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'HE

GREAT AMERICAN

COUT AND JiPY

"General Bunker. "sfiUcL.
C.Lova.in "Ru,g§\es,
ILLUSTRATED.

A. TRUTHFUL AND THRILLING NARRATIVE OF ADVEN
TURES AND NARROW ESCAPES IN THE ENEMY'S
COUNTRY, UNDER ORDERS PROM GENERALS
GRANT, LOGAN, McPHERSON, AND OTHER
LEADING COMMANDERS.

Stftird (Mfain, SUtiis^.

NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BT OLMSTED & CO.
1870.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S68, by
OLMSTED & COMPANY,
Ifc tb» fo'k'B Office of the United States District Court, for the Southern District
o<" Now York.

Ccl^.^i

Printed by John J. Rkbd,
43 Centra St., N. Y.

TO

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant,
WHOSE UNDAUNTED ENERGY, HEROIC VALOR, SUPERIOR
GENERALSHIP, AND DEVOTION TO HI3 COUNTRY,
HAYE PROVED HIM

'The Right Man. in the Bight Place,"

AND WON FOR HIM

A WORLD-WIDE FAME;

To THfe pALLANT pFFICERS AND SOLDIERS,

WHO HAVE NOBLY ASSISTED IN SUSTAINING OUR OI.OIUOUS NATIONALITY
BY CRUSHING THE GREAT REBELLION,

THZS YOZUME IS li MSPM CTFUZZT SE&ICsiTED.

PREFACE.

It was with much difficulty that I was prevailed upon
to give to the public a narrative^of my experience as
a scout and spy. It was the intense interest with
which the commanding generals and others have lis
tened to my narratives, whenever I have related
them, and their earnest entreaties to have them pub
lished, that induced me to do so.
I entered the army with purely patriotic motives,
with a desire to sustain and perpetuate the noble in
stitutions that had been purchased by the blood of
our fathers. I valued the cause of liberty, as well
worth all the sacrifice that it might cost to save it.
I saw at once that the conflict was to be one involv
ing great principles, and that in the end Truth and
Justice must prevail.
The part that I have borne in putting down the
great rebellion is the one that naturally fell to me by
the force of circumstances, and entirely unsolicited.
My relation in the affairs of life seems to have been
such as to have just adapted me to that part that fell

O PREFACE.
to my lot to act. I have been a cabin-boy on the
canal, from which I graduated to the position of canal-
driver. I have been a Frontier Ranger, a Rocky
Mountain Trapper and gold-hunter on the eastern
slope. I have been a cattlp-trad0r at the North, a
raft-pilot at the South, and an Arkansas school
master. The incidents that I have narrated are all of them
facts that have occurred in my experience, and,
without further apology, I submit them to an indul
gent and candid public, and claim that every scene
narrated here is the unvarnished truth. C. L. RUGGLES.

COISTTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
Parentage — Childhood incidents — Subsequent occupations — Driven from
Mississippi — Works on rebel fortifications — Escape to Illinois — Enlists
as a soldier — Supposed to have deserted — How he got his name — Ex
amination by the surgeon  11-17
CHAPTER II.
Moves to Cincinnati — Detailed to guard the forts — Meets a secesh lady —
First scout — Unexpected visit of the colonel — The drill — Bad report —
The mischief investigated — Attempts to discover the rogues — Innocent
man accused— The accusers skedaddle — Who got the chickens  18-25
CHAPTER III.
"Marching orders — First battle — Arrives at Fort Donelson — The sur
render — Goes North with prisoners — Meets an old friend as a rebel
captain — The captain attempts to bribe him — Expedition up the Ten
nessee River — Touching incident — Battle of Shiloh — Captures an En
field — Recommended as a scout  26-34
CHAPTER IV.
Rumored attack upon Grand Junction—" General Bunker'' sent out as
spy — Passes himself as a rebel soldier — Falls in with rebel cavalry-
Visits a rebel camp — Attempts to deprive him of his revolver — Dis
covers a Yankee forage party — Undertakes to return — captured by
Yankees, and robbed of his revolver and money — Passes as a rebel spy
— Sent to the provost-marshal — Sent to General Hurlbut — Returned to
Grand Junction  85-50
CHAPTER V.
Fired at by a citizen — The sick overseer — How he was cured — Pickets
fired on — Trip to White Church — Visits General Van Dom — Meets a
rebel spy — Reports to General Leggett — Grand Junction evacuated— -.
Again sees the rebel spy — Attempt to arrest him — Drinks wine with the
rebel General Jackson — Discovers a hole in the fence  51-66
CHAPTER VI.
The value of the oath— Attempt to take "Bunker's" life— Sent to Grand
Junction — The hazardous ride — The countersign— The chase— Unfor
tunate occurrence— The chase abandoned— Meets with guerrillas — They
invite him to drink— Renewed vigilance— The battle of Middleburg . G7-78
CHAPTER VII.
Attempts to visit the enemy's camp— Learns the strength and position of
the enemy — Return intercepted — Perilous situation— Loses his mule-
Frightened by men of his own regiment— The plan to capture the
enemy — The negro's report— The forces discovered— Disposes of a
rebel picket— Reports his discovery  74-82

8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Sent to find the enemy's pickets— Suspicious circumstance— Sick child-
Captures three citizens standing picket— Releases them— Falls asleep-
Perilous situation— Fortunate turn of affairs— Attack on the pickets— A
very pious man — He proves a rebel spy  83-90
CHAPTER IX.
Sent to Somerville— Finds himself a prisoner— Taken to Cold Water-
Meets with old acquaintances— Is paroled — Runs with the 2d Arkansas
Cavalry— Goes to Lumpkin's Mills— Interview with General Price-
Stays all night with his brother, the rebel general— Return to Bolivar-
Reports to General Ross— Obtains the colonel's horse, and returns to
the enemy— Runs away from the enemy  91-100
CHAPTER X.
Sent to Grand Junction to capture guerrillas— Suspicious incident— Strat
egy— Orders disobeyed — The rebel flag — The very kind secesh lady —
Out of the frying-pan into the fire — Guerrillas watching for them —
The attack— The prisoner— Result of the trip  101-112
CHAPTER XI.
Sent to Lagrange — Observes two cavalrymen — Arrival — Waits for the
cavalry — Accompanies them out — Takes his departure — Is pursued —
Evades the pursuit — Finds himself cornered — Crosses the Cypress
Swamp — Robbed by outlaws — The fate ofthe robbers  113-124
CHAPTER XII.
Starts to find General Bragg's forces — "Woods" the secesh farmer —
Guerrillas washing stockings — Finds Bragg's advance — Recognized as
a Yankee spy — Ordered Off his mule to "be shot — The clamor of the
crowd — Recognized as a Confederate spy — Rebel surgeon vouches for
him — Is released — Gray-headed rebel brought to justice — -The sutler of
the 2d Arkansas Cavalry a prisoner — What became of the guerrillas
that were washing stockings  125-130
CHAPTER XIII.
Reconnoiters Hickory Flats with a squad of seven men — Shoots at
t the mark — Orders to march with two clays' rations — Cause of the
alarm— Reconnoiter beyond Whitesville — Major Mudd's trap — " Bunk
er" entices the rebs into it — Rides into the trap behind a rebel captain —
Sent out beyond Pocahontas — Passes as a rebel artillerist— Secesh cit
izen stands guard for him — The very kind secesh lady — The anxious
wife — Discovers guerrillas burning a human being  , . .137-155
CHAPTER XIV.
Starts on a trip for General Lauman — His instructions — A Confederate
widow — Discovers a squad of rebel soldiers — Captures part of their
anus — Learns the whereabouts of guerrillas — Attempt to capture them 
Guerrillas escape — Captures a prisoner — Cause of guerrillas' escape 
The " General" and squad are arrested — Unfortunate state of affairs 
Informality of charge and specifications  156-168
CHAPTER XV.
Assistance of friends— Fails to get a trial — Gloomy prospects — Evidence
accumulates— Guard-house incident — The " General" concludes to help

CONTENTS. 9
himself— Narrow escape from guerrillas — The capture — Reaches his
regiment — Himself and squad released  167-177
CHAPTER XVI.
Starts for Grenada — Instructions — Is captured — Returns to Water Valley
— Starts again — Arrives at Grenada — Condition of Price's army — Ho
returns — Again sent to Grenada — Proposes some fun — Plan of strategy
— Plan unnecessary — Returns with rebel cavalry — Bivouac at Big
Springs — The attack— rMore fun than bargained for — The result. 178-187
CHAPTER XVII.
The forage party — Runaways — Daring scout — Narrow escape — The line
of battle — Safe return — Scout reports — Assumes the character of a rebel
prisoner — Finds a friend — How he introduced himself— Where he be
longs — The burning of Holly Springs— The heroine — What she captured
— Shows partiality — Offers assistance — Rebel doctor executed. . .188-199
CHAPTER XVIII.
Arrival in Memphis — Daring robbery — Detailed by the provost-marshal
general — Assumes the character of a rebel major — Secesh acquaintances
— Captures a rebel mai^ — A jollification — A rebel trader — Plan to run
the pickets — The escape of the outlaws  200-212
0 CHAPTER XIX.
Reports to Major-General McPherson — Instructions— Disguise — Starts for
Vicksburg — Changes his route — Reports to General Denver — Acquaint
ance with a cotton-buyer — Plan to make money — Visit to guerrilla Sol.
Street — The arrangement consummated — Visit to General Price — Arri
val at Jackson — Robbed of his field-glasses — Introduction to President
Davis — Visit to Vicksburg— Visit to Edwards' Station — Meets his bear-
hunting comrades — Visits Black River Bridge — Robbed of his horse —
The return — Reports to General McPherson — Reports to General
Grant  213-227
CHAPTER XX.
Return to Mississippi— Instructions — Visit to Troy— Movement of cavalry
— Reports to General Denver — Is arrested — Federal cavalry driven back
— Is released — Visits Greenwood— Journey to the Mississippi River—
The perilous crossing — Again arrested — Interview with General Prentis3
— Takes the oath of allegiance — Meets a friend — Makes his escape — Re
ports to General Grant  228-240
CHAPTER XXI.
Return to the regiment^-The Henry rifle— The march from Milliken's
Bend — The tug of war — The army crosses the Mississippi — Capture of
Port Gibson— Battle of Raymond — Amusing capture — The charge on
Jackson— Battle of Champion Hills— The rebel courier— Sharp-shoot
ing — The gallant charge— The march to Vicksburg — The place be
sieged....  341-254
CHAPTER XXII.
First sharp-shooting at Vicksburg — Silences two guns— The rifle-pit-
Shoots a Carolinian — The Carolinian's comrade — Outshoots a squad of
sixteen — The defiant rebel — Shoots for Generate McPherson and Logan
—Beats the Parrot rifles — Joke on the Adjutant-General — Visit to Ad
miral Porter — The French spy — The disclosures— Capture of a rebel
dispatch— The fate of the spy  255-269
i*

10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Sent for by General Grant— Instructions— Crosses Black River— Is cap
tured by rebel cavalry— Sent to General DeVieu— The interview— ,
Parses as Johnston's spy— The attempt to escape— The pursuit— Fn-ed :
at by Federal pickets— Again fired at by the enemy— The pursuers
driven back— Again fired at by Federal pickets— The alarm— Reports
to General Osterhaus— Reports to General Grant  270-280
CHAPTER XXIV.
Visit to Chickasaw Landing— Surrender of Vicksburg— Visit to the city—
The paroled Major— The Yankee triek— Returns to Vicksburg— Made de
tective — Is sent to Yazoo City — Attends a guerrilla organization — Makes
them a speech — Returns to Vicksburg  281-289
CHAPTER XXV.
Taken sick with the ague — Encounters his Satanic Majesty — The Devil
afraid of General Grant — Expedition to Bogue Chitto Creek — Captures
a rebel Colonel — Enlists as a veteran — Makes a speech to the soldiers. 290-299
CHAPTER XXVL
Frightened by a dead Colonel — Burns Confederate corn in face of the
enemy — Gets into a tight place — A frightened Major — Captures infor
mation — A headstrong Captain gobbled up — Captures a rebel Provost-
marshal General — Encounter with General Ross' s cavalry — A strange
adventure — Races with a rebel Colonel — A hard-hearted woman . 300-325
CHAPTER XXVH.
Starts home on veteran furlough — Suspected of being a rebel spy — Com
missioned officer serves him at the table — Kind attentions at home— Si
lences an old maid — Returns to the front — Shot at twenty-one times —
The remedy — A Union lady — The dwarf weaver — The weaver be
headed — Goes into Marietta as a spy — Confederate side of the lines — Es
cape from the rebs — General McPherson's death — Hard fighting  326
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Goes to Ohio to recruit — Raises twenty-one men — Difficulty with the Gov
ernor — Visits Lieutenant-General Grant — Order from the War Depart
ment—Again in difficulty — Runs away from theGovernor — Reports to
General Sherman — Georgia raid — An amusing coincident — Reports to
General Granger, at Mobile — Reports to General Grierson, in Texas —
Makes a trip to the Upper Colorado — Incident at General Grant's head
quarters — The war over  351^381
CHAPTER XXIX.
Ludicrous effect of fear — A Corporal outflanks a Captain — A good Union
man — A touching appeal — A scene among the wounded — An old Se
cesh discovers his mistake — Suggestions from experience — Concluding
thoughts — Certificates and endorsements  382-400

THE
GREAT AMERICAN SCOUT AND SPY.

¦ «l « It Oi

CHAPTER I.
Parentage — Childhood incidents — Subsequient oocnpations — Driven from
Mississippi — Works on rebel fortifications — Escape to Illinois — Enlists
as a soldier — Supposed to have deserted — How he got his name —
Examination by the Surgeon.
I was born in the town of Copley, Summit County,
Ohio, on the I7th day of June, 1823, and at the time
I entered the army was thirty nine years of age. My
father's name was Alfred Ruggles. At the time of
his death he was living with his second wife. His
family numbered twelve sons and seven daughters.
I am the youngest of seven children hy my father's
second wife.
My father was a blacksmith by trade, and all of
his sons, except myself, were taught this trade, un
der his personal instruction. Lorenzo Ruggles, my
father's second son by his first wife, after having
finished his trade, was sent to college and educated.
He is the General Ruggles of the Confederate army.
When I was ten years of age my father died, leav
ing a large farm to be disposed of by a will. The
{111

12 THE GREAT AMERICAN
children went to law, and spent the entire property
in breaking the will and settling the estate. In con
sequence of that I was thrown upon my own labor
for my support at a very early age.
The next summer, after my father's death, I hired
out as cabin-boy on board of one of the packet-boats
running on the Ohio Canal. I continued for three
summers to follow the canal in that capacity, and
for four summers following I was a canal driver.
The last three seasons I drove the same team, and
at the end of the third season I received from the
Transportation Company a prize of ten dollars for ,
having kept my team in the best order.
The winter following, my seventh season on the
canal, I went down the Mississippi River to Arkan
sas, and spent the season chopping steamboat wood.
While thus employed on Island Twenty-eight, I had
the fortune to kill a very large black bear, which I
sold to a steamboat captain for what seemed to me
at that time a great price. The incident turned my
attention to trapping and bear hunting. I spent se
veral successive winters in hunting and trapping in
the wilds of Arkansas. In the winter of 1851 and
1852 I was employed in hunting wild hogs in the
Yazoo bottoms, for Peter Nash, of Vicksburg, Miss.
I was thus engaged at the time that the fourteen
Prench hunters were killed by wild hogs in the Yazoo
bottoms. I spent one year as an overseer for Mr.
James Pord, of Memphis, Tenn., on the Prench pal
ace plantation, near the fort of Island No. 60. My
summers were usually spent on the Mississippi an£

SCOUT AND SPY. 13
its tributaries. In the summer of 1859 I went to
Pike's Peak, and thence to Salt Lake. The winter
of 1860 and 1861 I was at work on White River,
Ark., and had several hands at work with me, filling
a contract for shingles for a man by the name of
Hanner, in Bolivar County, Mississippi.
In the spring I commenced to deliver the shingles,
but Mr. Hanner refused to receive them, on the ground
that the country was engaged in war. His refusal
to receive them provoked me, and I said to him, "All
you need is a good thrashing, and then you'll behave
yourself and not talk so." That enraged him, and he
turned and left me, muttering vengeance as he went.
An hour later he returned with a party of men, threa
tening to hang me if he should catch me, but I was
not to be found. Mr. Hanner did not accuse me of
being an abolitionist or a Northern man. He was
soon after made Colonel of the 17th Mississippi
Zouaves. . Knowing that my life was in danger there,
I made my way to Memphis, Tenn.
At Memphis, I found the secession element deci
dedly too hot for me. I saw no other way for me to
do but "aid and comfort" the secession movement or
leave the country.
Lying at the levee was a steamboat just getting
up steam, destined, it was said for St. Louis, Mo.
She had on board a cargo of picks, spades, wheelbar
rows, and whisky. I took passage in her and went
to Columbus, Ky., and there she stopped and com
menced to discharge her cargo. I soon learned that
she was going no further.

14 THE GREAT AMERICAN
At that place I came across Mr. James Ford, for
whom I had been an overseer on the Prench palace
plantation. He gave me a warm greeting, and said
that he was glad that I had come. He was at that
time in command of the post, and engaged in forti
fying the place. He persuaded me to take charge
of a gang of negroes and work on the forts, which
I did, to kill all suspicion until an opportunity oc
curred for me to escape. When I had been there
engaged for five days, the steamboat Amelia came
up the river and landed, on her way to Cairo, 111.
I happened to know the pilot, and told him that I
was in a tight place, and by his assistance I secreted
myself on board the boat and went to Cairo. It was
the last steamer that was allowed to pass by Colum
bus, Ky., until the place was captured by the Federal
army. From Cairo I went to Toledo, 0. Recruiting for
the Federal army was going on rapidly all over the
North. In August, 1861, 1 visited the principal cities
in Ohio, in search of a company of sharpshooters, in
which to enlist. I found several such organizations,
but none of them were officered by men that suited
me. In the month of December, while at Columbus,
Ohio, I met Lieutenant Downs, ofthe 20th Ohio Vo
lunteer Infantry, with a squad of ten men, on his way
to Trumbull County to recruit. Liking the appear
ance of his men, I enlisted, on condition that he
would furnish me with an Enfield rifle.
From Columbus we took the first train of cars to
Cleveland ; it was late in the evening when we

SCOUT AND SPY. J 5
arrived. Passing a boot and shoe store that was yet.
open, I obtained leave of the Lieutenant to remain
long enough to purchase a pair of boots before going
to our lodgings. The Lieutenant and party did not
stop, but continued on to the hotel. After purchasing
my boots, I got into an interesting conversation with
the shopkeeper, and remained somewhat longer than
was necessary. I had been intrusted to the care of
Corporal Grinnell, by the Lieutenant, and my long
absence had created a suspicion in the mind of the
Corporal that I had deserted. He had also heard
Lieutenant Bostwick, while in Columbus, advise
Lieutenant Downs not to enlist me, for fear I would
run away. At last he started out with three men
in search of me, and found me still at the shop. I
have since had many a joke with Lieutenant Bost
wick and Corporal Grinnell about their suspecting
that I would desert. They have been among my
warmest friends in the army. The next morning, at
eleven o'clock, we reached Warren. At that place
the party dispersed to their homes, and I was fur
nished boarding at the Eagle House, where I remained
for ten days.
On Monday, January 8, 1862, we met to go to the
regiment, then at Camp King, near Covington, Ky.
The squad had increased by accession of recruits to
twenty men. Our journey passed off pleasantly, and
in two days' time we reached our regiment. The
party that Went home with the Lieutenant had car
ried their knapsacks with them ; not knowing at that'
time the name for them. I asked the Lieutenant if

16 THE GREAI AMERICAN
he had a "Bunker Hill" for me to wear on my back.
From that expression I received the name of "Bunker,'
and have been more generally known by that name
in the army than any other.
The next morning after our arrival in camp, we were
marched over to the Surgeon's quarters for examina
tion. From a list of names that the Lieutenant had
handed him, the Surgeon called " Lorain Ruggles ! "
" Here I am, Doctor," I answered, what do you
want of me? "
"I want to examine you, and see if you are sound."
"Oh, that's it, is it. You need not be to that trouble,
I'm sound enough."
"Well, but- 1 must see whether you are sound or
not ; hold out your hands ; work your fingers ; touch
your hands over your head."
Going through the motions, I >3ded, "Oh, I tele
you that I am all rights
"Are you ruptured ? " he continued.
"Rwptured! what is that ? "
"Are you bursted ? "
"No, I ain't quite busted yet; I've a couple of
dollars left."
"You don't understand me, Mr. Ruggles," con
tinued the Surgeon, placing his hands on my abdo
men. "Are your bowels all right ? "
" Oh, I understand you now ! They are a little thin;
the rations don't relish well yet."
The doctor secceeded at last in making me under
stand, and having finished his examination, we were
accepted as soldiers in the United States army.

SCOUT AND SPY. 17
Like all other recruits, as soon as mustered in I
was placed under drill. To me the "steps" and
"facings," "times" and "motions," were perfectly in
comprehensible. I formed a dislike to them that I
could never .get over. I was expert in the forest at
handling my piece, and I did not see why the same
times and motions that would kill a bear would not
kill a "reb."

18 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER II.
Moves to Cincinnati— Detailed to guard the forts— Meets a secesh lady-
First scout— Unexpected visit ofthe Colonel— The drUl— Bad report—
The mischief investigated— Attempts to discover tho rogues— Innocent
man accused — The accusers skedaddle — Who got the chickens.
Shortly after I joined the regiment it moved to
the city barracks "in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was the
duty of the regiment at that time to guard the forti
fications that had been built to protect the cities of
Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport. Not long after
we arrived at the barracks, company "H," to which
I belonged, was detailed for a three days' tour at
guarding the line of defenses. Lieutenant Downs,
with a squad consisting of three sergeants and twen
ty-seven men, was sent to guard that part of the de
fenses known as the Three-mile Batteries. I was one
of the squad.
These batteries formed a chain of defenses running
eastward from the Licking River at a distance of
two miles and a half south of the city of Newport.
Beginning near the Licking River, was situated Fort
Shaler ; a mile and a half east was Fort Stuart, and a
mile and a half east of that was Beechwoods Battery.
The detail was divided into three squads, of a
sergeant and nine men each, for each of the three

SCOUT AND SPY. 19
forts. I was one of the squad that went to Fort Stuart.
That fort being between the other two, was made
head-quarters of the officer commanding the detail.
We crossed the Ohio River on a ferry-boat to New
port, and then marched out. When we had gone about
half-way to the forts, we were met by a lady in a
carriage, who as we passed, called out, " Hurrah for
Jeff. Davis!" We took it as a down-right insult, but
passed along without making any disturbance. We
soon overtook a young man, who told us where the
lady lived, who she was, and also that she was a
secesh, and that her sentiments were well known in
the neighborhood. She was a widow.
The next morning I asked Lieutenant Downs for
the privilege of taking three men with me to scout
the neighborhood for information concerning its dis
loyalty. He granted the request, on condition that
we report back promptly by 2 o'clock in the after
noon. We were allowed to take oUr arms with us.
We visited all the neighbors living in the imme
diate vicinity of the lady's residence, and they all
confirmed what we had heard of her disloyalty. We
then went to her house, but found that she was ab
sent. The members of her family said that she was
not disloyal, but very strongly sympathized with the
secession movement. Her negroes said she was se
cesh. We were treated courteously by the family,
and urged to stay to dinner, which we did. While
the dinner was being prepared, we enlivened the
time by narrating our camp stories, very much to
their amusement. When we were about to take ovz

20

THE GliKAT AMKRICAN

departure, we were invited to come the next day and
bring our Lieutenant. The invitation was pressed so
hard that we promised to come.
At the hour specified, we reported to our Lieuten
ant, and gave him all the information that we had
gathered concerning the woman's disloyalty and the
feeling that existed against her among her neighbors.
It was determined, in consequence of the insult that
we had received, and her known sympathy with the
enemy, to lay the matter before the Colonel on our
return to the regiment.
The next day was very rainy, so we did not repeat
our visit as we had promised to do. About the middle
of the afternoon we were very much surprised by the
appearance of Colonel Force at the fort. Had he come
in the night it would not have surprised us, because
he had become proverbial for " making the rounds,"
especially in bad weather. At the time of his arrival
the Lieutenant was absent, inspecting the other forts.
The manner of the Colonel seemed strange. He
was very inquisitive about our rations — whether they
held out and whether we had had any other than
Government rations ; he also inquired whether any
of us had been absent from the fort at any time. I
then told him of our trip the day before. He then
inquired if we had any of us been there since, and
we answered in the negative. He then inspected
our ration-boxes, and the ground all about the fort
examining carefully the wood-pile, fence-corners, and
bushes, evidently looking for somethingon the ground.
After having finished his search he did not seem sa-

SCOUT AND SPY. 21
tisfied, but acted as if he was disappointed in some
thing. We were all sure that "something was up."
Having finished his inspection, he told me to get
my gun and he would drill me in the manual while
he was waiting for the return of the Lieutenant. I
got along finely in all the movements until he gave
the command, "Charge — bayonet."
It being the most natural for me, I brought my
piece down to my left side, with a half-face to the left
instead of to the right, as I ought to have done.
" Not so, not so — the other way; there — fix it so,"
said the Colonel, fixing it in its proper position.
" I can never charge bayonet that way."
" Hold it fast ; let me try it," said he, putting his
hand against the muzzle of the piece.
" I will if I can." He pushed, and over I went to
the ground. Springing up and resuming my old po
sition of half-face to the left. " You can't do that
again ; now try."
The Colonel did try, but could not budge me. He
then told me to put up my gun. I had become ex
tremely anxious to know what had brought him over,
and I resolved to give him a hint to that effect ; so
I said to him, "Colonel, you must like the military
profession pretty well!"
"Why so? what makes you think that?"
" Because you came all the way over here from
Cincinnati just to drill me."
The Colonel smiled, but he said nothing. By this
time the Lieutenant made his appearance. The Col
onel took him on side and had some private conver-

22 THE GREAT AMERICAN
sation, and then left. We learned from the Lieute
nant that complaint had been made at the head
quarters that a squad of men from the forts had been
to Mrs.  's house the night before and taken pos
session with fixed bayonets, and demanded meat,
butter, chickens, and potatoes, and threatened if the
articles demanded were not given them, they would
help themselves. The lady remonstrated, and finally
begged of them not to disturb her property, but all to
710 purpose. They then helped themselves to such
articles as they wanted, including about thirty
chickens. The Lieutenant seemed surprised to hear such re
ports about his men. He questioned us closely, as
the Colonel had done, but all to no purpose ; every
man denied knowing any thing about the outrage.
He searched the premises for any traces of chickens,
such as offal, bones, or feathers, but none could be
found. The lady had represented to the Colonel that the
soldiers that committed the outrage wore dark blue
blouses, and carried muskets with bayonets. The
soldiers of no other regiment about there wore that
kind of uniform or carried that kind of arms. When
the Colonel left Fort Stuart, he went over to the
Beech woods Battery, and there the same investigation
was made, but with no better result. Five of the men
that accompanied me to the lady's house were taken
over to see if they would be identified as having been
there in the night, but the members of the family
said they were not among the number. It was then

SCOUT AND SPY. 23
arranged that the members of the family should go
over to the barracks the day that we would return,
and see if they could identify the men on dress pa
rade, that did the mischief.
During the balance of our stay at the forts, the
Lieutenant was very strict with us, and watched
narrowly every movement that we made, but dis
covered no evidence of guilt. On our way back to
the barracks, as we passed through the streets of New
port and Cincinnati, we seemed to be observed with
more than usual interest, on account of the notoriety
given us by the report. Dress parade came, and with
it two members ofthe family, one a son ofthe lady,
to point out the guilty soldiers. When the parade was
over the companies were all dismissed but company
u H." The two persons then passed along the line,
and succeeded in pointing out one man. He was a
man of unexceptionable character, and the very last
man in the company that would have been guilty of
such a thing ; and besides he had been on duty at
the fort next to the river, which was more than three
miles distant from the lady's house.
Whatever suspicions the officers of the company
might have had of their men, they were then
well convinced that an innocent man had been
Wrongfully 'accused. The Colonel still believed that
some of the men in the company had done it. It was
then arranged that the son should return the next
day and bring another member of the family — a
young man that was teaching there — and see if he
would have any better success.

24 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Passes were prohibited us for ten days. Each one
of the men on detail at the forts were examined se
parately, and I was called in for examination several
times. After he had questioned me over and over
again, I said to him, "Look here Colonel, that would
be a smart trick for new recruits, wouldn't it?
Besides, they tell me, Colonel, that you are like a
comet ; that you come when no man knoweth it.
Supposing that you had "made the rounds" that night,
and found the men gone. By and by the guard would
call out, 'Halt! who comes there?' What would have
been the reply ? I tell you, Colonel, United States
soldiers don't get disgraced that way !"
The Colonel then walked his room back and forth,
as if in a deep study, then facing me, said : "Is this
the first time you were ever caught in a scrape of
this kind ?"
"You have'nt caught me in this yet" I replied.
"That will do," said he, "you are either innocent
or very well drilled! You can go to your quarters."
The next afternoon the two young men came over.
When they arrived, the battalion "was on drill except
the new recruits. While watching the drill, the son
of the lady undertook to point out to the man that
accompanied him the person that he had previously
pointed out. That, I thought, was not fair. I told
the new recruits what was being clone and they aU
began to gather around the two young men to
frighten them off. Some would cackle like hens ;
some crow like roosters ; some pinned paper on their
coat-tails; others would slip pork rinds into their coat

SCOUT ANU Sl'lf. 25
pockets, and then accuse them of stealing soar)
grease from the poor soldiers!
It was a rougher reception than they had bargained
for, and as soon as the crowd opened they broke for
the street and never came back again.
The "chicken scrape" is among the incidents of the
past. Several of the men of the detachment that
were in the forts at that time have nobly sacrificed
their lives, and others their health, in the cause of
their country; and, however well they loved chickens,
they have all since proved themselves brave, heroic
soldiers. In a future reckoning, the depredations
committed that night will vanish when weighed by
the " hurrahs for Jeff. Davis" by the lady in the
carriage. I leave the reader to draw his own conclusions,
but I am inclined to think that somebody got the,
chickens.

26 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER III.
"Marching orders" — First battle — Arrives at Fort Donelson — The sur
render — Goes North with prisoners — Meets an old friend as a rebel
Captain — The Captain attempts to bride him — Expedition up the
Tennessee River — Touching incident — Battle of Shiloh — Captures an
Enfield — Recommended as a scout.
On the 9th day of February, 1862, the regiment
received "marching orders." It was a day of hurry
and excitement. The order was received with de
light by the men, for they had become tired of the
dull monotony of guard duty, and were eager for a
change. It was a wet day, and the streets were filled with
mud and slush from the rain and melting snow, and
our feet dragged heavily as we marched to the levee,
but nevertheless, our hearts were light and cheerful.
Little did we realize the hardship, the privations, and
the sufferings that were in store for us, or think of
the change that would take place ere we returned to
the soil of our own loved State.
Two transports — the Emma Duncan and the Dr.
Kane — were ready for us at the levee, and we em
barked on board of them, and were soon under way.
At Warsaw,, Ky., we took on board two companies
that had been doing duty there, and then proceeded
on our way. We had an abundance of room — which

SCOUT AND SPY. 27
added much to our comfort — and a pleasant trip all
the way to Paducah, Ky., where we reported for orders
on the 13th of February.
We were immediately ordered to report to Gen
eral U. S. Grant, near Fort Donelson, without delay,
tind in a few hours, we were under way. We reach
ed our destination Friday afternoon, February 14th.
The fighting had commenced, and at the time of our
arrival our gun-boats were engaged with the rebel
batteries in sight of where we landed.
The regiment was ordered to report to Colonel —
since Brigadier-General — Mc Arthur, commanding a
brigade on the extreme right of the Federal lines.
To reach our position we had to make a march of ten
miles. The weather was cold, and the ground cov
ered with several inches of snow. We started very
early on the morning of the 15th to take our position.
Being unused to marching with heavy knapsacks, the
march was fatiguing to us in the extreme. AVe suc
ceeded, however, in getting our position in line of
battle by 10 o'clock, A. M.
At the time we took our position the battle was
raging with intense fury. The roar of musketry, the
crash of artillery, the scream of shells, the whiz of
bullets, and the sight ofthe dead and wounded were
not calculated to fill the minds of inexperienced sol
diers with very pleasant sensations; nevertheless,
every man ofthe regiment exhibited a coolness and
firmness that would do honor to veterans i n battle.
The Colonel ordered "by companies, right wheel,
unsling knapsacks. Battalion — 4 ranks, right face.

28 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Anns port, forward and double quick." We went about
80 rods toward the front, when the command came,
"Halt," and "side steps to the left— front." The road
we went down on was all covered with blood, dead
and wounded on either side, a horrible sight, indeed,
for raw recruits.
Down went the Chicago Battery, drawn by six
horses. When the horses began to smell the powder
and saw the blood, their eyes flashed fire, their ears
were laid back, their mouths wide open, and they
seemed inspired with anew intelligence, and dashed
on like a thunder bolt into the midst of the enemy's
ranks. The Colojiel then gave commend, "Right face,
forward !" We moved down in front of the enemy
and formed the line of battle, and stood in the posi
tion of order arms !
Soon we saw the rebel Cavalry, 1500 strong, move
up on the top of a hill, and drawing their sabres,
with a shout,' at full speed, they charged upon us.
My nerves began to twitch and my hair stood up,
and I said to my comrades, "Yonder they come, boys,
now let us give it to them !" On they came ! — The
Colonel ordered us to fire, and we went at it in earnest.
The enemy were repulsed with great slaughter and
driven into their works. We were in the fight about
one hour, and our guns were so hot that we could
scarcely hold them. This was about 10 A. M. At
20 minutes before 4 o'clock we engaged their infantry
for one hour and 40 minutes, in which time we had
160 men killed, besides the wounded.
Toward night the enemy withdrew within his for-

SCOUT AND SPY. 29
tifications. That night we slept on our arms, in line
of battle, on the snow covered ground, expecting to
renew the battle in the morning. The next morn
ing — Sunday — about nine o'clock, the news came
that Fort Donelson had surrendered.
Such shouts as went up from that army had never
been heard before. From one end of the line to the
other, cheer after cheer went up, until it seemed as
if the trees of the forest were repeating the shouts.
It was a glorious victory! It exceeded by far any vic
tory previously achieved since the commencement of
the rebellion. Over 15,000 prisoners were captured,
besides an immense amount of artillery and small
arms. The 20th Ohio was one of the regiments that was
detailed to guard the prisoners to the North. Com
panies A and II were assigned to the steamer Em
press, and were intrusted with the guarding of 2,300
prisoners. Soon after daylight on Monday morning
we were on our way down the Cumberland River.
Nothing of unusal interest occurred until we ar
rived at Bloody Island, opposite St.Louis, Mo., where
we were to land the prisoners and embark them on
board the cars for Chicago, 111. It was in the even
ing when we arrived there, and the prisoners remained
on board until the next day.
I was on guard that night, and my post was at
the gangway, with instructions to prevent, at all haz
ards, any attempt of prisoners to go ashore. About
1 o'clock at night a rebel Captain stepped up to me,
and addressing me by name, said, " How are you? "

30 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I recognized him as an old friend by the name.
of Captain Brown, with whom I had formed an ac
quaintance at Island No. Twenty-eight, in the sum
mer of 1852. At tjjat time he was the owner and
captain ofthe Memphis and Nashville packet steamer
Sligo, When the rebellion broke out he raised a
company at Nashville, and was made a captain in
the — th Tennessee Infantry. At one time, while in
difficulty in Memphis, Captain Brown had rendered
me valuable assistance.
" How are you ? "said I, as soon as I discovered who
it was. " What are you doing here? "
"I'm a prisoner, and my old friend is guarding me."
" Yes, I see! Quite a change since you and I last
met. "
"Yes, something of a change! I hardly expected
to meet you in arms against me! You have lived a
long time in the South. Do you think that you are
doing exactly right to take up arms against us? "
" The old government and the old flag are good
enough for me, " I replied, " and I mean to stick by
them so long as I live. "
" Do you expect to pin the States together again
with bayonets? " he asked.
" I don't know whether we shall pin the States to
gether again or not ; but I do know one thing, we'll
have the soil back again, whether we have the peo
ple or not. "
" See here! " said he. " Do you remember of my
assisting you one time in Memphis, when you was in
trouble? "

SCOUT AND SPY. 31
"Certainly I do! And you had my gratitude for it."
" Well, I am in trouble. Can you render me any
assistance?" "I will, if I can."
"Well, you can."
"How?"" By letting me cross your beat and go ashore."
" / can't do that."
" Why not? I helped you ; why not help me?"
" Because I am no traitor to my country! I never
asked you to' raise your hand against your country
to assist me."
" Here take this watch ; perhaps I can buy you,"
said he, offering me a splendid gold watch.
" Not much, you can't buy me ! I think too much
ofthe stars and stripes for that."
" Take it," said he, " and let me cross your beat,
and I'll give you a hundred dollars in gold besides."
"/ can't do it," said I: "dorit you ask me again."
Captain Brown went away quite disappointed, sat
isfied, I presume, that gold was not at par with
genuine patriotism.
We guarded the prisoners to Camp Douglas, near
Chicago, III., where we remained nine days, and then
returned to Bloody Island, were we arrived on the
Oth day of March. That night the regiment embarked
on board the steamer Continental, for Paducah, Ky.,
which place we reached in time to join in the grand
expedition up the Tennessee River.
At Paducah, General Sherman and staff came on
board the Continental, and made it his head-quarters;

32 THE GREAT AMERICAN
and that boat, preceded by the gun-boats, led the fleet.
: When under way, that vast fleet of steamers, load
ed down with' troops, as they moved along, one after
another, at nearly equal distances apart, presented a
grand and imposing appearance. The weather was
mild and pleasant, which added much to the interest
of the trip. The banks of the river often presented
crowds of people that had gathered to witness
the grand display of force that was penetrating the
territory of the rebellion. Sometimes we were cheered
by the crowds that lined the banks, indicating their
loyalty, and at other times a sullen silence told
plainly that we were not welcome.
One 1 ittle incident occurred thatl shall never forget.
We had on board a citizen of Tennessee, who owned
a large plantation on the left bank of the Tennessee
River, about eight miles below Savannah. He was an
exile from home on account of his devotion to the
Union. An attempt was made by his neighbors to
capture and hang hiin, but h*e succeeded in making
his escape, and in getting through to Paducah, Ky.,
after having suffered a great deal from hunger and
exposure, incident to traveling by night, through
forests and swamps, to evade discovery. The last that
his family had heard from him was that his disloyal
neighbors were in pursuit of him, determined to
hang him, and they did not know whether he was
still living.
As we neared his plantation, a group of persons
was observed standing on the bank of the river not far
from his residence. He requested the captain of the

SCOUT AND SPY. 33
boat, as we passed, to run the boat near the shore,
so that he might recognize his wife and children, if
they were there. The crowd on the deck of the
steamer moved back, to give him a large clear space,
that his family might more readily recognize him.
As the boat neared the shore the group proved to be
his wife, children and servants', gazing with intense
interest at the passing fleet. It was a touching scene,
when that exile from home recognized his loved ones.
"I am alive ! It is mc!" he shouted, swinging his
hat. " I am coming home ! Glory to God ! The Union
forever! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory!" etc. He jum
ped and shouted as if in ecstasies of delight.
Such manifestations of love for home and country
are unmistakable evidences of patriotism and loyalty.
The incident is but one of thousands that have been
witnessed in the prosecution of thp war.
From that time on, nothing of special interest oc-
cured in my experience until the battle of Shiloh, or
Pittsburg Landing. The battle was fought on the
6th and 7th of April, 1S62. I acted my part in that
bloody conflict, but the details of the battle I must
leave to the pen of the historian. At that battle I
succeeded in capturing an Enfield rifle. My "hand
spike" was turned over, and with it dissipated the
dissrust with which I had carried it.
The next day after the battle of Shiloh, a circular
was sent to the company commanders, from brigade
head-quarters, requesting them to send in the names
of such men as were trustworthy and suitable for
spouts. The Captain sent in my name as one, which
3

34 THE GREAT AMERICAN
opened the way for the experiences that I shall nar
rate in the following chapters.
Early in June, soon after the evacuation of Corinth,
the 20th Ohio Regiment moved to Bolivar, and soon
after to Grand Junction, Tenn.

SCOUT AND SPY. 35

CHAPTER IV.
Rumored attack upon Grand Junction — "General Bunker" sent out as spy
— Passes himself as a rebel soldier — Falls in with rebel cavalry — Visits
a rebel camp — Attempts to deprive him of his revolver — Discovers a
Yankee forage party — Undertakes to return — Captured by Yankees,
and robbed of his revolver and money — Passes as a rebel spy — Sent to
the Provost Marshal — Sent to General Hurlbut — Returned to Grand
Junction. Soon after the evacuation of Corinth by the forces
under General Beauregard, a part of General Grant's
army was distributed along the Ohio and Mississippi
and the Mississippi Central, and also the Memphis
and Charleston Railroads, to garrison the principal
towns and open up communication for supplies by
railroad instead of by the Tennessee River, which
was becoming so low as to be an uncertain route for
supplies. At the time I speak of, Grand Junction was gar-
isoned by a small brigade of infantry and a battery
of artillery, under command of Brigadier-General
M. D. Leggett. Grand Junction is situated on the
Mississippi Central Railroad at its junction with the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and was an ex
posed outpost.
A rumor had become current among the citizens
that a large force of the enemy's cavalry was in the

36 THE GREAT AMERICAN
vicinity, preparing to capture the brigade garrisoning
the post. General Grant, who was still at Jackson,
Tenn., informed General Leggett by telegraph that
his command was in danger; that an attempt would
be made to capture his force ; that he would be at
tacked on his right by cavalry and on his left 'by in
fantry, and advised him to vacate the place and fall
back to Bolivar, twenty miles north of Grand Junc
tion, where the Mississippi Central Railroad crosses
the Hatchee River. The enemy's force was represen
ted to be 9000 cavalry at Davis' Mills, and three bri
gades of cavalry at what is known as the White
Church, on Wolf River, the former nine and the latter
twelve miles from Grand Junction, in a south-west
direction. Ari additional force of a division of infantry
were said to be at Salem, seventeen miles south-east
of Grand Junction.
General Leggett had some doubts about the rebels
having very much force near the place, and the large
quantities of cotton that were being brought in, and
the abundance of corn for forage, made it an object
to hold the place as long as prudence would admit, .
and he resolved to ascertain whether there was any
cause for alarm before vacating it.
General Leggett sent for me and told me what he
wanted, and asked me if I was willing to undertake
the job. It was the first opportunity that I had ever
had of working as a spy, and I had for a long time
been anxious to try my hand at it, and I felt certain
that I could do the Government more good in that
way than in any other. It was my time to strike and

SCOUT AND SPY. 37
I determined to improve it. I told General Leggett
that I was willing to try, and would do the best
that I could, and if I got back safe, "all right;" if
not, my fate would be no worse than that of others
before me.
I returned to my quarters and made the necessary
arrangements, and the next morning, at daylight, I
started out on the road to Salem, disguised as a Con
federate soldier belonging to infantry.
A confederate commissioned officer, disguised in ci
tizen's dress, was standing by and heart Gen. Leggett
give the order, and watched carefully the instructions.
He went then to the Provost Marshal to obtain a
pass to go out on the same road and at the same time
of my instruction.
James E. Bader, Corporal of the Provost Guard,
was standing by and saw him paying particular at
tention to my instructions and the road I was to take.
After he had received his pass, Bader said to Captain
Jacobs, the Provost Marshal, " That fellow- was
watching Bunker's instructions, when Gen. Leggett
gave them." "I don't like the looks of him," said
the Captain, " he will be obliged to call here in the
morning to get his pass dated, and I will give him an
examination." At sunrise next morning, about an hour after I had
started, he appeared with two ladies, in a buggy,
from which he sprang, and went into the office of the
Provost Marshal for the date of his pass. The ex
amination resulted in the capture of an officer in
the rebel army, two navy revolvers and a sword

38 THE GREAT AMERICAN
under the buggy seat, where the two ladies were
sitting, which saved me from difficulty, and another
prisoner was sent North for violation of the oath of
allegiance. Thanks to James E. Bader, for had this man re
ceived his pass, it would probably have been the last
of Bunker, and this book had never been written.
The day was clear and pleasant, and a recent
shower had laid the dust and cooled the air, and
made it much pleasanter traveling than is apt to be
the case in that country in the month of July. I was
on foot, and the coolness ofthe atmosphere very much *
facilitated my progress. I was not interrupted until
I had gone about eight miles, when I observed, as I
approached a planter's house, a negro woman in the
yard, engaged in churning Being somewhat fond
of buttermilk, I resolved to pay the inmates a visit.
As I drew near the house, a lady came to the door,
and, observing my Confederate uniform, seemed
pleased to see me, and asked me to walk in and be
seated, to which I complied.
" Where have you been ?" she inquired.
" I have been out to the Yankee pickets, and had
a fight with them last night and killed three of the
Yankee scamps. They killed my horse for me in tho
fight, and I am going back to Salem to get another
that I left there. I have walked until I am tired.
Seeing a woman churning in the yard, I thought I •
would stop and rest myself, and see if you would
have the kindness to give me a drink of buttermilk."
" I am glad you did. You shall have all the butter-

SCOUT AND SPY. 39
milk you want. You are not a-gwine to walk to
Salem, are you?"
" Yes. I've got another horse there, and I don't
like to trouble any body for the use of one."
"Well, now, you are not a-gwine to walk down
thar; we've got heaps o'horses and mules, and you
shall have one to ride. Bob! Bob! " calling to a dar
key in the yard, " you run right quick to the cotton-
gin and fetch your master."
While Bob went on a double-quick for his master,
the lady ordered me some buttermilk and wheat bis
cuit. While I was eating, the planter came in.
"Lord bless you, John!" exclaimed the lady, as
her husband entered, " here is one of our soldiers, and
he has had a fight with the Yankee pickets and has
kifled three of them! He says he's gwine to walk
to Salem after another horse. I tell him that he's
not a-gWine to walk when we've got heaps o' mules!
I think any of our soldiers that has killed three
Yankees is entitled to a mule to ride!"
" You can have a mule in welcome; there's no oc
casion for you to walk," said the planter.
" Thank you! ".said I, " I am under very great ob
ligations to you for your kindness, but it may not be
possible for me to return this way. I will not take
a mulo, but I am a thousand times obliged to you."
With many blessings from them, and an urgent
invitation to call ifl returned, I took my departure.
When about twelve miles from Grand Junction, I was
overtaken by a squad of thirteen rebel cavalry, inclucl-
ing one Sergeant, under command of a Lieutenant.

