 " Frank," I rejoined imploringly, " do not leave me. Think how 
 lonely and how friendless I shill be when you are gone. Think of 
 the anxiety I shall feel and the anguish I shall suffer when the 
 tidings of a battle reaches me. For days and perhaps weeks I may 
 not know your fate. Besides there are many willing and anxious 
 to take your place, those who have no such tender ties to bind them 
 to home as you have." 
 
 He threw his arms affectionately around my neck, pressed a 
 burning kiss upon my lips, and answered : — 
 
 " Nay, dearest, nay, do not urge me to desert my companions in 
 this cause, or to refuse my humble aid to our country when most sha 
 needs the brave hearts and strong arms of her children to crush in 
 its infancy this hydra-headed rebellion." 
 
16 Madeline TRIES to Weep. — Frank's Disappointment. 
 
 He further said, that he "was to hold the rank of captain, and 
 four others, ■whom he mentioned, would all be officers, one of whom, 
 
 by the name of , a gentleman wlio had fought with signal 
 
 success in the Mexican war, was to be colonel. 
 
 In vain I tried to dissuade him from his purpose ; he said his 
 mind was made up, and more than this, his word was pledged, and 
 he would not retract his engagement. 
 
 It would be impossible for me to portray my feelings when I found 
 he was unshaken in his resolve to go and leave me. I felt lonely 
 and almost heart-broken ; but suddenly a new idea flashed across 
 my mind, and my spirits regained their wonted buoyancy. Frank 
 noticed the change, but did not know the cause ; and he seemed 
 hurt at the thought that I could bear the separation with so much 
 firmness, not to say indifference. 
 
 Madeline," he said in tremulous tones, as he held my hand for 
 the final adieu, " Madeline, do you indeed love me ?" 
 
 " Can you doubt it, Frank?" was my interogaiive reply. 
 
 "I do not know — I never doubted it till now," he said; "but 
 somehow it seems as if this parting comes easier to you than to me." 
 
 "I am striving to keep up my spirits," I rejoined, " that, since 
 you are resolved to go, my foolish complainings and tears may not 
 unman you, and make you regret the step you have taken." 
 
 " Still," he said, "I think I could go better satisfied could I see 
 you weep." * 
 
 I tried to weep to pacify him ; but, for my life, 1 could not start 
 a tear, OAving to the rapturous delight I felt in anticipating the 
 result of my new scheme. But I covered my eyes, and forced a 
 few sobs, and in broken sentences and faint tones asked him when 
 he was to go, and how, and if any more were going than just the 
 number he had mentioned." 
 
 " We leave two days from to-night," he said, " on a steamer, 
 which is now lying at the wharf in Cincinnati, but which will land 
 on the opposite side of the river, at a place called Covington, to 
 take us aboard some time between dark and ten o'clock. As to 
 others, we want all we can get ; and, doubtless, shall pick up a good 
 many volunteers on our way thither, and at the place of starting. 
 We officers are to set out to-night by ourselves, and the men will 
 follow alone, or in companies, as they choose, to the place of em- 
 barkation, where we shall all be united again." 
 
 Some other conversation passed, unnecessary for me to detail, 
 and then he clasped me almost convulsively to his heart, again and 
 again he pressed his lips to mine, and parted from me with eyes dim 
 with tears, and a heavy heart. 
 
 The moment he was fairly out of sight, I hurried back to the 
 mansion, and calling my own faithful servant, bade her run and tell 
 Mary Angiers, an intimate friend of mine that I wished to see hev 
 immediately. 
 
Madeline in Male Attire. — Prepares to follow Frank. 17 
 
 The moment she came, I fle'W to her and kissed het, and laugh- 
 ingly told her that I intended to play a great joke upon my aunt, 
 and that I wanted her assistance, which she readily accorded. I 
 then gave her a purse, and bade her purchase me a complete suit of 
 male attire, with a small pair of whiskers and moustache, which she 
 well knew where to get — for being a little de'il in ber own way, she 
 had more than once had such things on to personate a dandy cox- 
 comb of our acquaintance, to the great amusement of her fi'iends. 
 She was delighted at the idea of seeing me in male attire, and 
 bounded away with a laugh to execute her commission. She pro- 
 cured the articles through the negro servant, and brought them to 
 me in the course of an hour. I tried them on, and to my great 
 delight found they fitted exactly ; and with the whiskers and 
 moustache on, and my hair cut short, (for against Mary's persuasions 
 I insisted it should be done,) she said I was so altered that had she 
 not seen me dress, she would never mistrust it to be me ; and declared 
 that I might visit my aunt, and talk her blind, without her being 
 the wiser as to whom was her guest. I looked in the glass, and must 
 say I fell in love with myself — that is, I should have been apt to 
 take a fancy to just such a youth as I appeared to be. I seemed 
 not more than sixteen ; though this age w^as denied by my whiskers, 
 which made me out at least eight or ten years older ; but then I 
 reasoned that some men, even with whiskers, have a very youthful 
 look, and I doubted not I should escape detection. 
 
 It was now about nine o'clock in the evening, and I determined 
 to leave Frankfort that very night. Accordingly I collected my 
 money and jewelry together, the former consisting of about two 
 hundred dollars in gold, which I had drawn from the bank for 
 another purpose, and the latter of diamond rings, breastpins, brace- 
 lets, chains, &c., &c., worth, in the aggregate, from fifteen hundred 
 to two thousand dollars more. These I put in my various pockets, 
 and then prepared to bid farewell to my late residence, (I will not 
 again call it by such a misnomer as home,) which I might now be 
 beholding for the last time. Tears involuntarily started to my eyes 
 as I looked around me — not that I had any regrets about leaving 
 my aunt, but I was to leave scenes that had become dear to me from 
 other associations — and until we are called upon to take a final adieu 
 we know not how closely around the heart are entwined the scenes 
 that otherwise we might think of little account. 
 
 But my parting with Mary was the most trying ; for she, poor, 
 confiding creature, little dreamed there was any thing more serious 
 than a girlish freak of an hour or two's duration in what I was 
 about to do ; and I dared not tell her the contrary ; for rather than 
 loose me, she would have beti-ayed my plot, and so put an end to 
 my adventure. I therefore merely kissed her, apparently with a 
 light heart, though I felt as if I would sink, and said, with a gaiety 
 
18 Departure for Cincinnati. — The Stranger. 
 
 wholly forced, that she might go home and happen over the first 
 thing in the morning, and she Avould see what would furnish her 
 food for laughter the remainder of the day. She believed me and 
 in parting said — 
 
 " Madeline, dear, be sure and do it right." 
 
 "I shall, never fear," was my reply. 
 
 " But whither go you to-night ?" 
 
 "I will not tell you," I replied, gaily, "as that is a part of my 
 secret and surprise ; but come in the morning and you shall know all." 
 
 "But your aunt, Madeline — will she not miss you?" 
 
 " No ; she does not care enough for me to look into my room, 
 and she will believe I am there." 
 
 " Well, adios ! and success to your project," said the fair creature, 
 bounding out of the room and down stairs. 
 
 " Amen !" prayed I. 
 