40 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"How are you, boys?" said I, as they came up.
" Fine! 'said the Lieutenant. " How do you do?"
" I'm getting pretty near well, I thank you."
"Where do you belong?" he inquired.
" To the 13th Tennessee Infantry, Col. Vaughn's
regiment." " Ah — yes, yes; he's all right. -I remember of see
ing him in Corinth last spring," said the Sergeant;
" I have a cousin in the same regiment."
" Where do you belong?" I inquired.
"To Jackson's First Battalion of Cavalry," an
swered the Lieutenant. "Where are you gwine?"
" I am gwine down to my regiment," said I. "I
have been sick, and have been home in Osceola,
Mississippi County, Arkansas, and I am , gwine
down to Salem to report myself to the ''nearest
head-quarters. I. have heard that there is some of
our forces there, and I want to find out where my
regiment is."
" You are mistaken," said the Lieutenant ; "there
is none of our forces there. And besides, it is not
necessary for you to report at any head-quarters. Your
regiment is at Tupelo, where you will have no diffi
culty in getting to it. We have some spare horses
here; get on one of them and ride."
I mounted one of the horses and rode alonjr with
them. I learned, from conversation with them, that
their regiment was stationed at Tupelo, Miss., and
that they were detailed to traverse the country and
visit all the planters, and tell them to haul their cotton,
corn, and bacon to a place known as the Double

SCOUT AND SPY. 41
Block-house, where it would be guarded to prevent
the Yankees from stealing it.
We only went about a mile after I mounted the
horse before we turned to the right, and half a
mile more brought us to the double log-house. At
that place three regiments of infantry were camped,
and their principal object appeared to be to guard
the stuff that the planters were hauling in for pro
tection Several thousand bushels of corn and large
quantities of bacon had already been hauled there.
We dismounted and remained in the camp about
an hour. While there the Lieutenant told me that
I had better not be in a hurry about going to Tupelo ;
" for," said he, " the times are rather tough for a
man just recovering from sickness, and the rations
are not such as a sick man can relish." He told
me that- he was going round on the lower Tupelo
road in a day or two, and that I had better run with
them till that time, and he would put me on a
road where I would find clever people and plenty to
eat. It all seemed very good advice, and favorable
to my purpose, and so I accepted it.
The balance of the day was spent in visiting every
plantation on the roads to the west and north of the
block-house, and when we halted for the night we
were within three miles of Davis' Mills.
There I was like to have a little difficulty with
the Sergeant. I had with me a very nice navy re
volver that I had borrowed of Colonel Force pre
paratory to starting out. The Sergeant discovered
that I had it, and was going to take it away from me.

42 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" What business has an infantry soldier with such
a revolver as that ? " said the Sergeant. " Infantry
soldiers do n't need them, and cavalry soldiers do.
It will never do you any good if you keep it ; so
give it to me."
"Sergeant," said I, "you are superior to me in
rank, and if you insist I shall have to obey ; but if
you take that revolver away from me I'll report you
to Billy Jackson ! I will indeed ! "
" Sergeant," said the Lieutenant, who heard our
words, "if Colonel Vaughn is willing that his men
should carry such things, it is none of our business.
Let the soldier keep his revolver ! "
" Thank you, Lieutenant," said I. " I prize that
revolver very highly. I bought it in Memphis, about
the time the war commenced, to kill the infernal
Yanks with, and when I enlisted Colonel Vaughn
told me thai I might carry it, and I mean to do it."
" That's right ! " said the Lieutenant. "Turn up
as many of the Yankee moccasins with it as you can !
Soldier, what road did you come in on this morning ? "
" I came down on the Somerville road, across the
Hickory flats, by the old man Pruett's, and then
over on to the Salem and Grand Junction road."
" You came a very good route, indeed."
" I am aware of that, I replied. " I know this
here country all through in hero. Lieritenant, where
did you boys stay last night ? "
"At Davis' Mills."
" Have n't we got a cavalry force there ? "
" No. There was only us fourteen there last night."

SCOUT AND SPY. 43
" The old man Pruett told me yesterday that there
was, that we had three brigades of cavalry at the
White Church on Wolf River."
" The old man was mistaken. There is none of
our forces nearer than Tupelo, except the three regi
ments that you saw to-day, and a few of the same
company that I belong to, that are scattered about
the country on the same business that we are on."
In the morning our operations of notifying the plan
ters was renewed, and our route lay along the bottoms
of Davis Creek, toward its headwaters. About noon
we very unexpectedly found a Yankee forage party.
"There is some of the Yanks now!" said the Lieu
tenant. "Where?" said I.
" There, up on the top of the hill to the left," said
he, pointing toward them.
I looked, and sure enough there they were. There
was about thirty of the Yankees, and eight teams..
They had halted to feed, and had stacked arms. They
did not see us. We moved along a little further to a
cow-path that led to the right up a ridge of ground
parallel to the one occupied by the Yankees. The
hollow that intervened was filled with a growth of
bushes extending to the path which we were in^
which screened us from view and enabled us to ap
proach within one hundred yards of the Yankees
without being seen.
I now recognized the detachment as belonging to
my own regiment, and one of the men was myi own.
bunk-mate '

44 THE GREAT AMERICAN
The Lieutenant told us to be quiet and not to speak
a word, and if the Yankees ventured away from their
arms, we would make a dash upon them and capture
their arms and mules, and burn the wagons. Little
did they mistrust the relation that I bore to these
Yankees. I determined, if a dash was attempted, to
do what execution I could upon my butternut com
panions with my revolver, hoping to dispose of four
or five of them before my true relation was discovered.
It was a moment of fearful suspense as we watched
those Federal soldiers; but my butternut companions
were too deeply interested in the watch to observe
any feelings that my actions might have betrayed.
For about twenty minutes we watched them, but
they did not move away from their arms. The Lieu
tenant, fearing his own safety might be endangered
by too long a stay, silently withdrew his men, and
made his way back toward Davis' Mills by another
route. That night we stayed at a planter's house,
ten miles from Grand Junction.
At three o'clock the next morning we were again
on the move, and a two hours ride brought us to four
corners in the road somewhere south-west of Lagrange,
and three or four miles distant from that place. There
we halted, and the Lieutenant told me that one of
the roads was the one that I needed to take to go to
Tupelo. He gave me the names of several planters
that lived on the road, and advised me to stop two
or three days at a place and recruit my health all I
could on the way to my regiment, and assured me
that the planters he had named were clever people,

SCOUT AND SPY. 45
and that I would be welcome with any of them. I
thanked him and bade him a good morning, and
started on the road that he had pointed out, not car
ing whether it led to Tupelo or not, if I could get
away from him and his squad.
As soon as the cavalry was out of sight, I made a
detour through a large cotton-field to my left, and
continued on until I came into a road that I supposed
led direct to Grand Junction ; while in company with
the cavalry, we had zigzagged through the country
so much that I had become somewhat confused, and
I was not sure where the road did lead to. I took it,
however, and moved along as fast as possible, that I
might escape the squad if by chance they should be
scattered by a dash of our cavalry, and some of them
should find me going toward Grand Junction instead
of Tupelo. I kept a sharp look-out as I moved
along, and had gone, as near as I could judge, three
miles, when I was very unexpectedly interrupted in
my course by a challenge of " Halt ! halt !"
I was considerably alarmed, for I supposed that I
must have encountered a rebel picket. On looking
to see where the challenge came from, I found that it
emanated from a Federal picket. A clump of bushes
had prevented me from seeing him until I was close
on to him. My position was clear enough now. I had
taken a road to Lagrange, instead of Grand Junction,
and had encountered General Hurlbut' s pickets.
" Ha ! ha ! my butternut soldier ! " exclaimed the
guard, as I halted ; " you got caught rather unex
pectedly."

46 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" I reckon I did," I replied.
" Where do you belong ?"
" To the 13th Tennessee."
"You've got tired soldiering on short rations, v
suppose ? "
" I reckon I a' n't starved yet."
One of the pickets then took me to the Captain in
command, at the reserve. There I was subjected to
a rigid questioning and search, but I was determined
to carry out my disguise until I could report to some
commanding officer. My revolver and money, and
other articles, were taken from me by the Captain,
and then I was ordered to stand up by a tree until
further orders. I remonstrated with the Captain
about depriving me of my revolver and private prop
erty, and told him that " we always respected a pris
oner's right to his side arms and personal effects.
The Captain replied that I might be glad to get off
so, and if he had his way about it, he would shoot
every rebel in the Southern Confederacy.
While standing at the tree, I observed a plantation
house that stood within less than a hundred yards from
me, and that it was occupied. My early start and the
distance I had traveled gave me a ravenous appetite,
so I asked the Captain if he would be so kind as to
allow me to go to the house and get some breakfast.
" Yes," said he, " you may go ; but if you under
take to get away, I'll have you shot !"
"I won't run away," I replied; "I did n't come in
here to run away. I'll come right back as soon as
I get my breakfast."

SCOUT AND SPY. 47
When I got to the house, I met the man of the
house at the door. He had evidently seen me coming,
and my uniform attracted his attention.
" Good morning !" said I, as he came out.
" Good morning ; won't you come in ?"
"Yes, I don't care if I do; and I should like right
well to get some breakfast here, if you please, for I
am mighty hungry."
" Walk in ; you shall have all the breakfast you
want. Where do you belong?"
"To Col. Vaughn's regiment, the 13th Tennessee."
" You do ? "
" Yes."
" Well, I belong to Colonel Strawl's regiment, the
4th Tennessee. I am a Brigade surgeon of the 2nd
Brigade, which includes your regiment; my name is
Biggs. What is your name ? "
"My name is Ruggles. I am a brother to General
Ruggles." " Is it possible ! I know the General very well.
What are you doing up here ? "
" I am going through the Yankee lines to-day, if
I can." " You are ? A'n't you afraid they '11 get you?"
"No; I expect they '11 get me into the guard-house,
but I '11 soon manage to get out."
" Well, do the best that you can. If they do get
you into the guardrhouse, you sh'an't want for any
thing to eat. I'll see to that myself."
Breakfast was announced as ready for me, and I
sat up to the table. They had got me fried ham,

48 THE GREAT AMERICAN i
baked sweet potatoes, warm biscuit with butter and
honey, and coffee with sugar and pream. I think the
condition of my appetite enabled me to do that meal
ample justice. When I had finished, I asked the
doctor how much I should pay hiin.
"Oh, Lord ! not a cent ! Do you think I 'd charge
one of our soldiers for a meal of victuals ! I feel
thankful that I have it to give you!" Then turning,
and pointing toward the pickets, he said, "But them
Yankee thieves down there I make pay me fifty cents
for a meal of nothing but bread and meat!"
"You 've got them rightly named, doctor," said I;
"for they took my revolver and my money, and every
thing else I had, away from me this morning."
" You needn't be surprised at such treatment as
that,"' said he; "for there are officers down there that
would steal the Lord's supper, and men that would
confiscate the table-cloths ! "
"You are about right, doctor; but I see they are
looking as if uneasy about me, and I must go back."
"Well," said he, "if you get into trouble, I '11 do
all I can for you. I have got things fixed pretty
smooth between me and the pickets, and I think I
can help you carry out your plans."
" Havn't you taken the oath, doctor ? "
" Oh, yes ! I had to do that in order to get along
smoothly." " Well, you bo careful and not get yourself into
any scrape by it. I would advise you to say nothing,
and if I get into the guard-house, you see that I get
plenty to eat, and I '11 wriggle out some way."

SCOUT AND SPY. 49
I then bid him good-bye, and returned to my posi
tion by the tree. When the new pickets came out to
relieve the old ones, two of the old guards took me
in to the Provost-marshal. As I entered his office,
I was saluted by, "Well, old hoss, who are you?"
" I am an Arkansas school-master," I replied.
" What do you want ? "
" I want to see General Hurlbut."
" What do you want of General Hurlbut ? "
" I want to see him. I 've heard that he 's a very
red-faced man, and I want to see for myself how he
looks!" " Yes, you want to see him ! You'll go to the
guard-house ! "
"No, I won't!"
"Who are you?"
" You give me those two guards and send me to
General Hurlbut, and find out who I am ! "
. "Guards," said he, "take him off; take him down
to General Hurlbut's.
The guards took me to the General's quarters, and
one of them went in and told the General that they
had got a fellow that they had captured at the picket-
line, and that he was dressed like a rebel soldier, and
that the Provost-marshal could not find out who he
was, and had sent him there. The General came out
of the tent, and seeing who it was, said :
"Ah, yes ! I know him ! Guards you can go to
your quarters."
"Hold on, General, " said I; "the Captain that had
command of those guards took a revolver away from
4

50

THE GREAT AMERICAN

me that belongs to General Force, and took my pocket-
book, and every thing else I had in my pockets."
"What kind of thieving and robbing will take
place next! Guards, go and tell that Captain to
march his men up here ! "
In a few minutes, the Captain marched his men
into the yard and formed them in a line; when that
was done, " Captain," said the General, " Give that
man the things that you robbed him of ! "
The Captain handed out the articles, one after an
other, and last of all he handed me an old fine-tooth
comb! That was too much for the equanimity of the
officers and men that were looking on, and they burst
into a roar of laughter. The poor Captain looked as
if he would sink into the earth. "That will do,"
said the General, when he had handed me all; "you
can dismiss your men."
I told General Hurlbut the result of my trip, and
he complimented me very highly upon my success,
and then gave me a pass to Grand Junction.
The pass saved me any further annoyance by the
Federal pickets, and Dr. Biggs from the trouble of
visiting the guard-house with "commissary supplies."
I reported my trip to General Leggett, and, for
some reason, the brigade did not. vacate the place for
more than two weeks after.

1MB III*,. "-_'«

SCOUT AND SPY. 51

CHAPTER V.
Fired at by a citizen — The sick overseer — How he was cured — Pickets
fired on — Trip to a White Church — Visits General Van Dorn — Meets
a rebel spy — Reports to General Leggett — Grand Junction evacuated
— Again sees the rebel spy — Attempts to arrest him — Drinks wine with
the rebel General Jackson — Discovers a hole in the fence.
It was my duty, while the brigade remained at
Grand Junction, to watch for any demonstrations of
General Van Dorn's, Wheeler's, or Jackson's cavalry.
For that purpose I used to ride out on the road run
ning east and west, that lay three miles to the south
of Grand Junction. I used to scout that road for
about ten miles regularly every day. One morning,
before going out, I called upon Captain Jacobs, Pro
vost-marshal of the post, on business. While I was
there, an overseer that I had frequently seen in my
scouts came in, and requested a renewal of his pass,
and a permit to carry out certain articles that he
wished to purchase. He had with him the oath of
allegiance. As soon as my business was completed, I
started out on my scout, as usual, leaving the overseer
there. I made the trip out, and had returned to within
a few yards of the overseer's house, when he stepped
out from a fence-corner, with a squirrel-rifle in his
hands, and said to me, "Are you a Yankee soldier ? "

52 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"No, sir, I 'm not a Yankee soldier, I 'm a Federal
soldier." " What are you doing out here ? "
" I 'm watching for rebel cavalry."
"I'll soon stop your watching Confederate cavalry."
"Are you going to shoot me ? "
He said nothing, but the click of his gun, as he
cocked it, said " Yes." As he was bringing it to his
face, I put the spurs to my horse, and as I passed,
he fired, but missed me. I went in and reported to
General Leggett, who replied, " You had better look
out, or some of those good Union men will kill you."
He issued no order to have the man arrested ; and
perhaps it would have done no good if he had, for
such characters, with their oily tongues, are as slippery
as eels. As a general thing, they manage to evade
justice, and get released from the Federal authorities.
I well knew that if the overseer was allowed to live
undisturbed, my own life was in jeopardy, so I tele
graphed to General Grant, then at Jackson, Tennessee,
to know what to do with such a man. His reply was,
" If you are a scout for the Government, you ought
to know yourself."
¦ That night I went to the 20th Ohio Infantry and
got two Sergeants to assist me in bringing the over
seer to justice, whose real names I shall not give, but
designate them as the "big Sergeant" and the "little
Sergeant." Knowing that if we accomplished our
purpose there would be complaints entered at head
quarters the next day, I resolved to proceed as noise
lessly about it as possible. Instead of getting the

SCOUT AND SPY. 53
countersign, and thus letting it be known that we
were going out, we stole through the r ricket line, and
nobody knew that we had left camp.
It was about four miles to the overseer's house ;
thither we proceeded. When we came to his yard,
myself and the little Sergeant went at once to the
house, and the big Sergeant went to the negro quar
ters. The overseer and his family had retired for
the night. Our rap for admittance was answered
by "Who is there?" My reply was, "Federal soldiers;
get up and open the door." The summons was
obeyed by the overseer's wife. As we entered we
heard the groans of a man as if in distress, proceeding
from an adjoining room. On going into the room, I
found the overseer in bed, and feigning to be labor
ing under severe pain. Approaching the bed-side,
I said to him : " You are sick, are you, old hoss ?"
With great difficulty, seemingly, he answered,
"Yes — I'm — very sick."
"How long have you been sick?"
"It's — going on — two weeks— now."
"You lying whelp," said the little Sergeant, unable
to contain himself; " I saw you in Grand Junction
this morning."
" Get up, old fellow^' said I, " you need a little
exercise ; it will do you good to move about."
" I can't — gentlemen, — I tell you — I'm sick," (still
groaning, and letting on to be in great distress.)
" Yes, that wolfish-looking face of yours looks sick!
Get out of that !" He commenced to rise, trembling
nil over as if with nervous fear. " Your nerves a'n't

54 THE GREAT AMERICAN
so steady as they were this morning," I added.
" Indeed — I am — sick — gentlemen."
" I should think your conscience would make you
tremble." " Are you — gwine to — kill me ? " he asked, getting
more and more agitated with alarm.
" No, we won't kill you, but we'll give you a fur
lough to a warmer climate. I think it will improve
your health?"
"You will give — a body — time — to pray — won't
you?" " Praying won't do you any good ; you will go to
the warm climate, anyhow, so, hurry on them clothes
and come along with us." We then walked him out
of the house ; we found that he could travel as strong
as we could.
As we passed out into the yard, we met the big
Sergeant, accompanied by a negro who had an iron
collar on his neck, with a chain fastened to it, with
the other end fastened around his waist.
" Here, Bunker," said the Sergeant, " see what I
have found."
" That chain is just exactly what I want. Bring
your negro around here," said I, as I led my pris
oner around to the rear of the house, and out to the
stable. There we found two crotches standing up
right, and a pole laid from one to the other. A large
box was rolled out from the stable and placed under
the pole, and the overseer made to get on the box.
The negro had been sent to the rebel fortifications to
work, and had run away. The overseer had captured

SCOUT AND SPY. 55
him, and had punishsd him by putting him in irons,
as described. In the morning he would chain him
to the plow, and at night release him and make the
chain fast around his body. On searching the pockets
of the overseer, I found the key that unlocked the
chain. I then unlocked the chain from the negro,
and placed it upon the overseer's neck, and made the
other end fast to the pole overhead ; and having
fastened the overseer's hands behind him, I said to
the negro, " This man has been your overseer for a
long time — you may change about now, and be his
overseer awhile."
" Lor' bress you, massa ! " he exclaimed; " Thank
de Lord fur dat; he's dun druv dis nigga long enuf."
" Well, you drive him now."
" Shall I drive him thar ? "
" Yes, drive him where jovl please."
" I reckon he won't do dat box no good standin'
there," and suiting the action to the word, he jerked
the box from under him, leaving him suspended by
the neck; adding, "Now, I specs he'll drive hisself
I 'se more important business to 'tend to."
The overseer being in a fair way to have his "fur
lough approved," we returned to camp by the same
way that we went out. The next morning, early,
the wife came in with a complaint to the Provost-
marshal that a party of Federal soldiers had been to
her house the night before, and had taken her sick
husband out of bed and had hung him, and begged
for protection from further outrage.
The Provost-marshal said to her, " I don't believe

56 THE GREAT AMERICAN
a word of it ; for no soldiers have been permitted to
go through our lines during the night. Perhaps you
had a husband and perhaps not. I advise you to go
back about your business and not be in here blaming
Federal soldiers with that which they have never
done." During the day a forage party, on its return to
camp, visited the plantation and brought away sixty
contrabands, and among them was the one that we
had liberated from his chains. The overseer was
dead, but had been taken down and carried into the
house. On his arrival i'n camp, the negro reported
that the Yankees had made him hang his master.
Outside of the lines it was generally believed that
the Yankees had done it, but the soldiers generally
believed that the negroes on the plantation had done
it. It was never suspected that I had had a hand in it,
" My personal safety as a scout demanded that he
should be disposed of," is all the excuse that I have
to offer. I continued to scout the road for several
days after, but met with no further interruption.
Early in the month of July, the first train of cars
that was to run through from Memphis to Grand
Junction started out, and, when only a short distance
from Memphis, was captured, and the railroad badly
destroyed. Sergeant Wilson and the Colonel of the
56th Ohio escaped, but were pursued by blood-hounds
and recaptured.
Owing to the difficulty of protecting the road from
the raids of the enemy, the opening of it was aban
doned for a time, and the roads from Columbus, Ky.,

SCOUT AND SPY. 57
to Grand Junction and Corinth were relied upon for
the transportation of supplies. When the opening
of the road was abandoned, the forces at Lagrange,
under command of General Hurlbut, moved to Mem
phis, which left the small brigade at Grand Junction
without any troops for support nearer than Bolivar,
a distance of twenty miles. The exposed position
of so small a force undoubtedly emboldened the
enemy in their plans for capturing the post. As I
have explained in the preceeding chapter, the abun
dance of cotton and forage was an object to hold the
place as long as the safety of the force would admit.
After General Hurlbut's forces left Lagrange, our
pickets were frequently fired upon, and small squads
of cavalry were seen, indicating a boldness on the
part of the enemy indicative of a strong force not
far off.
It was under that state of affairs that General
Leggett requested me to go out as a spy, and learn
the position and force of the enemy.
On this occasion I rode out on a mule, disguised as
a rebel soldier, taking the road that led to the White
Church. Soon after passing our own pickets, I saw
several squads of rebel cavalry, but at some distance
from me, but none of them interrupted me. Just
after I had crossed Wolf River, I discovered the
rebel pickets ; how I was to pass them was more
than I knew. I resolved, however, to go on and try
the effect of a bold front. With as much unconcern
and freedom as though I was one of their number,
and perfectly at home, I rode up, and without halt-

58 THE GREAT AMERICAN
ing or showing that I expected to be halted, I said,
"Good morning, boys ! have our forces all got up yet? '
" Yes," said one ; " where have you been ?"
" Out to the Yankee lines by the old cotton-
gin near Grand Junction," I replied, still riding
along. By this time.! had got clear by, without any at
tempt being made to stop me. At the White Church
I came to the rebel camp ; there I dismounted and
inquired of a soldier for head-quarters.
" Whose — " General Van Horn's ? " was asked.
" Yes," I replied.
He then showed me to General Van Dorn's tent. I
had supposed that if I found much of a force it would
be that of General Van Dorn. I proceeded to the
tent that had been pointed out. In front of it was
the usual head-quarters guard. Saluting him, I in
quired if General Van Dorn was in, and was an
swered in the affirmative. The moment I entered,
I saw two Generals. One I instantly recognized as
the Confederate General Wheeler ; I had known him
in Memphis before the war. Without speaking to
him, I turned to the other and addressed him ; I
said, " General, I wish to get a pass, if you please,
to go outside of the lines."
" Who are you ? " the General inquired.
" My name is Ruggles."
" General Van Dorn," said General Wheeler, "dont
you know him ? He is a brother of General Rug
gles, and belongs to the 2d Arkansas Cavalry."
"Ah! Indeed!"

SCOUT AND SPY. 59
" Yes, and I want to go out to the Yankee lines
and see what they are doing out there."
" I wish, you would, Ruggles," said Van Dorn,
" and see if the Yankees have obstructed the Grand
Junction and Salem road with timber. That's the
road that I want to take a part of my forces on in
the morning."
General Van Dorn instructed his Adjutant to write
me a pass, which I received, and then went out and
mounted my mule. " That's the road I want to take
a part of my forces on in the morning! " was some
thing that needed my immediate attention. I rode
leisurely through the camp. Every thing was bustle
and activity preparatory to a move, and confirmed
what I had heard at head-quarters. As near as I could
judge, the camp contained 9,000 or 10,000 men.
Having satisfied myself of the probable force of
the enemy, I started back on the road I came in on.
I stopped at the pickets and showed my pass, and
then went on. After I had crossed Wolf River, I
made a detour across the country to the right, in order
to get on to the Grand Junction and Salem road, as
General Van Dorn had directed me, so that if by any
mishap I should be captured and sent to head-quar
ters, I could show- that I Avas captured right were I
had been sent.
About five miles from the White Church, I dis
mounted at a large beautiful spring of water, to
drink and rest myself. While there, a cavalryman
rode up and halted for the same purpose; I immedi
ately recognized him as having been one of the squad

60 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I had fallen in with and accompanied so far in my
former trip. He rode a Texan pony, with a peculiarly
constructed saddle, that I could not mistake as hav
ing seen before.
"Where have you been? " I inquired, as he stopped.
" I 've been up to the Yankee lines."
" You must be a scout, then."
" Yes, I am a spy ; where do you belong ? "
" I belong to the Yankees! " I replied, placing my
hand on my revolver, as if to draw it.
My movements agitated him. Raising his hands
in a supplicating attidude, as if he thought I meant
to kill him, he said, "D — do'nt shoot! hold — hold
on ! do n't lets you and I quarrel; let us help each
other, since we are both in the same business."
" Very well ! just as you say about that."
" You played off the spy pretty well the other day
when you was with us," he continued, somewhat
composed. " Yes, I did well enough for that time ; but I am
in a hurry this time, so you and I must make short
visits." At that, we both mounted and started in opposite
directions, eyeing each other, with revolvers drawn,
until out of sight. I might have shot him at the time
ne thought I intended to do it, but I did not think my
own safety would admit of it.
At 5 o'clock that afternoon I arrived at General
Leggett's head-quarters, and reported what I had
learned, and before daylight the next morning the
brigade was on its way to Bolovar, and it had not

SCOUT AND SPY. 61
been gone an hour until General Van Dorn's forces
were in possession of the place.
Shortly after our arrival at Bolivar, I was in town,
accompanied by Sergeant Wonders, of the 20th Ohio.
Hitched in front of one of the stores was the same
little Texan pony and peculiar saddle that I had seen
twice before. I knew that I could not be mistaken
in them. I did not like the idea of his running at
large. An encounter with him in the enemy's camp
would prove fatal, so I resolved to find him and have
him arrested. After searching for some time, without
success, I returned to where I had seen the pony, and
found that it was gone. From a soldier I learned
that somebody had ridden the pony out toward the
depot. I followed after, and when about half way
to the depot, I saw the pony coming. I sent the Ser
geant back and told him to see- where the man went,
and I would join him after awhile. Just before we
met, he halted and commenced to fasten his pony.
Stepping up to him and speaking very low, I said,
" Hallo, old fellow ! are you in here ? '
" Yes," he said, trembling from head to foot.
" Never mind, you need n't be afraid. It ''s all
right," I added in a confidential way, "you need not
be afraid of me; I am in a great hurry this morning,
so you must excuse me." Without further words I
walked on rapidly, ak though I cared nothing about
him. As soon as out of sight, I made my way around
to the office ofthe Provost-marshal. There I was joined
by the Sergeant, who remained outside to watch.
On entering his office, I found him asleep on a cot.

62 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I woke him up and told him the circumstances aoout
the spy, and that I wanted some guards to capture
him. By the time I had finished telling him, he was
fast asleep. I again woke him up, and commenced
to tell what I wanted, when he said :
" Do — you — know — the — man? "
" Yes ! I know the man ! "
" Do — you — know — the — hoss ? "
" Yes! I know the horse and I know the saddle."
" W-a-1— a-1-1— r-i-g-h-t ! "
By this time he was again fast asleep. I tried
again to wake him, but with no better success. I do
not say that he was drunk, but I do say that he acted
just as our Orderly Sergeant does when he is drunk.
The result Avas, the spy escaped, and I have never
seen him since.
As we were passing along by Adams & Brother's
store, a few hours after, the door chanced to be open,
and we observed that the room was occupied by many
citizens, engaged in a spirited conversation, and so
we dropped in to see what was going on. One of
the persons present I knew to be Brigadier-General
Neely, of the Confederate army, who had been cap
tured by the Federal troops when they first took pos
session of the place, and he was on parole of honor
within the limits of the town.
When we first entered, the conversation stopped,
but it was soon gradually resumed. A great deal
was said about the Yankees stealing corn, cotton,
and niggers, and they complained that it was ruin
ing many of the planters. I listened a few minutes

SCOUT AND SPY. 63
and then addressing myself to General Neely, said :
" Gentlemen, so far as I am concerned, I ha*ve never
yet stolen a cent's worth of property since I have
been in the Federal army, and if I had known that
a United States soldier had got to steal corn, cotton,
and niggers from the citizens of the South, I would
never have enlisted."
"Nor I either," said the Sergeant, "I did'nt
think when I enlisted that this was going to be
made a nigger war ! "
"For my part," I continued, "I'm getting tired
of fighting for niggers, and if I was n't afraid they
would hang me for a spy, I'd go and join Billy
Jackson's cavalry."
"And so would I," said the Sergeant; "I think
I'd like the Southern people very much. I have
often heard " Bunker " talk about them ; he used
to live in the South."
" Yes, I did, indeed ! and I'm almost ashamed
to be fighting against them. I used to live in Miss
issippi, and I have spent several years in Arkansas
and Tennessee. I am well acquainted in Memphis.
General, do you know Jim Ford and Charlie Ford, of
Memphis ? "
" Yes, I know them very well ; they are whole
sale dealers in produce. I get my supply of pork
from them every year."
He then motioned to me and the Sergeant and
one of the citizens in the room, who had been listen
ing with a good deal of interest to our conversation,
to accompany him into a back room, which we did.

64 THE GREAT AMERICAN
He then called for two bottles of wine, and asked
us to di^nk with him, which Ave were not in the
least backward about doing.
The citizen then said that he had not time to stay
longer, and, shaking hands with us, bade us good-by
and went out.
" General," said I, when the citizen had gone
" do you know where Billy Jackson is ? "
" Yes ! He's not far off; if you want to join his
cavalry you would have no trouble in getting to him."
" If I wa'n't afraid General Jackson would get me
and hang me for a spy, I'd run away, and so would
this Sergeant, and we'd join his cavalry."
" There is no danger of that," said the General,
for that was General Jackson that drank the wine with
us, and has just left. He heard all you said about
joining his cavalry. If you want to go, boys, you
will have no trouble in doing so."
" Well, General," said I, " since you are acquainted-
with General Jackson, can't you give us a pass that
will make us all safe after Ave get out of the Yankee
lines?" " I'm on parole of honor," he replied, " and I have
no right to do that."
"There would be no harm in it; the Yankees
would never find it out." Pulling out my wallet, I
said, " General, how much did you pay for that
wine ? We must have another bottle — not at your
expense, but mine. It's my treat this time.
"Oh, no! no, no!" said the General, "I'll pay
for the wine ! Mr. Adams, bring us another bottle.

SCOUT AND SPY. 65
Boys, you come over to-morrow and I '11 have your
passes fixed out for you ! "
I assured him that we would, and, having drank
the, wine, we left and returned to camp, considerably
elated with our adventure.
Unfortunately, Billy Jackson and the spy both got
away. The only good that I could then do was to
find the "hole in the fence" where they had gone out,
and prevent a repetition of it.
I knew that Mrs. Dr. Coleman was a daughter of
General Neely, and I thought that she, probably,
knew where Jackson and his spy went out through
our lines. I had been there a number of times, and
had become considerably acquainted, and Mrs. Cole
man had not yet found out, that I belonged to the
Federal army. Doctor Coleman was a practising
physician, and was absent from home the most of
the time, visiting his patients.
The next morning I went over to see her. After
we had conversed awhile, I said to her, " Melia, did
you see Billy Jackson in toAvn yesterday ? "
" Yes, did you ? "
"Yes, I saw him, but I was wondering how in the
Avorld he managed to get out; the Yankees are getting
mighty particular who they pass out."
" Why, I can tell you ; he Avent right through our
corn-field, and out at the water-gulch under the fence."
" Yes, yes; I do remember that place now; that 's
a good place to go out. By the way, how does the
doctor like the Yankees being so strict? "
" He don't like it at all ; he had to go and take
5

66 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the oath before they would give him a pass to visit
his patients."
" Did he ? "
" Yes; and I never felt so bad about any thing in
my life as I did about that. The nasty, dirty thieves!
I perfectly hate the sight of them. I assure you the
Doctor don't consider himself bound byit; no, indeed!"
She was very indignant to think that her husband
had been compelled to fake the oath. From there
I went to see her father, General Neely, who gave
me the pass that he had promised me the day before.
Thus prepared, I went to head-quarters and reported.
That day Doctor Coleman's corn was all cut down,
so that the pickets had a fair view of the ground,
without changing the line, and General Neely Avas
sent North for a violation of his parole.

SCOUT AND SPY, 67

CHAPTER VI.
The value of the Oath— Attempt to take "Bunker's" life— Sent to
Grand Junction — The hazardous ride — The Countersign — The Chase —
Unfortunate occurrence — The chase abandoned — Meets with guerril
las — They invite him to drink — Renewed vigilance — The battle of
Middleburg. The troops stationed at Bolivar, Tennessee, at the
time of the evacuation of Grand Junction, were
under the command of Brigadier-General L. F. Ross,
and my next labors in the secret service of the
United States was under his orders and instructions.
I made frequent expeditions from Bolivar, but many
of them were so similar in their events that I shall
not undertake to give a narrative of all of them.
These expeditions elicited the fact, however, that
nearly all of the citizens of that part of Tennessee,
in the face of the military occupation of the country,
professed loyalty to the Federal Government, and to
give their pretensions the color of reality, and secure
the privileges to be obtained from the military au
thorities, had taken the oath of allegiance.
Every trip that I made in the disguise of a Con
federate soldier, revealed to me Confederate Avolves
clad in Union garments On one occasion, I had
been sent for, and Avas in the act of receiAring my

68 THE GREAT AMERICAN
instructions from the Adjutant in regard to a trip
that I was required to make, where an old gray-
headed citizen was sitting, who had called in to pro
cure some military favor. The Adjutant, not suppos
ing what he had to communicate to me would give
the citizen any clue to the plans I Avas about to carry
out, gave his instructions in his presence. I observed
that he paid more than usual attention to what was
said, and, from the expression of his countenance, I
suspected that he comprehended the move that I was
about to make. I became so impressed with the idea
that the old man meant me evil, that after I had left
and he had taken his departure, I went back and ob
tained permission to take a squad of men with me.
I made the trip in the night. My route was on a
road that passed the old man's house. I came upon
two men by the roadside, evidently watching for
somebody to pass. As soon as they discovered that
a squad of men, instead of a single man, was ap
proaching, they fled Avithout waiting for me to come
up. Had the old man succeeded, it would have
been my last scout. I ascertained from the colored
people on the place that the tAvo men Avere the old
man and his son, and that they Avere watching to
kill a Yankee spy that they expected would pass that
night. When General Van Dorn gave up the pursuit after
General Leggett's brigade, he fell back with his
command to Coldwater and Holly Springs, Missis
sippi, and for a few weeks every thing remained
quiet.

SCOUT AND SPY. 69
Toward the latter part of August rumor became
prevalent that an attack was intended against the
forces garrisoning Bolivar, which rendered it neces
sary to watch closely. On the night of August 27th,
General Ross told me that he had heard that a force
of the enemy had again got as far north as Grand
Junction, and Avished me to ride down that night
and find the enemy's pickets if they were north of
the Junction ; if not, to go on to the Junction and
then return.
I started at 9 o'clock. The weather Avas warm,
but the night was extremely dark, which rendered
the undertaking unpleasant and hazardous. It was
impossible to distinguish objects at a distance, and
needed the utmost precaution to prevent running
into the pickets before I was aware of their presence.
After having arri\red within three miles of Grand
Junction, the ride became more dangerous than be
fore. KnoAving that my safety required increased
vigilance, I slackened my pace to a \ery slow walk,
peering forward into the dark distance with all the
powers of my vision, hoping if there were any pickets
I might be able to see them in time to escape.
In that manner I felt my Avay along in suspense,
until Avithin three-quarters of a mile of Grand Junc
tion. Here a single sentry stepped out in the mid
night darkness, not more than 20 feet ahead of my
mule, and challenged :
" Halt ! who comes there ? "
I had got too close to Arenture an escape by running,
and I resolved to make the best use of my position

70 THE GREAT AMERICAN
that the circumstances would permit, and take my
chance for the result.
"A friend, with a countersign," I replied, at the
same time drawing my revolver and hanging it down
by my side. .
"Advance one, with the countersign ! " said the
sentry " There a'n't but one yere," said I ; " my mule is
so ugly that I don't like to dismount, and so skittish
that I don't know as I can advance ; " and at the
same time I pretended to urge my mule forward to
the sentry, who stood with his piece at "arms port."
"Bring your piece to an 'order,' said I, "if you please,
so that I can get my mule up without dismounting."
He brought his piece to an order, and as the mule
moved onward, he stepped one foot forward and
leaned toward me to receive the countersign. I leaned
forward, and, thrusting my revolver to his breast, gave
him ony countersign. I presume the countersign was
correct. I did not wait to observe the effect of the report
of my revolver upon his sleeping comrades but, put
ting spurs to my mule, I dashed back toward Bolivar.
On did I press my mule at the top of his speed, fairly
¦flying over the ground until I reached Van Buren.
As I Avas passing old Billy Moore's house, his dogs
sprang at my mule, from the side of the road, Avith
an infernal yelp, and the next instant I lay sprawling
in the road — stunned from the shock of the fall. I
sprang up, alarmed for my safety. My mule had
stopped Avhen I fell, and stood facing me, only a feAv

SCOUT AND SPY. 71
feet from where I lay. I managed, however, to mount
my mule and go on.
A short distance from Van Buren, I came to a
cross-road that led to Snow's Mills. There I halted,
thinking that, perhaps, the same dogs that had done
me an evil turn, by barking at me, would do me a good
one by barking at my pursuers, if any there were.
I had waited but a few minutes when they com
menced to bark, and in an instant more I could hear
the tramp of horses approaching.
I again dashed ahead towards Bolivar, about
three-quarters of a mile to Spring Creek. I crossed
to the opposite side and there halted, and listened
for the splash of the water as my pursuers came up,
but none came. At the cross-road, not knowing
which road I had taken, they abandoned the pursuit.
Feeling satisfied of this, I moved on leisurely toward
Bolivar. At daylight I reached Mr. Dicken's plantation,
which is within five miles of Bolivar. I had called
there several times, and had become considerably
acquainted with the family. Being sore from my
bruises, and much fatigued and hungry from my
night's ride, I concluded to give them a call. As I
rode up I observed three strange horses feeding in
one of the out-sheds. My rap at the door was re
sponded to by Mrs. Dickens, who received me with
a hearty Avelcomet and Mr. Dickens was equally
glad to see me. I had, on a former occasion, intro
duced myself as a citizen of Tennessee, living in
Memphis. My mule was cared for by one of the

72 . THE GREAT AMERICAN
servants, and in a few minutes we were engaged in
a free and easy conversation about the neAvs from
our army ; and likewise we congratulated each other
upon the future success of the Confederate cause.
The Lincoln tyranny also came in for its share ot
discussion. While thus engaged, three strangers
entered, without rapping, to whom I was introduced
as one of " our folks" from Memphis. I soon learned
that they had been there all night.
. Shortly after the three men entered, one of them
said that he had something to drink in another room,
and proposed that we retire by ourselves and " take
a smile." So we men folks all repaired to the other
room, where we indulged pretty freely. It was not
long until the conversation of my new acquaintances
flowed as freely as their liquor had done, and I learned
from it that they were guerrillas, who had stopped
to spend the night on their way to Middleburg, to
attend a jollification to come off that day. By this
time breakfast was announced, and we repaired to
the table. I have rarely eaten a meal that relished
better, though it was only a plain one.
When breakfast was over, my guerrilla acquaint
ances invited, and even urged me to accompany
them ; but I declined, stating as a reason that I had
business of great importance, the nature of which I
was not at liberty to divulge, and that several 01
our most reliable friends were waiting in anticipation
of my arrival at the house of Dr. Coleman, in Boli
var. My mule was got ready, and, having bid them
farewell, I resumed my ride back to camp.

SCOUT AND SPY. 73
Two days after, I accompanied an expedition to
Middleburg to capture the guerrillas, but without
success. My report at head-quarters caused an in
crease in vigilance on the part of scouts and pickets.
On the 31st of August, the enemy, 6,000 strong, was
found to be advancing in the vicinity of Middleburg.
General Leggett, with less than one thousand men,
mostly from the 20th and 78th Ohio regiments of
infantry, met them there, and a desperate fight en
sued, in which our loss was trifling and that of the
enemy severe. He was so badly punished, that he
withdrew his forces.

74 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER VII.
Attempts to visit the enemy's camp — Loams the strength and position
ofthe enemy — Return intercepted — Perilious situation — Loses his
nmlo — Frightened by men of his own regiment — The plan to capture
the enemy — The negro's report — The forces discovered— Disposes of a
rebel picket — Reports hia discovery.
After, the fight in the vicinity of Middleburg, a
part of the enemy went into camp between the battle
ground and Van Buren. Soon after, General Leggett
requested me to visit the enemy's camp and learn
his force, and whether he had any artillery. He gave
me a pass to go out, in the presence of the field-officer
of the day, who said that no passes were being
issued at division head-quarters, and objected to
my going. General Leggett told the officer that I
was a privileged character, and that he would take
the responsibility of passing me out, but that he would
give passes to no others.
Dressed like a citizen, and mounted on a mule, I
went out and made my way to the rebel picket line,
Avhere I tried to pass in, but was informed by the
pickets that they had orders forbidding them to pass
citizens in or out. I passed along the line to other
posts, but found that they all had the same orders.
I made myself quite familiar with the pickets, and

SCOUT AND SPY. 75
those not on duty did not hesitate to enter into con
versation with me, by means of which I learned that
the forces consisted of three regiments of cavalry, and
that there was no artillery.
Having gathered up what information I could, I
went to visit the battle-field, and while there I came
across a young man who was on his way from Sauls-
bury to Somerville, and had met with the same diffi
culty I had encountered in getting through the lines,
and, in order to continue his journey, he had made
a detour round the lines. My own observations with
his gave me a correct knowledge of the rebel lines
on three sides, and also the position of the rebel camp.
After completing my visit to the battle-ground, I
returned toward Bolivar. On my way out to the
rebel lines, I had seen and conversed with an old man,,
a Mr. Knight, who lived about three miles from
Bolivar. As I approached his house, on my return,.
and when within one hundred yards of it, I saw in
his front yard two persons dressed like rebel soldiers,
Avho had squirrel rifles. The moment they saw me,
they brought their pieces to a ready, as if preparing
to fire. I remembered distinctly that General Leggett
had said that he would pass nobody else out; besides,
I Avas a little suspicious of the old man Knight's
loyalty; so I very naturally concluded that he,
knowing that I had gone out, had procured two sol
diers to watch for me as I returned.
I immediately wheeled my mule about and re
treated behind a rise of ground, and then turned to my
left into a corn-field. I dashed ahead about three

76 THE GREAT AMERICAN
hundred yards, when I discovered a company of
rebel cavalry coming in a line toward me. I turned
to my left again, and was dashing ahead toward
Bolivar, when I unexpectedly encountered a deep
water-gulch that was impassable to my mule. In
my flight through the corn, I had already lost my hat.
There I was, surrounded, with the enemy to my right,
left, and rear, and a frightful ditch in front of me;, it
was no time for hesitation. I jumped off from my
mule and left it, and clambering down into the ditch
and out on the other side, ran to Bolivar as fast as I
could go, bare-headed,
I made my way into camp, and procured a detach
ment of men and returned, hoping to find my mule,
but did not succeed. I learned however, that the two
men that had caused my fright were Daniel Harris
and Columbus Johnson, of my oivn regiment. They
had been permitted to visitthe battle-ground, although
Gen. Leggett had pledged to the officer of the day that
he would pass no one out but me.
On my return, I reported the force and position of
the enemy, and also a plan for its capture. So well
pleased was General Leggett with my plan, that he
sent me with it to General Crocker, who was then
commanding the post, during a temporary absence
of General Ross. The position of the enemy .was as
follows :
Five miles from Bolivar, on the road leading south
to Van Buren, the road forks ; the right-hand road
leads to Middleburg, a distance of two miles. On
the left-hand road, at a distance of two miles from

SCCUI and sry. 77
tire, fcik, is a cross-ioad, called " Wash. NeAvbern's
road," leading into the right-hand road at Middle
burg, The three roads inclose a section of country
in shape like a icgular triangle. We will call the
Wash Newbern road the base, and the right and left-
hand loads the sides of the triangle; Wash. New
bern's house stands on the south side of the road
constituting the base, and about three hundred yards
lioin the left hand road. On a line parallel Avith the
base, and thiee hundred yards south of it, was the
rebel camp. Two of the regiments were on the west
side of the left-hand road, and one on the east side ;
the regiment occupying the left of the enemy's line
was directly south of Newbern's house. In front of
this house, north of the road, is a pasture-field ex
tending north to the road leading from the fork to
Middleburg; the fence along the road in front of
Newbern's Avas thrown down. The pasture field is
narrow at each end, but in the center it is much
wider, making the space inthe center diamond-shaped.
At the Conner of the cross-road, near the rebel-camp,
Avas thereseive pickets, and about one hundred yards
north of the reserve was the advance post. On the
Avest side of the pasture-field was a large corn-field,
and on the east side a piece of woods.
My plan to capture the enemy was to take four
regiments of infantry, and place two regiments on
each side of the triangle space in the field, in the
morning before daylight, and have them lay down
in the corn-field and woods, so as to be out of sight.
Then, at daylight, with what was known as the

78 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"mule cavalry." (infantry mounted on mules.) num.
beting one hundred men, make a dash on the reserve
pickets and drive them in ; then turn down the Wash.
Newbern road, and, Avhen in front of Newbern's
house, break into confusion and disorder, and Avith
whoops and shouts of defiance, start Ioismely doAvn
through the pasture. The enemy Avould naturally
mount their horses and give chase, and, when once
within the lines of the infantry, they would suddenly
rise up, raise a shout, and close in each flank, and
have them bagged.
General Crocker thought my plan would work, but
being only temporarily in command, did not like to
assume the responsibility of executing it, and*so it
was abandoned.
The " mule cavalry " above alluded to Avas organ
ized to facilitate scouting, and watch more closely
the movements of the enemy, and to check the de
predations of the guerillas that infested the country.
It was composed of men from the infantry, selected
for their daring and gallantry. On account of the
thorough knowledge that 1 had obtained of the
country, I was generally sent out with them, to guide
them in their scouts.
Not a great while after the foregoing adventure,
as the " mule cavalry " was gcing out on the road
leading south from Bolivar, I accompanied them on
my own responsibility.' After we had 'got outside
of the lines a short distance. I left the mule cavalry
and took across the fields to the left. to. Mr. .Bill's
plantation.. I had got into a cotton-fieldjonjiis pian-

SCOUT AND SPY. 79
tation, and was riding leisurely along, when one of
the negroes, who was picking cotton a short distance
to my right, called out,
" Hallo, dar, Mr. Bunker ! you come dis way."
I obeyed, and rode out to see what the darkey
wanted. " Mr. Bunker, hab we got forces down dar in de
bottom ? "
" No, Ave have n't got any forces there."
" Wal, dar's forces down in dar ; for de horns souns
down in dar reg'lar ebery mornin', ebery noon, an'
ebery night, an' dar mus' be forces olown dar."
"It must be rebel forces, then; probably rebel
cavalry." " Oh, Lord ! Mr. Bunker, do n't talk dat ar Avay,
for dey, will be up here for sure some night, an' dey
will kill all de niggers Massa Bill hab got ! "
" WellJ I must go and see Avho is down there. Can
you tell me of any path that leads there ? "
'' Thar's heaps o' hog-paths dat leads doAvn in dat
ar way as yer go through de gate in de fur eu' de
field," said he, pointing to the fence.
I rode on through the field in the direction pointed
out, and following one of the hog-paths, I descended
a hill, and was just rising to 'the top of another,
when I discovered, on a ridge in adA'ance of me, four
teen mounted rebels. They evidently had not seen
me. I immediately backed my mule down the hill
so far as to be out of sight, and then turned to the
left and Avent doAvn into a hollow, and then up a
narrow ridge, or" hog back " leading in the direction

80 THE GREAT AMERICAN
of Bolivar. When I had rode along about four hun
dred yards through the scattering timber, I saAV a
fellow dressed like a rebel soldier, about fifty yards
ahead, approaching me, with a double-barreled shot
gun, which he carried, lying across the back of his
neck, resting on both shoulders, with both his arms
up over the gun. As he came along he was whist
ling a very lively tune, apparently perfectly uncon
cerned at my approach.
The moment I saw him, and before he discovered
my movements, I drew my revolver, and held it down
by the side of my leg, out of sight, and when within
about six feet of him, I presented my revolver and
ordered him to halt. He did so, looking perfectly
astonished. Lay that gun right down on the ground,
I continued. He did so, by raising it right up over
his head with both hands and laying it down in front
of him; then, straightening himself up in the position
of a soldier, said:
" Well sir; what will you have? "
" Step right back, away from that gun! " He did
so. "That will do," said I, when about ten feet away,
I at the same time riding up to the gun.
" What are you doing here ? "
" I 've just been relicA-ed from the look-out post,
out thar."
" Look-out post ! What's that? "
" Don't you belong to that ar mule cavalry ? "
" No, I do n't belong to it, but I sometimes go with
it What command do you belong to ? "
" Armstrong's 2d Battalion of Cavalry."

SCOUT AND SPY. • 81
i
" How many are there of you here ? "
" There are one hundred and sixty of us."
" What, are you doing here ? "
" We are sent out here to watch the mule cavalry."
'" Where -is your look-out post? "
" Well, sir, are you acquainted about here ? "
" I am acquainted with all roads, but not with
your look-out post."
" Well, sir, our look-out post is in old 'Squire
Knight's wheat-field. There is a big black stump
there, with a plank across the top of it ; Ave stand on
that. From there we can see your mule cavalry at
Joe Knight's, and we can see you at John Ursury's
blacksmith-shop, and tell whether you take the Mid
dleburg or Van Buren road ; and the next place that
we can see you is at Wash. Newbern's lane, and we
can tell whether you go to Van Buren or to Wash.
Newbern's. If ever you get doAvn past Beaver's
lane, going to Van Buren, it will be the last of you
and your mule cavalry J'
I then dismounted and picked up the shot-gun.
What to do with the soldier was hard for me to de
cide. If I undertook to take him to Bolivar, it was
quite probable that I would lose my prisoner, and
perhaps my life. To let him go would endanger my
life and that of others ; particularly my oavh, in case
he should ever recognize me with in their lines. So
I paroletl him, shouldered the gun and started for
Bolivar. I did not feel safe in carrying the gun,
lest it should betray me in case I should be captured
by a squad of rebel cavalry ; so, at the first stump I
0 ¦ '

82 THE GREAT AMERICAN
came to, I dismounted and broke it, and 'then went
on. If I had had a gun of long range, I should
have tried a pull at the man on the look-out post,
but as it was, I did not think it advisable to molest
him. On reaching camp, I concluded that it was my
duty to report to somebody ; but not having been
officially sent out, I reported to Colonel Force. He
listened to my report, and when I had finished, told
me to report to General Ross. I did so, and , he told
me to have myself in readiness the next morning to
guide a force of cavalry around to the rear of the
rebel force, and that he would send a regiment of
infantry in front, and try to capture the whole of
them. Morning came, and I was ready to go, but
received no orders. I have since learned that the
plan fell through because the Colonel wanted his
regiment to go, and the General Avanted his old regi
ment to go, and finally did not send any.

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SCOUT AND SPY. 83

CHAPTER VIII.
Sent to find the enemy's pickets — Suspicious circumstance — Sick child —
Captures three citizens standing picket —Releases them — Falls asleep
— Perilous situation — Fortunate turn of affairs — Attack on the pickets
— A very pious man — He proves a rebel spy.
About a week after my attempts to get into the
rebel camp near Wash. Newbern's, General Ross sent
me down to the corners, at Newbern's lane, to ascer
tain whether the enemy had any pickets there. I was
ordered to take three men with me, and to be very
cautious in my movements, and, if I found any
pickets near the place designated, not to fire into
them, but to come immediately back and report. The
place I was to visit, was seven miles from Bolivar ;
we started out after 9 o'clock in the evening ; I was
mounted on a mule but the three men that accom
panied me were on foot. It was a starlight night —
not so dark but that we could discern objects at a
considerable distance, and yet dark enough to facili
tate our movements.
FiAre miles from Bolivar, we came to a house oc
cupied by Mr. John Ursury, and as we approached
it, Ave observed in it a light. We had moved along
very slowly, and it was then past 11 o'clock. Think-

84 THE GREAT AMERICAN
ing it was rather strange that a light should be burn
ing there at that hour of the night, I resolved to as
certain the cause.
Taking one man with me, and sending the other
two to the rear of the house to capture any persons
that might undertake to escape, I rode up to the front
door, with my revolver drawn, and, without dis
mounting, lifted the latch and shoved the door wide
open. The persons present Avere Mrs. Ursury and
children, one of them a small child, and a brother of
John Ursury, about fifteen years old.
" What are you doing hero with a light at this
time of night ? " I inquired.
" We have got a sick child," replied Mrs. Ursury,
" and we are doctoring it."
" It's best to see whether the child is sick or not,"
said the man that accompanied me. He then went
in and found it awake in the cradle, and, stranger as
he was, soon had the child in a frolic, laughing and
playing. "Its a curious sickness' that that child has got,"
said the man, coming out.
I then called the brother out, and, pointing my
revolver at him, said: "There is something going on
here besides doctoring a sick child, you young scamp,
you! and if you llon't tell me in a minute what it is,
I'll bloAV the heart right out of you ! "
"Mr. Bunker," said he, " is there any forces com
ing along here ? "
" Yes, there is a large force coming."
" Well, my brother is standing watch up by the

SCOUT AND SPY. 85
railroad. Hadn't I better go up and tell him to come
down ? "
" No ; you go into the house and stay there. I'll
go after him myself."
I then called my men and went into the road,
where I ordered them to remain until I could call.
I then, rode forward to see Avhat Avas going on.
When I came in sight of the railroad crossing, I saw
five men ; three of the men were mounted and tAvo
were not ; they did not seem to have any arms. I
called to my men to come on, and then dashed up
to them with revolver drawn, and demanded of them
to surrender. As I was dashing up, the two that
were not mounted fled, and the other three stood
their ground.
" Don't shoot us, Mr. Bunker ! called out Mr. Ur
sury, who at once recognized me."
" March down into the road, then, if you don't
Want to be shot ! Fine business, this ! Good loyal
men standing picket for rebel soldiers ! March clown
there ! I'll see about this."
I then marched them over to Avhere I had left my
men, who failing to hear me call, had remained
where I left them. One of the prisoners was an old,
gray-headed preacher, by the name of Parson Ha
mer ; I have forgotten the name of the other. The
two that I have named I had seen se\reral tinies bo-
fore. " What Avere you doing there at this time of night?"
I inquired. "We were watching for some niggers to come

86 THE GREAT AMERICAN
along that ran away from my brother-in-law," said
Ursury." "Who were those two men with you that ran
away ? "
" I don't know," replied Ursury.
I asked the other two, and they denied knowing
who they were.
" Well, I can tell Avho they were," I continued;
" There are rebel forces over in Mr. Dickens' woods,
and those men belong to them, and you men were
standing picket for them. " This they stoutly denied,
and said that if they were any rebel forces there
they did not know it.
Addressing Parson Hamer, I said ; " You are an
old, gray-headed man — a preacher of the Gospel;
you ought to be ashamed of yourself. An old man
like you, with one foot in the grave and the other
just ready to slip in, out at this time of night watch
ing for niggers! That's a fine excuse! It don't
look reasonable. Tou are a contemptible old rebel,
with the oath in your pocket, and you deserve to be
shot!" I did not know what to do with them ; I had two
miles further to go, and it was necessary for me to
take all my men with me, and to be encumbered
with prisoners, in ease we should run into a force,
would be hazardous. I finally took down their
names and released them, and then went on.
Finding no pickets at Newbern lane, we returned.
On arriving at the railroad crossing where I had
captured the prisoners, I sent my men to camp by

SCOUT AND SPY. 87
Way of the railroad, which was a much shorter route
than the wagon-road, and kept on myself the way I
had come out.
Having slept but very little for several nights, by
reason of being out on scouts, after parting company
Avith my men I became very sleepy, and experienced
considerable difficulty in keeping awake, and at last
fell asleep.
All at once my mule came to a sudden halt, throw
ing up its head as if something Avas wrong. The
movement woke me up, and there, stretched across
the road, was a line of soldiers bringing their pieces
to a ready. I could plainly hear the click-ick-iok as
they o;ocked them, for they Avere not more than fifteen
yards from me. I cannot describe the horror and
alarm that I felt at my situation; it was of no use to
run, so I resolved to put on a bold front and sell my
life as dear as possible. Surrender ! no, neArer !
thought I, if I die the next instant.
" Who comes there ? " said I, draAving my re
volver. " Advance and give the countersign ! " said the
officer in command of the soldiers.
" Who are you ? " said I.
"No matter!" said he; "advance and give the
countersign." " I shan't advance a step until I know who you
Well, you adArance one," said he, " and I'll ad-
ce one."
" Very well ; come on ! "

are ! "

vance one."

88 THE GREAT AMERICAN
As we met, each with a revolver cocked, the officer
exclaimed, "Why, Bunker! Is that you? I am
frightened to think of it ! Why didn't you stop ?
In an instant more my whole company would have
fired into you ! "
"I was asleep, Captain! It was a narrow es
cape, wasn't it ?"
" Indeed, it was ! "
It was no other than Captain Ayres ana com
pany A, of the 20th Ohio, sent out as a support for
me to fall back on if I was discovered by the enemy
and pursued. They had been sent out after I left,
and I had no knowledge that they were coining.
The result of it was, I came very near falling back
without any support !
My suspicions of a rebel force being in Dickens'
woods was confirmed in the morning by an attack
on our pickets, by a force of five hundred men, by
which two men of the 23d Indiana were wounded.
After firing into the pickets, the enemy made a de
tour to the north-west of Bolivar, and there encoun
tered a large Federal foraging party, that fired into
them and killed seA'en, which made them skedaddle.
The next day I obtained leave of Gen. Ross to
take a squad of 9 men, and go out 6 miles and get
15 lbs. of nice sweet butter which had just been
churned and worked up for a company of Arm
strong's cavalry. I told the General that I thought
it would taste as good to Federal soldiers as to the
Confederates. Having found the butter and also. a
fine lot of honey, and a quantity of chickens, Ave

SCOUT AND SPY. 89
loaded them into an open buggy, confiscated a mule
to draw it, and then bent our way back to camp. We
had proceeded but a little way, when I discovered a
man a short distance ahead. As soon as he saAV us,
he sat down in the shade of a tree in a bend of the
road, pulled out a Bible, and commenced to read.
Coming up to him, I said, " Daddy, how do you do ? "
" By the grace of God, I am well, and I hope you
enjoy the same blessing," was his answer.
" You are mighty good, a'n't you ? You are a sol
dier, I suppose."
"No, gentlemen, I am not a soldier. By the
providence of God, I am a preacher of the Gospel,
pure." " Look here, daddy ; don't you know that this
country is invaded? Over there lies the Federal army,
and yonder the Confederate army. What business
have you to be prowling about between the lines of
the two contending armies ? "
"I have got a Federal pass," said he, handing me
one signed by General Ross, " and I have taken the
oath. I have no connection Avith the Confederate
army." " Well, daddy, you don't look like a man with a
clear conscience ; we must search you." We pro
ceeded to search him, which resulted in finding, in a
leg of his pantaloons, between the outside and lining
a map eighteen inches by twenty two, representing
exactly 6ur fortifications, intrenchments, camp, and
picket line at Bolivar. It was skillfully executed,
and was as accurate as it could well be made. Our

90 THE GREAT AMERICAN
discovery of the map took away the old man's sanc
timonious dignity. " This is one of your sermons,
I suppose!" I remarked, as I drew out the map.
"A fine subject for a minister of the Gospel ! " He
dropped his head and made no reply.
" Now, daddy, you look tired ; you get into the
buggy and ride." So the old man got in. "Boys,"
said I, " is'nt there some way to get that mule to
Bolivar without that rope? " The boys took the hint,
and fastened the rope to a limb of a tree which ex
tended over the buggy, where the old man was
sitting, that he might hold on to it." Now, daddy,"
said I, "you are in a hurry to get to Canaan, and we
are in a hurry to get to camp, so good day, sir." Our
•mule than gave a desperate plunge, leaving him to
travel his journey alone tot hat place where, "by the
grace of God," he'll have no use for maps of Federal
fortifications. I carried the map to General Ross, and related to
him the circumstances ot its capture.
"Did you bring the man in?" he inquired.
"No, sir; we have brought in several disloyal
characters, and they have all managed to get released ;
for that reason we thought it not worth while."
Gen. Ross sent the map to Gen. Grant, then at
Jackson, Tenn., accompanied Avith the particulars of
its capture.

SCOUT AND SPY. 91

CHAPTER IX.
Sent to Somervillo — Finds himself a prisonor — Taken to Cold Water-
Meets with old acquaintances— Is paroled— Runs with tho 2d Arkansas
Cavalry — Goes to Lumpkins' Mills — Interview with General Price 
Slays all night with his brother, the rebel General— Return to Bolivar
— Reports to General Ross — Obtains the Colonel's horse, and returns
to tho enemy — Runs away from the enemy.
About the middle of September, the enemy having
disappeared from our immediate front, General Ross
sent me to Somerville, with instructions to reconnoiter
the country all about, and find out, if possible, where
the enemy had gone to, and such other information
as I could obtain.
I started out quite early in the morning, mounted
on a mule, dressed like a citizen in easy circum
stances. Whenever I met a planter, I would stop
and converse with' him about the " news from our
army," and the prospects ofthe war, and the "thiev
ing Yankees that were robbing us of our cotton and
niggers." In the course of such conversation, I learned
there Avere no rebel forces in that immediate vicinity.
About noon, I reached Somerville. There I found
every thing quiet as a Sabbath morning. Passing
through the town, I took the road to Moscow. Com
ing to a large, fine brick house that stands near the-

92 THE GREAT AMERICAN
railroad depot, I drew up and alighted from my mule,
and went in, in pursuit of some dinner.
"Stranger," said I, addressing an elderly gentleman
that I found on entering, can I get some dinnerhere ?"
" I reckon so," he said, handing me a chair; "din
ner will be ready in a few minutes. Sit down."
I complied.
" Where do you belong ? " he inquired.
" My home is in Memphis, Tennessee, but — "
Just then I was interrupted by the entrance of two
men, who came in from an adjoining room, one of
whom asked me where I belonged.
" I was just saying to this gentleman," I replied,
that my home is in Memphis, Tennessee, but I came
from Bolivar here."
" Do you belong to the Federal army ? "
"No, sir; I am a citizen of this State, and my home,
as I said before, is in Memphis."
" How came you to be in Bolivar ? "
" I went out there to see General Neely and Doctor
Coleman, and the Adamses, and several others that
I am acquainted, with, and when I got in there the
Yankees would not let me out when I wanted them
to, and I had to remain there several days."
" Did you get a pass from the Yank's to get out
with?" " Yes, sir ; but it only passed me out, and was re
tained by the pickets."
"Have you got any fire-arms or papers Avith you?''
" No, sir ; I had a nice navy revolver that I car-
ried to Bolivar, but I was obliged to leave it Avith an

SCOUT AND SPY. 93
acquaintance when I left, to keep the Yankees from
taking it away from me."
" Well, sir, .you may consider yourself my pris
oner, and after dinner we'll go down to Cold Water
and see what' they can do for you there."
" Gentlemen," said I, " I am no Yankee soldier.
I am a citizen, and I can't see what object you can
have in taking me there."
" It don't matter whether you do or not. I think
that they will have some use for you."
Dinner was then announced as ready, and we all
sat up. " I think they will have some use for you ! "
reverberated through my brain, and set me into a
train of thought anything but agreeable. Tm to be
a conscript then ! thought I. I tried to suppress my
feelings, and feigned to be cheerful, as if nothing
had occurred to disturb my equanimity. In fact, my
only hope was in appearing cheerful.
When dinner was over, the two men had their
horses brought out, and we all three mounted and
started for Cold Water, forty miles distant. On the
way I kept up a cheerful conversation, and on sev
eral occasions I had my butternut friends convulsed
with laughter. I found out that the man who had
made me a prisoner was Captain Daniels, a noted
guerrilla, and the other person was a Quartermaster.
At 2 o'clock, A. M., we reached the outpost near
Cold Water, where we halted until daylight, and
then went in. As we were going in, we met a sol
dier, who, when he saw me, called out, " Hallo, Rug
gles, is that you ? Where have you been ? I hav'n't

94 THE GREAT AMERICAN
seen you since we made shingles together on White
River ! "
" I'm a prisoner," said I.
" A prisoner ? are you ! "
" Yes, Captain Daniels, here, captured me at
Somerville, yesterday."
" Ha, ha ! captured you ? Why, Captain, I have
known that man for years, and made shingles for
him on White River, in Arkansas, and he is as loyal
to the Confederate cause as you are ! There are five
or six other boys here that know him as well as I do ! "
Captain Daniels then took me to the head-quarters
of the regiment, and there I found, in the Colonel,
another man that I was well acquainted with. His
name was Slemmens ; he used to be prosecuting at
torney at Napoleon, Arkansas. When I entered his
quarters —
" Lord bless me ! " he said, " if here a'n't Ruggles !
How are you ? "
" Pretty well, I thank you. I am glad to meet
you. I didn't know that you was in the service.
The last time we met was at Napoleon, I believe."
" Yes ; but pray what fetched you here ?"
"Captain Daniels captured me and fetched me
here." " Captured you ? "
" Yes ; I told him I was a citizen of the South,
but he did not believe me."
" I have known Ruggles these six years, Captain ;
he's all right. But, then, never mind— I see ! we'll
make him count one in exchange. I'll parole hiin.

SCOUT AND SPY. 95
" But " said he " if you can't bring in better
prisoners than this, you need not capture any more."
Where did you find him ? "
Daniels told him the particulars of my capture,
and that I had been in Bolivar several weeks.
"Well," said the Colonel, " I'll parole him."
Captain Daniels and Quartermaster then left me
with Colonel Slemmens, and returned toward Somer
ville. My old acquaintances all got together at the
Colonel's quarters, and we had a right lively visit.
They were all urgent to have me join the regiment,
and I finally consented to run with them awhile,
and promised to join if I liked the regiment. I had
found out, by this time, that it was the 2d Arkansas
Cavalry, and Avas there on outpost duty. It had
been raised in a part of Arkansas Avhere I was well
acquainted. There was no other Regiment there at
that time. The principal part of the rebel forces in
Northern Mississippi were then camped at Lumpkins'
Mills, seven miles south of Holly Springs.
Among the acquaintances that I made during my
stay in the regiment, was the Lieutenant-Colonel
and the regimental sutler. The former was a Method
ist clergymen, by the name of Rosebrook. He was
very urgent in his endeavors to have ine join the
regiment. Two days after my arrival the regiment received
orders from General Villipigue to move to Gun Town,
on the Ohio and Mobile Railroad, seventy miles dis
tant. I went with it. There it received orders from
General Van Dorn to go to Ripley. We remained at

96 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Ripley a few days, during which time we made two
or three cotton-burning trips. We then received orders
to go back to Cold Water.
From Cold Water I accompanied Colonel Slemmens
on a visit to Lumpkins' Mills. While there we called
on General Price, and I was introduced as a brother
of General Ruggles. In the conversation that was
had with Colonel Slemmens and myself, General
Price learned that I did not belong to any organized
regiment, but that I had temporarily attached my
self ta the 2d Arkansas Cavalry. He told me that I
would have to be assigned to some regiment as a
conscript. I objected to that. He said that it would
have to be done, and without this I could not dravv-
any pay or subsistence from the Confederate
Government. " General," said I, " the Southern Confederacy is
of more consequence to me than pay. I did not come
into the army for pay. I have got twenty three
hundred dollars in my pocket, and I intend to fight
on that until it is gone. . I have got a rich sister in
Memphis, and when that is gone, I will go to her and
get more. Besides, I can do more good as I am, be
cause when there is a fight coming off any where, I
can go into it, but if I am fast, I can only go where
the regiment goes to which I belong."
" Well," said the General, "perhaps you can do the
most good as you are ; you may remain so."
In the afternoon of the day before Ave were to re
turn, General Price sent me word that my brother,
General Ruggles, had arrived. I immediately went

SCOUT AND SPY. 97
to head-quarters to see him. Ho expressed great
delight at meeting me, and called me " Bub," as he
used to do when at home, though I was forty years
old. The Adjutant-General assigned us a tent by
ourselves, and I remained with my brother all night.
He had not been to Ohio for a great many years, and
he was very much interested in learning the changes
that had taken place in the neighborhood where he
was raised. All I learned of him about the army
was, that his command was near Baton Rouge, La.,
and that he had come there on business pertaining
to his command. He did not ask me where I lived,
nor allude to the subject of the rebellion. ' He knew
that I had spent a great portion of my life in the
South, and, naturally enough, supposed that I was
identified with her interests.
In the morning I returned Avith Colonel Slemmens
to Cold Water. I had learned, by this time, a great
deal of information, and had been absent a much
greater length of time than I had calculated on when
I left Bolivar, and I began to feel anxious to get
back and report. I had become quite a favorite with
Colonel Slemmens, and I could generally get from
him any favor that I asked for.
" Colonel," said I to him, the next morning after
we returned, " all the rest of the boys have got horses
of their own, and I have got nothing but that little
mule of mine to ride, and I want something else.
Can't you make a cotton-burning trip up into the
vicinity of Bolivar ? While I was there I found one
regiment of Yankees camped out a little distance
7

-¦ > THE. GREAT AMERICAN
from the other regiments, and the Colonel of it has
got a splendid horse ; if you will go, I can get in
there and capture it."
" Pshaw ! You could not get into the lines if you
were there ! "
" Yes I can ; I know right where to get in, and if
I don't get that horse I'll get some other. I'm bound
to have a horse."
"Well, I can't go noAV, but I'll see about it,"
I waited two days, and then tried him again.
"Colonel," said I, "what do you think about that
cotton trip to Bolivar now? I'm getting very anxious
for that horse."
"If I thought you would succeed, I'd go."
" I know I'll succeed."
" How close can we get without getting into the
Yankee pickets ? "
"We can get as far as Jonathan Herse's place, and
there you can halt until I go in and return."
" Well, then, I'll take five companies and we'll go
up there to-day, and Ave '11 have everything ready to
start at 10 o'clock A. M."
At the appointed time Ave started, and moved
along rapidly until Ave reached Herse's plantation.
It Avas in the night when we reached there. The
Colonel retained three companies, and sent two, under
command of a Captain, with me Avith instructions to
stop at such a place as I should designate, and Avait
three hours for me to return, unless I returned sooner,
and if I did not come back at the end of that time,
to return Avithout me.

SCOUT AND SPY. 99
We went on until we came Avithin about two
hundred yards of the pickets, where I had the Cap
tain halt his men, and, leaving my mule, I went on.
I found the advanced picket right where I expected
to. He was on the alert, and challenged me as I
came up. There I cautioned the officer in command
of the pickets to be on the alert, for two companies
of rebel cavalry were within rifle-shot of him. The
pickets were all called up, and I was sent, under
guard, to General Ross. I had him called up, and
reported to him what I had learned, and told him
that, in order to carry out my plans,. I wanted an
order on the Quartermaster for a number one horse.
I also told him that I would leave my mule on Mr.
Herse's plantation, and requested him to send a
forage party out the next day and bring the mule
in. He gave me the order, and I went immediately
to C. C. Williams, Assistant Quartermaster, and Avoke
hiin up, and told him I was in a great hurry and
wanted the horse then.
However strangely he may have thought of my
movements then, I am sure that when he reads these
pages he will know why I disturbed him at that un
usual hour of the night. He furnished me with a
beautiful nag. With an old gun-sling and canteen
strap I rigged up a sort of bridle, mounted the horse,
and returned to my rebel escort.
On my return, I was in ecstacies of delight over
" my captured " nag. I told the Captain that I had
got it from a Colonel, and that I found it not twenty
yards' from his quarters, and that I tried to obtain

100 THE GREAT AMERICAN
his saddle, bridle, and holsters, but his negro was
sleeping with his head on the saddle and I could
not get them without waking him up.
The men were all highly interested with the nar
ration of my exploit, and not only conceded that I
" was a brave fellow," but " that I had got a splendid
horse." We then returned to Herse's plantation, and
I awoke the Colonel to show him my prize. He was
as much delighted as the rest had been.
It was by this time daylight, and we started for
Cold Water ; I left the mule, as I had agreed to do,
on Mr. Herse's plantation. On our way back we
burned considerable cotton. I remained a few days
longer at Cold Water, and then accompanied a de
tachment to Saulsbury to burn cotton ; from there I
ran away and returned to Bolivar. My mule had
been brought in as requested, and so I exchanged my
horse for it. I had been gone in all thirty-five days.

SCOUT AND SPY. 101

CHAPTER X.
Sent to Grand Junction to capture guerrillas — Suspicious incident — °
Strategy to got out the guerrillas — Orders disobeyed — Tho rebel fla^ —
The very kind secesh lady — The mistako — Out of the frying-pan into
the fire — Guerrillas watching for them — The attack — The prisoner —
Tho result of the trip.
A part of the duties assigned me, in tho many
trips I made from Bolivar, was to hunt up guerrilla
organizations, learn their intended movements, and
make arrangements for their capture. During my
scouts, I had learned that there was an organized
band of guerrillas at Grand Junction. On reporting
the fact to General Ross, he requested me to go doAvn
and capture them, and gave me for that purpose a
force of one hundred infantry, under command of a
Captain, and forty cavalry, under command of a Lieu
tenant, Avith instructions to the officers that they
should obey my orders in whatever plans I should
choose to adopt. I Avas also furnished with a train
of ten four-horse teams and wagons, and Avas in
structed to let the infantry ride out, and, on my re
turn, to load the wagons with forage.
It was about sundown when the detachment moved
out from Bolivar. I rode about one hundred yards
in advance, then came the cavalry, and in the rear

102 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the train bearing the infantry. My dress on this
occasion was that of a citizen.
When the last lingering rays of daylight had dis
appeared, the night became extremely dark — so dark
that it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe
by the powers of vision. While crossing a piece
of bottom land, with a forest of trees on each side of
the road that seemed to make the darkness still
more impenetrable, I met three persons. I saluted
them with a " Good-evening," and inquired of them
where they were going, and was told that they were
going after some horses that had strayed away, and
"that they Avanted to go on to Mr. Dickens' and stay
all night, and resume the search for the horses in
the morning. By this time the Lieutenant of the
cavalry came up, and, on further inquiry, found that ,
they had passes. lie took their passes to examine,
but could not find a match with which to make a
light. He then concluded, from the feeling of the
paper, that they were our passes, and allowed them
to go on. When they passed the -train, the infantry
soldiers Avere sitting down in the bottom of the
wagon-beds, and the most of them were asleep, and
the men, in passing, probably did not discover any
force but the cavalry.
When within three miles of Grand Junction, Ave
halted and waited until nearly daylight, and then
moved on to within a mile of the place. There I
had the teams turned about, facing toward Bolivar,
and gave the teamsters instructions to remain by
their teams, and if we were driven back, to push

SCOUT AND SPY. 103
foiAvard to Bolivar. I then moved the Cavalry and
infantry forward as noiseless as possible into the lane,
within half a mile of town, and instructed the officers
to remain there just half an hour, and, if I did not
return, to make a dash into the town, fer they might
know by my absence that I Avas captured.
My plan was to leave my men there, and ride into
town myself and find the guerrillas, and, if they were
not concentrated, to find their leader and have him
get out his men, to capture a small squad of Lincoln
cavalry that I would report as feeding their horses
near toAvn, and while he would be getting out his
men, I would reconnoiter to see if they Avere still
there, tellthe Federal officers where to place their men,
and then go back and act as guide to the guerrillas-
Having given all the instructions that I thought
were necessary, I rode on into town. As I drew up
in front of the Percy House, the doors of the house
were being opened, and "mine host" came out.
" Good morning, sir," said I, as he made his ap
pearance. " Good morning, sir," said he, eyeing me closely.
" Have we got any any cavalry here ? "
" No, there is none nigher than Davis Creek, three
miles from here."
" Have we got guerrillas here ? "
" Yes, some. Why, what do you want ? "
" Thar's a squad of Lincoln cavalry right up thar,"
said I, pointing toward my own men.
" Where are you from ? " he inquired, as if uncer
tain whether I was right or not

104 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Oh, / am all right. I am just from Memphis, and,
as I Avas coming in this morning, I saw a squad of
Lincoln cavalry feeding their horses, and I would
like to get out a squad of our men and go and cap
ture them."
" Well I don't knoAV how many guerillas there is
here ; but there is Captain Robison, Avho keeps the
corner grocery, and lives across the street as you go
round the corner; he is Captain of the band, and he
can tell you all about it."
" Thank you ; " and I started off to find him.
When I got round the corner, I saw a negro com
ing from a house that I took to be the Captain's ; so
I waited till he came out to me. I learned from him
that it was the Captain's house, and that he was at
home. Just then I was startled by the tramp of
horses. Knowing that it vvas not time for my men
to come in, I very naturally supposed that it Avas
rebel cavalry. I. went back to the corner to see what
it Avas, and there came my own men, the cavalry on
a gallop and the infantry on a double-quick. Instead
of Availing thirty minutes, they had only Avaited ei glit!
I was ATexed to have my plans, through disobedience
of orders, spoiled; and more so, because I had learned
from experience that all attempts to convict a guer
rilla after he was captured would be futile, unless he
was caught with arms in his hands fighting against
us. With the oath of allegiance in their pockets, and
the use of their oily tongues, they invariably managed
to get released.
We then arrested Captain Robison, and such other

SCOUT AND SPY. 105
persons as, from their actions, Ave had reason to be-
lieAre belonged to the band.
Captain Robison kept, in addition to the grocery,
a billiard saloon, which had been a favorite resort
in the summer for the Federal officers, while the
place was being garrisoned by the brigade under
command of General Leggett. One day, while en
gaged in playing a game of billards, Lieut. P. M.
Hitchcock, regimental Quartermaster of the 20th
Ohio, having occasion to look under the table for
something, discovered, fastened up underneath the
table, a large rebel flag, which he captured and
carried to camp. - The flag had been secreted there
when the Federal troops first took possession of the
place, and the officers had played on that table every
,day for weeks without having discovered it.
' Having secured our prisoners, we proceeded to
make the citizens of the place furnish breakfast for
the detachment. This they were reluctant to do, but
finally submitted. When all had been supplied, we
returned to the teams. The teamsters had not fared
so well, and, as soon as I returned, they requested me
to make arrangements for their breakfast. I told
them to driA'e on and I Avould do so. I then rode on
to find a house that looked as if its occupants had a
supply sufficient to furnish the breakfast, and forage
for the hoises and mules.
About four miles from Grand Junction, I came to
a large brick house on the right-hand side, a short
distance f om the road. I opened the gate, entered
the yard, and lode up toward the house, and, as I

106 THE GREAT AMERICAN
drew near the door, an elderly lady came out, whom
I addressed, and inquired if I could get breakfast there
for sixteen men, and feed for a hundred and fifty
horses. Supposing me to be a secesh Colonel, she replied
" Well, yes, so far as breakfast for the men is con
cerned ; but really Colcnel, about the corn, I don't
know as I have got enough here to feed so many;
but if you are a mind to be to the trouble to send
over to my nigger quarters, about three-quarters of
a mile from here, you can get all the corn you want."
"Thank you, madam. I will ride down and halt
the train, and send the men up for their break
fast." As I rode away, I heard her order the negroes to
get the breakfast. I halted the train, and set the
negroes (who were returning with us from Grand Junc
tion) to putting up corn from a field on the opposite
side of the road for the teams. The infantry soldiers
immediately began to scatter about the plantation, in
search of horses and mules, to increase the number
of those we had already taken at Grand Junction.
The thought now occurred to me that I had been
supposed by the lady to be a secesh Colonel, and that
as soon as she saw the blue trousers, the getting of
breakfast would be stopped ; so I Avent back to the
house to see about it. As soon as I came up, she
met me at the door and commenced to complain.
" I thought that it was our cavalry coming ; I Avas
mistaken. Instead, I find it is nothing but a par
cel of confounded Lincoln jayhawkers !"

SCOUT AND SPY. 107
" We are all liable to mistakes, madam."
" Now, could you," she continued, " demand of a
poor lone widow, like I am, breakfast for sixteen men
and feed for a hundred and fifty horses?"
" The subject has changed appearances consid
erably since I was hero before. I'll see about break
fast myself.
I dismounted and fastened my mule, and then
went to a Avood-pile and procured a big club, and
repaired to the cook-house. The negroes had evi
dently commenced to get things ready for the break
fast, but had been stopped.
" What are you about, you black, woolly scoun
drels ! Why a' n't you cooking breakfast ? " said I,
addressing the negroes.
" Missus dun tole us not to get de breckfust ! "
' Well, you go right to work and get the breakfast,
or I'll thrash your black hides for you ! Start right
away! " At that I made for them with my club.
" Hole on ! hole on, massa ! we'll dun an' get the
breckfust ! "
They all sprang to work in good earnest. One of
the negroes told me that the woman had locked up
the meat. I started for the smoke-house door, with
my club, to break it in, but the woman, who had
been watching me, followed with the keys, and, when
she saw, that I was about to force my way, entreated
me to let her unlock the door. On inquiry of the
negroes, I found that she had butter locked up in a
cupboard. I told her to get but some butter, and she
declared she hadn't got a bit in the house. I walked

108 THE GREAT AMERICAN
toward the cupboard, with my club raised, without
saying any thing further, when she came running to
the cupboard, with the keys in her hand, saying:
" Don't break it ! don't break it ! I'll get it out ! I'll
get it out for you ! Do give a body time ! "
By dint of perseverance, using a good many threats
and some motions, I succeeded in having the break
fast made ready ; which, having been accomplished,
the teamsters were called in to enjoy it. While the
teamsters were eating, a squad of soldiers came
through the yard, with about thirty geese that they
had confiscated. The lady saw them, and came to
. me to plead for them.
" Now, don't let the men take those geese; don't!
they are great favorites of mine. and, I hate to part
with them ! "
I had noticed, a few minutes before, a large, close
pen in one corner of the yard, filled with nice, fat
turkeys, which one of the darkeys had told me were
being fatted to send to the rebel officers. The boys
had not yet discovered them.
" Boys, put down those geese; do' nt be packing
geese from here to Bolivar ! Thrbw them down ! "
"Why, Bunker!" they exclaimed, "you said we
might get any thing that we wanted ! "
" Throw them down ! "
Down they went.
"Now, if you want any thing of the feathered tribe,
pitch into those turkeys in that pen yonder," said I,
pointing to it.
Away the boys went, a-flying.

SCOUT AND SPY. 109
"Good Lord! Now don't! don't get those turkeys!
I'd rather you had took every goose on the place!"
" You are in a bad fix now, a'n't you ? " said I.
" Right out of the frying pan into the fire ! "
Just then a little colored girl canle running in,
and said :
" Missis, de Yankees dun got Lucy !"
"Where?" inquired the lady.
" Right out dat ar way," said the girl, pointing
in the direction.
' ' Well now I declare ! Bo n' t take that riding nag
aAvay from me, a poor lone widow, as I am ; don't !
Have a little mercy on me ; do!"
"Yes!" said I, "you are a mighty poor widow!
worth two hundred thousand dollars, and paying an
overseer a thousand dollars a year ; and your hus
band a Colonel in the Confederate army you are a
mighty poor widow ! Soldiers, fetch that mare back
and let the widow keep her, she is not worth riding
to Bolivar.
As soon as breakfast was over, we again moved
on. When within two miles of Van Buren, near
where the road branches off to Whitesville, a little
incident occurred to attract our attention. As I was
riding along, in advance of the detachment, I saAV a
negro coming up the road toward me, with his hat in
his hand, and running as fast as he could, and appear
ing to be wonderfully excited about something.
" What's up ?" said I, as I met him.
" Thar's a heap ob de secesh cavalry down by
Massa's house, and dey gwine to git you all !"

110 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Here, then, was something to do. I was well ac-
quainted with tho features of the country all about
there, and I knew where they would most likely bo
posted, and which way they would retreat if we Avere
too much for them. I was also well satisfied that
the enemy consisted of Hall's guerrillas, from Sauls-
bury, and that the men that we had met on our way
down belonged to them, and, instead of going to Mr.
Dickens' to stay all night, had gone down to Sauls-
bury and got out the band to capture our train,
not knowing that we had any infantry force along.
I sent the Captain with fifty men, to the right,
to get to their flank in a piece of woods, where I
was sure they would attempt to escape if Ave over
powered them. The Captain had a corn-field to
cross, in reaching the woods, that would cover his
men from view. I was to watch from the top of the
fence, and see the Gaptain deploy his men in the
woods, before ordering an attack in front.
I watched until I knew that the Captain had time
to reach the woods ; but, for some reason, he did not
make his appearance. I waited as long as I thought
jt would do, and then, leaving ten men to guard the
prisoners, I ordered the cavalry to charge, supported
by the balance of the infantry.
As we dashed over the hill toward the house, a
man which proved to be Captain Richardson, was
seen on the top of a large gate-post, watching our ap
proach About thirty feet from -him in the yard
stood a splendid mule Avith a new saddle. He gave
a look at the mule and then at us,, and then broke

SCOUT AND SPY 111
for the corn-field on foot, leaving his mule and equip
ments. The three men whom Ave met in the dark,
and whose passes had been approved by the sense of
feeling, had reported to Hall's guerrillas at Saulsbury,
and Captain Richardson had volunteered to join the
expedition to capture us. Evidently the full amount
of our force had not been represented to them and
they had not looked for a charge. As soon as the
guerrillas discovered that we were charging on them,
they fled to the woods where I had ordered the Cap
tain to deploy his men, and they all escaped but
one. The Captain had halted his men in the corn
field, and did not take them into the woods ; had he
done so, we might have captured the whole band,
numbering, in all, thirty men.
The prisoner that we captured declared that he
Avas no guerrilla, but a citizen ; he told me that he
lived in Memphis. At Van Buren, Mrs. Moore told
me that she knew him, and that he was one of their
nearest neighbors, and one of the finest men living in
the county. At Mr. Marshall's we found a collection of
neighbors, engaged in burying a child near the road
side. Mrs. Marshall, whom I saw there, told me that
she knew him, and that he lived in Tupelo, Mississippi,
and that he and his wife were out there on a visit, and
that his wife was present somewhere in the gathering.
Just then the wife saw her husband, a prisoner,
and begged of the Lieutenant to let him go ; " for,"
said she, " I know that he will never take the oath,
and they will hang him, sure, and I shall never, never
see him again in this world / "

112 THE GREAT AMERICAN
The Lieutenant passed on with his prisoner, and I
remained behind until after the detachment had all
passed, when I moved on. Before overtaking them,
I met the prisoner, coming back, with a written state
ment, signed by the Lieutenant, that he had been
released. Before reaching Bolivar, the wagons were
loaded with forage., Aside from the forage, mules,
and contrabands that we gathered, the expedition
was a failure.
The men we arrested at Grand Junction all man
aged to get released. I felt mortified at the result,
because I felt sure that, if my plans had been carried
out, we might have made a brilliant little affair of it.
General Ross reprimanded the officers severely for
not having obeyed my instructions.
The reader can see by the foregoing what might
have been done on that expedition ; yet it was a
failure, because the parties concerned neglected to
obey orders. It is a parallel case, on a small scale,
to numerous others of greater magnitude, in the pro
secution of the war.
Captain Richardson, who made his escape in the
corn-field, has since been made a Colonel of a rebel
regiment, raised near Lafayette, Tenn. During the
winter following we again met Col. Richardson in a
skirmish near Lafayette, Tenn., and captured him
and the most of his command.