 As soon as Mary had gone I extinguished the light, and stole 
 softly from my room, and reached the shrubbery unperceived. I 
 then glided down to the lower end of the park, and passed out 
 through the wicket-gate into a by-lane, which I threaded with great 
 rapidity. I knew where there was an excellent livery stable, and 
 to this I repaired and procured a horse and buggy, with a driver, to 
 take me to the nearest railway station, and the next night I found 
 myself in Cincinnati. I immediately made inquiries if a boat 
 answering the description of the one mentioned by Frank lay at 
 *he wharf; and to my great delight was answered in the affirmative, 
 but that it was believed she would go out on the morrow at four 
 o'clock in the evening, with a crowd of passengers bound for 
 Wheeling, Va. ; and then my informant concluded by asking me if 
 I knew any one on board or who intended going out in her. 
 
 "No one," I replied; "but having before heard her destination 
 mentioned, I have some thoughts of taking passage in her myself." 
 
 The stranger eyed me a little curiously, I thought, and then re- 
 joined that if I did I should be doing exactly what he had that day 
 done himself; and that if I liked, he would accompany me to the 
 boat at once and introduce me to the officers, whom he represented 
 as perfect gentlemen. 
 
 "But, perhaps," he said, "you would like to join the company 
 now preparing to go out, in which case you will have your passage 
 paid and wages allowed you from the moment you enter the service." 
 
 "The very thing!" I replied, more and more delighted; and he 
 accompanied me to the boat where I was introduced to the captain, 
 and in a few minutes every thing was arranged to my satisfaction. 
 
 The next day, which was Sunday, in company with more than a 
 hundred others, I took up. my quarters on board ; and in the evening, 
 true to the information I had received from Frank, the boat moved 
 over to Covington ; and the Kentucky battalion, headed by Col. , 
 
Madeline Meets her Lover.— His Embarrassment. 19 
 
 came on board. Among these I recognized, (with what feelings I 
 ieave the reader to imagine,) my own dear Frank, holding the 
 position of Captain. I met him face to face ; and seeing I was not 
 recognized, made bold to ask him if he was not from Erankfort. 
 He looked at me closely, but still without any sign of recognition 
 and replied in the affirmative. I then held out my hand and said I 
 was happy to renew our acquaintance ; that I had seen him for a 
 few minutes one night at the house of Mrs. Stuben, (which, reader 
 was the name of my aunt,) but that I presumed he had forgotten 
 
 me. 
 
 He colored to the eyes at the mention of this name, and drew a 
 deep sigh ; but instantly rallied and said I had the advantage of 
 him, as, although my face did look familiar, he could not call my 
 name, for which I must pardon his treacherous memory, 
 
 "My name is Albert Harville," I replied; "but as to pardon, 
 none is necessary; for you did not see me but a few minutes, and 
 during that time were busily engaged in conversation with Miss 
 Moore. 
 
 Again he colored deeply, and seemed much embaressed; Mt 
 finally asked me if I ever had much acquaintance with Miss Madeline. 
 "But very little,'' I answered, "yet from what I saw, I formed 
 a very favorable opinion of her. I claim her as a relation," I pur- 
 sued, "though her father and mine were only cousins." 
 
 "She is a noble girl," he replied, warmly, "and one worthy of 
 the best man who lives ; and since you have spoken of relationship, 
 It seems as if I could trace some resemblance between you— enough 
 at all events to cause me to feel a deep interest in your welfare. 
 Mr. Harville, I hope we shall be always friends;" and he grasped 
 my hand and shook it cordially— that hand which had been so often 
 clasped in his, though now he knew it not, and I dared not tell him. 
 Oh ! what strange emotions thrilled me at that touch ! and how 
 wildly beat my poor heart. It was only by a great effort at self- 
 control that I was prevented from throwing myself into his arms 
 and avowing my deception. But I remembered in time that this 
 would ruin all my hopes of being his companion on such a perilous 
 undertaking, and I restrained the desire. 
 
 I shall give no detail of our progress up the river; for events of 
 far greater importance are now crowding upon my mind — events, 
 alas ! that will live in memory until the day of death, and which,' 
 as I lift my pen to record them, send a cold shudder through my 
 frame, and almost make me shrink from the task with horror. Oh ! 
 reader, pray God it may never be your fortune to see what I have 
 seen— to suffer what I have suffered ; but let me not anticipate. 
 
 In going up the river, Frank and I were much together ; in fact, 
 we might be considered inseparable companions. He was ever 
 talking of Madeline, and, as he wanted a confidant, one who could 
 
20 Conversation between Albert Harville and Frank. 
 
 sympathize with him, of course he chose mo ; and the flattery I 
 received incog, ofttimes made me blush in confusion ; but my blushes, 
 if he saw them, he never attributed to the right cause. One day 
 he said to me : 
 
 " Albert, do you know whither we are bound ?" 
 
 "To Washington City, of course," I answered. 
 
 He looked grave and troubled, and motioned me to step aside, 
 as several of our men were within ear-shot. The moment we were 
 in private, he continued : — 
 
 " Albert Harville, I already love you as a brother, and you must 
 not be deceived in this matter. We are not bound for Washington." 
 
 I expressed surprise. 
 
 "No," he continued, "we are bound on a far more perilous ex- 
 pedition ; and it is proper you should know our destination ere too 
 late to turn back, and then you can act as you see proper. We are 
 going to rescue Western Virginia from the hands of the rebels, and 
 then raise the glorious banner of liberty and protect her sons in all 
 their rights under the Constitution. 
 
 "Well," I rejoined, " Captain Ashton, where you are there will 
 I be — whithersoever you lead there I will follow, if you will permit 
 me to join your company." 
 
 ^^ By heavens!" he exclaimed, grasping my soft hand with a 
 pressure that pained me ; " By heavens, you are a noble fellow ; 
 and you shall not only join my company, but I will use my influence 
 to get you a commission. There is a vacancy of second lieutenant, 
 and this you are just the person to fill." 
 
 I thanked him warmly, and was so overcome with various emotions 
 that I had to weep. 
 
 Suffice it to say, that on our way up the Ohio, the men of Captain 
 Ashton's company were called together and were addressed by him 
 in a neat, appropriate and enthusiastic manner ; and among other 
 things I was recommended to them as a suitable person to fill the 
 Tacant office of second lieutenant. The result was that I was 
 Tinanimously elected, and subsequently received my commission. I 
 should have opposed this election only that I thought that, by holding 
 this office I might be near him 1 loved ; and it was possible I might 
 .at some time save his life. 
 
 It will only be necessary for me to say that on the way up the 
 -men amused themselves in playing cards, singing, dancing, telling 
 Stories, cracking jokes, &c. At every place we stopped the people 
 seemed surprised to see such a large number ; and more than one 
 hint was thrown out by the citizens as to the nature of our expedi- 
 tion. At last our boat landed at Wheeling, and here we disembarked. 
 We were detained several days before we could get away — no pro- 
 vision for such a purpose having been made, owing to some bad 
 arrangement among the leaders of the expedition. At last we 
 
The Advance to Battle. — Grave Reflections. 21 
 
 received orders to inarch, and soon after encamped in an open woods 
 near which a clear cold spring yielded us an abundant supply of 
 •water which we much needed. 
 