SCOUT AND SPY. 113

CHAPTER XI:
Sent to Lagrange — Observes two cavalrymen — Arrival at Lagrange —
Waits for the cavalry — Accompanies them out — Takes his departure
— Is pursued — Evades the pursuit — Finds himself cornered - — Crosses
the Cypress Swamp — Robbed by outlaws — Disloyal citizen — Tho fate
of the robbers.
Not long after my return from running with the
2d Arkansas Cavalry, General Ross requested me to
make a general reconnoisance of the country along
the railroad as far as Lagrange, and to examine care
fully the trestle-work and brides of the railroad, and
to watch for any movement that might be intended
as an attack on the post or a raid upon the railroad.
I went out, disguised as a citizen, mounted on a
mule. Ten miles from Bolivar I stopped at Mr. Mar
shall's, were I spent an hour or more in conversation
with the members of the family. Mr. Marshall was
absent in the hospital, he having been wounded in
the battle of Shiloh, and had not yet sufficiently re-
coArered to enable him to get home.
While there, Miss Juliet Armstrong came in, a
sister of the Confederate General Armstrong. Mrs.
Marshal introduced me to her, not knowing that we
were acquainted. She appeared very hopeful of the
Southern cause. She did not evade the fact of the
8

114 THE GREAT AMERICAN
gloom and darkness that seemed to envelope the
South, but spoke cheerful and hopeful of the result.
She inquired ifl had any late news from "our " forces,
and I, in turn, gained as much general information
of Southern matters as I could.
When passing myself as a citizen of the South, I
have always found the people affable in their man
ners, sociable and extremely liberal in their hospita
lity. Whenever an occasion was offered them of ren
dering any assistance which they supposed was fur
thering the cause they had espoused, their kindness
and generosity knew no bound.
Two miles further on is the residence of Captain
Rose, to whom I paid a visit. Captain Rose had
served in the United States army eleven years, and
is one of your genuine Union men, and has always
been loyal to the Government. I have visited him
frequently since, and was always made welcome. I
did not disguise the fact that I belonged to the Fe
deral army, and have several times received from him
valuable information. It was of rare occurrence that
I found among the citizens of that locality such
genuine sentiments of loyalty and devotion to the
Federal Government as I found in Captain Rose. *"- *
I moved on leisurely, examining the railroad as I
went, but saw nothing worthy of attention after I left
C aptain Rose until two miles West of Van Bur en , where
the road from Whitesville comes in'. As I came near
that place, I saw two rebel cavalrymen, who had
been coming up the Grand Junction road, turn ofl
toward Whitesville.

SCOUT AND SPY. 115
" Halloo, boys ! " said I, hailing them, " stop a
minute ; I want to see you."
" We havn't time to stop," answered one ; " our
company has gone on to Whitesville, and we Avant
to overtake it."
They dashed ahead without stopping. Their re
ply, however, answered my purpose. " A company
of cavalry had gone to Whitesville," and it remained
for me to find out what it had gone for. The two
men were without luggage, from which I concluded
they would return the next day ; and, knowing that
the rebel forces were principally at Lumpkins' Mills'
it seemed probable that when the company returned
it would pass through Lagrange, so I resolved to go
on to Lagrange that night. It was then nearly
dark. I arrived at Lagrange about 11 o'clock at night,
and halted at the depot. It was very dark, and
every body had retired for the night, and, not liking
to blunder about the place for lodging, lest I might
encounter some rebel cavalry, I lay down upon the
depot platform, Avith my bridle over my arm, ready
to spring up at the slightest alarm, and went to
sleep. In the morning I repaired to a house of entertain
ment, kept by a Mr. Lee, and procured some break
fast for myself and feed for my mule. There I
waited for the return of the cavalry. About 1 o'clock,
P. M., they came in and halted to feed.
I did not think that it was prudent to mingle with
the cavalry while they remained in town, so I had

116 THE GREAT AMERICAN
my mule got ready,, and remained at the public
house until the cavalry commenced to move out,
when I mounted and moved out on the same road
in their rear, and, at a short distance from town, I
came up with them. I rode along in company with
them, as if I were a citizen returning to my home
f?om town.
I asked the boys how they liked soldiering, and
whether they had ever been in any fights, and what
regiment they belonged to, and various other ques
tions, such as I supposed a citizen would naturally
ask ; and, finally, I inquired where they had been,
and was told that they had been to Whitesville, on
a scout, to see Avhether the Yankees had been com
mitting any depredations on the property of the citi
zens. In that manner I kept up my conversation
until Ave were within three miles of the Cold Water,
without having excited any suspicion but what I
was all right.
I had gone as far as I cared about, and began to
think up some plan by which I could make my exit
from their company without exciting suspicion. To
accomplish my object, I gradually fell back to the
rear, and the first rise of ground that the cavalry
went over, that was large. euough to hide me from
view until I could get a good start on my way back,
I turned about and left them.
I moved along on a good fast trot, occasionally
looking back to see if I was pursued. I had made
about four miles, when on looking back, I saw a
squad of about fifteen cavalry in full chase after

SCOUT AND SPY. 117
me. My sudden departure had excited their suspi
cions. I put the spurs to my mule and dashed ahead
at the top of its speed. My pursuers gained on me.
I urged my mule still harder, and still they con
tinued to gain. My situation seemed a hopeless one.
I could not outstrip them in the chase, and they were
rapidly gaining on me. If captured, my flight under
the circumstances would be conclusive evidence
against me. Still, on I pressed, the distance between
myself and pursuers growing rapidly less. My mule,
too, was becoming exhausted, and my pursuers Avere
within five hundred yards of me. I had come full
three miles since I saw them giving chase. Passing
a bend in the road,, with a growth of small trees and
brush along the fence that hid me from view, I came
to a gap in the fence, through which I passed into a
field. The field was covered with stubble and tall
weeds. I dashed ahead at right angles with the road
for about two hundred yards, when I came to where
an old house once stood. I found here an old cistern
which had caved in, and tall weeds were growing
round it. I dismounted and led my mule down into
this hole and we were completely hid from view. In
a few moments I heard the tramp of horses as my
pursuers passed on.
I had despaired of making my escape, but as
pursuers passed by, hope began to revive. It was
then about sundown. I waited there until dark, and
then mounted my mule and started on. I knew that
they would soon return, and I must manage so as
not to be seen. When I arrived at the place where

118 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the road turns off to the right, that goes to Davis'
Mills, I turned to the left into the edge of a piece
of woods where I could see without being seen, and
halted. In a few minutes I heard my pursuers approach-
in"1, who, when they came to the corners, took the
road to Davis' Mills. I remained under cover of
the woods until I thought all stragglers of the party,
if there should be any, had passed, and then went
on, watching carefully as I went.
As I was riding along, the thought occurred to me
that perhaps, my pursuers might ha%e mistrusted
that I had turned out into the field to evade them,
and had placed a picket on the bridge across Wolf
River, near Lagrange, to capture me if I attempted
to cross. I rode on to within two hundred yards
of the bridge, and there I left my mule and went
forward to reconnoiter. When within a few paces
of the bridge I stopped and listened, but did not
hear any thing. I moved a few feet further, and then
I thought I heard a footstep. I crept up still closer,
and peered forward in the black distance, and there
I could see, on the bridge, the form of a man. I
watched and he moved. There was no mistake
about it ! My fears were realized ! The picket was
there !
The glimmerings of hope that had lightened me
up as my pursuers passed me noAv vanished. I was
completely cornered. The only bridge besides that
one was on the Davis Mills road, and my pursuers
were on that road. Between the two bridges was

SCOUT AND SPY. 119
an extensive cypress swamp, and below the bridge
that I was at was another swamp still worse.
The only possible Avay that I could see to evade
my pursuers Avas to cross the swamp between
the two bridges. To think of the undertaking
was horrible!
I crept cautiously back to my mule, mounted, and
rode through a dense growth of brush to my left
until I reached the edge of the swamp, Avhere I
halted. To undertake to cross in daylight would be
hazardous, and in the dark utterly impossible ; so I
concluded to wait until morning before making the
attempt. I laid down upon the ground, with my
bridle over my arm, with the venomous insects and
serpents as my companions, and the intervening brush
over my head and the broad canopy of heaven, cur
tained with black clouds, my only covering. Such
surroundings are not very conducive to sleep, but
exhausted nature soon yielded, and I slept, and slept
soundly — so soundly that when I awoke in the morn
ing the sun was two hours high.
The mule, to satisfy its hunger, had eaten the
leaves from the bushes, around where I lay, as far as
it could reach, and yet it had neither pulled away
from me nor disturbed my slumbers, but had been
as careful of me and manifested as much attachment
for me as a faithful dog would for his master.
The mule had been presented to me by General
Ross and had been a common sharer with me in the
exposures and dangers that I had experienced, and
had borne me safely thus far, and was, perhaps, to

120 THE GREAT AMERICAN
be the only friendly companion to witness the end that
would befall me.
I had not tasted a mouthful of food since I had.
eaten my breakfast, at the public house, the morning
before, and I was not in a very fit state of body or
mind to accomplish such an undertaking as was then
before me. The tug of war had come, however, and
the Rubicon had to be crossed.
Leading my mule by the bridle, I started'in, some
times at midsides in mire and water, and then on
top of a bog or root, and then — splash into the water
again, stopping occasionally to drive away the pois
onous water-snakes which infest these swamps. On
I went, clambering, wallowing, splashing, and
plunging! As all things earthly have an end, so
had that swamp ; and, in spite of venomous mocca
sins, tangled brush, cypress trees, mire and Avater, I
reached the river, which we forded.
Myself and mule Avere frightful looking objects,
from the mire we had wallowed through, and, before
going any further, it became necessary for me to clean
off the mule to prevent suspicion. Several hours
were spent in cleaning and drying before I felt safe
to venture out. ^
As soon as I thought prudent, I m6unted my mule
and rode on across the country. I passed to the east
of Lagrange, in sight of town, keeping a sharp look-out
for cavalry. When I reached the Memphis and Co
rinth stage road, I took my course toward. Bolivar.
When about two miles from Grand Junction, I
saw approaching me from the east, and a long way

SCOUT AND SPY. 121
ahead, three persons on horseback. I resolved to
face the music this time, let come what would,,. My
recent experience at running had satisfied me. As
they came nearer, I saw that they were dressed like
citizens, which very much relieved my anxiety.
One of them was a very large man, of roughly
defined outline, with light hair and a red face ; the
second was a medium-sized man, of fair appearance,
and the third was a little man, with small, round
face, black hair, and sharp, black eyes. . Their cloth
ing was made of homespun cloth. As they met me,
two came up on one side and one on the other, and
halted ; so I halted.
" Good afternoon, stranger ! " said the big man, as
we halted.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen ! " I replied.
" That's a fine mule you are riding," continued
the big man.
" Yes, it is a tolerably good one."
" Well, mister, we want that mule, and we are
going to have it. Get off from that mule said the
big man. Each of them, at the same time, dreAV out
a derringer and pointed it at me.
" You are the strongest party," said I, " and I
suppose that you must haAre it."
I dismounted, and, at the same time, two of them
dismounted, and the big man took possession of the
mule. It was like parting with a last friend to give
up my favorite.
" Have you got any money ? " said the little man,
coming up and thrusting his hands into my pockets.

122 THE GREAT AMERICAN
He took out every thing that I had in them, and
then, casting his eyes toward my feet, said: " You
have got a good pair of boots there; Ave want them."
"Strangers," said, I, " that's going a little too far.
You have got my mule and got my money, and now
to take my boots and leave me to walk twenty miles
to my home barefooted is too much. You can't have
them, unless you take them off from my dead body.
"That is a little too hard," said the big man;
" you may keep your boots."
They then mounted and rodo away, leading my
mule with them, in tho direction from Avhich they
came, and I folloAved behind them, on foot. It is not
often that I pray, but then I prayed. My prayer
Avas, " that the 1 lth Illinois Cavalry would come
dashing down on the road from Bolivar, and capture
the lawless villains that had robbed me of my mule
and my money."
Hungry and fatigued, with twenty miles to travel
on foot, and that, too, upon the top of my misfor
tunes of the night before, made me anything but
good-natured, and I muttered vengeance to the rob
bers that had taken my favorite, if over an opportu
nity occurred.
AVhen I reached the house of old Mr. Pruett, hunger
impelled me to stop. I found the people absent,
except a daughter and a young lady from a neigh
boring family, that had called in. I found them
obliging and sociable, and in*a lew minutes their
fair hands, secesh as they were, had spread for me
a bountiful repast, much to the delight of my raven-

SCOUT AND SPY. 123
ous appetite. I told the ladies that I had been
robbed of my mule and money, and describe4 tp
them the villains that had done it. The lady that
had called in said that they answered the description
of three outlaws that had robbed her uncle, a few
days before, of $3,600 in gold, that he had just
received f<?r his cotton, and then beat him on the
head with their derringers, until they supposed ho
was dead, for having sold his cotton to the Yankees.
She also said that they Avere supposed to live near
Ripley, Miss.
Haying satisfied my hunger, I resumed my walk
toward Bolivar. When I came to the railroad crossing,
I followed the railroad. I was too tired to make ra
pid progress, and made frequent stops to rest njyself.
When I arrived at Middleburg it was between 9 and
10 o'clock at night. As I Avas about passing a well
near the depot platform, I saw a person drawing a
bucket of , water. Being thirsty, I stopped and asked
for a drink. I recognized the man as the merchant
that kept the brick store near by ; he, however, did
not know me. He handed me a drink, and when I
returned him the cup, he inquired if I had any news.
I told him there was no news.
" Have ypu got a Southern paper ? "
" No, sir."
" I would give ten dollars for a Southern paper, I
feel anxious to hear from Baton Rouge."
"I have no paper and no news from Baton Rouge. ;*
" Where are you from ? "
" Holly Springs."

124 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"You from Holly Springs, and ha' n't got any
news ! "
" Look 'e here, mister, you are a stranger to me ;
I do'nt know who you are."
" Oh ! I am all right ! "
" Well, I do'nt know you. I am sent up here on
special business," said I, in a confidential Avay.
"Oh! that's it, is it? I didn't know that!" Then,
patting me on the shoulder, he said, " Go on ! that's
right ! I hope you will have good luck and get
through." Before daylight next morning I "was once more in
camp at Bolivar.
The next January, as the army Avas on its way
backVfrom its campaign in Mississippi, while riding
along in advance of the infantry, I came across my
favorite mule. It Avas ih company K, of the 7th
Kansas Cavalry. I Avent to Captain BostAvick, who
was in command of the company, and told him that
he had my mule, and how I came by it and how I
lost it, and -also described the men that took it aAvay
from me. The Captain returned me the mule, and
told me that, while making a raid near Ripley, Mis
sissippi, during the fall, he had captured three men
of the description I had given, and with them eigh
teen mules, including mine, and that the men had
been sent to Alton, 111., as guerrillas; so I never had
an opportunity of retaliating on them for their outrage
to me. I am fully convinced that they were profes
sional robbers, and belonged to neither army.

SCOUT AND SPY 125

CHAPTER XII.
Starts to find General Bragg's forces — "Wools" tho secesh farmer — Re
ceives a bottle of rum — Guerrillas washing stockings — Finds Bragg's
advance — Recognized as a Yankee spy — Ordered qff his mule to be
shot — The clamor of the crowd — Recognized as a Confederate spy —
Robcl surgeon vouches for him — Is released — Gray-headed'rebel brought
to justice; — The Sutler of the 2d Arkansas Cavalry a prisoner — What
became of the guerrillas that were washing stockings.
On one occasion Gen. Ross instructed me to go out
on the Somerville road and see if I could find any of
Daniels' guerrillas.
"Every time," said he, "that I send out a forage
party they will bushwhack them. Now go out twelve
miles, and if you find them don't bring on an en
gagement, but come back and report, and I will send
out the 2d Illinois Cavalry and try and capture the
lawless villians."
I took with me twenty men armed with Spencer
rifles. We Avent out 12 miles and had returned Avithin
four miles of camp without seeing a guerrilla.
Said the boys, "let us .go down and get some sup
per at old man Woods'."
" Well," said I, " let us go respectfully," so wc
marched doAvn in two ranks, right face, at a right
shoulder shift arms, and halting in front of the house,
I said, "good evening Mr. Woods."

126 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Good evening! " said he.
" Now said I, Mr. Woods, I know you are a good
Union man, wouldn't you like to bestow a little hos
pitality on a few Federal soldiers ? "
" Oh ! if you insist upon it. I know if you say
supper, it must come! I'm pretty well drilled,"
We ate supper and I offered to pay in Confederate
money. "No! I don't want it! I don't Avant any Con
federate money! " "Good evening," said I, "wo must
be going."
When we were about twenty rods from the house
I saw a little negro boy on a run, hat in hand. I
halted my men and says to the' darkey, " My littlo
man, what's the matter? Where have you been?"
" Ole massa Woods tole me to go out into cotton
patch and tell the overseer to tell young Massa Woods
there was a whole lot of Lincoln scouts at his house."
"Now, boys," said I, "Ave '11 "find them directly."
We started on quick time, when the boys says, "Gen
eral, what's your hurry ? "
" My instruction from General Ross is not to bring
on any engagement. They will be on us in a few
minutes." " Let them eome," said the boys, "we 're ready for
them!" "Well," said I, '<boys! If you want to fight and Avill
stand up to the work, I'll stay out with you."
"Well, General, let V have a brush with them ! "
" Come on," says I, " let us get into that square
patch of woods, and wait till they come." There
were about five acres with cleared fieldsall around ft.

SCOUT AND SPY. 127
I sent out two men as decoys on the North and South
West. In about 20 minutes we saw them comin«*.
I called in my decoys and we all hid in the woods.
Daniels with his sixty guerrillas formed a triangle,
twenty men on each side, between us and camp.
He then sent a man with a flag of truce. It consisted
of a handkerchief tied to a stick. I stepped out of
the woods, and asked Avhat he wanted. He said,
Lieut. D. demanded a surrender of the woods without
firing a shot, and if we did not, he would murder
every one of us. I told him to tell Daniels, if he
wanted the woods to come up and get them.
In a few minutes wo heard him give the command
forward !
The boys Avero noAv eager for a shot. Said I, "Keep
cool, keep cool, boys, and don't shoot till I have, and
pick out your man, but don't all shoot at Daniels ! "
When within twenty feet of tho woods, I fired my
revolver at their leader, and in an instant a volley
from the boys emptied fourteen saddles.
Such a panic among a squad of guerrillas has sel
dom been seen. We followed them with our seven
shooters till they Avere out of sight.
" Now, boys, lot us go into camp. But if you Avant
another brush, we can have it." "Agreed," said the
boys, "let's try 'em again."
"Arms port," said I, "forward, and double quick!"
On we went, and the guerrillas saAV us running and
thought it was their time to retaliate, and under full
spur they charged upon us. We formed a skirmish
line across the road and met them.

128 THE GREAT AMERICAN
After firing some twenty rounds, the enemy gaA-e
back, reformed the line, and charged again, and we
met them as before, and our firing brought out the 2nd
111. cavalry to our support, when the rebels broke and
run in every direction. We then returned to camp, and
I went with my report to Gen. Ross. He said, "I in
structed you not to bring on an engagement, what
did jov, do it for ? " I said, " the guerrillas got be
tween us and camp, and we had to shoot ahole through
to get back." He said, " I know better, and you
ought to be Court-martialed for disobeying orders,
and you may consider yourself under arrest."
I wrote to General Grant, then at Jackson, Tenn.,
gave him the particulars and he instructed General
Ross to release me, saying, when he sent out scouts,
and the enemy got between them and camp, if ho
did not allow them to use their guns, he had better
arm them with broom-handles, as they would be
lighter to carry.
The next trip that I made was under the following
instructions from General Ross :
" I understand," said he, " by report from citizens,
that General Bragg is coining this way with his forces,
and I want to know whether he really is coming or
not, and on what road and with how much force. T
want you to go to Somerville, and if you find noth
ing there, go to Lagrange, and thence to Grand Junc
tion, Saulsbury, Middleton, and Pocahontas, and then
back. If you find a force at any place in your route,
you will come immediately back and report. You
will make the trip with as little delay as possible.

SCOUT AND SPY. 129
I received my instructions in the evening, and
early the next morning, in the disguise of a well-
dressed citizen, mounted on a mule, I was on my
way. During the cool of the morning I traveled
along at a smart trot, and by sunrise I had made
about eight miles. When about twelve miles out, I
was about passing a plantation house, when an old
planter, who was feeding some hogs near the road,
motioned me to stop.
" Good morning, stranger," said he, as I reined up.
" Good morning, sir."
" Where have you been ? "
" Oh, ho, ho, ho ; I have been to Bolivar," said I,
laughing. " I have been there a week, and I know
all about the Yankee forces in there, and now, if I
can only find General Bragg, then I am all right! "
" Oh, indeed ! I am delighted to hear it. Won't
you alight and come in ? "
" Well, yes, I don't care if I do ; for I have been
riding since before daylight ? "
I dismounted and went in, and, as soon as I was
seated, the old man inquired who I was.
" I, have been acting the Yankee, and I belong to
General Bragg's command." ,*
"You do?"
"Yes, sir!"
" How did you manage to get into Bolivar ? "
" Oh, I told them that I Avas a Union man, and
wanted to go in and take the oath.
"Well, there is right smart of them gets in that way,
but thefe a'n't many of them that [thinks it binding."
9

ISO THE GREAT AMERICAN
" You Have taken the oath, I suppose."
"Yes, we all do that. But, come, breakfast is ready
sit up and eat some breakfast."
"Thank you; my ride this morning makes me
quite hungry."
The breakfast and feed for my mule was just
what I wanted, and his invitation saved me the
trouble of asking for it.
With a profusion of thanks and good wishes to
them, I bade them adieu, and resumed my journey.
Somewhere near three miles east of Somerville is a
beautiful spring, that makes its exit from the ground
beneath a group of shady elm ttees. There I saw
three men, engaged in washing their stockings! It
is not usual for men to wash their own stockings in
the ordinary peaceful avocations of life, and the fact
of their being so engaged, and also dressed like citi
zens, was conclusive evidence to me that they were
guerrillas. Riding down to the spring and dismount
ing, I said, "Look'e here boys; can I have a drink?"
To which they assented, and having drank I mounted
my mule and rode on.
Finding no troops at Somerville, on my arrival, I
continued on, taking the road that leads south to
Lagrange, which place I reached late in the afternoon.
There I found four regiments of infantry and two i e-
giments of cavalry. They had just arrived, and had
not yet thrown out any pickets. The advance cavalry
had but just entered the town, and the other troops
were coming in the distance.
, I rode along into town among the soldiers, as fa-

SCOUT AND SPY. l?5l
miliarly as if I belonged to the place, and stopped
near the drug store. Standing within a few feet of
the drug store, was a large, corpulent, red-faced old
man, with hair almost white, leaning upon a walk
ing-staff; near by was a Colonel, dismounted, and
leaning with his left hand upon his saddle; all about
Were cavalry. As I reined up, the old man pointed
to me and said, " Colonel, there is a Yankee spy ; he
ought to be shot. I knoAV him, Colonel,' and know
•that he is a Yankee spy."
" If he is a Yankee spy he shall be shot."
" I have seen him before. I know that he is a
Yankee spy."
."A Yankee spy!" -'A Yankee spy!" Shoot
him ! " " Hang him ! " cried out the soldiers, rush
ing up to get a sight of me.
" Where do you belong ? " inquired the Colonel.
" My home is in Osceola, Mississippi County, Ar
kansas; but, I am from Memphis now."
" What are you doing here ? "
" I have been out to Somerville, and beyond to
ward Bolivar, to see some friends."
" Yes* Bolivar ! " cried the old man ; " the rascal
has just come from Bolivar, and there is where he
belongs. I tell you Colonel, I know him ; I know
that he is a Yankee spy."
" Well, if you know him to be a Yankee spy, I'll
shoot him. (Addressing me, and drawing his re
volver and cocking it:) "Get off from your mule."
I dismounted, and one of the soldiers led my mule
to one side, and the crowd opened behind me. The

132 THE GREAT AMERICAN
excitement was intense, and the crowd dense, and, in
its excitement jit swayed to and fro like an angry mob,
and cries went up from every direction, " Hang him!"
" shoot him ! " " shoot the rascal ! " I cannot picture
the horror that filled me. In all that vast multitude,
there was not a friendly eye to witness my doom.
To escape was utterly impossible ! Die I must by
the hands of traitors, and my fate be wrapped in
oblivion to my comrades and relatives ! A cold tre
mor crept over me, and such indescribable sensations „
filled me as makes me shudder when I think of it.
Just then Dr. Biggs, surgeon of the 4th Tennes
see Infantry, stepped out of the drug store to learn
the cause of the excitement. As he came out, he
saw me and recognized me as the Confederate spy
that had been captured by the Federal pickets near
his house, and who had eaten breakfast with him.
" Colonel, you are gwine to shoot the wrong man
thar," said the doctor. " I know that ar man, and
I know who he is and whar he belongs. He is no
Yankee spy."
"I know that he is a Yankee spy," said the old man.
" / know better," said the doctor ; " and* if you
kill him, you kill the wrong man. You ar not a
gwine to find out his business : and if you kill him,
he'll not tell you. I know that he is all right. I have
seen him in a tighter place than he is in now." Then
stepping to the soldier that held my mule, he snatch
ed the bridle out of his hand, and, turning to me, he
said : " Here, take your mule ; they are not a gwine
to shoot you." Then turning to the Colonel, and

SCOUT AND SPY. 133
stamping his foot on the ground, he said : " You are
not a gwine to shoot that man, for I know that he is
all right ! "
" Well, doctor, if you know that he is all right,
and are willing to vouch for him, I'll let him go."
" I will vouch for him, for I know who he is."
Then turning to me, he said : " Get on your mule
and go about your business ; they are not a gwine
to hurt you."
I mounted my mule and the soldiers opened the
way for me, and I went a sailing out of town ; and
I don't think I was very long in getting back to
Bolivar. I tell you, reader, in that Doctor Biggs I fully
realized that "a friend in need was a friend indeed."
His appearance at that critical moment was as un
expected as would have been a visit from an angel
in heaven. When I reported to General Ross, I
narrated to him my adventure.
"Bunker," said he, "don't you know that when a
man goes out as a spy, he goes, as it were, with a
rope round his neck, ready for any body to draw it
tight?" " Yes, I think I had a slight hint of that fact on
this trip."
I resolved that if ever an opportunity offered, the
old, gray-headed rebel at Lagrange should be brought
to account for his treatment ; so I went to the Pro
vost-marshal and gave him a narrative of the adven
ture, and a description of the rebel, so that in case
he should ever visit the place, he might be captured.

134 THE GREAT AMERICAN
About two months after the foregoing adventure,
Lagrange was occupied by Federal troops, and Col.
Norton, the same officer that was Provost-marshosI in
Bolivar, now commanded the post. As I was passing
along the streets, one day, I saw, not four feet from
the place where I first met him, the old, grey-headed
rebel, Avith his staff in his hand. His appearance
was permanently stereotyped in my mind, and I
could not be mistaken in the man who had so nearly
deprived me of my life.
Drawing my revolver, I walked up to him, saying,
"You old, gray-headed rebel ! do you remember the
'Yankee spy?' Do you 'know him' now? HaVe
you 'seen kirn before ? ' "
" What do you mean ? " said he ; "I don't under
stand you ! "
" You don't know what I mean ! You don't re
member telling the rebel Colonel, standing in the
tracks where you now stand, 'I know him; . I have
seen him before ; I know that he is a Yankee spy ! '
Don't tell mc, you old, gray-headed villain, that you
don't know what I mean! You start with me to the
commender of the post, or I '11 blow your brains out
here ! "
'The old fellow led the way and I folloAvcd, Avith
my revolver cocked.
" Colonel," said I, as wc entered his ofiice, " here
is the old, gray-headed devil that said to the rebel
Colonel, 'Kill the Yankee spy' ; and I have brought
him in for you to dispose of."
"Bunker," said the Colonel, "a'n't you mistaken?"

SCOUT AND BP?, 135
"No, I a'n't! I know him, and I found him stand
ing in tho very place AVhere he tried to have mo
shot!" Then turning to the old man, I said: "Didn't
you toll the rebel Colonel, that I Avas a Yankee spy,
and try to have him shoot me ? tell me the truth., or
I'll kill you right here ! "
" Ye-yes, I — believe I — d-do — recollect it noAV-"
" You old whelp! You deserve to be shot! " said tho
Colonel. " Here I have been guarding your house,
and guarding your mules, and boarding with you ;
and you representing yourself to have always been a
Union man, and the oath in your pocket that you took
last summer!" Then turning to me, he said: "Bunker,
I '11 dispose of him as he ought to be."
'* Thank you, Colonel, I wish you would."
The next morning the guards Avere removed from
the old man's premises,' and he was put aboard the
cars, in irons, destined to go North.
A day of two afterward I happened to be passing
by where a number'of rebel prisoners were_cpnfined,
and there I saw the sutler of the 2d Arkansas Cav
alry (the regiment that I run with so long). The
sutler knew me, and motioned to me to come in ; so
I got pesmission of the officer in charge to go in and
sec him. He still supposed that I Avas secesh.
'Rnggleg," said he, " I am hereunder arrest as a
guerrilla. Now, you, know that I am no guerrilla,
but a regularly authorized sutler in the 2d Arkansas
Cavalry. I wish you would see the commander of the
post and explain that fact to him, so that I may be
treated as a prisoner of war, and not as an outlaw."

136 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"Well, I will tell him what I know about it.
Perhaps he will recognize you as a prisoner of Avar."
" Thank you ! Do what you can for me. But,
between you and I, (speaking confidentially,) I quit
sutlcring and joined a band of guerrillas, because I
¦ thought that I could make more money at it. It
Avas all bad management that We got captured."
Just then another prisoner came up, and, taking
me by the hand, said, " Don't you khoAV me ? "
" No, I don't remember you, as I know of."
" Do you remember of seeing three men at the
spring, three miles east of Somerville, last summer,
when you were riding by; when you stopped to
drink?"
t " Oh, yes ! I do recollect it now."
" Well, we are the men."
" Are you ? "
" Yes. Now, you know that we are only citizens,
and that we don't belong to any guerrilla band."
" Of course I do ! You are no guerrillas ! "
" If you please, I want to have you go and see
the commanding officer, and tell him that we are not
guerrillas, but peaceable, quiet citizens." '
" Certainly, boys ! I'll help you out of this, if I
can ? "
I went to the commander of the post and told him
what " / knew about them," and did all I could to
" get them out of that," and a few days after they
were all sent North in irons.

SCOUT AND SPY. 137

CHAPTER XIII.
Reconnoiters Hickory Flats with a squad of seven men — Shoots at tho
mark — Orders to march with two days' rations — Cause of the alarm —
Roconnoiter beyond AVhitesville — Major Mudd's trap — "Bunker" en
tices the rebs into it — Rides into the trap behind a rebel Captain —
Sent out beyond Pocahontas — Passes as a rebel artillerist — Secesh
Citizens stands guard for him — The very kind secesh lady — The anxious
wife — Discovers guerrillas burning a human being.
Near the close of September, General Hurlbut
arrived at Bolivar, with his division, from Memphis,
and assumed command of the post. General Ross
recommended me to him as a reliable and successful
spy. I knew the General, but never had worked for
him. I Avill here acknowledge that I am indebted
to General Hurlbut for some of the best lessons that
I have ever received in regard to my duties as a spy.
. Tho first time that I Avent out for General Hurlbut,
he told me that he wanted I should go out to the
Hickory Flats, and scout all o\rcr the flats and see if
I could find any rebel cavalry. I asked the privilege
of taking seven men Avith mc, Avhich was granted,
and I Avas told to select such men as I preferred.
At that time detachments of the enemy, mostly ca.
vairy, were scattered about the country, watching
for opportunities to annoy us, by attacking our forage
parties, and making raids upon the railroad that we

138 THE GREAT AMERICAN
depended upon to transport our supplies. It had been
extremely difficult to find such detachments, becausr
they usually stayed but a short time in a place, and
generally encamped in some back, out-of-the-way
place, concealed by swamps, Avoods, and cane-brakes,
reached by unfrequented roads or paths. The object
of my trip Avas to examine thoroughly the Hickoey
Flats and its vicinity for any such detachments.
I selected my men, and proceeded to the place and
examine it, so far as I could, on the day that I went
out. I remained there over night, and in the morn
ing resumed my work, and by noon had thoroughly
reconnoitered the locality, without having discovered
any detachments of the enemy. We then eat dinner,
and prepared to return.
As we wore about to leave, Sergeant Quackenbush,
one of my squad, proposed that, inasmuch as AAre were
fifteen miles away from camp, I allow the men to
shoot a few rounds at a mark, for practice. Not
thinking that there could be any serious consequences
resulting from it, I consented. We all engaged in
shooting, following one after the other in quick suc
cession, until we had fired, in all, forty-seven shots.
I was not aAvare that any other scouting party had
been sent out. Having finished our shooting, avo re
turned to pamp. It was late when we arrived, and,
being very tired, I deferred reporting to General Hurh
but until the next morning.
About 2 o'clock in the morning the troops were
wakened up, and given orders to put two days' cooked
rations in their haversacks, and be ready to march

SCOUT AND SPY. 139
at a moments notice. It seemed a strange move for
me, for I thought that I was as well posted as any
body of the whereabouts of the enemy. I could not
comprehend what the move meant.
My curiosity became so excited about it, that I
started for head-quarters to report much earlier than
I otherwise would have done. As I passed the differ
ent camps, every thing was bustle and hurry, Avith
preparations for a march. The cavalry horses were
saddled and the artillery horses harnessed, in prepara
tions for a move. Something was up, sure, and I
wondered what it could be.
" What's up ? What do you think is the matter?"
said I, calling to an artilleryman, as I passed.
" The cavalry that went out yesterday reported a
large force of rebel cavalry on the Hickory Flats,
and I expect that Ave are going Out there," Avas the
reply. It was all clear enough then ! . I had done the
mischief! I felt badly worked up about it. I knew
that I had no business to fire a gun ; but 1 was so
far away that I did not suppose any of our forces
would hear it. It was my first scout for General
Hurlbut, and I expected that it would destroy his
confidence in me. I expected a severe rebuke, at
least, and I dreaded to report. I determined, how
ever, to faco the? music, let come what Avould; so I
went in.
" Good morning, General," said I, saluting him as
I went in. " I have got back."
" Good morning, Bunker. What's the news 1 "

140 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Nothing ;" I haven't got any news this morn
ing." "Where did you go?"
"I went right where you told me to go — out to
Hickory Flats, and back, by way of Middleburg, to
camp." " Have you been out to the Hickory Flats ?"
"Yes, sir."
" Did you see any rebel cavalry there ?"
"No, sir, I did not."
" Well, Bunker, your report and that of the caval
ry don't agree at all."
" I can't help it, General ; I have been right where
you told me to go, and I did not see any rebel cav
alry." "Bunker!" said the General with emphasis, "do
you come here and tell me that you have been down
on Hickory Flats, and that there is no rebel cavalry
there ?"
"Yes, sir, I do. I know what the trouble is. I
expect that. I'll catch ' Hail Columbia' now ! I caused
the mischief."
"How so?"
"After I finished my reconnoissance yesterday,
before starting back, I allowed the men to fire at the
mark, and they kept up a pretty brisk fire until they
had fired forty-seven shots. I suspect that the cavalry
has been out there and heard it. I kneAV that we
were fifteen miles away from camp, and I did not
think that we might cause an alarm by it."
"That's a fact, is it?"

SCOUT AND SPY. 141
" Yes, sir."
"Very well; that will do. Be careful the next
time." An hour later all was quiet in camp ; the horses
were unharnessed, and everything moved off as usual.
A little incident took place during a reconnoissance
to a small town on the right bank of the Hatchie
River, West of Whitesville, some time in September,
1862, that I will here narrate.
A brigade of infantry, a regiment of cavalry, a
battery of artillery, and the detachment knoAvn as the
"mule cavalry" constituted the force. The cavalry
was the 2d Illinois, under the command of Major
Mudd. When within four miles of the town, the in
fantry and artillery halted, and the 2d Illinois and
mule cavalry went on to the river.
On several occasions, scouting parties of cavalry
had dashed into the town, and they had always found
some rebel cavalry, who, on the approach of the
Federal cavalry, Avould break, taking a path that led
to a ford across the river,, ancl hide themselves among
the canes that grew upon the bottoms along the river.
To prevent their escape, on this occasion, Major Mudd
sent tAvo companies and the "mule cavalry" by the
road into town, and took the balance of his command
clown the river to the ford that I have mentioned, and
disposed his men among the canes in such a way as
not to be seen from the side of the river next to the
town, and, at the same time, be able to capture all
that crossed at the ford.

142 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I accompanied the Major, and, after he had got
his men satisfactorily arranged, I undressed and
waded the river, which was about four feet deep and
about forty feet wide, to see how things looked on the
other side. Having dressed myself, I proceeded to
examine the locality. I found that, at a few paces
from the river, there was a path that turned down the
stream and crossed at a ford below where the Major
had set his trap. It was then too late to change the
disposal of the men, so I resolved to act as a " stool-
pigeon" to the Major's trap. I stationed myself where
I would be in plain view of any person that might
take the Avrong path, and whenever a man would in
cline to turn down the river I would motion him to
come toAvard me, as if I mistrusted there was some
thing wrong down below, and as he came up, I would
say to him, as if by way of caution, " There is Lin
coln cavalry down there ; you had better cross here."
Some rocle across the ford without any enticing,
and others inclined to take the wrong path ; such I
Avould entice to take the right path. In this I was
successful at every attempt. My dress being like
that of a citizen, they did not mistrust my character.
I had succeeded in enticing five men into the trap,
when a rebel captain made his appearance, with a
pair of beautiful mouse-colored mules, as sleek as
moles, and manifested a disposition to take the wrong
path. He was riding one of the mules himself, and
a colored boy was riding the other. I motioned to
the captain to come tpward me. As he came up —
" There is Lincoln cavalry doAvn that way," said I ;

SCOUT AND SPY. 143
" you had better cross here. What's the matter up
in town ?" s
"The town is full of Lincolnites !"
' ' They'll be down here directly, then : I reckon we
had better get out of this. Won't you let me get on
behind you and ride across ?"
"Yes, come this way." He rode alongside of a
bank of earth, and I sprang on behind him. We
crossed the stream, and had ascended the bank on the
opposite side, when, discovering the Lincolnites, with
their carbines levelled at us, he exclaimed, "Whoa,
mule ! Captured ! Both of us ! Wall, that's too
bad ! Here I am, within five miles of my command,
and captured!"
' ' That's a fact, Captain, but we can't help it now.
I expect we had better ride on up ; it's no place to
trade jackknives here !" So we went on.
"Whew !" said the Major, " that's the way I like
to see you come ; Avhen you come, come double !"
We rode up to the Major, who ordered us to dis
mount, and, taking possession of the mules, he. said,
pointing to the group he had already captured :
"There, you had better go right down there, out of
sight ; that's the best place for you. How do you like
my trap, Captain ?"
" I think it's a very good one ; it caught me mighty
dice !"
He felt sold over his capture, and doubly so when
lie learned that /had enticed him into the trap. The
Major having succeeded in entrapping eighteen " very
fine" rebs, we returned with the brigade to Bolivar.

144 THE GREAT AMERICAN
On the 3d day of October, General Price attacked
General Rosecrans at Corinth, Miss., and, after a se
vere engagement, was defeated and compelled to re
treat. General Hurlbut immediately inarched the
troops under his command to General Rosecrans' as
sistance. On his way, he met the rebel army on its
retreat, while it was crossing the Hatchie River, and
completely routed it.
A few days after the return of General Hurlbut's
command to Bolivar, he sent me out to find where
the scattered fragments of General Price's army Avere
concentrating. I was allowed to take a man Avith
me, and was requested to make the trip as quickly as
possible. As I was about leaving the General's
quarters, he called tome, "Here, come back!" I
went back, and he continued : "I want you to un
derstand that you are to work for me now. I don't
Avant you to tattle on the picket-line. I have been
told that you have sometimes reported to your
colonel ; you might as well report to a corporal as to
a colonel, unless he sends you out. I want you to
report to me."
" General, explain to me, if you please, what that
means. I have never reported to a colonel but once."
"Well that's once too much. That's the reason
the detachment of Armstrong's cavalry was not cap
tured, that you reported to General Ross, the other
day." I begged the General's pardon, and promised to
do better. I have been very careful since not to re
port to anybody but the officer that sent me out.

SCOUT AND SPY. 145
I selected Sergeant E. W. Quackenbush, of the
20th Ohio, to accompany me. He had been with me
on previous scouts. We were on foot, disguised like
rebel soldiers belonging to artillery.
Owing to the lateness of the hour of our departure,
when night came on we had made but about seven
miles. Stopping at the gate in front of a farmhouse,
just before dark, and, addressing the man of the
house, who was standing on the porch, I said :
"Halloo, mister, can we get a little supper here, and
stay all night ?"
"Well, no, sir; the Yankees have done taken ail-
that I had ; you can't get any supper here."
"Partner," said I to the Sergeant, "let us goon.
Blast that man's picture ! he'll hear from me some day
to pay for treating his own soldiers in that way !"
"Hold on, soldiers!" said the man; "where do
you belong ?"
"I am Orderly Sergeant of Price's 1st Battery of
Artillery," I replied, " and this man with me belongs
to the same battery. We were captured by the
Yankees, and have succeeded in getting away from
them ; we have been without anything to eat for
twenty-four hours."
"Yes, yes!" said the man's wife, who had heard
Avhat had been said; "you can have something to
eat, and you can have the .best bed in the house !
Come in, boys, come in."
We went in and sat down. "You were in the
fight on the Hatchie, the other day, were you ?" said
the man. 7

146 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Yes, till we got captured."
" Well, how did the fight come off?"
" I can't tell you very much about it. When we
had fired only three rounds, some Lincoln cavalry
charged right up to us, and captured us and our bat
tery, and immediately sent us to the rear; conse
quently, I don't know much about it."
" I declare !" said he ; "I would like to hear from
the fight!"
"Have you lived in these parts long?"
" Yes,. I was raised in this county."
"You have taken the oath to the Lincoln Govern
ment, I suppose ?"
" Yes, we all do that. I was obliged to do it, but
I don't consider it binding at all. I have been in
the Confederate army fifteen months! You didn't
know that, did you, boys ?"
"No; you had better keep that thing to your
self, for if the Yankees find it out they'll hang
you." "Pshaw! I am not afraid of their finding it out.
But come, boys, I see that supper is ready ; sit up
and eat some supper."
The lady of the house had prepared us a meal
worthy of veterans in a nobler cause than we feigned
to represent. The table was bountifully supplied.
In times of peace a better table would rarely have
been set. It had been a long time since our eyes
had rested upon such a meal. I think, however, that
Ave did the subject justice.
Having finished our supper and shoved back, the

SCOUT AND SPY. 147
Sergeant began to show signs of drowsiness, and in
a few minutes was asleep in the chair. "That's a
brave, gallant soldier," said I. " Yery few men have
the daring and the courage that he possesses ; but I
see that the poor fellow is tired out with his hardships,
and has gone to sleep."
"Poor soldier !" exclaimed the lady. " Hoav the poor
soldiers have to suffer !"
"Yes, and there are very few persons, outside of
the army, that realize the hardships and sufferings
that the soldiers have to endure."
' ' God bless their brave hearts !" she exclaimed ; ' ' hoAV
I do pity them !"
The " poor soldier" was wakened up and shoAvn to
bed. Before retiring, I took off my belt and revolver,
and, handing it to the man, I said : " Noav, mister, I
would like to ask another favor of you. Can't you
take this revolver and keep watch for us to-night,
while we sleep, so that we can both get one good
night's rest ? Can't you afford to do that much for
us ? We have got away from the Yankees, and Ave
don't want to be captured again."
" Yes, I'll stand guard for you. How did you keep
the Yankees from taking your revolver ?"
" I had it rolled up in my coat, and I carried my
coat under my arm ; they did not suspect that I had
one." " Well, that was lucky, wasn't it?"
" Yes, it was lucky for me, but my partner lost
his." I then retired to bed. Before I had gone to sleep,

148 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the man visited my room, and said: "If the Yan
kees come, you must unhook the window-blind, shove,
it open, and jump out, and run down into a gulley be
hind the stable and hide, and when the Yankees are
all dun gone, I'll come down and tell you." For some
time before closing my eyes in sleep, I could hear the
man pacing back and forth across the floor, like a
sentry pacing his beat. The night passed away and
we enjoyed a most refreshing sleep, under the "guard-
¦ ing influence" of our secesh friend. We arose early
in the morning to renew our journey, and found our
guard still on duty. We were about to leave, when
the man said, "You'll stop with us to breakfast, won't
you ?" " No, I thank you ; Ave should be glad to, but
we must go, for I am afraid that the Yankees will be
after us by-and-by, and we do not want to get cap
tured again. We are under very great obligations to
you for our excellent supper and the refreshing sleep
that we have had. You have been a soldier, and you
know, by experience, how very grateful a soldier feels
for such kindness." We then shook hands with him
and his wife, bade them a good-bye, and went on.
When Ave had travelled about six miles, we came
to a large, fine, white house, with every thing about
it .that indicated wealth and refinement. Our walk
had created an appetite for breakfast, and we con
cluded to give the people of the house a call. I no-,
ticed, as we entered, that breakfast was about ready.
Addressing myself to the lady of the house, said I,
" Can we get some breakfast here this morning ? We
are in rather a tight place. We were captured by

SCOUT AND SPY. 149
the Yankees in the fight .on the Hatchie, and we
have run aAvay from them ; they have robbed us of
all our money, and we have got nothing to pay you
with." "Why, certainly you can have some breakfast.
How you poor soldiers do have to suffer! Sit down
ancl rest yourselves."
We sat down, and but a few minutes elapsed be
fore breakfast was ready, when we were invited to sit
up with the family. The Sergeant was seated next
to the lady, and I next to him. I had finished my
breakfast, and was about shoving back, when the
lady of the house said : " Don't be in a hurry, my dear
soldiers ; eat all you want ; we have got plenty. You
don't know when you will get anything to eat again."
I thanked her, and moved back. When the Ser
geant had finished, she said : "Now, dear soldiers, fill
your pockets with those nice wheat biscuit. The
Lord only knows when you will get any thing more.
Hoav I do pity you !"
The Sergeant declined, but she insisted. " You
must take some. As likely as not you Avon't get any
thing again for several days ; do take some. Here,
take these," and she began to stuff them into his
pockets,, which she continued until she had filled them
full. ' ' There ; how nicely they will relish !
"Partner," said I, "we had better be getting back
to the woods again, for the Yankees might come along
and find us."
"Yes," said the lady, "do be very careful. Don't
let them take you if you can help it, for you don't

150 THE GREAT AMERICAN
know how much you might have to suffer. How glad
I am to help you !
Thanking her for her good wishes and kindness, we
proceeded on our way.
That lady was a noble generous-hearted woman, and
her eyes sparkled with crystals of sympathy while
she was bestowing upon us those little acts of kind
ness. So full had she filled the Sergeant's pockets
with cakes, that they rendered him uncomfortable
while walking, and he was obliged to throw part of
them away.
The next house that we stopped at was occupied
by an elderly lady, who, when we entered, was en
gaged in churning. She invited us to be seated, and
then said : " Have you been in the fight ?"
" Yes, we were in the fight and were captured, and
have made our escape."
" Dear me ! how anxious I do feel about my hus
band !"
" Was he in the fight?"
" Yes, he took his gun and went down to help whip
the Yankees ; I am so afraid that he is killed that I
don't know what to do ! What a dreadful thing it
would be if he should get killed."
We listened to the lady's expressions of anxiety
about her husband until the churning was finished,
Avhen she gave us some buttermilk to drink, which,
Avith some of our nice wheat cakes, made us' an excel
lent lunch.
From there we went on, without seeing anything of
interest until we came to the vicinity of Middleton.

SCOUT AND SPY. 151
As we approached that place we saw a dense smoke
arise, with a peculiar odor, Avhich was so strong as to
attract our attention and lead us to suspect that all
was not right. We moved along cautiously, keeping
a sharp lookout for soldiers or guerrillas. As Ave
rose to the top of the hill to the west of the town, we
could see a large fire, and about thirty men standing
around it, with long poles in their hands. The odor
that arose was almost intolerable. This was about
three o'clock in the afternoon. We crept up as near
as we could without exposing ourselves to full view,
and then — oh, horrible to tell ! — we could see the men
move about excitedly, and push with their poles some
thing into the fire. Then sparks would fill the air,
and Ave could hear screams like those of human beings.
Amid the screams would arise horrid oaths, and cries
of " Bring on another!"
I did not see a human form in the fire ; but that
odor, those screams, intermingled with such horrid blas
phemy, was unmistakable evidence that some poor mor
tal was suffering the hellish torture of a band of guer
rillas ! Perhaps some brave soldier, unable to keep
up with his command on its return from the late bat
tle ; or some, citizen, whose loyalty made him dare to
breathe his sentiments ; or, some poor mortal so unfor
tunate as to possess a sable complexion, was there,
immolated upon the altar of fiendish revenge. As
familiar as I have been with scenes of suffering.
bloodshed, and slaughter, the recollection of that scene
is most revolting. In the face of the cruelties that
our men have suffered at the hands of the rebels, con-

152 THE GREAT AMERICAN
trary to all the rules of war, it is a wonder to me that
they have committed so feAv acts of retaliation.
We did not dare to remain there long, lest it might
be our turn next to gratify their barbarism. We went
back down the hill, and took another direction. We
soon found the country full of guerrillas and squads
of soldiers -that had become routed during the fight.
They were gathering together in small squads where-
ever they could, some with arms and some without.
The victory to the Federal troops had been a com
plete route of Price's army.
I did not go as far as I had intended to go, because
the state of the country was such that I deemed it
imprudent to venture further ; so we returned to camp
the next day, without a knowledge of Avhere the scat
tered troops were concentrating. ANOTHER STORY.
While the troops were laying along. the road from
Jackson to Grand Junction, General McPherson asked
me to make a trip to the Tallahatchie, where General
Price was fortifying, and find out the number of his
men and the number of his artillery, and the best
mode of attack. I told him I would if he would give
me just such an outfit as I wanted. He said I am acting
now as Chief Engineer, but if the Government of the
United States has got what you want, if you will go
you shall have it. Said I, I'll go. Well, said he,
what do you want ? Said I, I want a first-class suit
of citizen's clothes, a gold watch, finger rings, and
$1 00 in gold and $50 in specie, a first-class horse,

SCOUT AND SPY. 153
silver-plated harness, and covered carriage. Said he
is that all you want ? I said yes. Said he you must
be going to put on style this time ; you are going to
take a lady with you I presume ? Yes, said I. Who
is it? says he. General Armstrong's sister.
I will have all ready this evening, so you can start
in the morning.
, Early next morning I was on my way from Jack
son to Yan Buren. I went to Joe Lake's where Miss
Armstrong was residing, and asked if she would like
to take a ride with me.
She said yes. Where are you going ? I said I am
not particular.
Will you take me down to the Tallahatchie ? I
Avant to go there so bad.
Yes, said I. I'll take as fine a girl as you are al
most anywhere. You be ready by daylight to-mor-
toav, and we will make the route before sundown, it
being sixty miles.
At four P. M. the next day we met the rebel pick*.
ets at the Tallahatchie, who demanded a pass. Said
the lady, that is none of your business to demand a
pass Avhen people are going in, it is your duty to ask
a pass when they go out. I am General Armstrong's
sister, and know as much about soldiering as
you do.
Said the picket, pass on.
We went to General Price's headquarters and re
ported ourselves, and she requested the General to
give me a patrol pass for two days. We separated
and I saAV the lady no more till the afternoon of the
7*

154 THE GREAT AMERICAN
next day, when we met at the same place, and she
said she would be ready to go home the next morn
ing. During the interval I made the most of my patrol
pass. I saw all the works, measured the depth and
width of the trenches, counted the guns, paced the
width of the swamp in front, and estimated the number
of the enemy. Next morning we met at headquarters,
and obtained a pass reading as follows : " Pickets,
patrols, cavalry, and guerrilla squads will pass the
bearer, C. L. Ruggles, with his horse and carriage, to
Yan Buren, Tennessee, by command of Major-Gen
eral Sterling Price."
I moved on with my female friend, and returned
her safe to the depot where I found her, and reported
to General McPherson at Jackson, to whom I turned
over my equipments.
I then gave him my plan of attack, Avhich I said
was the only possible means to get Price out of his
position. My plan was as folloAvs : Take a good force of the
army and plenty of artillery^, as if to besiege the
place in front. Then take the balance of the army
and make a right flank movement, crossing the river
at Zupelo, and get in the rear of the fort, and as soon
as Price finds out what is going on he will get out of
the, fortifications.
When the troops moved down there the attack was
made in the very same manner I had proposed.
Grant moved on the front. Sherman, Avith forty
thousand troops, made the flank movement, and as

SCOUT AND SPY. 155
soon as Price heard of Sherman's marching he evacu
ated the place.
To get away from Sherman's onward march, it was
necessary to lighten their burdens. There was strewed
along in his pathway solid shot and shell, guns, can
teens, haversacks, old hats and shoes, broken wagons,
ambulances, &c, &c.
That this trip Avas any benefit to the Government,
I leave the reader to judge.

156 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XIY.
Starts on a trip for General Lauman — His instructions — A Confederate
widow— Discovers a squad of rebel soldiers — Captures part of then-
arms — Learns the whereabouts of guerrillas — Attempt to caipture them —
Guerrillas escape — Captures a prisoner — Cause of guerrillas' escape —
The " General" and squad get arrested.
When General Hurlbut took command of the Dis
trict of Jackson, with his headquarters at Jackson,
Tenn., Brigadier-General Lauman took command of
the post at Bolivar.
On the 13th day of October, 1862, General Lau
man sent for me to report to him for orders. I re
ceived instructions to take with me a squad of ten
men, and reconnoitre thoroughly a strip of country
that lay south of Bolivar, between the road to Grand
Junction, which would be on my right, and the road
to Pocahontas, which would be on my left. I was
ordered to kill all the guerrillas that I could find,
bring in all that I had strong suspicions were guerril
las, and capture all the straggling rebel soldiers and
arms. The General also told me that he would send
out cavalry on my right, on the Grand Junction road,
and, on my left, on the Pocahontas road. He did
not limit me in time, or the distance to go, nor in
struct me to take rations. I have usually, when out
as a scout or spy, got my subsistence wherever I
went.

SCOUT AND SPY. 157
The men that I selected to accompany me were
Sergeants W. G. Downs ^and Thomas Watson, and
eight privates, all of them from the 20th Ohio Infan
try. It was nearly noon of the day I received my in
structions before we Avere ready to march. The day
was extremely warm, and we made but slow progress.
We did not follow any road, but took our way across
the fields and woods, and examined all the valleys
that lay along our route for any signs that might ex
ist of cavalry or guerrillas.
At five o'clock in the afternoon we called at a
house about eight miles from Bolivar, which we found
to be owned and occupied by a widow lady by the
name of Cheshire, who, by the way, is what might be
called a Confederate widow. Her husband had be
longed to the Confederate army, but had deserted.
He came home and took the oath of allegiance, but,
unfortunately for him, was captured by the Confeder
ate authorities, and fbe oath found in his pocket. He
was carried back to the rebel army and hung.
At Mrs. Cheshire's we procured our supper, which
was provided and served up by her with a cheerful
ness and willingness not characteristic of an enmity
to. the Federal Government. I offered to pay her,
but she positively refused to receive any compen
sation. After we had finished our supper, we moved a
mile and a half, to Mr. Campbell's, where we halted
for the night. Mr. Campbell was absent from home,
but his wife extended to us every assistance that she
could to make us comfortable. She gave us a room

158' THE GREAT AMERICAN
in the house to occupy during the night, and in the
morning a bountiful breakfast was prepared for us,
of which sweet potatoes and chickens formed no in
considerable part. I offered to pay her, but she re
fused to accept any remuneration, and expressed
astonishment at the gentlemanly behavior of the
whole party. She said that it was the first time that
Federal soldiers had ever visited her house, and she
had heard that they were nothing but a set of thieves
and robbers, and, for that reason, she had been hap
pily disappointed in our behavior.
Thanking her for her compliments and hospitality,
we bade her good-morning, and resumed our march.
We had proceeded only about two miles, when we
discovered a small squad of rebel soldiers, in a large
cotton-field, at some distance in advance of us and
to our right. As soon as they saAV us, they broke
for the woods ; the distance that they had in advance
of us made it useless for us to pursue.
Near the road, and between where we saw them
and ourselves, stood a dwelling-house. Having ob
served that but one of the rebs had arms, the thought
occurred to me that the others might have left theirs
at the house, and that our approach had been dis
covered too late to allow of a return for them ; so I
determined to institute a search. On entering, I
inquired of an elderly man present if there were
any arms about the house. He said there was not.
I told him that I had reason to believe that there
was. He insisted that there was not. A search

SCOUT AND SPY. 159
was made, and three guns were found, which we de
stroyed. At night we halted fourteen miles from Bolivar.
On former trips I had learned that a squad of
guerrillas were stopping somewhere in that vicinity ;
during the day we had obtained a partial list of
their names, and had learned that they were har
bored by a Mr. W. S. Perry, who was also supposed
to be one. This information we gathered from the
people that we saw in our route.
At 3 o'clock the next morning we were again
under way, on a road leading direct to Mr. Perry's.
When we had gone about a mile, we came to a farm
house, where I halted my men, and aroused the
inmates by rapping upon their door, which was an
swered by, "Who is there?"
" A friend," I replied.
"What do you want?"
"I want you to get up and come to the door."
Hearing some one come to the door, I inquired where
Mr. W. S. Perry lived, and was asked :
"Who are you?"
"I sha'n'ttell you," was my reply.
"Then I sha'n't tell where Mr. Perry lives," was
the response.
Fearing to make any disturbance that might spoil
my plans, I proceeded on my way, without obtaining
the desired information. At the next house I in
quired again for Mr. Perry, but the occupant refused
to inform me. These refusals increased my suspicions

160 THE GREAT AMERICAN
that he was' not all right. Not knoAving certainly
but that I was already at his house, I distributed
my men along the negro-quarters in the yard, to
capture any persons that might attempt to escape.
It was time for daylight to make its appearance, but
a dense fog had arisen, which made it difficult to
see. Having arranged my men to my satisfaction, I
returned to the door of the house, which I found
open, and was met by an aged woman, who told me
that her name was Tabitha Perry, and that she was
grandmother of W. S. Perry, and that W. S. Perry
lived in the next house.
While I was engaged in conversation with the old
lady, two men were seen to run out of one of the
outbuildings that stood in the yard ; the density of
the fog prevented shooting them, or observing whither
they went ; so they made their escape. On exam
ining the building they were seen to emerge from, it
was found to have the appearance of being nearly
filled with cotton-seed, but in the centre of the build
ing there was a large vacant space, and in it was a bed
that was yet warm from the animal heat of the per
sons that had occupied it.
We then searched carefully all the buildings in
the yard, but without success. From there we went
to the residence of W. S. Perry, only a short dis
tance from the residence of the old lady. We found
Mr. Perry at home, and arrested him. In searching
his house, we found considerable quantities of goods,
that looked as if they might have been remnants

SCOUT AND SPY. 161
•
from some dry-goods store ; or, what is more prob
able, the booty of some band of outlaws.
We captured at W. S. Perry's one horse and two
mules, and at the old lady's house one horse and one
mule. The bed that we found in the cotton-seed at
the old lady's we gave to the negroes on the place,
except two quilts th^t we used to put on the mules'
backs, to ride on.
Yery much against Mr. Perry's wishes, I com
pelled him to furnish myself and my men with break
fast, which was no more, perhaps, than he would
have done willingly to as many guerrillas, "if we had
not been seen in the neighborhood.
When breakfast was over, we commenced our re
turn to camp, taking with us our prisoner and cap
tured property. The men were much in need of
saddles and bridles, with which to ride the captured
mules and horses, and requested the privilege of
taking them if they could be found ; to which I
consented, providing they could be found on the
premises of the man who refused to give me infor
mation about Perry. The man's name, I had learned,
was Dougherty.
When we arrived at Dougherty's place, we halted,
and the men commenced to search for saddles and
bridles, andy in a few minutes, reported to me that
they had found twelve United States army saddles and
as many bridles. I told them to take five of them.
Dougherty remonstrated, but the men told him that
he had no business with that kind of property in his
possession, and took them along. >.

162 THE GREAT AMERICAN
On our way back to Bolivar, I learned the reason
Avhy we did not find any more guerrillas at Perry's.
A colored boy, belonging to Mr. William Moore, of
Yan Buren, had been sent to mill, and, Avhile on his
way, he happened to see us. On his return, he told
his master that he had seen some Yankee soldiers
in the woods, and that they were going south. Dr.
Tansey Russel, a man of disloyal proclivities, hap
pened to be present, and heard what the colored
boy said. The doctor had some Enfield and Whit
ney rifles in his possession, that he had managed to
get of unprincipled Federal soldiers, which he had
collected for the benefit of the guerrillas. As soon
as he heard of the Yankee soldiers being in the
woods, he concluded, readily enough, what their
business Avas ; so he took" his guns, eight in all, and
carried them over to Perry's, and gave them to the
guerrillas, and warned them that there were Yan
kee scouts in the vicinity. There was eleven of
them, besides W. S. Perry. On hearing about the
scouts, they all left and went to Saulsbury, except
W. S. Perry, John Shaw, and Gid. Galloway. The
two latter were the persons that escaped from the
outbuilding in the old lady's yard.
When we arrived within six miles of Bolivar, I
sent the five men that were not mounted across the
country, by the shortest route, to camp, and the rest
of us went on by way of the road. At Mr. Law-
horn's, near Dunlap's Springs, we halted a short
time, and three of us went into the house. Mr.
Lawhorn was absent from home. One of the men

SCOUT AND SPY. ¦ 163
asked Mrs. Lawhorn for some milk, which she re
fused, saying that she had none. From the colored
people about the house the man learned that she
had milk in abundance, and where it was, of which
he helped himself, and then passed some to the rest
of the squad. None was wasted and nothing else was
disturbed. Having rested ourselves, we went on to Bolivar.
I immediately turned over my prisoner to the Pro
vost-martial, Lieutenant W. S. Dewey. I also
gave him a list of the names of those that I had
been informed were guerrillas. It was afternoon
when we arrived, and we had eaten nothing since
breakfast, and, being very hungry, I took my men
into camp to get my dinner, before reporting to Gen
eral Lauman. On my arrival in camp, I told Col
onel Force what property I had brought in, and
asked him what I had better do with it, and was
told to turn it over to the post Quartermaster. I
told him that I would, as soon as I had eaten some
dinner. I had taken my dinner, and was on my way t©
see about turning over the captured property, When
I was met by some guards, with an order from Lieu
tenant W. S. Dewey, Provost-martial, to arrest me.
I accompanied them to the Provost-martial's office,
where I found Lieutenant Dewey, in a dreadful rage.
' ' What do you want of me ?" I asked.
" I Avant to hang you, and all the rest of the rob
bers that were with you !" was his reply.
"What is that for ?"

164 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" For going through the country and deceiving the
people, and representing yourself as a citizen of Ten
nessee." " I have never been through the country, except
as I have been sent on scouts by my commanding
officer." " I'll scout you ! I'll scalp you ! What's the name
of the men that belong to your band ?"
" I haven't got any band."
" What's the names of the men that were out with
you ?"
I then gave him a list of the men that accompa
nied me, and was then ordered to be put in the guard
house. The court-room of the court-house was used
as a guard-house. The Provost-marshal's office was
in one of the lower rooms of the court-house.
The Provost- marshal had all the men that had been
with me arrested, and when he had got us all together
in the guard-house, we were marched, under guard,
into his office. Addressing us, he said :
" There has been a great deal of stealing and rob
bing going on in the country about here, lately, and I
believe that you are the men that have done it, and I
mean to make an example of you, and I shall use my
utmost endeavors to have every man of you. shot."
"What have we done," I inquired, "that you
should have such an awful antipathy against us ?" ,
' ' You will see when I make out my charges and
specifications. Guards, take them back to the guard
house." When back in the guard-house, and left to reflec-

SCOUT AND SPY. 165
tion, the words, " I shall use my utmost endeavors to
have you shot," seemed to force themselves upon my
mind with vivid impression. What could it mean,
that an officer in the United States army should ex
press himself so emphatically, against us, when jus
tice everywhere holds a man to be innocent until he
is proved to be guilty.
While I had been in camp getting my dinner, the
Provost-marshal had released Mr. Perry, and had
administered to him the oath of allegiance, and re
turned to him the property that we had taken. On
being released, Mr. Perry found Doctor Russel, Par
son Hamers, and Mr. Lawhorn — who happened to be
in town at the time— and, in company with them,
went to the Provost-marshal, (who tolerated their
complaints), and fabricated such statements as they
chose to make against us, and upon those statements
the Provost-marshal based his charges and caused our
arrest. It was humiliating in the extreme, for us, after
having served our country with devoted patriotism,
and imperilled our lives for its preservation, to be thus
made the victims of revenge by those who we knew
were at enmity with the Government.
The reader will remember that I once arrested
Parson Hamers, while standing picket for the enemy,
and released him. Doctor Russel, I had learned from
reliable sources, had been engaged in contraband
trade between Federal soldiers and guerrillas. Mr.
Lawhorn had tried to induce one of the men under
arrest with me to desert, and, (to prevent suspicion

166 THE GREAT AMERICAN
of desertion, offered to carry him in his own carriage
to a rebel paroling officer, and get him paroled and
bring him back. Perry had been captured on suspi
cion of being a guerrilla. Such were the men that
Avere allowed to make statements against me.
It is easy to conceive how such men would connive
together for the injury of Federal soldiers, if they
could only get the military authorities to tolerate
their complaints and give them a hearing. Under
such a state of affairs, it would be an easy matter for
any disloyal citizen to cause the imprisonment of any
soldier, however spotless his record.
When men are mean enough to attempt the de
struction of the fairest and the best Government that
ever existed, and to insult that national emblem which
has called forth the honor and respect of the world,
it is no wonder that they should resort to falsehood,
or any other vile means, to wreak their vengeance
upon those that love their country.
It was extremely unfortunate for us that we were
thus imprisoned during the command of a temporary
post-commander, to whom I was an entire stranger,
and that, too, at a time when a new and extensive
campaign was about to commence.
The charge and specifications, as preferred against
us, were very informal, and it is doubtful whether any
court-martial would have attempted a trial based on
such informalities. But, nevertheless, contrary to all
rules and regulations of war, this Provost-marshal
claimed that there were grounds for charges, and we
were arrested and placed in confinement.

SCOUT AND SPY. 167

CHAPTER XY.
Assistance of friends — Fails to get a trial — Gloomy prospects — Evidence
accumulates — Guard-house incident — The " General" concludes to help
himself— Narrow escape from guerrillas — The capture — Reaches his
regiment — Himself and squad released.
On the 28th day of November, the Army of the
Tennessee commenced to move from Lagrange, on its
campaign into the State of Mississippi, and Avith it
was crushed all hope of our immediate trial. With
the movement of the army, the court-martial had been
dismissed, and our witnesses, friends, and counsel
scattered beyond a probability of rendering us any
assistance for a long time ; and, to make the matter
still more unpleasant, we were confined in a dirty,
filthy building, extremely loathsome and unhealthy,
and too small for the number of men confined.
During our confinement, up to the time the army
moved, evidence continued to accumulate in our favor.
The list of guerrillas that I had given to the Provost-
marshal, he had destroyed the same day that it was
handed to him. During our confinement, W. S. Per
ry, and all the persons named in the list that I gave
him, were captured by a detachment of the 7th Kan
sas Cavalry and sent North as' guerrillas, showing
conclusively that I had not been mistaken in suppos-'

168 ' THE GREAT AMERICAN
ing them such. In taking their property, under the cir
cumstances that I found it, I did no more than any
detachment of troops would have done under the same
instructions. The property found at W. S. Perry's was evidently
plunder that had been seized by himself and band.
The specifications against us were grossly false. What
property we did take, I was making arrangements to
turn over to the Quartermaster when I was arrested,
showing conclusively that I did not take it for my
personal benefit.
The lady that we were charged with having fright
ened, not one of us had ever seen ; neither had we
ever been nearer than three-quarters of a mile of Mr.
Hendrick's house. Mrs. Cheshire visited us twice
while we were confined at Bolivar, and spoke very
complimentary of our behavior while at her house,
and assured us that we need not feel at all uneasy
about the charge of frightening Mrs. Goforth, because
that it could easily be proven that " her husband was
in the rebel army, and had not been home for more
than a year!" Doctor Russel was the man that
trumped up the charges about Mrs. Goforth. A sol
dier by the name of William Goodheart, of the 20th
Ohio Regiment, visited Dr. Russel, one day, and, in
the course of conversation, remarked, " Doctor, you
have got some of the Yankee soldiers in rather a
tight place, haven't you ?"
" Yes, I have had. some of them shut up awhile."
" Well, it will be apt to go pretty hard with them,
won't it?"

SCOUT AND SPY. 169
" No, I think not. I don't expect to prove any
thing against them. They will probably get clear in
the end ; but it will keep Ruggles from running all
over the country and representing himself as a citi
zen of the State of Tennessee."
Parson. Hamers, in specification seventh, accuses me
of stealing his watch, but neglects to fix the date of
the theft. He afterward fixed the date as the 30th of
September. My company commander was able to
show that I was in camp on the 29th and 30th of Sep
tember and on the 1st of October. In a conversation
with Parson Hamers, had in the presence of Sergeant
E. W. Quackenbush, of the 20th Ohio Regiment, a
few days before I was arrested, he spoke of having
had his watch stolen, and said that he was so sick at
the time that he did not know who took it.
During our confinement we were under the custody
of four different Provost-marshals. As a general
thing, we met with kind treatment from those that
were guarding us, and oftentimes, through the kind
ness of officers and men, we received favors not usu
ally given to soldiers under arrest. There were a few
exceptions to our kind treatment, and I will narrate
an incident illustrative of it :
The whole number of prisoners confined in the
guard-house at the time I allude to, including my own
squad, was forty-three, and we all occupied the same
room. Among the prisoners confined with us was a
very young soldier — a mere boy — by the name of
George Stevenson, of the 78th Ohio. He had been
in confinement much longer than myself and squad,
'8

170 THE GREAT AMERICAN
and was noted for being decidedly a " hard case."
His recklessness sometimes caused restrictions to be
placed upon all confined, thereby causing the inno
cent to suffer for the guilty.
One night, George took a rail from off the banis
ters that surrounded the stairway, and placed it from
the portico in front of the court-house into a tree that
stood close by, and, by that means, got out of the
guard-house unobserved by the guard, and spent the
evening in town. On his return, he neglected to take
the rail away. In the morning the officer of the guard
discovered it, and concluded correctly what it had
been placed there for. He commenced an inquiry of
the prisoners to find out who put it there. None of
the boys would acknowledge having done it. Several
told him that they supposed George had done it.
George denied it, and nobody had seen him do
it. The officer would not take suppositions as to who
did it, but told us that he should hold us all responsi
ble for a correct report of who did it, and would give
us till roll-call at night to find out ; and at that time,
if we did not report, we should all live on nothing but
bread and water until we did.
We told him that we had already said all that we
knew about it, and that we did not feel like submit
ting to punishment as a body for the acts of an indi
vidual. Roll-call came, but nobody was able to re
port. We were then told by the officer that we should
have nothing but bread and water until we reported
who did it.

SCOUT AND SPY. 171
During the night, the boys took several pocket-
handkerchiefs and made a black flag, about three feet
square, and fastened it to a long strip of moulding,
which they tore off from the woodAvork of the room,
and hoisted it upon the top of the court-house cupola.
In the morning it attracted everybody's attention by
its disgusting appearance, as it floated from the most
conspicuous place in town. It created universal in
dignation throughout the toAvn.
The officer of the guard came up and ordered us to
take it down. We replied that as long as we had to
subsist upon bread and water, it Avas the flag that Ave
rallied under. He then ordered the guards to make
us remove it. As they were attempting to come up
the stairs, George, Avho had armed himself with an
armful of bricks from the fireplace in the room,
opened fire upon them from the head of the stairs,
which made them beat a hasty retreat, and the officer
could not induce them to renew the attempt. In about
half an hour, a detail came, armed, not with guns and
bayonets, but with messpans and kettles, filled with
soft bread, beefsteak, and coffee. It is needless to
add, the " additional re-enforcements" compelled us to
" surrender" and take down the flag. As long as we
remained in charge of that officer, we continued to re
ceive an abundance of good, wholesome rations.
During our confinement in the guard-house at Bol
ivar, quite a number of rebel soldiers, that had been
captured by the Federal cavalry, were temporarily
confined with us. Several of them were men that
belonged to the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, and I had be-

172 THE GREAT AMERICAN
come acquainted with them during the time that I was
with that regiment.
On the 3d day of December, 1862, five days after
the army had advanced from Lagrange, I came to
the conclusion that I had been confined long enough,
and that my only way of getting myself and men re
leased, without delay, would be to visit in person my
commanding officers, and lay the case before them.
One inducement that I had was, I had learned that
there were no papers in the hands of the Provost-
marshal with charges against us. They had either
become lost, or, what is more probable, were returned
to the officer that preferred them, on account of in
formalities. In the absence of such papers, I felt
convinced that I could get an order for the release
of myself and men. It was an unmilitary way of
doing business, but, nevertheless, I resolved to leave
the guard-house, without authority, to obtain authority
for my release and that of my men.
We had been in confinement fifty days, and before
I could reach the army it would be more than a
hundred miles from Lagrange. It was a great under
taking to leave the guard-house without authority,
and, without rations, to run a gauntlet of that dis
tance through Federal pickets and railroad guards,
stationed at frequent intervals along the whole route,
every one of whom would halt me to examine my pass,
or would turn me back if without one.
Sergeant T. J. Watson ATolunteered to go with me.
How we got out ofthe guard-house it is not necessary
for me to mention. From Lagrange we took a south-

SCOUT AND SPY. 173
east course, across the country toward Davis' Mills ;
we struck the railroad where the wagon road crosses
it. There we found some pickets, belonging to a de
tachment of five companies stationed at Davis' Mills,
under command of a Major, and charged with guard
ing a portion of the railroad. At the time we ap
proached them, they were all, except the sentry, en
gaged in c6oking a part of a fat porker that they had
confiscated during the night. We halted and entered
into conversation with the boys, as though Ave had no
intention of going on. Having finished their cooking,
they asked us to eat Avith them, which we were no
way backward about doing. We finished our break
fast, and were about starting on, when the sentry,
who had been more attentive to duty than we had
hoped, asked us if we had passes. I told him we had
not, and that we were on our way to the front, and
had not been asked for passes before, and did not
know as it was necessary to have them. With that
explanation, the sergeant of the guard let us pass,
but told us that it would not do to let the Captain in
command see us.
Not liking to run our chances with him, we crossed
the railroad and left it to our right, and crossed
Davis' Creek on a log, and, a short distance from the
creek, turned to our right, so as to reach the bridge
across Wolf River, near Davis' Mills. As Ave were
passing through the cleared fields, I discovered to
my left, on a rise in the ground, a squad of guerrillas,
mounted on horses. We were within easy shot
of them. We were then within half a mile of the

174 THE GREAT AMERICAN
detachment camped at Davis' Mills ; they probably
did not wish to alarm the Federal pickets. They
had evidently discovered us first, and were watching
for an opportunity to " gobble us up."
" Tom," said I to the sergeant, " what kind of sol
diers do you call them ?"
"What kind are they, Bunker?"
" They are a band of guerrillas, and they will have
us in less than a minute, if we don't get away from
here." Just then the guerrillas started for us.
" Come on, Bunker ; for God's sake, let us run !"
said Tom. " They are coming now !"
Turning square to the right, away we went, as
hard as we could run, toAvard Davis' Creek. A hun
dred and fifty yards brought us to a dense growth
of brush and briars, so thick as to seem impene
trable. There was no getting around it, for our pur
suers were close upon us. With all the strength we
could muster, we sprang into that briar patch and
scrambled through. It was no time to mind scratches,
and so we dashed on to the creek. Our pursuers
could not get their horses through the briars, and
'before they could get round them, we were across
the creek. We made our way to Davis' cotton-
gin, where we found a picket post. A few paces
from the post, the guerrillas were in sight. I showed
them to the pickets, and told them I would go and re
port the guerrillas to the Major in command.
Having found the Major, I said :" Major, there
are about thirty guerrillas just across Davis' Creek,

SCOUT AND SPY. 175
not half a mile from here, and if you will get out
your men, you can surround them ancl capture them."
" Who are you?" he inquired.
"I am a scout for the Government."
" Where are you from?"
"Why I am right from the guerrillas," said I,
getting out of patience ; "they have just chased me
through a briar patch. Look at my hands and face,
if you want any evidence of it. You can see the
guerrillas from the cotton-gin."
" Who is that man with you?"
"Which is of the most importance, Major, for me to
sit clown and tell you my history, or for you to get
out your men and capture those guerrillas ?"
By this time the pickets had become alarmed, ancl
sent in for support. The long roll began to beat, and
everything was excitement. Then was my time to
get away.
"Come on, Tom," said I to the Sergeant; "we
must pass the pickets at Wolf River Bridge during
the confusion incident to this alarm, or Ave will not
get away from here without trouble."
As I had expected, the confusion enabled us to get
by the pickets at the bridge. We continued on until
about seven o'clock in the evening, when we Were
halted by a railroad guard. The guard allowed us
to come up, and we stayed at the post all night.
Before we went to sleep, a messenger came along on
a hand-car, with orders to double the guards during
the night, for an attack on the railroad Avas intended,
and that thirty guerrillas had already been captured

176 THE GREAT AMERICAN
at Davis' Mills, and that more were supposed to be in
the vicinity.
At daylight I tried my persuasive influence upon
the guards, and succeeded in getting leave to pass.
From that on we had very little difficulty in passing
the guards. When we had gone about half a mile,
we met six rebel soldiers, of the 8th Kentucky Regi
ment, on their way to give themselves up. They had
become tired of the rebellion, and were anxious to
return to their homes. From them I learned that a
raid upon Holly Springs was in contemplation by the
forces of Generals Yan Dorn and Tighlman. The
rebel deserters were so candid in their statements
that I deemed them reliable ; and when we reached
Waterford, where General Ross' division was en
camped, I called at his headquarters, to report what
I had learned. General Ross Avas absent, so I re
ported to the Adjutant-General. We then resumed
our journey, and in five days from the time we left
Lagrange, we reached our regiment, then at Oxford,
Miss. I immediately reported to Colonel Force, Avho in
quired if I had been released from the guard-house.
I said, "No, sir ; we ran away."
" Well, Bunker, I am sorry to say it : I can't har
bor you in my regiment."
" I suppose, then, Colonel, that the best thing that
we can clo is to get away from here ; ain't it ?"
"Well, I don't know but it is."
I then left him and went to General Leggett, com
manding the brigade, and told him the situation of af-

SCOUT AND SPY. 177
fairs. He told me that we need not go back to the
guard-house, and that Ave might stay with the regi
ment. I told him that I did not wish to stay, unless
the men of my squad were released. He assured me
that they should be, and immediately went in person
to Major-General McPherson and explained the situa
tion of affairs to him. He issued an order releasing
the whole of us. When the order reached the men
in the guard-house, they had been in confinement
fifty-eight days. They reached the regiment when it
was encamped about three miles south of the Yacona
River. During our confinement, very much interest and
sympathy was manifested for us by both officers and
men, and many of them rendered us valuable assist
ance. To General M. D. Leggett and Colonel M. F.
Force, and to Captains F: M. Shaklee, E. C. Downs,
and B. A. F. Greer, of the 20th Ohio, we are under
\~ery great obligations ; and to the officers and men
of the 78th Ohio and the 17th Illinois Regiments,
who guarded us during the greater part of our con
finement, I will here take the opportunity to express,
in behalf of myself and squad, sincere and heartfelt
thanks for their kindness and assistance.

178 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XYI.
Starts for Grenada — Instructions — Is captured — Returns to Water Valley
— Starts again — Arrives at Grenada., — Condition of Price's anny — He
returns — Again sent to Grenada — Proposes some fun — Plan of strategy
— Plan unnecessary — Returns with rebel cavalry — Bivouac at Big
Springs— The attack — More fun than bargained for — The result.
Soon after I joined my regiment, the army ad
vanced to the Yacona River, and the brigade to which
I belonged was made the advanced post of infantry,
and was stationed three miles south of the river. I
had been with the brigade but a few days, when Gen
eral Leggett requested me to make a trip to Grenada,
a distance of thirty -two miles.
As General Grant's army had advanced, General
Price's army had been forced back, and the move
ments of the Federal forces had been so skillfully
managed as to cause Price, after evacuating his strong
position at the Tallahatchie River, to make a hasty
and rapid retreat to Grenada, wnich place he then
occupied. General Leggett wanted me to find out the strength
and condition of Price's army ; of what his force con
sisted, and if possible, what were his intended move
ments. I started out on foot, disguised like a rebel soldier,
with a pass to Major-General Lee, formerly Colonel
of the 7th Kansas Cavalry, who was stationed five
miles in advance of the infantry, at a railroad station

SCOUT AND SPY. 179
called Water Yalley. I carried with me a request
to General Lee that he would pass me through his
lines, if it would not interfere with his arrangements.
The General detained me over night, and then passed
me through.
I went on through Cofferville, and to within a mile
of Grenada, without being molested. Not liking to
venture in on the direct road from Water Yalley, I
turned to my left when within a mile of the place,
calculating to enter the town on some other road. I
had proceeded but a short distance, when I met three
soldiers, dressed exactly like rebel soldiers,-who cap
tured me and made me turn back.
When we came back to the Water Yalley road, I
was surprised to find that I was being taken toward
Water Yalley instead of Grenada. I then found that
I had been captured by soldiers belonging to the 7th
Kansas Cavalry. I tried to make them believe that
I was a Federal soldier, and was scouting for the
Government, but it was of no avail ; they were not to
be persuaded out of their prisoner.
We had travelled but a feAV hundred yards after
taking the Water Yalley road, when we met a negro,
who was riding a splendid mule, with a nice saddle,
bridle, and spurs, and was carrying on the mule, in
front of him, a sack of corn meal.
"Halt, you smoked Yankee," said one of the sol
diers. "Get off from that mule and let white folks
ride !"
The negro dismounted and turned over his estab
lishment to me, and then, shouldering his meal, he

180 THE GREAT AMERICAN
resumed his way. I mounted the mule with a light
heart, hoping that General Lee would permit me to
retain it.
When we arrived at Water Yalley, I was taken to
General Lee, who, on inquiring of the soldiers where
they caught me, elicited the fact that they had ran
away from camp and gone to Grenada without leave.
"Go to your quarters, men," said the General;
" I'll take care of your prisoner now, and take care
of you in the morning."
The next morning I started again for Grenada,
mounted on the mule taken from the negro the night
before, with a letter to Captain Townsend, who had
been sent to the vicinity of Cofferville, during the
night, with a detachment of cavalry, requesting him,
if admissible, to pass me on. On reporting to the
Captain, he informed me that he had men deployed
all through the country about Cofferville, watching for
rebel scouts and stragglers, and that it would be haz
ardous for me to undertake to get through, and advised
me to remain with him until his men came in before
attempting to go on.
It Avas so late in the afternoon when the cavalry
came in that I concluded to remain with the Captain
all night. In the morning I resumed my journey, and
at one o'clock P. M., without having experienced any
difficulty in passing the rebel pickets, I entered Gre
nada. The first thing that attracted my attention was the
suffering and destitute condition of the infantry and
artillery soldiers. Yery many of them were lame

SCOUT AND SPY. 181
and foot-sore. Hundreds of them were bare-footed,
and very many of them Avere bare-headed, and all of
them more or less ragged and destitute of blankets.
Sickness prevailed to a great extent. The soldiers
were loud in pronouncing curses upon General Sher
man, whom they represented as having brought on
much of their suffering by attempting to execute a
flank movement upon them while in their intrench
ments at the Tallahatchie River, which caused them to
make a precipitate retreat to Grenada.
A sergeant, in describing to me the retreat, said :
"So closely were we pressed, that while camping at
' Water Yalley for the night, after a hard day's march,
we undertook to get some breakfast before resuming
our march in the morning, and had hardly commenced
when the Yankees commenced shelling us, and Ave
had to leave. We then marched to the vicinity of
Grenada, and there worked several hours at cutting
down timber and forming abattis, to protect us from
the Yankee cavalry, before resting long enough to
get any thing to eat."
From such hardships and exposures, and the pre
vailing destitution of clothing at the worst season of
the year, the men had become sick and disheartened.
Artillery horses were in as bad a condition as the
men, having been worked and short-fed until nearly
starved. Large numbers of sick, lame, and foot-sore
men Avere being sent on the cars to Jackson, Miss.
The heavy artillery and commissary stores were also
being sent there. Every thing indicated to me that
General Price did not expect to hold the place.

182 THE GREAT AMERICAN
As near as I could learn, General Price's army at
the Tallahatchie was about eighteen thousand ; but
the force then in Grenada did not exceed twelve
thousand. What cavalry troops there were in the
place seemed to be much better clad and in better
spirits than the infantry or artillery.
I remained in Grenada two nights, and then started
back. I took the road that leads to Pontotoc. I
came out, and had proceeded but a short distance,
when I was overtaken by three regiments of rebel
cavalry. ¦ As they came up, I fell in with them and
accompanied them. In conversation with one of the _
captains, he told me that " they were on their way to
assist General Yan Dorn to make a raid upon Holly
Springs and the railroad, to cut off the Yankee sup
plies." He expressed himself as very confident of
success, and remarked that "if we can't whip the
Yankees by force of arms, we can by starvation."
About twelve miles from Grenada, we came to a
large plantation, owned by a wealthy planter by the
name of Leggett. Mr. Leggett had evidently ex
pected the cavalry along, and had caused to be pre
pared a large wagon-box of corn-cakes, of about a
pound and a half weight each, and a large quantity
of fresh beef, cooked and cut up into pieces of about
a pound each. As we passed, two large negroes
handed each man a cake and a piece of meat. I re
ceived a share the same as the cavalry.
I continued on in company with the cavalry until
about the middle of the afternoon, when I concluded
I had gone far enough on that road. I then dashed

SCOUT AND SPY. 183
on ahead of the cavalry to a piece of Avoodland,
where 1 dismounted and sat down, as if to rest my
self, and remained there until the cavalry had all
passed on out of sight. I then mounted, and started
across the country toward Water Yalley. A few
minutes, travel brought me into a road that led direct
to the place.
When I arrived at the picket lines, the guards ar
rested me and took me to the colonel of the 3d
Michigan Cavalry, who sent me to General Lee. I
reported to him the . three regiments of cavalry that
I had accompanied out, and he immediately started
in pursuit of them. I learned afterward that the
chase was kept up to the Rocky Ford, on the Talla
hatchie River. On reporting to General Leggett,
he expressed himself well pleased with the result of
my trip, and requested me to make another to the
same place, which I accordingly undertook to do.
Early the next morning I was again on my way
to Grenada, mounted on a mule, and disguised as
before. At Water Yalley I found the 3d Michigan
Cavalry still encamped, and called upon the Col
onel. I told him that I was going into Grenada, and
that if he wanted a little fun, I would decoy out a
regiment of rebel cavalry to a place within twelve
miles of him, on the Pontotoc road, known as the Big
Spring. The spring, from its distance from Grenada
and the abundance of water that it afforded, and the
excellent ground about it for camping purposes, made
a fine natural place for troops passing out from Gre
nada to halt for the night.

184 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I told the Colonel that I would go into Grenada
and see Avhat cavalry was in there, and select the
regiment that I Avanted ; and then I would go to
General Price and tell him that I knew of three
companies of Lincoln cavalry, camped near the Pon
totoc road, a long distance from support, watching to
pick up " our" couriers and small parties that hap
pened to pass that way, and if he Avould let that regi
ment go, I would guide it so that it could surround
the Lincolnites and capture the last one of them. I
also told the Colonel that he could take his regiment
over to the place the next night, and then, early next
morning, crawl close up to the rebels, and sud
denly rise up and pour in five volleys into them, in
quick succession, from their five-shooting carbines
(the regiment was armed with five-shooters), which
would so surprise and terrify them that they would
break and run without stopping for guns, horses, or
anything else, and that he would be able to capture
the most of their arms and horses, and very many of
the men.
The Colonel seemed pleased with my proposals,
and promised to haye his regiment there in time. I
had no doubts whatever about my ability to decoy a
regiment out there, but I was not so sure that the
Colonel had confidence enough in me to keep his
promise. With the understanding, however, that I •
was to "return the next day with a regiment of cavalry,
I resumed my journey.
I halted for the night a short distance out from
Grenada, and early the next morning I started in.