 Here we remained one day and then commenced our march into 
 the country occupied by the rebels. As yet we had not seen Gen. 
 McClellan, who was expected to join us with another division of our ar- 
 my composed of Ohio and Indiana volunteers ; but in a few days we 
 had the satisfaction of seeing him come in sight and soon after join 
 us, taking command. Great was the rejoicing when our commander 
 made his appearance — a fine, noble, military-looking man who seemed 
 "fit to stand by Ceesar and give directions." 
 
 He was much pleased with our appearance and complimented us 
 very highly, and a printed address was immediately distributed 
 among us. 
 
 We were now about to advance to battle ; and as we neared the 
 place that might prove a grave to many of us, strange feelings caused 
 our hearts to beat with singular emotion. What would be the fate 
 of this gallant army, going nobly forth to liberate a nation from 
 the thraldom of despots ? Should we succeed, immortal honors 
 would be upon our heads, and our names would stand out in history 
 among the proudest. Should we fail, then the dungeon, the gibbet, 
 and death, in its most unwelcome aspect, would be our portion. 
 No wonder many were grave, and sad, and anxious, as these reflec- 
 tions forced themselves upon us. 
 
 The rebel army, under command of General Garnett, late a major 
 in the United States Army, evacuated their camp in great haste on 
 learning of our approach, apparently hoping to pass Beverly before 
 we arrived, and thus escape the trap set for them by a passage 
 through Cheat Mountain Gap. We entered the rebel camp and 
 found a large number of tents, a lot of flour, camp equipage and 
 clothing, and several sick and wounded, with a note, asking us to 
 give them proper attention. The whole road, for twenty miles, was 
 strewn with baggage thrown from their wagons to hasten their retreat. 
 Finding escape impossible they concluded to give us battle at a 
 town called St. George. 
 
 The important moment had now come ; and immediately our men 
 were formed into battalions and marched forward under their re- 
 spective leaders. As the word to forward passed along the lines 
 my heart sank within me — not so much through fear for myself, as 
 for him I loved — and I was scarcely able to stand. 
 
 " Courage, Albert I" said Frank, touching me on the shoulder. 
 " Courage, gallant comrade ! for we are bound for victory." 
 
 " Or death," I added, shudderingly. 
 
 "True," he said, mournfully, " it may be death. Ih is a solemn 
 thought ; but then we know that we must die some time, and it is 
 certainly glorious to die in defence of our liberties, the Constitution 
 and the Union." 
 
»% 
 
 22 The Enemy in Sight. — The Battle Begun. 
 
 " And have you no regrets," I asked in tonea tremulous with 
 emotion, " at dying thus afar from kindred, friends and home, with- 
 out a word for those you leave behind you — for her, who, should 
 she survive you, would drag out a dreary existence with but the one 
 hope left, that, when her spirit should leave this form of clay, she 
 might join you in the realms of bliss above, and there find the 
 happiness denied her when on earth ?" 
 
 "Ah, yes," he sighed. " Madeline ! poor, dear Madeline ! what 
 would be her feelings to hear of such a fate for me ? But come ! 
 this is not the time or place for such things. Yet I cannot quit the 
 subject without making this solemn request, that if I fall, and you 
 survive and escape, you will bear to her the solemn tidings and say 
 I breathed my last with her sweet name upon my lips." 
 
 I pressed his hand and promised ; and brushing a tear from his 
 eye, he turned hastily away to attend to his duties. 
 
 This conversation occurred while we were standing idle, awaiting 
 the order to march ; and we had scarcely finished when the order 
 was given, and each took his post and the battalion was put in mo- 
 tion. The town was about half a mile from where we stood, and 
 toward this we moved with military precision, enveloped in darkness, 
 for it yet wanted some two or three hours of daylight. We had 
 marched only about half way to the town, when we were challenged 
 by the sentinels on duty with — ^ 
 
 " Halt ! who goes there ? Who goes there?" ^ 
 
 " Friends !" replied the gallant leader of our battalion. 
 "Advance, — friends, — and give the countersign." 
 " Column, forward !" cried our leader; and away we rushed after 
 the flying sentinels. 
 
 Presently we found ourselves before the enemy who occupied one 
 side of the grand square, a large warehouse being on the opposite 
 side, on the right a large church, and on the left a long, low, black-, 
 looking building, all of which were filled with rebel soldiers, who 
 immediately opened upon us a sharp fire, which was done also from 
 the neighboring buildings. The battalion to which 1 belonged was 
 now placed in a very perilous situation — our position being in the 
 square, exposed to a raking fire, poured in upon us from three di- 
 rections by concealed enemies. But somehow, the moment the action 
 began, I no longer had any fear. While giving orders to my men 
 a ball whizzed close past my face and lodged in the brain of the 
 eergeant, who stood a little behind me. The next instant there came 
 another and cut down the first lieutenant; and Frank, our captain, 
 received a third in his shoulder. At first he thought himself danger- 
 ously wounded, and under this impression exclaimed : — 
 " Soldiers, your leader is killed — avenge his death !" 
 With a shriek of agony I rushed to his side, exclaiming : — 
 Where are you wounded, dear Frank ? — tell me for heaven's sake, 
 that I may staunch the blood." 
 
"My captor ttfll held me a prisoner with both my hands pinioned behind me. The next mo- 
 mpjit the deer was hastily unbolted, and, to my great delight, I beheld a beautiful lady standing 
 before me, with a Bilvcr lamp in ono of her bauds, the fin{;ert of which were loaded with 
 iiainond rings." — Pages 26 and 27. 
 
Frank Slightly Wounded. — Albert's Terrible Fright. 25 
 
 "I was mistaken," he replied — "I find now that it was onlv a 
 scratch." 
 
 " Thank God !" I ejaculated, fervently. 
 
 The order was now given to charge and drive the rebels from their 
 position at the point of the bayonet. From that moment I lost all 
 consciousness ; for I remember starting up at last as if awakened 
 by some horrible dream, and bearing a continual discharge of 
 musketry I looked around for my friends, but they were nowhere to 
 be seen. I felt something trickling down my face ; and putting my 
 hand to my head discovered it preceded from a wound on my right 
 temple, which was bleeding profusely. Taking out ray handkerchief 
 J bound it around the injured place as well as I was able, and in a 
 short time had the satisfaction of finding that the blood flowed less 
 freely. To increase my gratification I now began to feel my strength 
 returning ; and I resolved to move away and get out of danger till 
 the fight was over — more especially as I could do nothing to assist 
 my friends — and the balls from the concealed enemy occasionally 
 came whizzing past in rather too close proximity to where I Stood 
 to render my position either safe or agreeable. Accordingly I 
 steadied myself upright and walked slowly away, and soon found 
 myself out of the square in a large open street, which was not lighted 
 save by the stars that brightly twinkled in the far off heavens as 
 though they were looking down upon a scene of peace and quietness 
 rather than on one of blood and carnage. As I gained the further 
 sidewalk of this street I heard the heavy tramp of iron heels on the 
 pavement, and espied, far down it, by the faint light of the stars, 
 a party of rebel soldiers approaching ; I saw they must pass close 
 to where I stood, and I looked hurriedly around to see if there was 
 not some way of avoiding them ; for I knew if they found me I 
 should be murdered in cold blood. To my horror I saw that there 
 was no chance for escape unless I could reach an alley about half 
 way between me and them, or recross the street, neither of which 
 in my weak state I was able to do in time. 
 