SCOUT AND SPY. 185
At the bridge across the Yallabusha River, about
half a mile from town, I came to the rebel pickets.
They manifested some hesitation about passing me,
and asked me various questions about where I lived
and what I wanted to go in for, etc. While they Avere
questioning me, a regiment of cavalry made its ap
pearance, coming out. I did not press the pickets
to pass me, but remained in conversation with them
until the cavalry came out, and then fell in and went
along with them.
My prospects now seemed bright. The regiment
coming out would answer my purpose, proA'ided it
went far enough, and had saved me the trouble of
carrying out my strategy. I soon found out that it
was a Texas regiment, and, like the three regiments
I had accompanied on a former trip, they Avere on
their way to report to General Yan Dorn. Having
found that out, I felt almost sure that they would halt
for the night at the desired place.
The sun was about an hour high when we arrived
at the Big Spring, and my anxiety was considerably
relieved by the regiment coming to a halt. Prepara
tions were made for the night — horses fed, supper
prepared, and a picket thrown out on the road to
Water Yalley, but on no other.
Long before daylight in the morning, the men were
up feeding their horses and preparing breakfast for
an early start. At the approach of daylight, the
pickets were drawn in. My anxiety for the appear
ance of the Federal cavalry now became intense.
Not a movement could I see that indicated their ap-

186 THE GREAT AMERICAN
proach. Not a suspicion had yet been excited among
my grayback companions. How I longed to hear the
crack of those revolving carbines !
Breakfast was now ready, and all fell to work at it
with a hearty relish. I took some in my hands, and
seated myself near a large oak-tree, and began to
eat, wondering whether the Colonel really would
come. The moments seemed unusually long, and as
I occasionally glanced my eyes toward the place where
I had hoped the cavalry would make its appearance,
all was quiet. I had come to the conclusion that the
Colonel had failed to fulfil Ms promise, when, Bang!
bang ! crash ! crash ! went the carbines in a perfect
roar of musketry, and the air was filled with whiz
zing bullets. I instan'tly sprang behind the oak tree
and stood there. So sudden had been the attack,
that, although I had been looking for it, a volley Avas
fired before I was aware of the approach of the regi
ment. The leaden messengers came in much greater
profusion and closer proximity to my person than I
ever want them again. But such a panic, such con
fusion, such running, such scrambling was never seen
before ! It was beyond description. Some fled Avith
out horses or arms ; some cut the halters of their
horses and mounted without- arms or saddles — all
were terribly frightened.
Myself and sixty others were captured, and as
many horses and twice as many saddles and arms,
with their accoutrements. Eight men were killed, and
several horses and quite a number of men were

IT _]
1 b-OUJ QUlO. s
s

SCOUT AND SPY. 187
wounded. The rebs fired but a very few scattering
shots, and not a man of the Federals was injured.
It was a brilliant success, but for a few minutes
rather serious fun. The Colonel played his part with
admirable ability. After the stores were gathered
up, I was released, and we returned to camp. Dur
ing my absence, the brigade to which I belonged had
advanced to Water Yalley, at which place I found it.

188 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XYII.
The forage party — Runaways— Daring scout— Narrow escape — The line
of battle— Safe return— Scout reports— Assumes the character of a rebel
prisoner— Finds a friend— How he introduced himself— Where he be
longs — The burning of Holly Springs — The heroine — What she cap
tured—Shows partiality— Offers assistance — Rebel doctor executed.
When the army fell back behind the Tallahatchie
River, General Leggett's brigade remained at Abbe
ville, as an advanced' outpost of the army. It was while
we were there on outpost duty, that the troops ex
perienced the inconvenience of short rations, caused
by General Yan Dorn's cavalry raid into Holly
Springs. While the scarcity of rations prevailed, the
troops were under the necessity of frequently send
ing out foraging expeditions to obtain assistance for
both men and animals.
On one occasion, an expedition was sent out to the
east of Abbeville after forage. After it had been
gone a short time, I took a notion that I would go ;
so I mounted my mule and started out. Soon after
passing the pickets, I overtook two men, Avho, I found,
had run away from camp, and, by representing to the
pickets that they belonged to the detail guarding the
train, had succeeded in passing. They were going
out on their " own hooks" to forage a fat sheep.
About a mile from the pickets, the road forked ;
the left-hand road, or main road, led straight ahead

SCOUT AND SPY. 189
to the east, and the right-hand road led to the south
east. The forage party had taken the left-hand road ;
the runaways took the right-hand road, and I fol
lowed them out a piece to see what was going on.
About a mile from the forks, both roads pass through
a belt of timber-land, several hundred yards in
width, and then emerge into an open space of coun
try, inclosed in fields. After passing through the
timber,, we halted and mounted the fence to look for
the forage party on the other road. They had halted
at a plantation-house, and were engaged in loading
the train. While on the fence, the two runaways
espied some fat sheep in the field near by us. They
immediately gave chase, and I remained on the fence
to watch for the rebels. We had been discovered
by the forage party while on the fence, and directly
a man was seen dashing across the fields toward us,
on horseback, to reconnoitre. In the brigade was
a chaplain, not very brave, who sometimes under
took to perform the duties of a scout. As the man
on horseback approached, it proved to be the chap
lain scout. The field, on tho side where we were,
was covered with tall weeds, as high as a man's head,
and for that reason the runaways, did not see the
chaplain until he was within two hundred yards of
them. The boys had not yet captured a sheep, but
were trying to corner one, when they discovered
him. " There comes our chaplain, as sure as guns !" said
one. " We must frighten him back, or we'll both be
arrested for running away."

190 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" I'll stop him," said the other, aiming his piece.
" Snap!" went the cap, but the gun did not go.
" Are you going to shoot him?" said the first. .
"Yes," said the other.
"Then I'll shoot," said the first. Bang went his
gun. That was too much for the chaplain ; he wheeled
his horse about, and went flying back. The chaplain
did not see the boys, but saw me on the fence,
dressed in rebel uniform, and my mule hitched to
the fence. As soon as he got back and reported,
the men not engaged in loading the train were
formed in line of battle, ready to repel an expected
attack. The runaways succeeded in capturing a fine, nice
sheep, and carried it on their shoulders back to the
forks in the road, to wait for the train. Thefe I
left them, and joined the forage party, which I found
drawn up in line of battle.
When the train was loaded and ready to return,
flankers were thrown out on either side of the road,
and in that way succeeded in reaching camp without
the loss of a man. The runaways got into camp with
their forage without being detected. .
I felt curious to know what sort of report the
chaplain would make ; so, on my return to camp, I
immediately repaired to headquarters and awaited
his arrival. When he made his appearance, it was
with a countenance indicating that something serious
and impressive weighed upon his mind.

SCOUT AND SPY. 191
"Has the forage party come in, chaplain?" said
General Leggett, as he entered.
" Yes, we made out to get back."
" Well, what luck did you have ?"
" We had a very narrow escape, indeed." ,
" Why so ?"
"Well, I'll tell you; we halted about four miles
out, to load the train, and, Avhile thus engaged, some
rebels Avere seen about a mile distant, across the
field, on the fence, watching our movements. I was
sent to reconnoitre and find out about them, and
when I had got within a short distance of them, I
saw a long line of them dismounted, behind the
fence. Several of them snapped their pieces at me,
and one went off, and the ball came whizzing by my
head. I wheeled my horse and ran back as fast as I
could go. I tell you, General, it was a providential
escape for me ! We then formed a line of battle, to
repel any attack until the train was ready to start;
then we threw out flankers on either side of the road,
and in that way we marched in, without being at
tacked." The joke Avas a serious one, but, inasmuch as no
body was hurt, I concluded not to expose the
roguery of the runaways, or the bravery of the
chaplain. While the troops remained at Abbeville, being on
short rations caused by the burning of Holly Springs,
it became necessary for every soldier to be on the
lookout everywhere for supplies, in which I felt a dis
position to act my part For this purpose I left

192 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Abbeville on a road leading to the southwest. About
nine miles out I came to a mill, where I entered and
bought a peck qf meal, and in conversation with the
miller I learned that a company of guerrillas was in
the habit of getting meal there, and were prowling
about the neighborhood. Having but little respect
for that class of citizens, I at once determined to
capture them if possible.
About eighty rods north of the mill was' a hill,
with a thick growth of small pines at the base and
tall oaks on the top, and a road running through this
grove over the hill. From reading the Life of Wash
ington and Marion, I at once proposed a plan of
strategy to capture the guerrillas.
I went to General Logan and procured an order
for sixty men, and laid them in ambush in a circle in
this grove, on either side of the road, leaving the road
clear. We built three big fires on the top of the hill,
got logs and laid them promiscuously near the fires,
and laid overcoats over them here and there, and
hung up hats, and here and there a canteen on the
bushes near by, that might be seen when any one ap
proached. I instructed my men not to fire unless there was an
attempt made by the guerrillas to escape. Every
thing ready, I stationed myself and a captain at the
grand entrance, out of sight of the enemy, and on
either side of the road.
In a few minutes I heard the sound of footsteps
coming up the hill, and soon I beheld the guerrillas
Avith double-barrelled shot-guns cocked, and moving

SCOUT AND SPY. 193
as silent and stealthily as "possible, peering in the dis
tance at the fires and their surroundings, evidently
surmising that they had found a company of sleeping
Federals. But we were hot exactly asleep. I counted four
teen enter the circle in close proximity, and as I saw
no more coming in the rear, I concluded this was the
whole squad. I arose and stepped out, and demanded
a surrender of the whole band. When I uttered this
demand they all stretched up and look around. All
was still as death around, save the ominous click of
the cocking of about sixty rifles. When they heard
this they said, Hold on, boys ! hold on ! we'll surren
der ! Well, said I, lay doAvn your guns then on the
ground and walk away. They did so, and the boys
moved from their ambush to the centre, and enclosed
ouf prisoners. Said I, Boys, how do you like the trap ?
Have you men got horses ? They said no. Noav,
said I, you lie. You have got horses doAvn around
the mill, and you would like to have me go after them
to get me in the same fix as you are in. Now, boys,
said I, let us light out for camp.
We returned to camp by the way Ave came, and
turned over the prisoners to the Provost-marshal.
They were nothing more nor less than a band of guer
rillas, nevertheless thej^ were paroled and treated as
regular soldiers, as they represented themselves to the
Provost-marshal that they were regularly enlisted
cavalrymen. # * * * * * *
While the army was on its march from the Talla-

194 THE GREAT AMERICAN
hatchie to Lagrange, I had an amusing little adven
ture with a secesh lady. It was on the day that
General Leggett's brigade left Holly Springs. I was
riding along behind my regiment, in company with
Levi Hood, of the 20th Ohio, when I observed, to the
left of the road, and about half a mile back, a large,
fine white house. I told Levi that, from the fine ap
pearance of things about the house, I presumed we
could get feed there for our mules ; so we rode out to
see. The house was built with a porch extending across
its entire front. As we approached, we saw a Fed
eral guard standing on the porch, near the main en
trance to the house, and two Federal officers, one of
them a captain, and the other a major. The officers
were engaged in conversation with a lady belong
ing to the house. We halted in front of the steps
leading on to the porch, when Levi, addressing the
lady, said : " Madam, have you got any corn or fod
der here ?"
" Yes, I expect there is some out there," she re
plied, pointing to an outhouse ; " go out and get it.
Take it all, if you can ; don't leave any. I shall be
glad when it is gone ; then you won't bother me."
We rode to the outhouse and procured what fod
der we Avanted, and, having fed our mules in a yard
in front of the house, we repaired to the porch,
where the officers and lady were still engaged in con
versation. They were talking about the burning of
Holly Springs, and as I came near, I heard the lady
eay:

SCOUT AND SPY. 195
" If General Yan Dorn and General Price can't
thrash you out of Mississippi, they can starve you
out, or get you out in some way ; you are going out,
anyhow." " Yes," said I, " that's one of General Yan Dorn's
capers; he is just the man to do such tricks as
that." The officers left soon after I came up, and the lady
turned her conversation to me.
" Do you know General Yan Dorn ?"
" Yes, I know all of our Generals ; and I know
you, too."
" Where did you ever see me ?"
" Ain't you the lady whp sent Colonel Slemmens
the bouquet last summer, Avhen he was on outpost duty,
with his regiment, at Cold Water ?"
" Why, yes, I believe I was ; where was you ?"
" I was sent from Lumpkins' Mills, by General
Yillipique to Colonel Slemmens, with orders."
" Where do you belong ?"
" I belong to the 17th Mississippi Zouaves, the
pride of the Confederacy."
" Who is the Colonel ?"
" Colonel Hanner."
" Yes, yes ! that's a fact ! I thought that you
was fooling me, at first, but I don't think you are
now. How in the world did you come to be up
here ?"
" I was captured near Grenada."
" You Avas ? That's too bad ! Oh, tell me, have
you received your new guns yet ?"

196 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Yes ; we received them on the 18th day of last
August." " They were so long coming, that I was afraid they
never would get through the Federal lines. How do
you like them ?"
" Yery much, indeed. They are Colt's six-shoot
ers, and are a most excellent gun."
" Well, I am glad of it ; they ought to be a good
gun, for they cost the Confederacy $60 apiece. You
are really a prisoner, then, are you ?"
" Yes."
" Well, come into the house."
" I would if I could ; but that man is my guard,
and I don't think he'll let me.",
"Oh, no!" said Levi, "I can't; I am instructed
not to let him go into any houses nor out of my
sight." " Well, you can see him at the end of the porch ;
let him go there. He won't run aAvay. Come this
way, soldier." She led the way and I followed.
"Now," said she, speaking low, " do tell me how
the Yankees like the burning of Holly Springs ?"
" Well, as near as I can find out, they hate it like
blazes, and it makes some of them real heartsick."
" Good ! I am glad of it ! . I am getting back pay
for my trouble now !"
" Did you help take the place ?"
" No, I did not help to take it, but I was chief of
the signal corps, and signalled the town all night." I
had nearly all the ladies of the town out, and had
them watching the movements of the Yankees. We

SCOUT AND SPY. 197
sent up rockets every hour all night. I tell you, I
felt so much relieved at the approach of General Yan
Dorn, and when he captured the Yankees I was per
fectly delighted ! Then I just went for things ! I had
four mules and a yoke of steers and a cart in there,
and I just loaded them down with stuff ! I got a hun
dred overcoats, and lots of pants and blankets, and
nice canvased hams and other things, until I had the
garret of my house stowed full."
" Did you do all that alone ?"
"Oh, no! my husband, Captain McKisic, was
there — he is captain of company A, of Bragg's 1st
Battalion — and my servants were there, and they
all helped. Oh, I really do wish that you could
come into the house !"
" There is no use talking about that, for the guard
won't let me."
"Well, I'll tell you," said she (casting her eyes
at the man who Avas guarding her house, and speak
ing still lower); "I was suspicious that some of the
Yankee soldiers might ransack my house and find
out what stuff I had got, and so I went over to the
colonel of the 23d Illinois Regiment and sung him a
feAv songs of love, and he sent me over a guard, to
keep the soldiers from going into my house."
"You are all right, then, if you keep things to
yourself." " I can do that, I assure you ; I have run with the
army almost two years, and I have learned how to
do that."
" Come, prisoner," said Levi, manifesting impa-

198 THE GREAT AMERICAN
tience , "a'n't you getting about through with your
conversation?" "Wait ! wait a minute, if you please, guard," said
the lady, and away she went into the house. She
soon returned with a lot of apples, and commenced
to stuff them into my pockets. "There, yon eat
them yourself. Give the guard these three little
ones ; don't give him any more ; eat those nice ones
yourself. But, pray tell me, what is your situation
for money ?"
" I have got about five dollars."
' ' Is that all ? Really, that a'n't enough ! Sha'n't
I help you to some ? I am sure that you can't get
along with that ?"
"No, I thank you ; I can get along in some way."
" Do let me help you ; I have got three thousand
dollars in the house, and I'd just as leave help you
as not. Do take some."
"No; I won't take any. I might never return
this way to repay it."
' ' I should think that you might get away. Why
don't you get paroled, or run away from that
guard ?"
" I might, but, on account of a plan that I have
got, I don't want to get away yet."
"Why, what is it?"
" Well, I'll tell you. I want to go with Grant's
army to Lagrange, and see which way it goes from
there, and then I'll come back and report it"
" That's a good idea, certainly ; get all the infor
mation that you can."

SCOUT AND SPY. 199
"Prisoner!" called Levi, getting more impatient,
" the mules are done eating and Ave must go !"
I then bade Mrs. McKisic good-bye, and we re
sumed our march. On my return to the regiment,
I related the incident to the Colonel, and he. replied :
" If the women are a mind to take advantage of the
disgraceful surrender of Holly Springs, I don't know
as I have any objection."

200 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XYIII.
Arrival in Memphis— Daring robbery — Detailed by the Provost-marshal
General — Assumes the character of a rebel major — Secesh acquaintances
— Captures a rebel mail — A jollification — A rebel trader — Plan to run
the pickets — Escape of the outlaws.
On the 22d day of January, 1863, General Logan's
division arrived in Memphis, Tenn.,' preparatory to
moving down the Missisippi, to join in the campaign
against Yicksburg. While there, as I was passing
through the city, accompained by William Goodhart,
of the 20th Ohio, I saw a splendid carriage approach
ing, drawn by a fine pair of black horses, with silver-
plated harness. In it were Captain Daniels and the
quartermaster that had captured me and taken me
to Cold Water to be paroled.
As the carriage came up, we sprang into the street
toward it, to capture the inmates. Recognizing me,
they sprang out at the opposite side, and ran in dif
ferent directions, and as Ave were unarmed they made
their escape. Supposing that the carriage and horses
belonged to them, we unfastened them, mounted
them, and started for camp, leaving the carriage
standing in the street. I feared, as we were without
passes, that some officer of some other command might
take the whole rig from us. I cared nothing about
the carriage, but wished, to secure the horses for the

SCOUT AND SPY. 201
Government. We reported, with the horses, to
division headquarters, and thence was ordered to
brigade headquarters. At brigade headquarters Ave
were ordered to turn them over to the quartermaster
of our own regiment, which we did.
After this, with nothing to do about Memphis but idle
my time away in camp, I began to get restless and un
easy, and was about contriving some way to get out
side of the lines to work, when I received word that
General Logan wanted to see me. I immediately
reported to him, and was handed a sealed envelope
and ordered to report with it to Colonel Hillyer,
Provost-marshal General on General Grant's staff.
I carried the communication to the colonel, as di
rected, and, when he read it, he immediately sat
down and wrote me an order, of which the following
is a copy : " Headquarters Department op the Tennessee, 1
" Office of the Provost-marshal General, [¦
" Memphis, Tenn., February 6, 1863. )
" The bearer, Loraine Ruggles, is in scout service of the Government.
He will be passed through all lines, at all hours. He will be furnished
with whatever assistance he may require.
" He has authority to make arrests, reporting the same to the nearest
military commander or Provost-marshal.
" All officers and soldiers of this command will, in every way, facilitate
his operations. " By command of Major-General U. S. Grant
"William Hillyer,
" Provost-marshal General."
Handing me the order and some money, the Gen
eral told me to procure a place to board, and then
commence operations. He requested me to report
9*

202 THE GREAT AMERICAN
every two or three days the result of my labors, and
to do my reporting, when practicable, at night.
I selected a boarding-house on Adams-street, kept
by a Mrs. Williams. There I represented myself as
a major in the rebel army. My former residence in
the city, at intervals of time, gave me an acquaint
ance that enabled me readily to carry out the char
acter of a rebel officer, without exciting any suspicion
to the contrary.
Having established myself in my boarding-house,
I proceeded to drum up the acquaintance of such
persons as I had reason to believe were of suspicious
loyalty. My first acquaintance of that sort was a Captain
Wells, who formerly commanded an independent
company in Yicksburg, Miss., but who had resigned
his commission in the Confederate army and estab
lished himself in business in Memphis. He was at
that time a "Union man," with the oath of alle
giance in his pocket, but engaged in buying horses of
Federal soldiers, and smuggling them through the
Federal lines.
My acquaintance with him soon led to an acquaint
ance with others, variously engaged — some as guer
rillas, some horse-stealers, some smugglers, some as
mail-carriers, and others in various disloyal capaci
ties. They all knew me by my assumed rank, and
always addressed me as Major Ruggles.
On one occasion, while looking about the city, one
of my disloyal acquaintances informed me that there
was a large mail in town from Missouri, to go to Gen-

SCOUT AND SPY. 203
eral Price's army ; and, said he, " Major, I thought
that, perhaps, you would be ,going down that way
soon, and if you are, why not take it with you ? I
presume it is a mail of considerable importance, and
undoubtedly General Price would compensate you
well for it."
" Perhaps I will take it down," I replied. "But I
must make some arrangements with my affairs at
home before I go, and I will let you know in the
morning." " Yery well. Come up in the morning."
I then went and told the Provostmarshal General
what I had learned. He told me to keep watch, and
when it started out to capture it.
The next clay I went to see about carrying it out
myself, and was told that a man had already made
arrangements to carry it, and that it was packed up,
ready to go. While talking about the mail, another
of my new acquaintances came up, and I invited the
two to walk over to the Italian saloon with me and
take something to drink.
" You go with me," said the new-comer, " over to
the saloon where I get my drinks."
"Yery well," said I, and we all went over.
In front of the saloon was hitched a horse and
buggy. In the saloon, besides the proprietor, was a
very gentlemanly-looking man, who, soon after we
entered, asked the proprietor if he had any word that
he wanted to send to Hernando. The man said he
was going down that way, and if he had anything to
send he would take it 8

204 THE -GREAT AMERICAN
As he had nothing to send, the gentleman, without
making any further business, went out. The thought
now occurred to me that the mail was in the buggy
at the door, and the man that went out was the mail-
carrier. I excused myself from my companions, as
soon as I could, and started out to watch the suspected
gentleman. When I went out he had unhitched and
started doAvn. the street. I followed along, through
one street after another, until the buggy stopped at a
provision-store. There the gentleman purchased a
demijohn of something, and a side of bacon. I saAV
him place them in the buggy, and then return to the
provision -store.
I then went to Captain Taylor, who had charge of
the government horses in the city, whom I found sit
ting on his horse at his stables. I told him that a
rebel mail was going out through the lines, and that I
Avanted his horse long enough to ride out to the pick
et line, on the Hernando road, and stop it. He lent
me his horse, and I soon found myself at the picket
line. I found a lieutenant in command of the pickets. I
told him that there would be a rebel mail attempt to
pass his lines, and that it would be ina one-horse bug
gy, driven by a very gentlemanly-looking man, and that
the buggy that contained the mail would contain a
demijohn ancl a side of bacon. I told him to be
thorough, and search the man's person and his buggy,
and the cushions, and everything else about the
buggy, and to do it in such a way as not to lead the
man tg suspect that any information had been given

SCOUT AND SPY. 205
Mm. I then took another road and returned to the
city. I had not been gone more than an hour, when the
man described drove up to the pickets, halted, and
handed out his pass for examination. The lieutenant
having examined it, told him that he presumed he was
all right, but attempts had been made to carry contra
band articles through the lines, and his instructions
were such that he was under the necessity of making
a thorough search before passing him. The man as
sured the lieutenant that he had no objections to
being searched, and that nothing could be found
about himself or buggy not mentioned in the pass.
The man's person was searched, and then the bug
gy, and finally the cushions of the buggy were exam
ined, and in them, neatly quilted in, was found the
mail. It is needless to add that the gentlemanly per
sonage was furnished accommodations in the Irving
Block, and the mail was turned over to the Provost-
marshal General. I never learned what became of
the man or his mail.
A few days after the arrest of the rebel mai,l-car-
rier, I invited several of my new acquaintances doAvn
to my boarding-house, to have a little jollification.
They all accepted the invitation, and, at the ap
pointed time, made their appearance.
Among these was a man engaged in furnishing
contraband goods for the rebel army, such as medi
cines, surgical instruments, silk thread for sewing
wounds, ladies' silk hose, &c, &c.
He came into the Provost-marshal General's office,

206 THE GREAT AMERICAN
and got a permit to buy a barrel of molasses. He
procured a molasses barrel and inserted a tin tube
nicely into the bung, down to the other side of the
barrel, and packed e\rery other part of the barrel full
of goods to the amount of $2,000, and filling the tube
with molasses, brought it to the Provost-marshal's of
fice for inspection. I had watched his movements,
and was in the office of the Provost-marshal General
when he came up to the Provost-marshal's office,
Avhich was directly opposite. I told the Provost-
marshal General to watch the movements. Said he,
" I gave that man a permit to buy a barrel of molas
ses, and he has brought it for inspection." Said I,
"That ain't molasses." He said it was. Said I,
" You are a commanding officer, and I have no right
to dispute you ; but if you let that barrel go out with
out inspection, I will report you to General Grant."
" Well," said he, " to please you I will let the guards
stop him, and will examine it myself," and he found
as I had reported, but little molasses and a large
amount of other goods, which were turned over to
the Government, and the man turned over to the Ir
ving Block for safe-keeping.
When I went to Mrs. Williams' to board, I took
Avith me a yellow boy that had been in my employ
nearly a year. I had trained him so that he under
stood me perfectly, and, being naturally of a smart,
ready turn of mind, and quick to comprehend my
meaning, was .of great assistance, when I was visited
by rebel friends, in helping me to carry out my as-
stimed character.

SCOUT AND SPY. 207
On this occasion, he represented to perfection the
character of a negro waiter. I called him " Spence."
Whenever his name was called, he would promptly
enter the room, with his hat under his arm, and ap
proach me with as much manifestation of profound
respect as if I had been a king, receive my orders
with marked attention, and execute them with Avon-
derful agility, and then immediately retire from the
room. From my rank, my companions seemed to regard
me as possessing peculiar advantages over them, and
all seemed desirous to secure my advice and my per
sonal assistance in their individual projects. By
that means I was enabled to find out very much
that was going on, that I otherwise would not have
done. Among my guests of that evening was a man that
had been in the Confederate army, and had been se
verely wounded in the shoulder in the battle at Fort
Donelson. " On account of his Avound he had been dis
charged. As a sort of compensation to enable him to
make a living, for which his disability had seriously
disqualified him, General Price had given him a paper
authorizing him to trade and sell goods in the Con
federate army.
After showing me his paper, signed by General
Price, "Now," said he, "major, you can render me
some assistance, if you feel disposed, that will be of
great help to me in my circumstances."
" Indeed! I should be very happy to do so ; but
you must remember that I am under bonds to the

208 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Federal authorities, and I have to be very careful
Avhat I do ; if I am caught in any scrape, they will
surely hang me."
"I am well aware of that, Major, but I think you
can do it without subjecting yourself to any great
danger." " Well, what is it that you want I should do ?"
"I'll tell you. I have been engaged, for some
time, in purchasing, in small quantities at a time,
various articles of goods, to take through the Federal
lines to sell, and I have now got about four hundred
dollars' worth. The military authorities are begin
ning to suspicion me, and I have got to move the
goods to some place for safe-keeping. Your board
ing-rooms are not very public, and you could keep
the goods here Avithout exciting suspicion."
"I expect that I might. I have done more
hazardous jobs than that since I have been in the
Confederate service. I think I can manage it. You
may get the goods ready, and then let nie know it,
and I will send my servant after them."
" Thank you, Major ! You are just the man to do
it. I will get them ready in the morning."
My friend Captain Wells also had a little scheme
in view, Avhich he related to me, as follows :
" I have got six fine horses, that I have purchased
of Federal cavalrymen, and I want to manage some
way to get them through the Yankee lines. Now,
Major, Avhat plan do you propose to get them
through?" " Well, really, Captain, I hardly know what course

SCOUT AND SPY. 209
would be advisable. The 'Yankees' are getting to
be mighty strict in their picket duties. A sudden
dash upon the pickets, some dark night, by as many
plucky riders as you have horses, might take them
through." "That's my mind exactly, Major! and 1 Avas
thinking if I could get some military man of expe
rience, like yourself, to lead us, the plan might be
executed to a charm ! What do you say ? will you
lead us ?"
"Well, Captain, the undertaking is a bold one,
but I think I am good for it ; at any rate, I will try."
"Good! good! Major, here's your health!" and
they all drank heartily.
Late at night, the festival broke up, with an agree
ment to meet, at frequent intervals, as opportunity
offered. The next day the contraband goods were brought
over to my rooms and secreted.
I will here relate a little incident concerning my
servant Spence, to show how well I succeeded in
making my secesh acquaintances believe that I Avas
a Southerner and a slave-owner. I Avas in the habit
of finding fault with him, and would reprimand him
severely for the slightest neglect, and sometimes
imaginary ones, were sufficient to call forth from me
the severest rebuke.
A few mornings after the. night of our festival,
several of my secesh friends called on me to ride out
in the city. I ordered Spence to bring out my horse.
When he made his appearance at the front of the

210 THE GREAT AMERICAN
house, I went out to see that everything was in
proper order, and at once flew into a terrible pas
sion Avith him, on the pretence that the horse was
not properly cleaned. Spence, as if mistrusting
something was up, was about to leave.
"Here, you black rascal!" said I; "why didn't
you clean that horse's legs ? Ha'n't I taught you
better than that? Come here, you black lazy calf,
till I thrash you ! What ! lived with me all your
life, and don't know how to clean a horse ! Ha'n't I
thrashed you time and again for that? Come here,
I say! I'll fix you!"
Spence, as if apprehending a booting, manifested a
wonderful fear of me, and no inclination to approaoh
nearer, and, as I approached him, he involuntarily
drew back. I attempted to catch him, and he ran
away from me into the back yard, and I after him.
"Stop ! stop ! you black scoundrel you ! Stop ! or I'll
shoot you !" I shouted.
Mrs. Williams and my companions ran to the back
door to see what I was doing. As they came out, I
fired my revolver. Spence stopped, and, facing me,
implored, "Oh, Lord! Massa Ruggles,. don't shoot
dis nigger ! don't shoot again, for de Lord's sake !
don't shoot ! I'll done" clean de hoss all off clean de
nex' time ! I will, I will, for sure, Massa Ruggles !"
"Don't shoot him, Major!" imploded Mrs. Wil
liams. "Don't shoot him, Major ! for God's sake, don't.
For you will get into trouble with the Yankees if
you do."

SCOUT AND SPY. 211
"Well, I won't shoot him this time, but the next
time he won't get off so easy. Do you understand
that, you black rascal ?"
"Yes, Massa Ruggles! I 'spects dat I was care
less. I'll dun clean him good now !" and away he
went to clean the horse.
A few nights after the above occurrence, another
jollification was held at my rooms. Before sepa
rating; it was agreed that eight of us, including myself
and Spence, should take the contraband horses and
goods, and, on a night agreed upon, if everything was
favbrable, make a dash through the lines.
The time agreed upon came, and Avith it my rebel
acquaintances, prepared for the dash. I was not
ready, and apologized by saying that the weather
had been so bad for a day or two that I didn't
think they would be along that night. I told them
that I had left my saddle at a harness-shop to be
repaired, but if they would wait until I could go and
get it I would accompany them. To this they agreed.
Taking Spence with me, I started for the saddle.
I procured one, to prevent suspicion, and, carry
ing it with me, I went to the officer of the provostr
guards. I told him what was going on, and then
showed him my order from Colonel Hillyer, and told
him that I wanted six men. My plan was to place
them where they could throw themselves suddenly
across a street that we would have to pass, as we
came up, and halt us, and to fire into every man
that did not halt. Spence and myself would, of
course, halt and be captured. The Captain would

212 THE GREAT AMERICAN
not give me , any men unless I would take a whole
company. I remonstrated. I knew that six men
would not be suspected of anything more than an
ordinary patrol guard, if seen on their way to the
place designated, and it would be impossible to get
so many men into position without their being seen.
The Captain Avould not yield, and I started with a
full company, under command of a Lieutenant.
After we had started, the Captain halted us, and
charged the Lieutenant not to divide the company
into squads, but to keep his men compact in a body.
That Completely spoiled my plans, but I had no other
alternatiye: Before we got within three hundred yards of the
outlaws, they discovered the force coming and mis
trusted their object. They raised a yell of defiance,
and, swinging their hats with whoops and hurrahs,
dashed out of sight before the company could be got
into line. They succeeded in dashing through the
lines, and I have never heard of them since.
The contraband goods, however, remained in my
possession, and I turned them over to the Provost-
marshal. I was heartily vexed with the failure, and dis
gusted with the detective service, and resolved that
I would never have anything more to do Avith it,
Hoav well I kept my resolution the sequel will
show. * ,

SCOUT AND SPY. 213

CHAPTER XIX.
Reports to Major-General McPherson — Instructions — Disguise — Starts for
Vicksburg — Changes his route — Reports to General Denver — Acquaint
ance with a cotton-buyer — Plan to make money — Visit to guerrilla Sol.
Street — The arrangement consummated — Visit to General Price — Arri
val at Jackson — Robbed of his field-glasses — Introduction to President
Davis — Visit to Vicksburg— Visit to Edwards' Station— Meets his bear-
hunting comrades — Visits Black River Bridge — Robbed of his horse —
The return — Reports to General McPherson — Reports to General Grant
Having fully determined to do no more detective
service, I went to Colonel Hillyer, of General Grant's
staff, and told him that I was desirous of making a
trip to Jackson, Mississippi, and also to Yicksburg,
and that General Ross had frequently promised me
an opportunity of doing so. The Colonel said that.
he was not only willing but desirous that I should
do so. He accordingly released me from the detec
tive service, and I reported to General McPherson.
On reporting back to the Colonel, he gave me a writ
ten order, and on that authority General McPherson
at once gave me his instructions, and furnished me
with funds to supply myself with an outfit. I also re
ceived from Colonel Hillyer a large roll of Confed
erate money, with which to bear my expenses.
My instructions were to go down on the Hernando
road from Memphis to Grenada, and see how many
troops were there, and whether the enemy was forti
fying at that place, and whether appearances indicated

214 THE GREAT AMERICAN
a determination to remain there long. I was then
to go on to Jackson, Miss., and see how many troops
were there, and ascertain, if I could, from a reliable
source, whether the rebs were still operating the Con
federate States armory at Columbus, Miss., or had re
moved it, as had been reported, to the State of Ala
bama. Then I was to go on to Clinton, Miss., and
see how many troops were there ; and then to Ed
wards' Station, and see what number were there ; and
then to Black River Bridge, and see its defences, and
gather all the information that I could concerning
them, and find out, if possible, how many forces were
at Haines' and Snyder's Bluffs ; and then return to
Memphis, and if General McPherson was not there,
to follow down the Mississippi River until I found
him. When he had finished his instructions, I said to
him, " General, I am confident that I can get to Jack
son, Miss., easy enough ; but what excuse can I make
or business can I pretend to have that will call me to
Black River Bridge ? Why not instruct me to go on
to Yicksburg, and then there can be no suspicion on
my visit to the bridge."
He replied, "Ruggles, the Government has sent
six men into Yicksburg already, and none of them
have returned ; it's of no use to send out men unless
they return. Act your pleasure about it, but go no
further than you can go and get back."
I felt uneasy about trying to go to Black River
Bridge without going to Yicksburg, and I did not like
to assume the responsibility without saying something

SCOUT AND SPY. 215
about it, for fear that I might fail to get back. I de
cided to go in only on condition that circumstances
favored a certainty of return.
The disguise that I chose was that of a Avell-to-clo
Southern planter, accompanied by a servant — myself
on horseback and my servant mounted upon a mule.
Spence Avent with me as servant. We were both of
us richly dressed. I carried on my shoulders a pair
of field-glasses, and had in my possession a splendid
gold watch, which was furnished me as a part of my
outfit, and afterward given to me by General Grant.
My hair, at that time, Avas very long, hanging down
upon my shoulders. I wore a very broad-brimmed
black hat.
Everything being ready, I started out on the road
leading to Hernando on the morning of the 24th day
of February, 1863. Passing a farm-house, a little
boy, of about two and a half years, came out of the
gate ancl says, "Mister, thar's Yankees down thar,
and you'd better look out or they'll get you." Rather
a young counsellor thought I, but we moved on.
When we Avere fairly outside of the Federal lines,
Spence began to reflect on what the consequences
would be if I were found out to be a spy. After
riding several miles without saying a word, and ap
pearing to be more than usually serious, he said :
" Mr. Bunker, a'n't you gwine right down in among
de rebils ?"
"Yes; why?"
"If de secesh dun git us, won't dey hang us
both?"

216 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" You keep that to yourself; if you don't they will
certainly hang us both. Remember what I say ; all
you have to do is to obey me promptly at all times.
You must be my nigger — -raised with me, and just a
day and a half older than I am. Do you understand
me ?"
" I spects dat I do."
" No matter," I continued, " how much I scold or
boot you, you must carry out the character of a tip
top genteel nigger waiter ; and you must make every
body think that you have got the best master in the
world . Can you do it ?"
"I spects dat. I can."
Spence was too deeply impressed Avith the reality
of the situation to say much ; but, however much he
feared the consequences of a discovery, he acted well
the part assigned him, and that, too, knowing the
certain fate awaiting him if my real character should
be found out.
At the time that I started, the weather had been
rainy for some time, and the ground .had become
completely saturated with water, the roads muddy,
and the streams very high. I had gone but about
twenty miles, when I found that the bridges across the
streams had all been destroyed, either by the enemy
or swept off by the water, and that they were too
high for me to ford them.
I then turned to go back to Memphis, but I found
that a squad of guerrillas had got between me and
the. city. Not wishing to encounter them, I made my
way across to Lafayette, a town on the Memphis ahd

SCOUT AND SPY. 217
Charleston Railroad. At that place I found General
Lee. I called on him, and requested him to inform
General McPherson that on account of the high
water, I was unable to get through on the Hernando
road. From Lafayette I went to Lagrange, at which
place I found General Denver. I requested of him
a pass to go through his lines. He inquired who I
was. I told him, and to convince him, showed him
the order Colonel Hillyer gave me to scout in Mem
phis ; but, for some reason best known to himself, he
took the order away from me. It was raining at the
time I asked for the pass, and I requested to have it
dated for the next day. The Adjutant remarked that
if I had it dated a day ahead it would afford me a
fine opportunity to see hoAV many forces they had be
fore I went Out. A pass was granted me, however,
to go out, but not to return, and I remained at La- i
grange until the next day. I think that General
Denver doubted my being a Federal Iscout. Not ex
pecting to pass any Federal lines, except when I left
Memphis, I had no pass proper for the occasion, and
showed the order that I had, for want of something
better. I put up at a house of entertainment kept by a
Mr. Lee, where I met with a cotton buyer by the
name of Hall, who was boarding at the same place.
In the course of our conversation something was said
about a noted guerrilla by the name of Solomon G.
Street. I remarked, " I don't see how it comes that
Sol. Street has managed to make himself so noted ; he
is a man that very little was said about before the war."
IO

218 IHE GREAT AMERICAN
"Do you know Sol. Street?" said the cotton-
buyer. " Yes, I have known him for ten or twelve years.
I knew him when he lived in Memphis, and then
afterward when he lived on Island 40, and then again
when he moved up to the foot of Island 37."
" Now, see here," said Hall ; " you want to make
money and I want to make money, and now is the
time to do it. If you are acquainted with Sol. Street
you can arrange the matter so as to make a hand
some thing of it for both of us."
" How so ?"
" Well, I will tell you. Sol. Street has got about
eighty guerrillas stationed back in the country a few
miles, and in their rear there is a large amount of
cotton. I have seen it, and it is worth eighty cents a
pound. He likes money as Avell as either of us.
Now, if you will . see him, and get him to give you
a writing that he will withdraw his men for ten days,
and let Government teams in there, without molest
ing them, to haul the cotton away, I will give Sol.
one-half the proceeds of the cotton at eighty cents a
pound, and I will give you $5,000 of my share, and
you shall see the cotton weighed and carry Sol.'s
money to him."
" That would really be a nice little spec, wouldn't
it?" " Yes ; and now is the time to strike."
" Well, I am going down into the Confederacy to
be gone several days, perhaps two weeks, and I will

c
<
CCUl z
UJ o

O <rm

Q
in

SCOUT AND SPY. 219
try and see Sol. Street and find out what he will do
about it, and will let you knoAV on my return."
"Well, do. I am sure that you can't make five
thousand dollars easier."
In the morning I resumed my journey, and had
proceeded as far as Waterford, when I accidentally
come across Sol. Street. He immediately recog
nized me as an old acquaintance. After convers
ing a while, I said to him, "Sol., you like to make
money and so do I, and it don't matter much hoAV
we make it, either. I know of a chance for both of
us to make something."
"Well, what is it?"
" There is a large lot of cotton in your rear, and
there is a Yankee cotton-buyer, that has seen the
cotton, who says it is worth eighty cents a pound,
and that if you will agree to withdraw your men for
ten days, and alloAV him, unmolested, to haul the cot
ton out with Federal teams, he will sell the cotton
and pay over to me one-half of the proceeds of the
cotton for you, and will give me five thousand dol
lars. What do you think of that, Sol ?"
" Will, you be responsible to me for my share ?"
I said I would be responsible for what I had to do
myself, but not for what others are to do. But if the
man does not pay the one-half for the cotton, I will
decoy him out and we will dispatch him, and take
the whole of it.
" I am bound to make money out of this war, and
I don't care how I do it."

220 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"That's the understanding then, is it?"
" Yes, and when you get ready to have the cotton
out, let me know it, and I'll withdraw the men.".
However well I had completed the arrangements,
I had no intention of participating in a traffic of that
kind on my own responsibility. I relate it merely
that the reader may see one of the internal phases
of this monstrous rebellion. Others have made
money in that way.
The journey from Waterford to Grenada was a
painfully lonesome one. Not a human being, save a
few citizens at Oxford, were seen to enliven the
solitude that prevailed. Scarcely a living being was
to be seen, save perhaps, now and then, a poor, old
blind and crippled mule or horse, in the last stages
of starvation. Even the feathered songsters of the
forest seemed to realize the utter desolation that
prevailed, and lent, by their silence and seclusion, to
that inexpressible gloom. Scarcely a fence or plan
tation-house remained to mark the place where peace
and, prosperity had once existed. Huge chimney-
stacks pointed out where the consuming elements had
been, and stood as monuments of retribution that was
being meted out to those whose folly had led them to
participate in their own fearful destruction. I invol
untarily exclaimed, "Surely, the way of the trans
gressor is hard !"
On my arrival at the rebel lines, near Grenada,
I experienced no difficulty in passing, ancl, with
out having met with any, obstacles after leaving the
Federal lines, I was once more a sojourner in Grenada.

SCOUT AND SPY. 221
There I found the place garrisoned by a small body of
troops, composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery,
ancl considerably improved in appearance since my
last visit to the place.
I repaired at once to General Price's headquarters,
ancl there I found General Wheeler, whom I have
mentioned as having met me before in the rebel army,
at General Yan Dorn's headquarters. I asked Gen
eral Price for a pass to visit Jackson, and for the
privilege of leaving my horse and mule with his
headquarter horses until my return, which was
granted, While there, I found out that General
Wheeler had just received a permit to visit Jack'
son, so I proposed to accompany him, to which he
assented, and we both took the cars together.
At the depot I met with on old acquaintance from
Arkansas, from whom I learned that three of my
old bear-hunting comrades, by the names of Samuel
Teel, Henry Thomas, and Lemuel Mcintosh, were in
the 10th Arkansas Infantry, and that the regiment was
at Edwards' Station, four miles from Black River.. I
knew that Teel had been a regular canebrake ranger,
and I concluded that, if I could find him, I could con
trive some way to get safely to Black River bridge.
On our way down, General Wheeler told me
that President Davis was to be at Jackson, and that
his business down there was to see the President.
The idea of seeing Jeff. Davis pleased me. I told
the general that I was glad to hear that the presi
dent was to be there, for I had never been so fortu
nate as to have met him, ancl that I should be very

222 THE GREAT AMERICAN
happy to make his acquaintance. He promised that
if an opportunity occurred, he Avould give me an in
troduction. On our arrival at Jackson, we repaired at once to
the Confederate House, registered our names, and
procured rooms. Before I had been shown to my
room, a general (I had learned afterward) from South
Carolina, stepped up to me, and, taking my field-
glasses from my shoulders and placing them upon
his OAvn, said : " Citizens hpve no use for such things,
and generals have."
" Take them, general ; take them along, sir ! I am
willing to do anything for our Government.
I knew that it would do no good to object, but f
should have been better pleased if he had as, much
as thanked me for them, but, instead, he walked off
with as much dignity as if "Monarch of all he sur
veyed." Shortly after our arrival, I entered the sitting-
room, in company Avith General Wheeler, where we
found President Davis and his attendants, and Lieu
tenant-General Joseph Johnston. Among the attend
ants were several generals, whose names I did not
learn ; one of them, however, had my field-glasses.
General Wheeler approached the President and in
troduced himself, and then introduced me as a brother
of General Ruggles. He also introduced me, in the
same way, to General Johnston.
I remained at the Confederate House four days, at
an expense of thirteen dollars per day for myself
and servant. During our stay, Spence came in for

SCOUT AND SPY. 223
his share of notoriety. He Avas remarkably attentive
to my wants and scrupulously exact in all his ar
rangements of my toilet. His own clothing was
richer than that of any body-servant at the hotel,
and he kept it perfectly clean. His superior dress
helped him wonderfully in carrying out the character
he had assumed. It was really amusing to observe
his lofty and dignified bearing among those of his
own color.
After having seen what I could to advantage in
Jackson, I went to General Johnston and shoAved
him my pass from General Price, and told him that
I wanted him, if agreeable to his good-will and
pleasure, to give me a permit to visit Yicksburg and
return. I told him that I had some friends in there,
and, as we did not always know what might be the
fortunes of war, I was extremely anxious to see them.
He made no hesitation about it, but immediately
ordered the required pass for a period of ten days,
subject to the approval of the Provost-marshal in
Yicksburg, whenever I wished to return.
I took the cars the same day, and went into Yicks
burg, where I remained two days. I found a force
of ten regiments of infantry there, and, as near as I
could judge, 200 heavy artillery. From what I
could learn, there was at Haines' Bluff about 12,000
troops. The batteries along the river were very
formidable, and seemed to me sufficient, if well
served, to annihilate any water craft that might un
dertake to pass.
At the expiration of two clays, I went to the Pro-

224 THE GREAT AMERICAN
vost-marshal and got my pass approved, and re
turned as far as Edwards' Station, where I had the
good fortune to find my old friends, whose names I
have mentioned. They were very much delighted to
see me. Sam. Teel still carried his old favorite rifle,
which he called " Old Bill." This rifle I sold to him
twelve years before. It was manufactured by Mr.
AndreAvs, of Cleveland, Ohio. Many a bear had I
seen succumb to its unerring aim. The next day
after my arrival, Sam. Teel procured a pass for him
self and three others (mentioning our names) to visit
Black River and fish. We went directly to the
bridge, ancl then rambled up and down the- stream
as much as we pleased. Teel showed me hoAV they
had blockaded the river below the bridge by sinking
two small steamboats, one a little above the other,
to keep our gunboats from coming up to the bridge.
The bridge and its approaches was guarded by a
force of 1,000 men. It was nearly night when Ave
returned to camp. At Edwards' Station, I found a
force of 40,000 men. I remained there five days,
and then returned to Jackson on foot.
At Clinton, a smart little place, ten miles Avest of
Jackson, I saw one regiment of infantry. At Jack
son there was but one regiment of infantry ; that
was the 17th Mississippi Zouaves, called the "Pride
of the Confederacy," and armed with Colt's revolv
ing rifles. I was informed in Jackson that the ar
mory at Columbus, Miss., had been removed, into the
State of Alabama. .