 Oa, on they came — tramp, tramp, tramp — and I began to think 
 my time had really come, Avhen suddenly they were assailed by a 
 party of our own men ; and the clashing of sabres, the rattle of 
 musketry, the yells, screeches, shouts and groans that followed, 
 made a fearful din from which I heartily pray to be delivered in 
 future. But I was not safe even now ; for the two parties in their 
 rencontre moved gradually up the street ; and I saw that unless I 
 could get away, I should be involved in the skirmish wherein it was 
 more than probable I should be killed. Knowing I must do some- 
 thing if I would save my life, I turned back up the street and set 
 off at a feeble pace. But I had scarcely gone half a dozen steps, 
 when, to my horror, I saAv a small party of rebels coming directly 
 towards me, doubtless going to the relief of their comrades. They 
 
26 Albert Seized by an Old Rebel as Prisoner. 
 
 had moved forward but a short distance towards me when they were 
 set upon by a party of our men, who immediately surrounded them 
 »nd cut them to pieces, not a single man of them escaping. It was 
 just at this juncture that I was about calling to some of my comrades 
 to come to my relief, when I felt myself suddenly seized from be- 
 hind and dragged within an open doorway which was immediately 
 '<■ closed. This wonderful feat was performed by a courageous old 
 rebel, who, afraid to venture into the street for fear of getting more 
 lead into his head than brains, espying me, and thinking he must 
 perform something for the good of his country, made bold to do 
 that which I have just recorded. 
 
 Truly, such noble acts are worthy of knighthood ; and it is m^ 
 opinion he ought to make a journey to Richmond and personally 
 report his valorous doings to Jeflf. Davis. "Why he did not dispatch 
 xne on the spot is more than I can say, unless the idea may have 
 occurred to him that, I being weak, and he being strong, he could 
 easily master me and exhibit me afterwards as a captive he had taken 
 in battle. But, setting aside the cause, it is enough for me to state 
 the facts in the order they occurred. 
 
 The moment the door was closed I found myself in some dark 
 place where I could not see a single object, and my captor still held 
 me fast with both hands pinioned behind me in his rude grasp. I 
 made no efforts to get away, for I knew it was useless, and I did 
 not swoon for the same reason. I believed I was about to be mur- 
 dered ; and thinking nothing I could do would alter my fate, 1 
 resolved to be as firm and stoical as possible and so await my doom. 
 Finding that I made no resistance, my captor felt a little more 
 at ease, and demanded my arms ; I answered that he was at liberty 
 to take them, but I hoped he would be generous enough to spare my 
 
 life. He rolled out a volley of oaths about the "d d piratical 
 
 abolitionists," as he termed us<; and having bound my hands behind 
 me with a cord he had provided for the purpose, and taken all my 
 weapons, he very courageously told me that if I made the. least 
 resistance he would shoot me on the spot. 
 
 Resistance ! I well remember how ridiculous the idea appeared 
 to me at the time ; and notwithstanding all my sufferings, I do 
 believe a mirror placed before mo then would have shown an ironical 
 smile on my countenance. Talking of resistance to a person in my 
 situation, unarmed, with both hands bound behind me, and scarcely 
 able to support myself on my legs without assistance ! it was absurd 
 in the extreme. But then, to give the devil his due, we may pre- 
 mise that Mr. John Randolph Jones, a scion of one of the first 
 families of Virginia, as my worthy captor termed himself, did not 
 know my real strength and wished to be secure against disagreeable 
 surprise. Poor, cowardly old fool ! who can blame him for not 
 wishing to be snatched away with all his load of sins upon his head ! 
 But to the sequel :— 
 
Albert's Anxiety Relieved. — An Agreeable Surprise. 27 
 
 'As soon as he believed all safe he forced me along through the 
 dark passage, by taking hold of my arms from behind, until he came 
 to a door opening to the right, through ■vrhich he thrust me and then 
 shut and bolted it. Into what kind of place I had been cast I could 
 form no idea, for it was as dark as the passage. I had not long to 
 Trait in conjecture, however ; for presently I heard the old rebel's 
 voice in expostulation with one in a sharper key, which I rightly 
 conjectured to be a lady's voice, and that of his own wife. The 
 next moment the door was hastily unbolted and thrown open, and to 
 my great delight I beheld a beautiful lady, in the prime of life, with 
 large, lustrous, black eyes, dressed in white, standing before me, 
 "with a silver lamp in one of her soft white hands, the fingers of 
 which were loaded with diamond rings, which, glittering in the light, 
 threw out all the colors of the rainbow and set them oflf in dazzling 
 splendor. A massive bracelet was on her arm, also studded with 
 diamonds ; costly jewels pendent from her ears ; and on her breast, 
 fastened to white lace that only half concealed her snowy bosom, 
 was a large, beautiful brooch. I beheld her, I say, with delight ; 
 for in her open countenance, forcibly contrasted with the pinched, 
 avaricious, coAvardly and sinister one of her husband, was a look of 
 compassionate benevolence that left me little to fear. 
 
 On beholding me, apparently a mere youth, (for my whiskers and 
 moustache had fallen off during the fight,) all bloody and ghastly 
 pale, she started, turned sharply upon her husband and said some- 
 thing which I did not understand. In a moment I saw who com- 
 manded in the house, and felt easy on the score of safety, for the 
 old man looked wofully cre'^t-fallen, and slunk away like a whipped 
 hound ; whilst the lady, advanciag to me with an anxious counte- 
 nance, at once placed her hand gently on my head, and in the 
 sweetest voice I ever heard, or at least it seemed so to me then, from 
 its contrast with the rough tones that had of late been familiar to 
 my ears, asked in beautiful English, with a very slight foreign accent, 
 if I were much hurt. 
 
 If from a world of misery — an earthly abyss of woe — I had been 
 suddenly transported to Paradise, I doubt me if the joys I should 
 experience, could much exceed the delight I felt in hearing that 
 kind' inquiry addressed to me, after the thrilling and terrible events 
 through which I had passed. 
 
 In reply to my kind and beautiful hostess I said that I had re- 
 ceived a slight, but not dangerous wound, though I felt weak and 
 faint from loss of blood and other causes. 
 
 " My husband will soon be here with bandages and liniment," 
 she rejoinad ; " for I made him go in place of the servant to shame 
 him a little for his brutal conduct towards such a sweet, innocent- 
 looking youth as you — though doubtless, when you grow up, you 
 irill be like the rest of your sex, full of deceit. But, heavens ! you 
 
28 The Wounds Dressed. — Conversation about the War. 
 
 are bound ! I did not notice it before. Oh, the old monster ! but 
 he shall dearly pay for this ;" and she proceeded to cut the cords 
 which bound me ■with a small poignard she carried concealed in her 
 dress. 
 
 I thanked her warmly for her consoling words and acts to a 
 wounded stranger, and it was with the greatest difficulty I could 
 restrain myself from throwing my arms around her neck. I belieye 
 I should have done so, had I not fortunately recollected in time to 
 prevent so imprudent an act, that I was dressed in male attire, and 
 looked upon as one of the sex I represented — though I doubt, even 
 under the circumstances, that I should have had a very severe re- 
 proof had I obeyed the impulse of the moment. As it was, however, 
 I did nothing more than thank her and weep. 
 