SCOUT AND SPY. 225
Having found out all that had been required of
me in my instructions, I thought it Avas best to re
turn. Accordingly, I again visited General John
ston, and requested a pass to Grenada, Avhich was
granted. On arriving at General Price's headquarters, I
found that during my absence my horse had been
taken. I made no complaint about it, but contin
ued my journey with my mule and servant. Just
before night, on the first day out from Grenada, I
passed a stable that contained a very good-looking
horse. I proceeded on about two miles, and halted
until after dark, when, leaving my servant and mule
until my return, I procured a horse, and we rode all
night, and the next day without halting, exceptfor
refreshments ; we returned to the Federal lines with
out difficulty.
On our arrival at Memphis, being unable to pro
cure transportation down the- river for my horse and
mule, I turned the former over to the post Quarter
master, and left the latter at my old boarding-place,
on Adams-street. It was the same mule that had
been given to me by General Ross, and taken from
me by the outlaws. I then took a steamboat passage
to Lake Providence, La., where I found General
McPherson. Having heard my report, the general expressed a
doubt about the two steamboats that I have spoken
of being sunk in Black River, below the bridge. In
order to test my reliability, he questioned me about
10*

226 THE GREAT AMERICAN
what kind of a man General Wheeler was, his stat
ure, weight, complexion, etc., and intimated that he
was a very large man. I told him that he was mis
taken, or else the General Wheeler that he knew and
the one that I knew were two different persons. He
then told me that he and General Wheeler both at
tended the Military School at West Point at the
same time, and that he knew him well, and that I
described him exactly. I afterward had an oppor
tunity of proving to him that I was correct about
the sunken steamboats, by taking him in person to
the place and showing him the remains of them.
After I had finished my report to General Mc
Pherson, he sent me to General Grant, who was then
at Milliken's Bend, La. I reported to him all the
particulars of my trip, even to the conversation that
I had held with Hall, the cotton-buyer, and Sol.
Street, the guerrilla. I also asked the general if
there would be any harm in such outside transactions.
I told him that if I was allowed to do it, I could pay
my own expenses in the secret service, and thereby
save that much expense to the Government.
Said he, "Ruggles, don't you have any business
transactions with outlaws ; if you do, I shall certainly
disgrace you. Do a straightforward, honest business
for the Government, and then, if you should ever
need any assistance, come to me about it, and I-will
see that you have all the help that you need. A
good name, well earned, is worth more to you than
all you can make by unlawful traffic."
I think the General's advice was excellent. At

SCOUT AND SPY. 227
all events, I have followed it, and saved myself the
disgrace that has since fallen upon many, far my su
periors in rank. I have never seen the cotton-buyer
nor the guerrilla since.

* .*
<9 *Q

228 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XX.
Return to Mississippi — Instructions — Visit to Troy — Movement of cavalry
— Reports to General Denver — Is arrested — Federal Cavalry driven
back — Is released — Visits Greenwood — Journey to the Mississippi River
— The perilous crossing — Again arrested — Interview with General Pren
tiss — Takes the oath of allegiance — Meets a friend — Makes his escape
— Reports to General Grant.
When General Grant had heard my report of
my Mississippi trip, he supplied me with funds, and
requested me to return into the Confederacy, to what
ever place I thought proper, and remain until I saw
a movement which I considered worthy of his notice,
and then immediately return.
With these instructions, I started for Memphis,
leaving my servant Spence to report himself to the
company commander.
At the time I undertook to make the trip, a part
of the army operating for the capture of Yicksburg
was engaged in trying to get through the Yazoo Pass
into the Yazoo River. A part was at Lake Provi
dence, a part at Milliken's Bend, and the rest at
Young's Point ; the three latter places are in Louisi
ana, and the former in Mississippi.
I made up my mind to visit that part of Missis
sippi through which any force designing to operate
against General Grant's movements might be seen, in
time to communicate the fact to General Grant.

SCOUT AND SPY. 229
Supposing that I might have swamps and rivers
to cross, which Avould have to be accomplished in
canoes (jf on rafts, I determined to make the trip on
foot. I left Memphis some time in the latter part of
March, in the same dress that I had worn on the
previous trip, and directed my course to Grenada,
on the Hernando road. I met with nothing of inter
est on the entire road to Grenada, a distance of one
hundred miles.
On my arrival at Grenada, I found the forces that
were there on my last visit to the place, under com
mand of General Price, gone, except the conva
lescents. General Price, as I learned, had gone to Missouri.
At that time, however, I supposed his forces were at
Fort Pemberton, near Greenwood, Miss., resisting
the advance of the Federal force through the Yazoo
Pass. From Grenada I intended to visit Yazoo City, ancl
left for that purpose the next morning after my ar
rival, on the road to Troy, which place I reached
about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. There I remained
until the next morning, and was about resuming my
journey, when a force of five regiments of cavalry
made its appearance, coming in on the same road that
I intended to take out. They passed through Troy,
and took the direct road to Coffeeville. I followed
them on foot, and on my arrival at Coffeeville, I
found them halted for the night. I had been there
only a few minutes, when another cavalry force of five

230 THE GREAT AMERICAN
regiments came in on the road from Grenada, and
halted for the night.
The next morning a council was held by the com
manding officers, but I was unable to learn the sub
ject of discussion. The opinion prevailed among the
troops that they were a part of the force designed to
take Memphis.
I Avas of a different opinion. I did not think that
they could bring to bear a sufficient force to take the
place, and from what I had heard from the line of
ficers, I concluded they intended an attempt to cap
ture Fort Randolph, above Memphis, and intercept
the supplies being sent below for General Grant's
army. I felt convinced that the movement was of
such importance as to warrant me in reporting it,
and, not knowing how rapid the movement might be,
I determined to report to the nearest Federal com
mander. Soon after the council of officers was held, the
force started — the first five regiments on the road to
Holly Springs, and the other five on the road to Her
nando. I accompanied the first.
One of the soldiers had an extra horse, which I
persuaded him to let me ride. The march was con
tinued to Lumpkins' Mills, Avhere the regiments halted.
There I turned my horse over to its owner, and be
fore any pickets were thrown out I was on my way
to Lagrange, which place I succeeded in reaching
Avithout any interruption.
At the Yacona River a little incident occurred

SCOUT AND SPY. 231
which amused me considerably. Previous to evacu
ating that position, the Federal troops destroyed the
bridge across the river. The water in the stream at
that place was quite shallow, but the mud Avas ex
ceedingly soft and very deep, and the banks at the
immediate edge of the water very steep and high for
a horse to step from. The general in command of
the force attempted to cross in advance of his com
mand, and his horse, in stepping from the edge of the
bank into the water with its fore feet, plunged in so
unexpectedly deep that he precipitated the general
over his head into the water. By the time he had
established himself on terra firma, he Avas, from his
sousing in the mud and water, a ludicrous looking
personage. On my arrival at Lagrange, I immediately re
ported the movements of the enemy to General
Denver. For some reason, best knoAvn to himself,
he did not credit my report, and detained me under
arrest until he could ascertain the truth of the
matter. I told the general my instructions, and assured
him that I thought the movement of the enemy Avas
one worthy of notice. A regiment of cavalry was
then sent out to reconnoitre, and when near Holly
Springs they encountered the enemy, and a sharp
engagement took place, in which the superior num
bers of the enemy enabled them to drive the Fed
erals back, with a loss of eighteen killed and wounded.
At the end of three days the regiment returned, and

232 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the general Avas convinced that a part of my report,
at least, was true. He then told me that I had
better report the movement to General Grant.
I replied, "I have been of that opinion for three
days." I then determined to penetrate the country be*
tween Hernando and Coffeeville to Greenwood, and
find out the locality of the other five regiments of
cavalry, and see the position and force of the enemy
at Greenwood, ancl, if possible, communicate with
General Ross, and then make my way across to the
Mississippi River, and then to General Grant's head
quarters at Milliken's Bend, La.
In crossing the country, I left Hernando to my
right, but learned, by citizens, that the cavalry
stopped at that place, and that General Hurlbut had
sent a small force of cavalry to reconnoitre, which,
like the one General Denver sent out, was driven
back with considerable loss.
On arriving at Greenwood, I found that the prin
cipal part of the rebel force was twenty miles below ;
to which place I went. The force there at that time
was a division of fourteen regiments of infantry, un
der General Tighlman, and one other division of in
fantry, under whose command I did not learn, and
some artillery.
At the time of my arrival, the rebs had erected a
battery on a flat near the river, which they flattered
themselves would do immense execution upon the Yan
kee fleet. The Yankees, during its erection, cut
the levee above, and in the morning the rebs were

SCOUT AND SPY. 233
chagrined to find the flat overflowed with three feet
of Avater.
I was exceedingly anxious to communicate with
General Ross, and the cutting of the levee had very
much increased the difficulty of so doing. I made a
great many inquiries concerning the Yankee fleet and
the danger of crossing to the opposite side of the
river. The soldiers assured me that every person
that had attempted to cross had been fired into by
Federal gunboats. The overflow of water made it
impossible to reach General Ross from the side I was
on. My anxiety to do so caused me to make several
indiscreet inquiries of the rebel soldiers, which, I was
convinced, made them somewhat suspicious of me,
and I thought it not advisable to remain there longer
than was absolutely necessary.
On reflecting upon Avhat course to pursue, I de
cided that the safest way Avould be for me to make
my way to the Mississippi River, opposite Helena.
With that determination, I left the rebel force in the
afternoon of the next day after my arrival, and re
traced my way twelve miles toward Greenwood,
and there I took to the left on the bluff road that
leads to the river, opposite Helena.
So strong had my fears been excited for my safety,
by the suspicions caused by my indiscreet inquiries,
that I did not feel safe to stop at any plantation-
house overnight, but stayed by myself in the woods.
Fortunately, the enemy did not suspicion me
strong enough to induce them to follow. After seven
days' hard walking, I arrived at Crowder's plan-

234 THE GREAT AMERICAN
tation, on the Mississippi River, near the foot of
Island No. 60, without any molestation.
I was then three, miles from Helena, with the
Father of Waters between, and no means of trans
portation across. I immediately commenced a search
for some means of crossing. After spending several
hours in search of a boat, I found a Dutchman, who
owned an old leaky dug-out, which was very small
and extremely unsafe for even one person to cross
in. I concluded, however, that if I could buy it, I
would make an attempt. The Dutchman asked me
ten dollars for it, and could not J>e induced to take
anything less. I took it, _at4Sst, and paid him ten
dollars in Confedej^pfioney.
I embarked in it and undertook to cross. The
water came in on me rapidly, and by the timp I had
reached the sand-bar at the foot of Island 60, my
frail bark was so full of water that I was in imminent
danger of going down.
I landed on the bar, and drew my dug-out upon
the sand and emptied out the water. I had still all
of two miles further to go, without any intervening
place on which to land, and before re-embarking it
was necessary to contrive some way to stop the
leaks. Several years previous to that time I had been en
gaged in chopping steamboat-wood on that very
island. Two winters I had chopped wood there ;
consequently, I Avas no stranger to the locality.
About a quarter of a nfile from where I landed,
near an old wood-chopper's shanty, I found an old

SCOUT AND SPY. 235
shirt,; with that I stopped some of the worst leaks,
which having accomplished, I re-embarked on my
perilous voyage. I kept my bark to the north of
the middle bar, ancl ran into the Sterling chute, and
then landed at Helena, near the foot of Main-street.
The moment my dug-out touched the shore, two
guards stood ready to capture me, and accosted me
with :
" Hallo, old felloAV ! Avhat's the neAvs on the other
side of the river ?"
"The neAvs is favorable, " I replied.
"Well, I reckon Ave'll have to take you to the
Provost-marshal," said one gf the guards.
"Boys, I am a soldier, and I want you to take me
to the general, in command ofthe post."
"Our instructions are to take all such custom ei
as you are to the Provost-marshal."
"I can't help that, I am a Federal soldier, and I*
want you to take me to the general."
They then called the corporal of the guard. I
knew him ; he belonged to the 25th Indiana Infantry.
I had frequently seen him in Memphis, during my
stay there in the winter ; but he knew me as my *
secesh acquaintances had knoAvn me — as a rebel '
major. I prevailed on him, however, to send me to
the general, whom I learned from him was General
Prentiss. As soon as we arrived at the general's quarters,
the guards explained how they had captured me,,
and then returned to their post, leaving me with the
general.

2^6 THE GREAT AMERICAN
When ready to attend to me, he said : " Well,
where do you belong ?"
"To General Grant's army."
" What are you doing here?"
" I came in from the other side of the river."
" What do you want here ?"
"I want to take a steamboat down the river and
report myself to General Grant."
" Yes, to General Grant ! That would be a nice
way to get off? I guess the best place for you to re
port is to the Provost-marshal!"
" General, I am a Mississippian, and a soldier
sworn into the service of the United States ; and I
belong to the Army of the Tennessee, under General
Grant, ; the 17th Army Corps, General McPherson ;
the 3d Division, General Logan; the 2d Bri^de,
General Leggett ; the 20th Ohio Regiment, Colonel
M. F. Force, and to Company H, Captain E. C.
Doaviis ; and I am detached as a scout for Gen.'Grant."
' ' Yes, a Mississippian ! There are a great many
Mississippians coming into our lines nowadays. Have
you any papers to show that ?"
" No, sir, I have not; but I can tell you all the
¦principal movements of the Federal army on the'
East side of the Mississippi River, since the capture
«f Fort Donelson, up to the present time."
" Well, what are they ?"
I then told him what they Avere, and where Gener
al Grant's forces then were ; and then I added : "I
cm tell you all about your surrendering at Shiloh,
and what Confederate regiments captured you."

SCdUT AND SPY. 237
" Well, that's quite likely ; I suspected you could
clo as much. Now tell me about the movements of
the army in Missouri and Arkansas."
" I can't do that, General."
" No, I don't expect that you can. I will now give
you the' following limits : You can go from my quar
ters to the Commercial House, and from there to the
Provost-marshal's office and back ; and if you under
take to get away I'll have you shot."
" General, I left papers in General Denver's pos
session at Lagrange, Tenn., that will show who I am
and what my business is."
"Well, you can have the limits that I have given
you, and if you have got papers to show who you are,
the Provost-marshal will write for you and get
them." From the general's quarters I went to the Pro
vost-marshal, and requested him to write to General
Denver for the order he took from me, when on my
way to Yicksburg and Jackson, Miss. I learned from
him that there was an order from the commander of
the post requiring all citizens within the lines to take
the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government by
9 o'clock of the next day, or be sent outside of the
lines toward Little Rock.
I went to General Prentiss the next morning, and
again assured him that I was a Federal soldier, and
asked him if he required me to take the oath of alle
giance. He replied, " Yes ; and unless you do^you will have
to leave the lines before 9 o'clock €his morning."

238 THE GREAT AMERICAN
I then went to the Provost-marshal ^nd took the
oath. I had hoped that in doing so I would be released,
and alloAved the full privilege of a citizen ; but, for
some reason not known to me, I was not released
from the limits assigned to me. I could not make
General Prentiss nor the Provost-marshal believe that
1 was a soldier. Several of the soldiers in the 25th
Indiana Regiment, on provost duty, had known me
in Memphis, in my assumed character ; but I could
not make them believe I was a Federal soldier. I had
very little hopes of getting the order that General
Denver had taken ftom me ; but I felt almost sure
that among the great number of officers that I knew
in General Grant's army, some of them would stopat
Helena, either going up or down the river, and, with.
their assistance, I thought I could get released. It
seemed to me as if every steamer would have on
board some one of my numerous acquaintances ; but
one came, and then another, and still another, and in
that way day after day passed by, and no familiar face
Avas seen. In that way I spent nine days in anxious
suspense. At the levee, within the limits allowed me, lay the
steamer Imperial. She was used for stationary pur
poses, and on board was kept a saloon and various
refreshments. I was allowed to go on board of her
whenever I desired.
On the ninth day after my arrest, I happened to
be on board of her, when the steamer Continental
came down the river, and, stopping, made fast along-

SCOUT AND SPY. 239
side of her. Before the guards made their appear
ance, I jumped aboard the Continental and ran up
Into the cabin in search of some person that I
kneAV. There I found 'Colonel Marsh, of the 20th Illinois
Regiment. He knew me. I told him how I came to be
there, and that I wanted to get away and report my
self to General Grant. He was going on shore at
the time : he handed me the key to his state-room,
and told me to make myself at home, and when the
boat started he would join me. In the course of an
hour we were under way, and Avithout any molestation
from the provost-guards. Whether the Provost-mar
shal ever received my order from General Denver, or
whether General Prentiss ever found out what be
came of me, is more than I know.
I reported to General Grant the result of my trip,
and why I had been so long getting to him. He said
that I had done right in coming back when I did, but
that I should have reported the cavalry movement to
General Hurlbut, at Memphis. He then relieved me
from duty for thirty days, and allowed me for that
time to go where I pleased.
I will here say, that I have no doubt that Generals
Denver and Prentiss acted in good faith on their part,
and had what seemed to them good and sufficient rea
sons for detaining me as they did.
All the conversation that I had with General Pren
tiss Avas no more than a Confederate spy might have
had under the same circumstances.
Papers I very seldom carried about me when in-

240 THE GREAT AMERICAN
side of the enemy's lines ; and in the absence of such
evidence, it was sometimes very hard to convince
one's own friends pf his loyalty, and equally as hard
for the enemy to make him out a spy.

SCQUT AND SPY. 241

CHAPTER XXI.
Return to the regiment— The Henry rifle — The march from Milliken's
Bend— The tug of war — The anny crosses the Mississippi — Capture of
Port Gibson — Battle of Raymond — Amusing capture — The charge on
Jackson — Battle of Champion Hills — The rebel courier — Sharp shoot
ing — The gallant charge — The march to Vicksburg — The place be
sieged. It was about the middle of the month of April that
I returned to my regiment, which I found encamped
at Berry's Landing, five miles above Lake Providence,
La. It was while there that I had an opportunity of
examining one of Henry's volcanic or repeating
rifles, which are capable of discharging sixteen
shots without reloading. The one that I saw was in
the possession of the captain of the steamboat Supe
rior. From my first enlistment I had possessed a strong
desire to have a first-class rifle of the most modern
improvement. The promise of such a gun was the
principal condition on which I enlisted. It was several
months after I enlisted before I received in exchange
for my " handspike" (musket) the Enfield that was
promised to me.
My long experience as a bear-hunter in the Western
wilderness had made me expert with the rifle, and
my desire to have a piece with which I could excel
at sharp-shooting, if ever an opportunity offered, had

242 THE GREAT AMERICAN
become intense, and the organizing campaign against
Yicksburg seemed to promise the desired opportu
nity. I went to General Grant and told him about the
gun, and that I wished to purchase it and carry it.
He asked me if I thought I could carry so valuable
a piece without losing it. "I think I can" Avas my
reply. '• Yery well ; tell General McPherson to get you
the rifle."
I saAV General McPherson about it, and he gave
me permission to purchase and carry it.
It was a most beautiful piece, with steel barrel and
chamber.' The captain who OAvned it was so much
attached to it that he hated to part Avith it, but at last
he yielded to my importunities, and sold me the rifle
' for sixty-five dollars, including what cartridges he had.
My release from duty afforded me a splendid op
portunity of practising Avith it. I Avas perfectly de
lighted with its execution. Its accuracy and long
range was a marvel compared with the best -feats of
marksmanship that I had seen among experienced
hunters. A few days after I purchased the rifle the grand
move of the army against Yicksburg commenced.
Several gunboats and transports had already run the
blockade of the formidable batteries that commanded
the river. It Avas on the 25th day of April, 1863,
at six o'clock A. M., that the 2d Brigade of General
Logan's Division, to Avhich I belonged, moved from
Milliken's Bend. That night the division bivouacked

SCOUT AND SPY. 243
at Richmond, and the following night at Smith's plan
tation. A heavy rain set in at the commencement of the
march, which filled the ground and water-courses full
of water, which made the roads across those rich allu
vial bottoms extremely soft, and easily cut up by the
artillery and supply wagons. From Smith's planta
tion to Perkins' plantation, eight miles below New
Carthage, was only fifteen miles, but it took us two
days to make the inarch. That march Avas really a
" tug of war." The horses and mules floundered in
the mud. At times it was Avith the greatest difficulty,
after doubling the teams, that the artillery and wag
ons were extricated from those miry depths. The
men, however, kept up an indomitable good-will and
.courage, Avhich carried us through. It was nine
o'clock P. M. when we halted for the night, and at
twelve o'clock the same night we started for Hard-
Times Landing, situated a short distance above Grand
Gulf, on the opposite side of the river. The march
Avas made by way of Lake St. Joseph, and it was four
o'clock P. M., of the 29th, when we reached Hard-
Times Landing.
On the 1st of May we crossed the river to Bru-
insburg. It was on that day that General Oster
haus' division and two brigades of General Logan's
division captured Port Gibson. From that time un
til the 12th of May, the troops Avere engaged in fol
lowing up the .enemy and harassing him. Our gen
eral course of march was to the northeast, toward
Jackson.

244 THE GREAT AMERICAN
On the 12th, General Logan's division being in the
advance, when within ten miles of Raymond, the
enemy, about five thousand strong, including two bat
teries of artillery, under command of General
Gregg, was found advantageously posted, with the ar
tillery so arranged as to sweep the road and a bridge
that it was necessary to pass.
The, division was formed in hne preparatory to aii
attack, with the 2d Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-
General Dennis, on the left, occupying both sides of
the road ; the 1st Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-
General John E. Smith, in the centre, on the right of
the 2d Brigade ; and the 3d Brigade, commanded by
Brigadier-General J. D. Stephenson, on the right,
and the 8th Michigan Battery, commanded by Cap
tain De Golyer, in the road near the bridge.
As soon as the troops were in position, an advance
was commenced, and the battle opened with great
energy. The roar of musketry was tremendous. On
the left of the 1st Brigade and the right of the 2d
Brigade the contest was dreadful. The line had ad
vanced to the ditch in which ran a little stream
crossed by the bridge. On the side of the ditch next
to the enemy was a dense growth of underbrush ;
behind that brush, not fifty yards distant, Avere the
enemy. So heavily did the enemy press the left of
the 1st Brigade, composed of the 23d Indiana and
the 20th Illinois, that they were compelled to give
back, but immediately rallied, supported by the 81st
Illinois. The giving back of the left of the 1st Brig
ade enabled the enemy to occupy a portion of the ditch,

SCOUT AND SPY. 245
and exposed the 20th Ohio, occupying the right of
the 2d Brigade, to a most galling fire in its flank.
At one time the regiment was nearly surrounded, but
it gallantly held its ground, in spite of the terrible
fire to which it was exposed, and not a man of the
regiment fell back.
The 23d Indiana and 20th Illinois now made a
dashing charge, and drove the enemy from the ground
that they had lost. It was while gallantly leading
his men on to victory that the brave Lieutenant-Col
onel Richards, of the 20th Illinois, was killed. An
attempt was made by the enemy to charge and cap
ture the battery, but they Avere met by such a terri
ble fire of grape and cannister, that they broke and
fled from the field. Our troops immediately com
menced a pursuit, and by five o'clock P. M. were in
possession of Raymond.
The determined obstinacy with which the 20th
Ohio, under the gallant Colonel Force, held its
ground, added much to the brilliany of the victory.
Our loss was 69 killed, 341 wounded, and 30 miss
ing. The enemy's was 103 killed, and 720 wounded
and prisoners, 2 cannon disabled, besides the loss of
a quantity of small-arms.
In the morning of the 12th, after the column had
commenced its line of march, General Logan sent
me out to the right of the column, to ascertain
whether a rebel force was coming up from below to"
intercept our line of march.
After riding out about three miles, I saw, in the
distance, a single horseman approaching. As I

246 THE GREAT AMERICAN
neared him, it proved to be a Mississippi planter,
well advanced in years, armed with a Mississippi
Yager, or rifle.
" Whar be you gwine ?" he asked, as we met.
"I'm gwine out to jine our forces and fight the
Yankee's to-day," I replied.
" So am I. I'm jist gwine to turn up sixteen Yan
kee moccasins with this yer piece o' mine."
" If I can kill six o' them thar Lincoln hirelings,
I'll be satisfied."
" Well, I'm gwine to kill sixteen, now sure."
" Well, take care that they don't git you. Is any of
our forces out on this yer road ?"
" No. I've jist come eight miles without seeing
any. They left for Raymond last night, an' they are
jist a gwine to kill the whole Lincoln army."
"We had better go this way, then," said I, turning
back the way I had come.
" I reckon we had," said the Mississippian.
As we rode along, he kept up his boasting of how
many Yanks he was gwine to turn up, little dream
ing whom he was addressing. Fortunately for me,
the road on which the column was moving passed
through a piece of Avoodland, so as to hide all move
ments ^ of troops. When we came to it, the rear
guard Of the 17th Corps had passed along out of
sight, and the advance of the corps next in line of
march had not come up. As Ave turned' into the
right, where our troops had been passing, I caught
sight of two Federal soldiers, sitting by the roadside,
who had fallen back from their commands. Dcop-

SCOUT AND SPY. 247
ping a little to the rear, I drew my revolver, and
motioned to the soldiers to help me. I Avas a little
afraid the old fellow Avould give me battle as soon as
he discovered his mistake, and I Avanted to, make
sure of him. The soldiers comprehended my mean
ing, and instantly levelled their pieces at him, which,
discovering, he halted, ami inquired, "Is them thar
our forces ?"
"Never mind whose forces they are," said I, pre
senting my revolver : "you go right along."
"I thought it Avas our forces," said the old man,
quite crestfallen at his discovery."
" Come in there, old fellow! come in !" shouted the
two soldiers.
" Ride along, daddy, or those Yanks Avill bore you
in a minute," said I.
He took my advice and rode up to the soldiers,
where I made him turn his horse over to one of them
and his rifle to the other, and then marched him on,
at a rapid pace, to overtake the command.
We came in sight of our lines just as the first fire-
ing commenced in action at Raymond. As the mus
ket reports became frequent, the old man's courage
failed him, and he began to quiver and grow pale ;
and when the action became general, and the messen
gers df death came thick around us, his limM could
scarce support him, and he exclaimed :
"My God! is that a fight? Won't wc all be
killed ?"
'• Oh no," says I, "we haven't begun to fight yet ;
when we get to fighting you'll see something."

248 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"0, if I can only get out of this yer scrape, I'll go
home and behave myself! My God! I will."
I turned the old man* in Avith the first squad of
prisoners that came back to the rear. I presume he
often thinks of his attempt to turn up sixteen Yankee
moccasins !
On the 13th we resumed our march for Jackson,
by way of Clinton. On the 14th, about five miles
from Jackson, the enemy's pickets were encountered,
and driven back to Avithin two and a half miles of
the city. The enemy was under command of Gen
eral W. H. T. Walker, and occupied the top of a
gradually ascending rise of ground, with a large
. open space in his front. Many of General Walker's
troops were South Carolina and Georgia regiments,
and had only arrived there from the east the night
before. Preparations were now made to give the enemy
battle. General Sherman's corps had arrived' at the
same time, on another road, to the right. 'General
Logan's division was placed in reserve. The 7th Di
vision of McPherson's corps, commanded by Briga
dier-General Crocker, and part of General Sherman's
corps, were formed in close column, by division, to
charge upon the enemy. In our having to cross the
open field, in full view, the enemy had a decided ad
vantage over us. When everything was- ready, the
command was given to charge on a double-quick, and
the columns moved forward.
It was a sight that I shall never- forget, when
those thousands of brave boys, in perfect order, swept

SCOUT AND SPY. 249
across that field ! The rustle of garments, and the
flapping of scabbards, cartridge-boxes, and canteens,
to the tread of double-quick from that large body of
soldiers, moving in close column, was like the roar
of the tornado Avhen it sweeps across the plain.
Opposed to them was a long line of rebellion's
choicest troops, pouring into them volley after volley
of leaden hail. Still, on they went, without a waver.
It was a terrible spectacle, and awfully grand. Min
gled with the roar of the enemy's musketry was the
crash of artillery from both sides.
The charge swept on. Still the enemy held his
ground, as if determined to withstand the charge, and
a dreadful encounter seemed imminent. A line of
fence in front of the enemy was reached, and it van
ished like chaff in the wind before those solid columns
of Western braves. With the crash of that fence
went the enemy's lines, and the pride of South Caro
lina fled in dismay, followed by the veterans from
Georgia, that had been stationed as reserves. Then
went up such shouts of victory as can only be pro
duced from Western lungs. Yolley after volley was
fired at their retreating ranks, and pursuit kept up
until they were driven beyond the city. In five hours
from the time the action commenced, the stars and
stripes were proudly floating over the capitol of the
State of Mississippi.
Our loss was very light compared with that of the
enemy — much lighter than it would have been, if the
enemy had not overshot us while crossing the, open
field. For the casualties of the battle, the reader is
u*

250 THE GREAT AMERICAN
referred to the official reports of the commanding
generals. As the troops were going into Jackson, I asked
General Grant if he had any objection to my taking
a look through Jackson for my field-glasses.
"I can only instruct you," said the general, "to
take such things as are warranted by the rules of
war." The city had been so completely ransacked by the
soldiers before I got in, that I failed to get pay for
my glasses.
On the 15ljh of May we marched west, toward
Yicksburg, and. on the 16th the enemy, was found
in large force at Champion Hills, under command of
Lieutenant-General Pemberton. He had moved his
army out from Yicksburg to attack us. The position
selected by the enemy was a strong one, on the sum
mit of an elevation, or ridge of ground, Avith a line
something like a crescent, the right and left of the
line further advanced than the centre. The face of
the hill, in front of the enemy, was an open field,
thereby exposing our lines to view as Ave advanced to
the attack. The enemy's lines Avere in the skirts of a
piece of woods that extended to his rear.
Early in the day the battle commenced, opening
on our left, and extending gradually along to our
right, until the whole line was engaged, when it raged
Avith intense fury. General Hovey's division on our
left, from the much stronger position occupied by the
enemy in its front, suffered terribly ; but timely .sup
port arrived, and the enemy was driven back. An

SCOUT AND SPY. 251
attempt Avas then made to crush our centre, but in
vain. Support having arrived to the assistance of the
centre, a dashing charge Avas made and the enemy
routed. It was a desperate and hard-fought battle, with u
heavy loss on both sides, but that of the enemy was
much the heaviest. Here, again, I must refer tho
reader to the official reports for the casualties. It will
not be amiss, perhaps, to give the reader some of my
personal experience in that battle.
When the action commenced, I Avas instructed by
General Logan to keep to the right of each brigade
of his division, as they successively arrived in posi
tion and became engaged, and to watch closely for
any attempt at flahk movement on the part of the
enemy. My firs/ position was Avith the line of skir
mishers of the/2d Brigade. About the time our
skirmishing commenced, a rebel courier Avas seen
dashing along in a line nearly parallel to the line of
skirmishers /from the right, and about one hundred
yards in advance of the line. When up Avith and in
front of tKe line, he discovered us and Avhcelcd to the
rio-ht, and was dashing aAvay at right angles Avith out
line, AvKen six of us brought our pieces to bear on
him a/d fired. He fell from his horse, with one foot
faste/ed in the stirrup. At that instant, the horse
gave a leap over a log, and the dangling body struck
th/ log and bounded into the air higher than the
horse's back, and then struck the ground with a
/' thug" sufficient, to all appearances, to have crushed
every bone in his body.

252 THE GREAT AMERICAN
A feAV minutes later, I saw a rebel major leading
his regiment forward to charge upon one of our bat
teries. He was not more than fifty yards distant.
In an instant I brought my. "repeater" to my face,
and while I was looking at the prominent point of
his right cheek-bone, a ball took him in the exact
spot that I was looking at, and he tumbled from his
horse. '
I now discovered that, instead of a regiment, a
whole brigade Avas coming, and that our skirmishers
had fallen back, and that I was in range between
McAllister's battery and the rebs. I started on a run,
and fairly flew as I Avent ; but before I could get out
of range, the battery opened on the rebs with double
charges of grape and canister, which came howling
and tearing the ground all about mei How I escaped
instant death is a wonder to me. I succeeded in get
ting out of the Avay before another round was fired,
quite satisfied with my experience there.
I then moved round much further to the right, and
took with me a corporal of the 20 th OMo, by the
name of William Grinnell, whom I found engaged in
sharp-shooting. After reconnoitring a little, Ave dis
covered a rebel battery of eight guns, that kept up a
harassing fire upon our lines. We succeeded in
sheltering ourselves from view, in close rifle-range, of
the guns, behind a large clump of bushes, and then
commenced paying our respects to the gunners. Ve
were doing excellent execution, and had fired ten or
tAvelve shots apiece, when the enemy returned our
compliments with a double charge of can-

SC0UI* AND SPY. 253
ister that moAved the bushed all about as. The charge
made such a terrible whizzingancl howling, and came
so suddenly and unexpectedly, that I involuntarily
dropped to the ground. A': < ¦< ¦
"Arc you hurt, Bunker?" called out the cor
poral. ;J' ¦'¦ ¦¦-v>-
" No •• are you?'''
" No ; but if we had stood anyAvhere else we should
both have been killed."
The ground wa^' literally ploughed up all about us.
A feAv minutes later, the 8th Illinois and 32d
Ohio made a charge on the battery to caipture it. As
the line advanced, there became a strife between the
two regiments which should reach it first ancl take
possession. The officers and men of the 3 2d Ohio
had been smarting under the false accusation of
"Harper's Ferry cowards," and had longed for an
opportunity of retrieving their reputation.
"Come on, boys; we are ' Harper's Ferry cow
ards !' " shouted a captain ; ancl the words Avere in
stantly repeated by the whole regiment, and with a
dash they outstripped their Illinois rivals. As they
raised the hill near the battery, a round of canister
was fired at them, but, fortunately, it was aimed too
high to do much injury, The rebs then broke and
ran^ leaving six of their guns to Ml into the hands
ofthe 32d Ohio. Major-General Logan complimented
the regiment highly for its gallantry, and allowed
Company F to retain the guns and serve them.
That company was originally recruited as an artillery
company.

254 THE -GREAT AMERICAN
On the 17th of May we resumed our march, and
on the 18th we crossed Black River, and on the 19th
our lines extended around Yicksburg, from the river
above to the river beloAv, occupying a line of about
seven miles in length.
Major-General Sherman's corps occupied the right,
Major-General McPherson's the centre, and Major-
General M'Clernand's the left, Then began the siege
of Yicksburg.
Up to the commencement of the siege, the troops
had marched over two hundred miles and taken
part in five distinct battles, and accomplished it in
twenty-five days ; and a large portion of that time
they had been without rations, except such as they
foraged from the country.

SCOUT AND SPY. 255

CHAPTER XXII.
First sharp-shooting at Vicksburg — Silences two guns— The rifle-pit
— Shoots a Carolinian — The Carolinian's comrade — Outshoots a
squad of sixteen — The defiant rebel — Shoots for General McPherson
and General Logan — Beats the Parrot rifles — Joke on the Adjutant-
General — Visit to Admiral Porter — The French spy — The disclosures —
Capture of a rebel dispatch — The fate of the spy.
I shall not attempt to give the reader a detailed
history of the siege of Yicksburg, but shall confine
myself to incidents in my own experience during
the siege.
The country lying about the city of Yicksburg is
of a peculiar formation — very hilly and ex
tremely broken. It consists of threads, or narrow
ridges, with deep ravines between, running in every
direction, with spurs or smaller ridges putting out
from them.
The lines occupied by the two contending armies
were a succession of those ridges, with a general
course nearly parallel, but at unequal distances
apart, forming an irregular circuit about the city
from the river above to the river below.
The next day after the regiment to which I be
long moved into its position at the rear of Yicks
burg, two pieces of the enemy's artillery opened a
very annoying fire upon it with shell. The men

256 THE GREAT .AMERICAN
were under the necessity of lying flat on the ground,
behind the ridge, for protection, and even then were
in great danger from the explosion of the shells. I
went to Colonel Force and asked him if I might go and
try my hand at silencing the guns with my rifle.
He said, " Yes ; but you must be very careful, for
the shells are coming very low. "
I started out, and made my way along under
cover of the ridge on which we lay, until I came to
one of the spurs mentioned, that approached much
nearer to the enemy's works than did the ridge oc
cupied by the regiment. From that I succeeded in
getting a good view of the guns that were shelling us.
In front of me was a dry oak log, and underneath it
I dug out a hole that enabled me to shoot under it,
and the log prevented the enemy from seeing me.
As soon as I had become fixed in my position, I
commenced to pick off the gunners. I succeeded
so well that only two shells were fired after I took
my position. Several ineffectual attempts were
made to load the guns, but the moment a gunner
stepped up to fill the place of his fallen comrade he
Avas picked off, and finally the guns were aban
doned, and the bodies of those that had fallen left
where they fell.
My success seemed incredible. To put it beyond
a doubt, I concluded to go back and get some officer
to come and see what had been accomplished. I Avent
back to the regiment, where I found Colonel Force.
I said to him, "Colonel, I have silenced those two
guns that were shelling us."

SCOUT AND SPY. 257
" I see they haven't fired much since you left,"
" How many did they fire after I went away?"
" Only two or three, I believe."
•' Well. noAV, Colonel, for my credit, please to go
over with" me where I have been at work, and see
what I have been doing."
"Really, I don't know as I ought to leave here a
moment, but I want to learn the lay of the ground,
and I don't care if I go."
He followed along behind me to where I had
been at Avork, and then commenced looking with his
field-glasses. "See there! see — see — see that man leading that
horse yonder ! Do you see him ?" said he.
" Yes."
" Well, try him a pull."
"Don't get me excited, Colonel, but watch the
man." " Crack !" went my rifle.
"I declare!" said the Colonel, "that's- — that's a
valuable piece ! Excuse me, I must go back."
Rifle-trenches were immediately dug on the ridges
of ground nearest the enemy's works, and in them
Avere stationed sharp-shooters, who kept up a con
stant fire, night and day, which answered as a cover
for our fatigue parties engaged in digging approaches
to his works, and also prevented him from doing much
execution with his artillery. Our artillery Avas not
idle, but kept up a fire from some part of the line at
all hours of the day and night.
A few days after the siege was fairly in operation,

258 THE GREAT AMERICAN
General Logan asked me to go out, at night, to an
elevated spot of ground between our rifle-trenches
and the enemy's, on which stood a large stump, and
dig myself a pit behind the stump, and see if I could
pick off some of the rebel sharp-shooters.
As soon as it was dark I took a spade and a can
teen of Avater and went over. The spot was not more
than fifty yards from the enemy's trenches. During
the night, I dug myself a pit large enough so that I
could squat down in it: When daylight came, I
found that I had an excellent view of the enemy's
trenches, without being seen myself. I worked out a
little* hole underneath one of the roots of the stump,
and through that I did my shooting. Toward the
middle of the day the sun shone down excessively
hot, and I had nothing to shade me from its burning
rays. My pit was not large enough for comfort, and,
beside^, I had neglected to take any rations with me.
My supply of Avater also gave out, and by noon my
position seemed almost unbearable. To leave it in
daylight would be certain death. I bore my situation
as well as I could, and improved it to the best ad
vantage. During the day I had several fair shots,
Avhich I improved, and did good execution.
About two o'clock in the afternoon, a rebel sharp
shooter (whom, from his dress, I took to be a Caro
linian), undertook to crawl up to the top of their
earthAVorks, behind a stump that hid him from the
vieAv of our sharp-shooters, that he might be enabled
to get a shot at them. He crawled along, with his
gun in his right hand, till near the spot, and then took

lit 1 1 i
JpNs

r.

1 GENERAL BUNKER
M Twlvg observatory overlooking Relel Fort Hill ia the right. _Siege afTMsdmy/i .
Jieksori, Road,mth 8">M&yaa Baltnryto tie left.

SCOUT AND SPY. 259
off his big-brimmed hat and turned his head up
sideways to look around the side of the stump at our
sharp-shooters. My position to him Avas such that I
could see every movement that he made. He evi
dently did not know where I was. While his head
was turned up my gun cracked, and his feet fleAv
straight behind him.
A comrade of his then undertook to crawl up and
drag him away. When he was about ready to grasp
the dead man by the legs, my gun again cracked, and
he rolled over on his back near his comrade. Both
of them remained there until dark, Avithout any at
tempt being made to remove them.
As soon as it was dark I made my way back to
my quarters, well satisfied with my experience in an
advanced rifle-pit.
Not many days after the foregoing incident, I Avas
passing along the intrenchments, when I found a
squad of sixteen men, part of them of the 23d Indi
ana Regiment, and the rest from the 45th Illinois,
engaged in sharp-shooting. They saw me passing
with my rifle, and, having heard of its long range and
accuracy, called me, and expressed a desire to have
me try it on a fellow that they had been shooting at
for about two hours, but Avithout success.
The fellow that they had been, shooting at Avas en
gaged in digging a rifle-pit in advance of the enemy's
intrenchments, and while digging he Avas exposed to
view. , ¦
I asked the boys what distance they had been
shooting, and they informed me that they had been

260 THE GREAT AMERICAN
trying him at a range of nine hundred yards, and had
succeeded, in hitting the dirt about him. I raised
the sight of my rifle to nine hundred yards, and then
requested the squad to cease firing for a few minutes,
ancl let the smoke clear away, and then to Avatch
where my ball struck. As soon as the atmosphere
was clear of smoke, and everything quiet, I levelled
my piece and fired.
"You've hit him! you've hit him?" exclaimed
several. The felloAV straightened up, whirled about, as if
angry, and then flung his shovel from him as far as
he could, and then sat down. In about a minute
after he began gradually to throw up his hands, and
then fell over backward on the ground, evidently
dead, where he remained, as he had fallen, during the
rest of the day. The next morning his body had
been removed.
On another occasion, two companies of the 20th
Ohio Avere engaged at digging in the approaches to
the rebel Fort Hill, and were subjected to a very an
noying fire from a squad of about fifteen rebel sharp
shooters, stationed in a ditch, not accessible, at that
time, to our artillery.
I was sent for, and requested to bring my rifle and
see if I could silence them. A place had been fixed
for me near where the companies Avere at work, con
siderably in advance of any other sharp-shooter. I
Avorked a long time at them, during which time I did
good service. After awhile there was but one to be
seen ; the rest had either been disabled or so badly

SCOUT AND SPY. t 261
frightened as to have laid down in the bottom of the
ditch for safety. I kept up a fire at the single indi
vidual for some time. My balls would strike the
ground close to him, and then he would swing his hat
in ;defiance or return my shot. Twice he put his
balls Avithin an inch of my head ; once a sliver from
the timber under which I shot was knocked off and
struck me on the head, hurting me considerably.
Another ball hit a bayopet that I had placed in the
dirt to rest my rifle upon, and, glancing upward,
passed through my hat, taking off a portion of my
hair, just missing my head.
A lieutenant came along, and I told him what I
had been doing. He got upon the earth-works where
J. was, and, seeing the defiant rebel, asked me to
let him try his hand at him. He fired several shots,
but with no better success.
By that time it was nearly night, and I had fired
at the squad forty-eight shots, so I concluded to give
up the shooting of the defiant man as a bad job.
The next day the ditch was unoccupied ; the ex
perience of the day before had evidently satisfied
them. On another occasion, while I was engaged in sharp-
shooting, General McPherson and General Logan
came into the fortifications, and were watching a
party of ten or twelve rebels engaged in digging
a ditch. They called me, and General McPherson
said: "Bunker, can you shoot into that ditch yonder,
where those men are at work? They have been

262 THE GREAT AMERICAN
shooting at them with the Parrot rifle cannon and
haven't thrown a shot in there yet."
"Yes, I think I can."
"Well, try it."
I raised my sight to one thousand yards, and
fired at the ditch.
"There!" said -McPherson, looking through his
glasses, " you've hit one of them !"
" They are carrying out one!" said Logan, look
ing with his glasses.
" Try it again," said McPherson.
I did try. I fired two more shots into the ditch,
and the whole squad ran out and left it. '
A few days afterward, I chanced to meet General
McPherson, who asked me how, my ammunition
held out. I told him that it was nearly all gone.
"Well, Bunker," said he, "come over to my tent
day after to-morrow, and I will try to have some
on hand for you. I think that I can keep you sup
plied." In the evening of the day agreed upon, I went
over to General McPherson's tent. He was absent ;
but Colonel Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General, was
there, Avho, as soon as I entered, inquired of me
what I wanted.
" I want to see General' McPherson."
"What do you Avant of General McPherson ?"
"I Avant to see him about some ammunition."
"What kind of ammunition do you want?"
" Cartridges for one of Henry's repeating rifles. "
"Well, this a'n't the place to get ammunition.