 Presently her husband returned, bringing the bandages and lini- 
 ment ; and after giving him another severe reprimand, and sending 
 him away, my fair and tender hostess set about dressing my wounds, 
 which in the course of half an hour she had completed, by which 
 time I knew her whole history, or as much of it as was necessary 
 for me to understand her. 
 
 She was born on the isle of Cuba, but received the greater part 
 of her education in the United States, where she married. Her 
 father was the son of a rich Spanish nobleman, who, having incurred 
 the displeasure of his father by marrying one inferior to him in 
 aristocratic station, was discarded and sent away with a few hundred 
 dollars only to begin the world with. He went to Cuba, engaged 
 in mercantile business, and so well prospered that he was able to 
 bring up his family in good style, thougn he was never what might 
 be termed rich. But the husband of my informant was wealthy ; 
 and for this, and for this only, she had married him. He idolized 
 her, and she hated and dispised him, and thus they lived together, 
 as many men and their wives do, the latter being ^'■masters," and 
 having their o^vn way in every thing. 
 
 Such was an outline of her history ; and in return for this confi- 
 dence she Avished to know mine. I was obliged, of course, to tell 
 some fictitious story, though I had a great mind to avow the whole 
 truth, only that I feared if she found I was of her own sex her 
 interest in me might in a great measure cease, for I fancied, from 
 many little things I had noted, that she was in a fair way to fall in 
 -k)ve with me. 
 
 "Well," she asked, when I had done, "what do you think will 
 be the result of this unnatural war in which we are engaged?" 
 
 " First, a suppression of this iniquitous rebellion ; then a resto- 
 ration of the Union and re-estabiishment of the authority of the 
 Constitution in its original integrity throughout the land, I hope," 
 I replied. 
 
 " So hope I," she answered, sadly, " or rather so would I hope, 
 only that I know it is in vain ; for you can ne^'er subdue the South." 
 
Albert Desires to be Released. — A Precarious Situation. 29 
 
 " But the citizens "will join our standard and swell our column as 
 "vre advance," I said. 
 
 " You are mistaken," she answered. " Doubtless there are enough 
 who would do so, only that they hold property and fear a failure, 
 which would confiscate the same, and hang them or drive them into 
 exile. No, no ; I understand these things better than you do^for 
 I have noted political affairs closely — afid know that, so long as the 
 Administration at Washington is ruled by the partizan press of the 
 North, and your most able commanders are annoyed a,nd hampered 
 by the advice and criticisms of petty politicians — 
 
 "Who never set a squadron in the field, 
 Nor the division of a battle know 
 More than a spinster," 
 
 your army will never gain any permanent advantage, and a signal 
 defeat of your arms will yet be the result." 
 
 Alas i how prophetic were these words : but I must not anticipate. 
 
 In conversation like this the time was whiled away much faster 
 than I had any idea of; and before I thought it possible, knowing 
 the hour of night when our attack was to be made, daylight appeared. 
 
 My hostess was very fascinating and kept me busily engaged in 
 conversation ; but notwithstanding this I could not help thinking 
 what might be the fate of poor Frank. The roar of battle still 
 continued as fiercely as ever, and I began to grow very uneasy lest 
 victory should be decided against us. 
 
 My wound being carefully dressed, and some restorative cordial 
 having been administered to the inner person, I felt greatly revived 
 and felt myself strong enough to go forth in search of my poor 
 frank ; but my hostess would not hear a word of this, but declared 
 I was a lawful prisoner of war, and as such she should hold me until 
 peace was established. 
 
 "But," said I, "I have a very dear friend, whose safety 1" am 
 anxious to look after : and surely you will not detain me against 
 my will?" 
 
 "Indeed, I must then," she replied; "for to set you at liberty 
 now would be to allow you to rush upon certain death. Ha ! what 
 is that?" she suddenly exclaimed, as a thundering clatter sounding 
 like the tearing down of a building came to our ears. " Come, let 
 us see," and taking^ me by the hand, she hurriedly led me to the top 
 of the house, the roof of which was flat and surrounded by a high 
 parapet of brick, through which were pierced loop-holes to enable 
 a person on top to look out and see what was going on below with 
 but little danger of being injured. 
 
 Looking through one of these, I saw to my great delight that the 
 Kentucky battalion still maintained their ground, assisted by the 
 gallant Ohio and Indiana volunteers. A few poor fellows lay dead 
 in the square, but notwithstanding they fought against great odds, 
 
so The Shout of Victory. — Terrible Death of his Hostess. 
 
 their ranks had been thinned less than I should have thought possi- 
 ble. The firing still continued on both sides ; but the clattering 
 noise we had heard was caused hj a part of the troops attempting 
 to beat in the door of the church, before mentioned ; and while we 
 were still watching them another rush was made against the door, 
 and it gave way ; but instead of allowing our men to rush in the 
 cowardly rebels rushed out, threw down their arms, and surrendered 
 themselves prisoners of war. 
 
 Then it was, dear reader, you should have heard the welkin ring 
 with the shouts of the victors, as I did. Oh ! situated as I was, it 
 would have done your heart good ; forgetful of every thing, and 
 catching the wild enthusiasm of the moment, I shouted, too, at the 
 Yery top of my voice. 
 
 But, merciful heavens ! my shout of triumph was changed to a 
 yell of horror and consternation, as at that moment a ball, gped by 
 the hand of an accursed rebel, laid my fair hostess dead at ray feet, 
 her white dress and snowy bosom all crimsoned with her life-blood. 
 Mechanically I turned in the direction from whence the fatal bullet 
 came, and beheld the author of this horrible tragedy looking from 
 the parapet of a neighboring house, which, standing on a slight 
 eminence, overlooked the spot where I stood. The villain, hearing 
 my triumphant shout of victory, and seeing by my dress that I 
 belonged to the victorious army, doubtless thought it a good oppor- 
 tunity to wreak revenge upon me for the loss of the battle, but 
 missed his mark and killed an innocent lady. 
 
 For a moment or two horror held me motionless ; then I turned 
 to fly whilst I had an opportunity ; but at the head of the stairs I 
 encountered the lady's husband coming up, to whom I hurriedly 
 narrated what had transpired. He uttered a cry of anguish and 
 reeled aghast, clinging to the railing for support. For a moment 
 he stood speechless and motionless ; suddenly he uttered a yell of 
 hellish fury, clasping me in his arms with a grasp and look of a 
 madman, he shouted : — 
 
 "You did it! You shall die.!" 
 
 In vain I struggled to free myself from his grasp. Lifting me 
 as if I were but a child, he held me at arm's length above his head 
 and rushed forward ; and then, horror of horrors ! I comprehended 
 his diabolical intention to cast me over the par,apet and dash my 
 brains out upon the pavement below. I screamed and struggled, 
 but all in vain ; he still held me firm ; but just as he was about to 
 make the fatal heave, his foot slipping in a puddle of his wife's 
 blood, he fell forward, and struck heavily against the wall ; his grasp 
 became loosened, and knowing that it was either his life or mine, I 
 made a desperate effort, and before he could recover himself, I 
 grasped a large knife, the handle of which was protruding in sight, 
 
" Nobly the mettled animal answered to my call, for with a single bound ha 
 o'erleaped the barricade and lit on the other side." — Page 3& 
 
Joyous Meeting of Albert and Frank after the Battle. 33 
 
 and buried it to the .hilt in his heart I With a cry of disappointed 
 rac^e and agony he fell dead beside his wife. I now fled in horror 
 down the stairs and into the street, and across the* street into the 
 square, feeling for the moment as if the curse of Cain was on me, 
 and that I should ever after be branded as a murderer, although I 
 well knew I had- acted in self-defence. 
 
 The first thino- that attracted my attention when I entered the 
 square was Frank Ashton in the act of hoisting the stars and stripes 
 over the rebel flag ; and as it unfolded itself to the breeze, a long, 
 loud and wild shout of triumph rent the air ; and there upon the 
 battle field, amid the dead and dying, the sound of martial music 
 and the roar of cannon, I knelt and prayed silently, but oh! how 
 earnestly, that the time might soon come, wjien that beautiful banner 
 with its broad stripes and bright stars untarnished and undimmed, 
 mio-ht Avave in triumph throughout the broad expanse of our beloved 
 land, giving the world assurance of a people's valor and a nation's 
 glory, bought and hallowed by our soldiers' blood in the cause of 
 freedom ! 
 
 When Frank had accomplished his task, he turned, and seeing me 
 kneeling upon the ground, and supposing that I was badly wounded, 
 he ran to me, and clasping me in his arms, said : 
 
 " Albert, is — is it indeed you ? Thank heaven, you are safe ! I 
 heard you had fallen in the first of the fight and thought you were 
 killed." He pressed my hand, and earnestly looking at me, while 
 tears of gratitude filled his eyes, he said : 
 
 " Oh, more than ever, Albert, do you resemble my dear, dear 
 Madeline ! Oh ! would to heaven I were with her !" 
 
 " She is before you, dearest Frank," was just trembling on my 
 lips, when I recollected myself in time to prevent making my im- 
 portant secret known. 
 
 "Yes," he continued, looking at me more closely than ever, 
 " since you have shaved off your whiskers and moustache you look 
 more and more like one far away ; but then I know you are her 
 cousin, and that I suppose must account for it. Yet, how have you 
 found time to make your toilet ? And where could you have done 
 it in the heat of battle ?" 
 
 I know I blushed deeply at this, for I felt the hot blood mount to 
 my temples; but I answered as coolly and with as much self- 
 possession as possible, and told him how in the early part of the 
 engagement I had been wounded and taken prisoner, and that, ray 
 face being much stained with blood, 1 had decided on removing all 
 superfluous appendages. I then went on to give him a brief account 
 of what had happened up to the death of my fair protectress — the 
 assault upon me by her husband — the final tragedy — and my escape. 
 
 " The cowardly old villain !" cried Frank, alluding to the old 
 rebel, " you served him right ! But you must pardon me for not 
 asking after your wounds sooner, for I saw your head bandaged. 
 
34 Frank A Bearer op Despatches.-Albert to Accompany Him. 
 
 but you looked so well otherwise that other thoughts put the querj 
 out of my mind." 
 
 " It is but a mere scratch," I replied, "so slight in fact that I 
 had myself forgotten it." 
 
 We were bc^th now called upon to superintend the burial of the 
 dead and the removal of the wounded to the hospital, and did not 
 meet again until evening. 
 
 Just about sunset I was seated upon a camp-stool in front of the 
 house where Frank and myself were quartered, ruminating upon 
 the events of the day, when I saw Frank coming up the street. I 
 knew that he was the bearer of pleasant news, for joy was depicted 
 in every feature of his countenance. 
 
 "Albert, my dear fellow," he joyously cried, " congratulate me ; 
 I am to be the bearer of despatches from Gen. McClellan to head- 
 quarters at Washington, and at my solicitation you are to accompany 
 me. After we have delivered our despatches we have a furlough for 
 two weeks. We start in a few hours, so we will have to hasten our 
 preparations." 
 
 We reached Washington in due time without meeting with any 
 adventures that would be interesting to the reader. After delivering 
 our despatches we took rooms at Willard's Hotel. But we had 
 scarcely made ourselves comfortable when the rumor reached us 
 that the Grand Army was about to commence its march towards 
 Richmond. No sooner did Frank learn the truth of this report 
 than he determined to volunteer in this expedition. I tried hard to 
 dissuade him from carrying out his determination, but finding my 
 efforts fruitless, I made the best of it and resolved to accompany 
 him, and as we had been favorably mentioned in the despatches we 
 were accepted into'a New York regiment — Frank as first and I as 
 second lieutenant. 
 
 The advance of the Union Army into Virginia was a stupendous 
 and well planned undertaking. The troops moved as far as Alexan- 
 dria without much difiiculty, the gallant Fire Zuaves having cleared 
 the way. The centre column advanced from Georgetown, the right 
 flank being protected by General Tyler. Colonel Miles' division 
 was on the left of the centre, while on the extreme left. Colonel 
 Heintzleman's command took care of the central columns. In this 
 manner Fairfax " Court House" was taken on the 17th of July, 
 1861. On a line right and left with Fairfax the entire column 
 halted and bivouacked during the night of Wednesday the 17th. 
 Beyond a false alarm caused by the discharge of a sentinel's musket, 
 which aroused the entire camp and placed the division under arms, 
 nothing of any account occurred. At eight o'clock, A. M., on the 
 18th, we broke camp and proceeded to Centreville. Our march to 
 this spot was difficult and dangerous. The pioneers worked like 
 beavers ; the roads were barricaded to such an extent that we had 
 to cut our way step by step. The road being straight through heavy 
 
Advance op the Union Forces into Virginia. 35 
 
 Dine woods, we were compelled to throw out skirmishers on our right 
 and left to guard against surprise At Centreville we remamed 
 from Thursday morning until Sunday, the 21st. While the fifth 
 division was encamped in the valley, about halt a mile from Centre- 
 ville the right flank of the grand column arrived, and a portion of 
 it under command of Gen. Tyler, were sent in advance towards 
 Bull's Run to reconnoitre the enemy's position and detect his batterres. 
 
 The skirmishers were scarcely a mile and a half from Centreville, 
 when a masked battery opened upon them, killing and woundmg a 
 number of men. The Sixty-ninth and Seventy-mnth regiments, 
 both New York state militia, came up to reinforce our troops, but 
 arrived too late to render any effectual service. In fact they did 
 not even have an opportunity to participate in this fight, all the 
 troops having been ordered back to Centreville. In the evening 
 however we moved forward and encamped upon the battlefaeld, the 
 enemy having retreated from their position. With the exception 
 of driving in the enemy's pickets and the capture of a few rebels, 
 our camp remained quiet until Sunday morning. 
 
 The advance of the Union forces into Virginia having been tele- 
 graphed to Washington, streams of carriages came pouring into 
 Centreville, filled with curiosity seekers. Some of the visitors had 
 relatives in the army, others went to see a battle fought for the first 
 time. Many Congressmen and numerous gentlemen of the legal 
 profession and mercantile community were present. 
 
 It was at one time rumored that General Scott was at Centreville, 
 and great enthusiasm was manifested by the soldiers when they were 
 told that the gallant hero of a hundred battles was among them. 
 The statement, however, was false, for the veteran Commander-in- 
 Chief was not there. 
 
 At five o'clock on Sunday morning we received orders to move 
 
 forward. « , i j 
 
 The fact of our remaining on one spot for nearly three days was 
 observed by the enemy, who were so near that the respective pickets 
 could exchange compliments; and taking advantage of this they 
 endeavored to outflank us on our left. To prevent this Col. Miles 
 dispatched Green's battery to a spot about three mdes from Centre- 
 ville, and about two and a half miles from Warrington road. Hunt s 
 battery was placed on the left, about one mile distant from Lieut. 
 Green. From this position the deep gulleys of the " Run could 
 be plainly seen. At half-past seven, precisely, Lieut. Green ob- 
 serving a cloud of dust arising, and cavalry dashing in that direction, 
 opened the engagement, saluting the rebels with a greeting from his 
 guns. Lieut. Hunt followed his example, and both batteries kept 
 pouring in shot for four consecutive hours. The rebels replied with 
 grape and canister, which was duly appreciated and returned with 
 interest. The firing now became general and the enemy slowly 
 retreated, followed closely by our troops. An assault was contem- 
 
36 Terrible Fight.— The Retreat.— Albbrts Narrow Escape. 
 
 » 
 
 plated, and three regiments, to one of which Frank and I -were 
 attached, were ordered to storm the battery. We steadily advanced 
 under a galling fire and were almost in possession of the guns, when 
 a tremendous volley raked our front, and we were compelled to fall 
 back. 
 
 Col. Cameron, of the Highlanders, gallantly led on his men to 
 the charge ; but he did not live long to see the valiant deeds of 
 those Avhom he commanded ; for after discharging his revolver twice, 
 and while in tlic act of shooting the third time, a ball penetrated 
 his breast and he fell from his horse upon the field. 
 
 Our entire column now pressed forward and had actually captured 
 three masked batteries when we heard a tremeudous clattering of 
 horses' hoofs, and looking in the direction from whence it came, I 
 saw the famous Black Horse regiment charging down upon us at a 
 tremendous pace, mowing down every thing in its furious career. 
 
 The agonizing shrieks of the wounded, the terrible roar of artillery, 
 and the snorting of frightened animals, tendered to strike terror 
 into the hearts of those in citizen's dress, and becoming alarmed 
 they took to their heels, securing whatever conveyance they could 
 lay their hands upon. From them the teamsters who had driven 
 their wagons further iu advance than was necessary, also took fright. 
 
 The road being too narrow to turn the ponderous vehicles, in 
 many cases the cowardly drivers cut th6 traces, mounted their horses 
 and rode oif. The army wagons rushing down the road spread the 
 panic to an alarming extent. 
 
 It Avould be impossible for me to describe with accuracy the scene 
 which followed ; and so I am compelled to confine myself to the 
 narration of my own adventures. Before I hardly knew what was 
 taking place, I found myself almost ridden over by a rebel trooper 
 — so near in fact that the breath of the horse came full in my face. 
 There was no time for thinking ; and acting wholly upon the impulse 
 of the moment, I gave the horse a cut across the nose, and as he 
 wheeled his rider made a cut at me. I saw the glistening of his 
 sabre, and throwing up my sword just in time warded off the main 
 force of the blow, though my guard was beaten down, and I was 
 brought to my knees and slightly wounded in the arm. This mad- 
 dened more than hurt me, and springing to my feet, I drew my 
 revolver and shot my assailant dead. 1 had always been considered 
 a splendid equestrian ; and one of my favorite amusements, even 
 when a little girl, was riding on horseback. Seeing the horse at 
 liberty, it was but the work of a moment to seize the fiery animal 
 by the bit and vault upon his back. 
 
 It may seem rather selfish in me, but the truth is — and I must 
 admit it — just at that time I thought of little else than self preserva- 
 tion ; and now that I was mounted, I determined to make my escape. 
 Scarcely however had I advanced a dozen steps from the place of 
 mounting, when two dragoons, perceiving me and separating from 
 
Dangerous Adventures. — Narrow Escape of Albert. 37 
 
 the rest, rode directly down upon me, uttering fierce cries of demoniac 
 delight, both aiming blows at my head as they passed. Throwing up 
 my sword for a guard I did the best I could to defend myself; I es- 
 caped one blow by dodging, which, missing me, struck my horse 
 across the neck, and gave him a mortal wound. The other stroke, 
 still more unfortunate for me, beat down my guard and cut a deep 
 gash in the back of my head, my cap having fallen off during the 
 encounter. 
 
 My poor beast stumbled forward and fell, and I went down with 
 him half stunned and bewildered with the blow I had received. 
 This doubtless saved my life ; for, thinking me killed, my assailants 
 rode swiftly away to join their companions. Fortunately the horse, 
 in falling, went down on his knees, which gave me time to draw 
 my foot from the stirrup ere he rolled over on his side and expired. 
 Feeling weak and faint I now laid down by his side for a few 
 minutes, during which the cries, groans and yells of the wounded 
 and the roar of the battle made me tremble for the safety of him I 
 loved. But what could I do to aid him ? Unused to such rough 
 scenes I dared not venture again into the heat of conflict, for I 
 knew myself too weak to cope successfully with the stern warriors 
 of the opposite sex, and the attempt I felt satisfied would cost me 
 my life. 
 
 How long I remained by the horse I do not know ; but when I 
 raised my head and looked around I saw that the assailing party, 
 which came so near putting an end to me, had been repulsed by my 
 brave comrades with great loss, and that our army was in full retreat 
 towards Centreville. I now raised myself upon my feet ; but every 
 thing swam around me, and it was some time before I could stand 
 without taking hold of the carcass of my poor beast, and walking 
 was out of the question. Finally I espied a canteen upon the 
 ground, and hoping it might contain wherewithall to quench my 
 thirst I dragged myself to where'it lay, and placing it to my parched 
 lips I swallowed about half its contents, and with the remainder 
 bathed ray throbbing temples. Feeling considerably refreshed and 
 my strength returning, I slowly moved after our retreating forces. 
 
 The scenes on the battle field beggar description. The ground 
 was strewn with the dead, the dying and the wounded. Here lay 
 one man with his leg shot oif, there another with a wound in the 
 head, a third sitting, supported by a tree at his back, with one arm 
 missing and the other dangling at his side, the flesh torn and the 
 bone shattered by a musket ball, and hundreds wounded in all the 
 different parts of the body. The shrieks of agony from the suffering 
 soldiers was truly heartrending ; and sickening at the sight I sank 
 exhausted upon the ground. As I lay thus I espied a horse and 
 his rider coming toward me at full speed, the latter swaying to and 
 fro in his seat as if from intoxication ; as he neared me, with the sole 
 idea of self-preservation, I sprang in front of him and threw up my 
 
38 Albert in Search of Lieutenant Ashton. 
 
 arms ; the horse came so suddenly to a stand that the rider was 
 thrown headlong some twenty feet beyond. The frightened beast 
 stood trembling in his tracks, and taking him by the bridle rein 
 •which his rider had dragged over his horse's head in falling, I soon 
 pacified the alarmed beast, and with considerable diflBculty clambered 
 into the saddle ; as I spoke to him he bounded forward with light- 
 ning speed, my spirits were revived by the cool breeze created by 
 the motion, and I felt my strength returning. I was never better 
 mounted in my life, and rapidly we gained upon our flying forces. 
 Some distance in advance I saw a gun carriage with four powerful 
 horses attached, rushing down a steep hill at a tremendoug pace. 
 As I overtook it I observed a poor soldier running along beside it, 
 between the fore and hind wheels, with his hand upon the breech of 
 the gun ; several times I saw him try to spring upon the carriage, 
 but each time without success. At length, as they reached the foot 
 of the hill, one of the wheels ran into a deep rut in the road, the 
 pQ«r soldier lost his hold, and falling to the ground the hind wheel 
 of the gun carriage passed over his head, crushing it like an egg- 
 shell. I uttered a cry of horror, and urged my horse to redoubled 
 speed ; as I turned the corner of a fence I saw before me an over- 
 turned provision wagon ; at the rate we were going I saw in an 
 instant that if we came in collision Avith the overturned vehicle the 
 result would be instant death to both horse and rider. I tried to 
 check our speed and to turn my horse aside, but all in vain ; the 
 maddened beast had taken tbe bit in his teeth, and my efforts to 
 restrain or guide him were entirely fruitless ; on, on we dashed to 
 inevitable destruction. 
 
 When at home I had been accustomed to follow the chase, and 
 the thought presented itself that the horse I rode was perhaps not 
 a stranger to the noble sport — happy thought. As we neared the 
 obstruction I raised myself in the stirrups, tightened my grasp upoir 
 the reins, and leaning slightly forward, I shouted as had been my 
 custom when riding at a fence or wall. Nobly the mettled animal 
 answered to my call, for with a single bound he o'erleaped the 
 barricade and lit on the other side. On we sped as before, until, all 
 reeking and panting, my noble preserver carried me safely to the 
 front of our column. 
 
 We soon reached Centreville, and thus ended the battle of Bull 
 Run, the hardest contested and most sanguinary engagement ever 
 fought upon the American continent. 
 
 But Frank — my own beloved Frank — was among the missing. 
 For some time I could find no one who could give me tidings of 
 him ; but at length I espied one, and running to him I exclaimed : 
 
 " Where is Lieutenant Ashton ? Have you seen him ? Is he 
 dead or alive?" 
 
 " Good heavens I" exclaimed the man in astonishment — " I see 
 you're alive, though we all thought you were killed certain." 
 
Happy Meeting op the Twain. — Frank Carefully Nursed. 39 
 
 "But — Lieutenant Ashton," — I gasped. 
 
 **Why — he — poor fellow" — 
 
 " Speak ! Speak !" I interrupted, wildly. 
 
 "He's badly wounded, but" — 
 
 "He is alive, then ? Quick ! Quick ! Bring me to him, and here 
 is gold for you," and I threw him down a half-eagle. 
 
 " Why, you're in luck, Lieutenant : but follow me, and I'll show 
 you where he lies ;" and hurriedly passing down the street he led 
 me to the building used as a hospital, and there I beheld Frank, 
 pale as a corpse, stretched out upon a rude pallet, and the surgeon 
 standing over him probing a deep wound in his side made by a 
 musket ball. 
 
 The moment he behold me he smiled faintly and reached out his 
 hand, which I seized and pressed to my heart, with what feelings I 
 leave the reader to imagine. 
 
 " I am glad to see you safe,, Albert," he said, in a faint tone; 
 "glad ! yes — oh ! you don't know how glad !" 
 
 " Are you dangerously hurt, dear, dear Frank?" I broke forth 
 in a tremulous voice. 
 
 " Speak, Doctor," returned Frank ; " say what you think, do not 
 fear to speak the truth ; for I am a man and a soldier, and can bear 
 to hear it calmly although it dooms me to loose all the bright things 
 of earth." 
 
 " It is a case requiring great care and careful nursing ; and the 
 latter alone can save you." 
 
 " Then he shall be saved," cried I, vehemently, " for I will nurse 
 him like a mother." 
 
 As soon as I could I had Frank removed to comfortable apart- 
 ments and sent for a special physician, who attended him daily until 
 he recovered suflSciently to be able to sit up and walk, which was 
 not for some two or three. weeks. I was constantly by his side, and 
 felt very — oh ! so very happy in being near him, although during 
 all our close association he had not discovered my secret. One day 
 during his convalescence we took a stroll ; and sitting upon the 
 grassy bank of a beautiful streamlet, margined by lofty forest trees, 
 " whose coolest foliage musical with birds," sheltered us from the 
 heat of a summer's sun, we listened to the rippling murmur of the 
 waves and enjoyed the cool breeze that fanned our brows and temples. 
 It was a scene calculated to excite reflection, and we both became 
 lost in reverie. Suddenly JFrank looked up and said : — 
 
 " Albert, if I had ten thousand dollars I should be the happiest 
 living being." 
 
 " How so ?" I asked. 
 
 " Because I would then do two things that would make me happy." 
 
 "And those two things are ?" — 
 
 *' Rewarding you for the untiring watchfulness and care you have 
 bestowed upon me, and marry Madeline Moore." 
 
40 The Secret Unveiled, — The Happy Marriage. 
 
 "And I will tell you," I. replied, "how you can have twice tea 
 thousand dollars, and reward me without a cent." 
 
 "'How? how? pray tell me how?" cried Frank, eagerly. 
 
 "By simply marrying Madeline Moore." 
 
 " But I am poor, Albert, and it would never do," he sighed. 
 
 " But it will do, and shall," I persisted, " for she loves you dearly." 
 
 " Come, come, no flattery — how do you know she loves me ? Are 
 you her confidant ?" 
 
 "lam." 
 
 " You surprise me — you never told me thaft before. I thought 
 you barely knew her, and that was all." 
 
 "I know her better than you do," I returned; ."and I know she 
 is a girl who would make any sacrifice for the being she loves ; and 
 that she loves you truly and devotedly I pledge you my honor as a 
 soldier." 
 
 " If I could believe it !" 
 
 " You must and shall believe it, far I am now about to surprise 
 you still more with the proof. Look well at me, dear Frank, and 
 in Albert Harville — behold Madeline Moore!" 
 
 Had a bombshell burst at his feet he could not have been more 
 surprised than at these words. He started up fairly aghast and cried : 
 
 "You! you! you — Madeline Moore ?" 
 
 " I am, do you not know me, dear Frank ?" 
 
 He uttered a wild cry of surprise and joy, threw his arms around 
 my neck, and burst into tears. 
 
 Reader, let me draw a veil over what followed. Suffice it to say 
 in conclusion that Frank and I are now husband and- wife. We 
 have returned to our native place, and each is happy in the other's 
 love. 
 
 Reader, the foregoing narrative ma^ be relied on as strictly au- 
 thentic. ■ I have changed nothing but our names — these, of coursft, 
 are fictitious. Hoping that you may be happy as the hero and 
 heroine of this humble story, is the sincere prayer of her who now 
 addresses you for the first and last time. — Farewell. 
 
 The End. 
 
"Nobly the mettled animal answered to my call, for with a single bound ha 
 o'crleapWd the barricade aud lit on the other side." — Page 3&