SCOUT AND SPY. 263
Go to the ordnance officer, and see if you can't get
it of him."
I did as I was directed, but found no cartridges.
I returned to the tent, and said to him, "General,
that officer did n't have any cartridges."
I started for my quarters and before I had got out
of sight General McPherson entered, and some one
told him that there was a man just in to see him, and
that he had stepped out. The General came out and
called me back.
"Well, Bunker," said he, "I haven't got those
cartridges yet ; but you go over to General Grant's
headquarters, and tell his Chief-of-Staff that I sent
you over to get some cartridges for your rifle. He
has got a rifle of that kind, and I presume that he
has got some cartridges."
In the morning, early, I went over to General
Grant's headquarters, and I told him that General
McPherson had sent me there to get some ammunition
for my rifle from his Chief-of-Staff. He told me that
his Chief-of-Staff had gone to St. Louis, and had
taken his rifle Avith him.
"Do you know of anybody that has got any of
that kind of cartridge ?" I inquired.
"I think," said the General, "that Admiral
Porter has got ammunition of that kind, and I will
give you a request to carry to him, and you may go
and see him about it.
He Avrote a, note for me to hand to Admiral Porter,
and commenced to write me a pass, but was inter
rupted by some business, so he handed me the note,

264 THE GREAT AMERICAN
and told me to step over to the Provost-marshal
and ask him to write me a pass.
I did so; but, being a stranger to the Provost-
marshal, he did not know that I was a soldier, and
the pass that I received read as follows :

" Headquartebs Department op the Tennessee, ; »
" Reak op Vicksburg, Miss. , June — , 1863. ' i
"Lorain Ruggles, a citizen of the South, has leave to Visit
Admiral Porter's flag-ship and return with a gun.
"James Wilson, " Prowst-marslial."
I took my rifle and went to Chickasaw Landing, on
the Yazoo river, where I succeeded in getting onboard
the steamer Diligent, a dispatch-boat, as she went
doAvn to the gunboats with dispatches. The flag
ship, at that time, lay in the Mississippi River, a
short distance above Yicksburg.
I found the Admiral, and handed him the note
from General Grant, which he read ; and then,
giving me a searching look from head to foot, he said:
"Well, Mr. Scout, you want some ammunition
for your rifle ; but I don't keep any such trifling
guns about me, and consequently I have got none
of that kind of ammunition."
'Look 'e here, Mr. Admiral," said I; "that gun
a'n't so small a trifle as you imagine. I can kill a
reb. Avith it at a distance of nine hundred yards, and
I can outshoot the Parrot rifles ! "
"Ah, you can't commence with my guns! They
are better than that. Orderly, go down and bring
up one of my favorites."

SCOUT AND SPY. 265
The orderly soon returned with a beautiful Spencer
rifle. "There," said the Admiral, handing me the
gun ; "how do you like the looks of that?"
I took it and examined it carefully all over. It
was a seven-shooter, with a bayonet, and every part of
it most beautifully finished. It suited me to a charm.
"Well, inasmuch as I have got no cartridges for
my gun, how will you trade guns with me ? "
"I can't part with it ; you might as Avell try to get
my ship as that gun ! "
He then told me that if General Grant Avanted
me to have one, he Avould get one like it for me.
I told him that I could not carry two guns, and that
I did not Avant one unless I could exchange mine.
He promised, however, to make an effort to get me
some cartridges. By this time the dispatch-boat
was ready to return, and I went back to ChickasaAv
Landing. On my arrival at the landing, I met a little
Frenchman, whom I had frequently seen in Mem
phis, and at the camps about there, ancl I had for
some time suspected that he was a Confederate spy.
I first saAV him in the camps of the 20th, 78th,
and 68th Ohio, and the 23d Indiana regiments, en
gaged in buying Confederate money of the soldiers.
At that time he wore very long hair, and was
dressed like a citizen ; but en this occasion his hair
was cut short, and he was dressed like a clerk about
some headquarters.
I saw him several times at Memphis, while 1 was
under the assumed character of a rebel major. He
12

2^6 THE GREAT AMERICAN
had never seen me in any other dress than that of
a citizen. I expressed delight at meeting him, shook hands
Avith him, and inquired about his health, etc.
"Who are you to work for now ? " he inquired.
'For General Johnston."
"Arc you? So am I!"
" What news have you got ?"
"Nothing neAv. Have you any news ?"
"No, not at present. Come, let us go over to the
steamer Arago and get something to drink before Ave
separate. There is an old friend of ours that is com
missary clerk aboard of her. He used to live in
Holly Springs, Miss., and, when we were in Memphis
last winter, he was there engaged in buying mules
and smuggling them through the Yankee lines to sell.
Let us go over and see him.
The Frenchman accompanied me on board the
steamboat, and there Ave found the clerk I had told
him about, who took us to the bar and got us some
thing to drink. He also induced the barkeeper to
sell me a canteen of whiskey, as a favor to a special
friend. Having procured the whiskey, I prevailed upon
the Frenchman to accompany me, and Ave Avent up
the bank of the river to a secluded place, where we
sat doAvn to enjoy ourselves.
My companion seemed to relish the whiskey much
better than I did, and its effects soon made him very
communicative, so that I was enabled to dra\v out a
great deal of information concerning his business as a

SCOUT AND SPY. 267
spy. He told me that he was engaged in getting dis
patches through the Federal lines at Yicksburg to
Generals Johnston and Pemberton.
During his visits to the Federal camps at Mem
phis, to purchase Confederate money, he had noted
down the names of the officers in the different regi
ments, and the companies to which they belonged.
With that knowledge, Avhenever he wanted to get
from ChickasaAV Landing into our lines, he would go
to the Provost-marshal and represent himself as be
longing to captain such-a^one's company, in such a
regiment, on detached service, and get a pass to
visit his regiment, and with it he could pass our
lines. The dispatches of General Johnston were brought
across the country, by cavalry, to a point on the Ya
zoo River about Haines' Bluff. There the spy re-,
ceived them, and crossed over to the opposite side of
the river, and then came down the river opposite to
Snyder's Bluff ; there he would manage to cross at
night in a canoe, and land inside of our lines without
being seen. There he avouIc! get on board a dispatch
boat ancl come down to Chickasaw Landing, and
would procure a pass, as I have explained. From
there he Avould go to Mr. Smith's, who lived betAveen
the picket lines at the landing and the troops at the
rear of Yicksburg.
He would give the dispatches to Mr. Smith's daugh
ter, and she Avould give them to a servant of hers, a
smart, intelligent colored boy, rather small of his age,
who would carry them to the river above Yicksburg.

268 THE GREAT AMERICAN
He described to me the route the colored boy would
take to get to the river.
At the river the colored boy would give them to a
fisherman, who staid there, and was engaged in catch
ing fish and selling them to the gunboatmen and the
soldiers. The fisherman had lost a hand while in the
rebel army, in the battle of Shiloh, and had been dis
charged. He had represented to Admiral Porter that he had
belonged to the Federal army, and had been wound
ed, as before stated, and discharged, and had suc
ceeded in getting, permission from him to fish in the
river, and visit his lines at all hours of the night.
He had managed to make himself a favorite at the
picket-post near the river, and his frequent visits
to his lines near the post, at all hours of the day
and night, had ceased to excite any suspicion what
ever. The fisherman would take the dispatches, and at
night, while visiting his lines,, pass the pickets, and
carry them to the rebel pickets, and then return.
In the same channel General Pemberton's dis
patches went out: How long communication had
been kept up in that way I did not learn.
After having drank the most of the whiskey, we
returned to the landing and separated. I went to the
Provost-marshal and told him that there was one of
General Johnston's spies there, and requested him to
send some guards and arrest him.
" Are you a soldier?" he inquired.
"Yes."

SCOUT AND SPY. 269
' ' Where did you come from ?"
"Admiral Porter's flag-ship."
" Have you got a pass ?"
" Yes."
"Let me see it."
I handed it to him, and he commenced reading,
" Lorain Ruggles, a citizen of the South" — he turned
around and exclaimed, "What business have you
here ? You ain't any better than the rest of them !"
I went out and found that the Frenchman was just
stepping on board the dispatch-boat Diligent, and in
a moment more the boat was under way for Snyder's
Bluff. I reported to General Grant the information that I
had received, and then asked him if I might furlough
the spy wherever I found him. He told me to do
with him just as I thought proper, under the circum
stances, and I should be protected by the military
authorities. In two days after, the colored boy was captured,
and a dispatch from General Johnston found on his
person. About the same time the fishing arrange
ment at the river was broken up. I can also assure
the reader that the little Frenchman, though never
arrested, will never buy any more Confederate money
nor carry any more rebel dispatches.

2.70 THE. GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XXIII.
Sent for by General Grant — Instructions — Crosses Black River — Is cap
tured by rebel cavalry — Sent to General DeVieu — The interview —
Passes as Johnston's spy — The attempt to escape — The Pursuit — Fired
at by Federal pickets — Again fired at by the enemy — The pursuers
driven back — Again fired at by Federal pickets — The alarm — Reports
' to General Osterhaus— Reports to General Grant
While the siege Avas progressing, General John
ston was engaged in concentrating a large Confederate
force to attack General Grant in the rear, and force
him to raise the siege of Yicksburg, and thereby re
lieve General Pemberton and his forces.
General Grant, in the mean time, had been consid
erably re-enforced, and had formed a line of defence
from the Black River Bridge northwest along Clear
and Bear Creeks, across to the Yazoo River at
Haines' Bluff, and a heavy force Avas stationed along
that line to resist any attempt on the part of the
enemy to raise the siege.
The difficulty of rapidly crossing Black River with
a large force below the bridge, rendered it necessary
to keep a force stationed on the line running from the
bridge to the Mississippi River beloAv Yicksburg ; for
the enemy, once across, would run a very poor
chance of recrossing without destruction. A constant
watch was kept up by our scouts, hoAvever, to see
whether the enemy wDuld attempt to cross there.

SCOUT AND SPY. 271 m
Some time toward the latter part of June, General
Grant sent for me, and requested me to make a trip
across Black River, and find out Avhether the enemy
was making any attempt or movement indicative of
crossing. I was instructed to cross at the bridge, through Gen
eral Osterhaus' lines, and take the road to Fifteen-
mile Creek, and, if I met with nbtning to prevent, to
go on to the creek and remain there two days, and at
the end of that time return. If I discovered any
movement of importance while on my way, I was to
report it immediately.
The general cautioned me not to go inside of the
enemy's lines, because it Avas a critical time, and if I
did I Avould probably lose my life. He told me that
several scouts had been sent out for the same purpose,
and that none of them agreed in their reports. He
told me that^he was extremely anxious to know what
the enemy Avas doing there, and what were his inten
tions, and charged me to be very cautious, so that I
might return.
I was handed an order to General Osterhaus, to
the effect that I was to be passed out of his lines, and
when I returned I was to be immediately sent to
General Osterhaus, under guard, and whatever I re
ported to him Avas to be immediately telegraphed to
General Grant.
I carried' the order to General Osterhaus, at Black
River, who, when he had read it, sent me, under
guard, to the picket line, with instructions to the
officer in command of the pickets to pass me

272 the great American
out. The picket line was on the east side of the
river. As I left the river, I was very particular to notice
minutely the roads and fences, and the features of the
ground. About a mile from the bridge, on the road
that leads to Edwards' Station, the Fifteen-mile Creek
road turns off to the right. At the corners of the
road the reserve pickets were stationed. About a
quarter of a mile from the reserve, the road turns
square to the left, and, at a distance of about one
hundred yards further on, it turns back again square
to the right. At that point the vedettes were sta
tioned. On the left-hand side of the road, going out
from the reserve to the vedettes, was a hedge fence.
From the vedettes, in a straight line across to the re
serve, was an open field, and the fence had been torn
down or removed to allow the cavalry a chance to
charge across it, if necessary.
Before leaving the pickets, I told the lieutenant in
command of the guards that I should' not come back
that night, unless I was driven back, and that if I
came back I should come on the run, and that I would
have no gun in my hands, nor anything, else that
might be taken for one. I also requested him to de
scribe to each man in person, as he took his post as
vedette, my dress, so that there could be no mistake
about who I was, and no cause for firing into me.
The lieutenant instructed his men as I requested him ;
and besides, I found that several of them knew me,
which very much relieved my fears about being fired
at. I was on foot and dressed like a citizen.

SCOUT AND SPY. 273
Supposing that I had made all the necessary ar
rangements for my safety in case I was driven back,
I started out. About half a mile from the vedettes,
the road crossed a low piece of ground, and had been
filled in with brush and rails, while wet, to keep
wagons from miring, but the dry weather had dried
up the mud and left the rails and brush bare, render
ing it extremely difficult to cross without making a
great deal of noise.
I had gone but a short distance after crossing it,
when I heard a cracking of brush behind me, and
turned to see what it was. The reader can judge my
surprise when I saw in the road behind me, fourteen
rebel cavalry. I was ordered to halt, which I did,
and they, at the same time, dismounted.
There I was, captured almost within sight of our
OAvn pickets. It was no time to show timidity, so I
resolved upon a bold expedient.
" Who are you ?" said one of the cavalrymen.
"lama Confederate soldier."
" Where do you belong?"
" When I am at my proper command I belong to
Price's headquarters." \
' ' Have you got a pass ?"
"No, sir."
" What are you doing here?"
" Gentlemen, you are soldiers I presume ?"
"Yes, sir."
"What is your duty when you capture a man in
my fix?"- Another one spoke up and said: "Some
times we take him out and hang him."

274 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" Shut your mouth," said I, " I wasn't talking to
you." "Ha," says he, "you're mighty stiff."
Says I, " Have you a commissioned officer in this
squadron ?"
" Yes, I'm the lieutenant."
"Well, then, detail two men out of your ranks,
and send me to your headquarters, if you've got any."
They tried to draw me into conversation. Said I,
" What are your instructions ?"
"Why, to take you to headquarters."
"Well, then, do it," said I.
They said no more, but took me to headquarters.
I watched narrowly every feature of the road and
the country as we went, determined, if possible, to
make my way back that night. Not a word was ex
changed between us on the way.
About five miles from where I was captured, and
nearly seven miles from Black River bridge, wc
came to General DeYieu's headquarters. They
were situated near the crossing of the roads, where
the road from Baldwin's Ferry (below Black River
bridge) to Edwards' Station crosses the one that I
Avas on.
When we arrived at General DeYieu's quarters,
one of the guards went in, and I heard him say to
the general, " We have got a man out there that we
captured close to the Yankee lines, Avithout a pass,
and he says that he is a Confederate soldier. We
could not find out his business, but he told us to
bring him to you, and we have done so."

SCOUT AND SPY. 275
"Well, have him come in," said the General.
The guard came out, and told me to go in. As I
entered, I took off my hat, and, saluting him, I
looked him in the face Avith as much composure as
though I had been his commanding officer.
" Where have you been? " he inquired.
"I have been inside of the Yankee lines about
Vicksburg." " Where do you belong ? "
" I belong to General Price's army."
" What were you doing here ? "
"I am now under orders from General Johnston
to reconnoitre thoroughly about the Yankee lines at
Yicksburg. I have done so, and I am noAV on my
way to report to General Johnston."
"Have you got any pass, or any papers to that
effect?" •
"No, sir, I haven't got the scratch of a pen
about me ; but, General, if you will go with me to
General Johnston's adjutant-general I can show you
papers in his office that will tell you who I am
and what my business is."
' ' What is your name ? "
"Lorain Ruggles, sir ; I am a brother to General
Ruggles." " Ah ! A brother of General Ruggles ! "
"Yes, sir."
" Well, what is the news about Yicksburg?"
1 ' General, if you insist upon it, I shall have to
tell you, because you are my superior officer, but my
instructions from General Johnston were to recon-

276 " THE GREAT AMERICAN
noitre thoroughly, and get all the information lihat I
could, and then to report to him, and to him ordy,
"Ah! I beg your pardon, Mr. Ruggles. Excuse
me ! I don't want you to violate your instructions.
I don't wish to interfere with any of General Johnston's
arrangements. Do you wish to go right on to General
Johnston's headquarters ? "
" General, I have been considerably exposed, and
a little short of rations for several days, and have
travelled about on foot a great deal, and am very
much fatigued ; and if it would be agreeable to your
good-will and pleasure, I would be happy to remain
in your brigade overnight, and then go out to General
Johnston's headquarters to-morrow."
" Yery well, you can stay ; any of those orderlies
out there will give you something to eat. I shall send
two men out to headquarters in the morning, and, if
you like, you can go with them."
" Thank you, General, I shall be very glad of the
company." It Avas about two o'clock . in the afternoon when I
arrived there. The orderlies gave me some dinner
and also some supper. I improved my time in con
versation with the officers and men, in picking up in
formation. The force stationed there was a brigade of Texas
cavalry, about 1,200 strong. Their business was to
Avatch the Baldwin's Ferry road for any attempt of
General Grant's forces to cross and get to the rear of
General Johnston.
The brigade was destitute of tents, except six at

SCOUT AND SPY. 277
headquarters, and the men slept at night without
shelter. About nine o'clock in the evening, I laid down on
a pile of corn in the husk, in company with a lot of
soldiers, and feigned to be asleep. I reflected upon
my situation, and of the best means of making my
escape. I was satisfied that it would be dangerous
for me to wait till morning and start with the order
lies for General Johnston's headquarters. No suspi
cion had as yet been excited. The soldiers were all
asleep, and the whole camp was quiet. About mid
night I got up, as if to relieve the necessities of na
ture, and went to a piece of woods about a hundred
yards distant, and returned. My movements did not
seem to have disturbed any one. The moon shone
brightly, and the night was very light. The moon
had not yet reached its meridian, but made a long
shadow on the ground. I again laid down upon the
corn-pile, where I lay until tAvo o'clock, when I arose.
The moon was then favorable and made but a short
shadow, and everything was quiet. I again visited
the woods.
As I entered, I looked back and all was quiet. As
the guards brought me in, I had noticed that there
was but one picket-post in the direction that I wished
to return, and that one was stationed in the road
about half a mile from the rebel camp. I resolved to
try an escape at all hazards.
I made a detour large enough to insure safety from
the pickets, moving forward as rapidly and noiseless
ly as possible through the brush, until I gained the

278 THE GREAT AMERICAN
road that I had come out on, and then I sped along
as fast as I could run.
I had on light shoes, and made very little noise as
I went, and avoided stepping upon anything that
Avould make any disturbance.
When I reached the place in the road filled with
rails and brush, near where I had been captured, I
slackened my pace and walked carefully across it. I
had become tired from running so far ; my close prox^
imity to our own pickets considerably relieved my
fears, and I moved along more leisurely than I had
done. When about two hundred yards from the bad place
in the road, I was startled by the sound of horses
crossing it. I looked back, and saw that I was pur
sued by a squad of twelve or fourteen cavalry.
I dashed ahead at the top of my speed, and when
Avithin about one hundred yards of the vedette-post
"Bang!" went the carbines of my pursuers. The
vedettes ran for the reserve. I fairly flew along,
and the rebs after me, gaining rapidly. I kept
straight after the vedettes till I had entered the field
past the hedge fence ; then I turned and followed it
a few steps, and then plunged through it and crawled
along on my hands and knees some distance in the
weeds and grass by the side of it.
My pursuers dashed on across the field, firing at
the vedettes as they went. The reserve was imme
diately in saddle, and returned the fire of the enemy.
The chase now turned the other way, and the rebs
were pursued by our pickets.

SCOUT AND SPY. 279
I kept on making a detour around to the rear of
the reserve post before coming up, lest, from the con
fusion and excitement, I should again be fired at.
Nearly all the reserve had joined in the chase, and
but four men remained on the post.
As I came up to the rear of them, without any
challenge to halt, one of them fired at me.
" Don't shoot ! It is Bunker !" said the others. By
this time they were convinced who it was, and al
lowed me to come up.
The alarm did not stop with the pickets, but ex
tended across the river. An entire brigade turned
out under arms, and orders Avere dispatched all along
the lines to be in readiness to repel an attack from
General Johnston.
I requested to be immediately sent to General Os
terhaus, under guard, agreeable to General Grant's
instructions ; but the lieutenant refused to let me go
until daylight, and then sent me in Avithout guard.
I reported to General Osterhaus, and explained to
him where the rebel force Avas camped, and also its
strength, and what it Avas there for.
"Yare you stshay they are ? On the BaldAvin's
Ferry road ?" inquired the General.
"No; they are on the Fifteen-mile Creek road,
near the crossing of the Edwards' Station ancl Bald
win's Ferry road."
"Yell, dat ish vot I stshay! On the Baldwin's
Ferry road !" (
I then marked out the position for him, and ex
plained it, and still he insisted :

280 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"Yell, dat ish vot I stshay! On the Baldwin's
Ferry road !"
He then telegraphed to General Grant as he un
derstood it, and received, in reply, orders for me to
return immediately.
I reported in person to General Grant, and told
him the difficulty that I experienced ih making
General Osterhaus understand me. He replied, " I
thought he did not understand you, so I ordered you
back." After explaining to the General the position,
strength, and object of the enemy, he asked me if I
was sure of that fact. I told him that I was, and that
time would show whether I told him the truth or not.
He then said that he would rest satisfied ; so I re*
turned to my quarters. The confidence he placed in
my reports amply paid me for the danger that I had
encountered. General Grant always paid his scouts
Well whenever they had done anything deserving of
special compensation. To pay me for this trip, soon
after tlie Yicksburg campaign ended, General Grant
gave me two hundred dollars and a furlough for thirty
days.

SCOUT AND SPY. 281

CHAPTER XXIY.
Visit to Chickasaw Landing — Surrender of Vicksburg — Visit to the city —
The paroled Maj or — The Yankee trick — Returns to Vicksburg — Made de
tective — Is sent to Yazoo City — Attends a guerrilla organization — Makes
them a speech — Returns to Vicksburg.
On the 3d day of July, I again went to General
Grant to see if he had found out where I could get
some cartridges for my rifle. He told me that the
Paymaster-General (I have forgotten his name,) had
a rifle of the same kind and some cartridges, and
that he made his headquarters on board the steamer
J. D. Perry, at Chickasaw Landing.
The general gave me a line to the paymaster, and
I went over to the landing. When I arrived there,
the steamers had nearly all gone down to Young's
Point, and with them the J. D. Perry. It Avas near
ly night, and too late to return to camp, so I remained
there all night with a sergeant from my OAvn regi
ment, who was on detached duty there, in charge of
the camp and garrison equipage belonging to the divi
sion. When I arose on the morning of July 4th, I found
that all the steamers had left. A few hours later, the
dispatch-boat Diligent came up, and brought the news
that Vicksburg had surrendered.
That accounted for the absence of the steamers.

282 THE GREAT AMERICAN
A,flag of truce had been sent into our lines on the
afternoon of the 3d, before I left, but I had not heard
that it Avas to arrange for the surrender of the
place. When the dispatch-boat returned, I went on it to
Vicksburg. There the whole fleet of transports and
gunboats, including the Marine Brigade, was moored,
decorated with all their streamers and colors, and
from the court-house dome proudly floated the glorious
emblem of our country. It was a grand and sublime
spectacle. The levee and streets of the city were
thronged with thousands of weather and war worn
heroes, that had heroically suffered and fought for the
capture of the place-
It was a proud day for them, and their counte
nances beamed Avith such expressions of satisfaction
and delight as only heroes can Avear.
The magnitude of their victory was proportionate
to the. day on Avhich it was achieved, and such a cele
bration of our national anniversary was never before
had, and probably never will be again.
The sufferings and privations and hardships of long
marches, and exposures and hard-fought battles and a
long-continued siege, Avere all forgotten in the reali
zation of the most glorious victory that had ever
crowned the arms of an American hero.^
Promiscuously mingled with the blue uniforms of
the Federal soldiers was the dirty yellow of the Con
federate prisoners, and their filthy appearance and
fear-worn faces Avere in striking contrast with their
elated victors.

SCOUT AND SPY. 283
The magnitude of the victory may be seen in the
official reports of the Avar.
Bunker's Mrst Speech, in front of the Court-house in
Vicksburg, after the surrender, Jidy Ath, 1864.
The trbops, overwhelmed Avith joy at the surrender
of the place, were wild with enthusiasm, and in tho
midst Of this general jubilee they said :
"Bunker, can't you give us your ideas of the sur
render in a speech ?"
"Yes," said I, and springing upon a box began as
follows :
" Soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee, I congratu
late you upon your overwhelming success. Scarcely
had our flag floated to the breeze on the capitol of the
Mississippi, when we sprang to. the call of our noble
commander, rushed upon the defiant columns of
Champion Hills, driving them in dismay across the Big
Black, Avithin their stronghold at Yicksburg. There
with rifle-pit and battery, there with trench and
mine, by night and by day, till almost OA*ercome Avith
fatigue, driven to despair, on this memorable day of
our national independence, Vicksburg, Avith 31,000
fighting men, has surrendered to the invincibles of
the Army of the Tennessee."
Here the crowd became so dense, and the shouts
droAvning the voice of the speaker, the speech was
brought to an abrupt close.
I found the Paymaster-General at Vicksburg, and
succeeded in getting from him a box of cartridges.
n*

284 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Not liking to remain in the place while the prisoners
were there, lest some of them might, at some future
time, recognize me, * should I be so unfortunate as to
get captured, I told General Grant how I felt about
it, and he sent me to my regiment, then at Black
River, to stay until the prisoners were sent away. •
A few days after the surrender, the prisoners were
all paroled, and then marched through our lines at
Black River. While they were passing our camp, I
kept out of sight, by remaining in my quarters. The
second day after the prisoners commenced to pass out
on parole, and the brigade had halted to rest, a rebel
major came along and dismounted, and sat down appa
rently to rest, holding his horse by the halter. It was
soon evident, from his numerous inquiries, that rest
was not so much his object as contraband information.
His horse was a nice one, and was equipped with a
fine saddle and bridle, and across his saddle was a
portmanteau. A soldier of the 30 th Illinois Regiment came to
my quarters, and requested me to go out and see the
major and converse with him. He also told me that
the major was trying to get information from the sol
diers that he had no business with, and that if I would
succeed in holding his attention, the boys Avould play
some kind of a caper upon him for his improper in-
quisitiveness. I went out, and found him engaged in trying to
find out the strength of General Grant's army. As
I came up I squatted right down in front of him, and
commenced to ask him questions about how he liked

SCOUT AND SPY. 285
the siege, etc. ; then, fixing my eyes on his, I gave
him a severe rebuke for participating in such an un
just cause, and tried to show him its utter hopeless
ness. I then spoke of the blessings of peace, pros
perity, and happiness, as they had existed under our
government before the war, and then contrasted that
state of affairs Avith the existing state of things in the
rebellious States, and concluded by telling him that
any man who had been guilty of raising his hand
against the best government that ever existed, ought
to be satisfied with his experience, and be heartily
ashamed of himself.
As I began to talk, the soldiers began to gather in
a crowd around us. I suspected that some of them
would cut the halter-strap and lead the horse off into
the woods, before the crowd would open sufficiently
for the major to see which way it Avent.
Whenever the major showed any inclination to
look behind him, I would become emphatic in my ex
pressions and gesticulations, and look so earnestly at
him that I kept his attention riveted upon me. While
I was talking the portmanteau was opened, and a
beautiful silver-mounted ten-shooting revolver taken
out and carried off.
When I had finished, the crowd dispersed, and tho
major prepared to leave. In doing so he discovered
that his revolver was gone. He told me about it,
and described the revolver, and said that it must
have been taken while I had been talking with
him. He went to Brigadier-General Force, commanding

286 THE GREAT AMERICAN ~
the Brigade, and complained that while he was rest
ing, somebody stole his revolver.
The General immediately issued an order requiring
all the company commanders in the brigade to search
the men of their commands at once for the revolver,
but it Avas Avithout success.
The Major told the General that one of the men
standing by Avas called by the name of Bunker ; con
sequently, I was sent for.
' ' Do you knoAv Avho got this man's revolver ?" in
quired the General of me, as I Avent in.
' ' No, sir. I did not see his revolver, and did not
know that he had one until he told me that some one
had stolen it."
'• Do you knoAv Avhat regiment the man belonged
to that took it?"
" No, sir, I do not ! But I did think that the
Major Avas asking very improper questions for a paroled
prisoner to ask, and I expected, while I was talking
to him, that the boys Avould take horse and all, and I
think he may feel thankful if he hasn't lost anything
but his revolver ! "
" That will do ! " said the General ; "you can go to
your quarters, Major, I don't see as I can do any
thing for you ! "
When the prisoners had all crossed Black River,
I returned to Vicksburg. On my return I chanced
to meet Major-General Logan, Avho wished me to
engage in the detective business, the same as I had
done at Memphis. I told him that I did not like the
business and did notuuderstand it, and that I did not

SCOUT AND SPY. 287
see anything brave or daring in it, and that it seemed
like rather a low business. He, hoAvever, insisted
upon my taking hold of it, and gave me an order to
go on board the steamer Swan to board, so that I
might pass as a citizen without being suspicioned.
I boarded there three days, at the end of which
time I was so completely disgusted with the business
that I could not do anything at it, even if I had
wanted to. I then went to General Grant, and told
him what General Logan had set me at, and that I
did not like it, and asked him if he had a trip that
he wanted made into the Confederacy. He replied
that he had none of much importance, but that I
might make a trip to Yazoo City, if I was a mind to,
and see if anything was going on there, and gather
Avhat information I could.
The Federal forces had, since the surrender of Vicks
burg, already taken the place, and captured such pub
lic stores as were movable, and destroyed the rest
and vacated it.
I made the trip on horseback, dressed like a citi
zen. The route was rather a lonesome one, and
nothing occurred of interest on my way out. On my
arrival at Yazoo City, I found everything quiet, and
the place unoccupied by troops.
I then crossed the Yazoo River to the west, and
visited the neighborhood of Silver Creek, at a point
eighteen miles from Yazoo City. There I learned
that a band of guerrillas, known as the Silver Creek
Guerrillas, were to have a meeting the next day, at
a log church, about six miles distant to the south-

288 THE GREAT AMERICAN
west, to reorganize their band, so as to make them
selves more efficient. Thinking that I might learn
something of them that might be of service, I deter
mined to attend the meeting.
The next morning I started in the direction of the
church alone, but had gone only a short distance
Avhen I Avas joined by six citizens, on horseback, go
ing to the same place. We arrived at the church
about ten o'clock A. M., and found the meeting al
ready commenced. I walked in with those that had
accompanied me and sat down, a listener to their
proceedings. Remarks were made by several individuals, and I
learned by them that the band had become disorgan
ized and ineffective by the slackness of the members
in turning out. Many of them had failed to report
for duty when ordered, and some of them had never
reported at all. A great deal was said about what
valuable services might be rendered by a well-organ
ized band, and appeals were made to the patriotism
of each individual present " to stand by the South in
the. hour of her trial, and let the world at large
know that the. people of the South were determined
in their purpose, and would fight for her liberties until
relieved from the thraldom of a Lincoln tyranny."
Each man present was invited to express his vieAvs
on the matter, and I, in turn, was called upon. To
kill all chances of suspicion that might occur from my
presence, I responded to the invitation. I said to
them that I was a stranger to all of them. I told
them that I belonged to Daniel's guerrillas, at Somer-

SCOUT AND SPY. 289
ville, Tennessee, and I knew from experience that a
well-organized band could make itself of great ser
vice to the Government, and that I felt it Avas the
duty of every individual in the Confederacy to put
forth his best efforts, without regard to cost or sacri
fice, to sustain the Government and establish our lib
erty. . Our band, I told them, intended to live on the
Lincoln army, and Ave kept close to it, and frequently
got inside of the Yankee lines and got valuable infor
mation ; and sometimes we captured prisoners, and
horses, and mules, and we calculated not only to do
service to the Government, but to make it pay us,
and I hoped that the people of that neighborhood
were as patriotic as they Avere in mine.
The meeting resulted in the reorganization of the
band, with eighty members.
It has often been reported that citizens of the South
who had taken the oath of allegiance to the Federal
Government, were subject to abuse and cruel treat
ment by guerrillas and soldiers of the Confederate
army ; but in that meeting several of the members
said that they had taken the oath, and had done it
because compelled to do it, and it was not spoken of
as an offence nor regarded as an obligation.
I had hoped that, in attending the meeting I would
be enabled to learn of some intended raid or cam
paign, but none was spoken of, and probably none
contemplated by the band at that time.
About one o'clock P. M. the meeting closed, and I
resumed my way back. Two days after I arrived at
Vicksburg, and reported to General Grant.
13

290 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XXV.
Taken B>ck with the ague — Encounters his Satanic Majesty — The Devil
afraid of General Grant — Expedition to Bogue Chitto Creek — Captures
a rebel Colonel — Enlists as a veteran — Makes a speech to the soldiers.
From the time that I finished my trip to Yazoo City
until the next November I had but very little to do,
and nothing occurred of interest in my experience as
a scout. About this time I was taken with the three-
day ague, which troubled me more or less for a whole
year, At times, when the " shakes" would leave me
and the fever come on, I Avould have dreams or vis
ions of a delirious character. I usually fancied my
self engaged in some fearful and desperate encounter
with the rebels. My fancies were audibly uttered,
and to-day are as distinctly visible to my mind as
though they Avere realities of yesterday. Indeed,
they seemed like actual experience. In those deli
rious hours, officers and soldiers would visit me, to
listen to my utterances of what was passing before me.
On one occasion, I fancied that I died and went
to hell. There I found, in one corner of the infernal
regions, ah inclosure of several acres, filled with
Federal soldiers. They were suffering intensely for
Avant of sufficient water. A small rivulet made its
Avay down a little hollow across the inclosure, but the
stream was so small that its supply aggravated rather

SCOUT AND SPY. 291
than diminished the thirst of the soldiers. Having
placed me in the inclosure, the devil started back to
earth after more soldiers. After a careful examina
tion of the locality, I concluded that I could relieve
very much of the suffering by damming up the
stream. I set to work at once making a dam, and,
by the time the devil made his appearance, I had
succeeded in raising the water to a depth of four
feet. i
"Have you come here to interfere Avith my ar
rangements ?" inquired the devil, angry at what I had
done. " No, sir ; but I thought I would build a dam here
and have as much water in it as there is in some
parts of the Mississippi."
Whereupon the devil picked up a big cannon and
punched a hole through it, which let the water out.
Just then a twenty-two inch shell came into the in
closure, and exploded with a tremendous crash, com
pletely enveloping us with the smoke. As it cleared
away, two persons were seen coming through the re
gions of space directly toward the inclosure. The
quick eye of his Satanic Majesty was the first to
catch sight of them.
"Who are these?" he inquired. "Isn't one of
them General Grant ?"
" Yes," I replied ; "that man in citizen's clothes is
General Grant, and the man in uniform is General
McPherson." " I believe that is Grant," he said, after a more
careful look.

292 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"Yes, that's Grant."
"Then I must light out of this !" and away he went
as fast as possible.
I told my dream to General Grant. He has
asked me several times since if I had had any more
dreams. In the month of November, General McPherson
made a demonstration Avith 14,000 men toward Can
ton, Miss., to draw the attention of the rebs while
General Sherman, with his command, was moving
from Memphis eastward to Chattanooga. ,
At Br OAvns ville we came upon a small force of rebs,
who undertook to check our advance, but we drove
them from their position. The next day, at Bogue
Chitto Creek, they made another stand, but were
again driven from their position. General John A.
Logan then sent me out to the front of our right to
watch the movements of the enemy, and see which
way they went. I was accompanied by a scout by
the name of James E. Bader. About a mile out we
left our horses under cover of the woods, and then.
by ourselves, we ascended a rise of ground that en
abled us to see the course the enemy had taken.
While we were thus engaged in watching, we saw a
man leave the rebel forces and ride toward a house
that stood near by. As he neared us, we saw that he
had on the uniform of a rebel colonel. He unsad
dled the horse at the house and then led it away to
the stable, and then returned to the house. We then
Avent to our horses, mounted, and rode to the house,
dismounted and went in. We found but one man in

SCOUT AND SPY. 293
r
the house, who said, "Good-morning! You gave
the Johnnies a good fleecing this morning !"
"Yes,' said I, "we fleeced the Johnnies. But
where is your uniform ?"
"I ha'n't got a uniform, boys. I am no secesh. I
have always been a good Union man."
We then searched the house for the saddle and
uniform, which we found hid under the floor.
" What uniform is this ?" said I, hauling it up from
its hiding-place.
" It belongs to one of the boarders."
"It's my opinion that the boarder's clothes will
just fit you. Take off the clothes you have on and
put on these, and do it quick, too."
"I declare,- gentlemen, that's not my uniform."
"No matter ; you must put it on and see how it
fits." " Jiminy-pult !" said Bader, brandishing his revol
ver ; " put this uniform on in a hurry, or we'll help
you !"
"No more excuses," said I. "It a'n't but a few
minutes since we saw you have it on."
The colonel reluctantly changed his former dress
for the uniform. "There — your military clothes fif
well. Now go with us."
Bader saddled the horse and brought it to the
door, when we made him mount and go back with us
to General Logan. I told him the course the enemy
had taken, and how we had captured the colonel.
I returned, accompanied by my partner, to the
colonel's house, where we found a nice flock of tur-

294 THE GREAT AMERICAN
keys. Knowing that officers were fond of turkeys, I
called a dog that was lying in the yard and set him
to work. In a few minutes we captured six nice
ones, which Ave carried to the general.
" Here, Colonel," said Logan, showing the turkeys
to the prisoner, " you shall have a nice supper in the
Federal fortress. Boys, have you got any for your
selves ?"
"No, sir."
' Here, take these" (handing me two of them).
They made the company an excellent supper ; but
whether the colonel relished his own turkeys, and
himself a prisoner, I am not so sure. The next day
I was laid up with the ague, and was not able to scout
any more during that expedition.
In the month of December, 1863, the re-enlisting
of soldiers as veterans commenced in my regiment.
I at once re-enlisted, and set about using my influ
ence to persuade others to do so. This I did gener
ally by private conversation. Once more Bunker was
called upon to make a speech, of which the following
is Avhat he had to say :
" Fellow-soldiers and comrades in arms : It is with
feelings of pride that I attempt to address you —
pride because it is not often that an occasion offers for
one to address a body of men whose deeds of valor
have called forth such praise and such rejoicings as
yours have done. Ay ! I am proud that I have been
a comrade in arms with you in such struggles as Don
elson, Shiloh, Champion Hills, and Vicksburg. Such
victories attest that you have done your duty Avell,

SCOUT AND SPY. 295
and the glory is yours. Your country appreciates
the value of such men, and, because of it, she now
asks that you and I stand by that tattered flag for
three years more. We know Iioav it came by those
shreds, and, as Ave gaze upon it, our hearts swell big
with emotion in the recollection of the scenes through
which we have passed. It is our blood that has spat
tered it, and our arms that have borne it and won for
it glory. You know, by experience, the lot of the
soldier. Your faces are bronzed in the service, and
many of you bear scars from the battles that you've
fought, mementoes of which your children and chil
dren's children will be proud to speak Avhen you are
kid away in the hero's grave.
' ' Our regiment has already taken part in nine bat
tles and several severe skirmishes. In addition to my
services as a scout and spy, I have taken part in all
of them but one, and that was missed because I Avas
sick and unable for duty. But, as much privation
and hardships as I have experienced, and as much
danger as I have been exposed to, I cannot turn a
deaf ear to the call of my country.
" Living and mingling, as I have, Avith the people
of the South, and being vvith them at the time the
war commenced, I was able to discern, with approxi
mate correctness, the gigantic proportions of the re
bellion. I well knew the feelings that had impelled
them, and the obstinate and reckless determination
Avith which they would hold out against the attempt of
the Federal Government to bring them into subjection.
"In responding to the call of my country to sus-

296 THE GREAT AMERICAN
tain her noble prestige and glory, I had well counted
the cost of the sacrifice that I was about to make ;
and, contrary to the general expectation of a large
proportion of those that volunteered, I had no idea
that the rebellion would be put down in a few months,
but expected that years must elapse before our coun
try would be restored to its former proportions^ peace,
and prosperity.
"Two years and a half have already passed since
the first shot was fired at that star-spangled banner
by the hands of traitors who had been rpared under
its protecting folds.
"During that period, thousands of patriotic hearts,
that beqt with love for their country, have ceased their
pulsations in the noble effort to crush the traitorous
arm that Avas raised against the most glorious struc
ture of human liberty.
'" Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, wives
and sweethearts have mourned the loss of the noble
fallen. "Some of the heroes of this war have dragged out
a lingering, distressing existence by disease, breath
ing the hero's prayer as they closed their eyes in
death. Others have died amid the clash of arms and
the din of battle ; others, smitten down by the hand
of the foe, have spent days of horrible agony, with
out food, water, or shelter, and then — died, glorious
martyrs of liberty, on the field where they fell.
" Still the war continues, and the distant boom of
cannon announces that more martyrs are being sac
rificed, and other hearts are being broken.

SCOUT AND SPY. 297
"The page of history will never reveal the anguish
and suffering caused by this unholy rebellion.
"The fond father and mother, who have invoked
the blessing of Heaven upon their heroic son, as he
was about to leave them to encounter the hardships,
privations, and sufferings of the warrior, will never
know the sufferings which that loved one has endured ;
nor will the loved one knoAv the intense anxiety and
the agony of the broken hearts of those aged parents,
until they meet in the blissful bowers of a patriot and
hero. "No pen can ever portray the sighs and anguish of
the devoted wife and tender children, whose husband
and father, their solace and support, has been smitten
down by the hand of the foe.
"It has been my lot and pleasure to be a comrade
and a sharer with those that have thus freely suffered
and bled to perpetuate the blessings of liberty ; and
I can testify that there has been no hardship so great,
no suffering so intense, no death so horrible as to ef
face the calm smiles of satisfaction and love from the
face of the war-wrinkled, hero, as he closed his eyes
in death, with his last lingering look upon the flag of
his country.
' ' Notwithstanding the many narrow escapes and
perilous adventures and sufferings that I have expe
rienced, from long marches and from sickness, and
from exposure to the weather by sleeping upon the
ground, unsheltered by blanket or cover, during my
travels as a scout ; and, notwithstanding the dangers
I have experienced upon the field of battle, amid the
13*

298 THE GREAT AMERICAN
roar of musketry and the crash of artillery, and the
groans of my mangled comrades, wounded and dying,
as they lay weltering in pools of blood, I prize my
country no less than I did two years and a half ago,
and my heart beats with the same patriotism that
first prompted me to raise my arm in defence of the
Union. " So long as an armed traitor shall be found in re
bellion against the government, I shall continue my
Career as a soldier. I cannot leave the field until
this rebellion is crushed.
" The spirits of my fallen comrades are hovering
about me, and beckoning me on to avenge their suf
ferings and our insulted flag ; and it seems to me
their mouldering bodies would turn over in disgust in
the graves that inclose them, Avere I to leave the lau
rels that we have so gallantly won to the uncertainty
of strange hands. Come, then, to the rescue !
"Your fathers and mothers, your Avives and sweet
hearts, and all your loved ones at home, will cheer
you on in the noble course. Their thanksgivings and
prayers are already encircling the throne of God in
your behalf; and Avhen you return to your homes,
their kind hands will place garlands of floAvers upon
your heads as croAras of glory that you have won.
Cast your eyes upon the sacred emblem of our coun
try — to the flag which you have followed to the field
of blood, and around which you have rallied in the
din of battle, and beneath which your brave comrades
have Mien, and remember the glorious victories that
you have won, and that a nation's gratitude is yours.

SCOUT AND SPY. 299
"March bravely on, as you have already done,
winning victory after victory, and but a few months
more will elapse till you have planted the stars and
stripes in every nook and corner of the rebellious
States. "Then will peace, happiness, and prosperity shed
their effulgent rays over all the land, and you will re
turn to, your homes, enshrouded with glory, to meet
the warm embrace of friends, knowing that you have
a. country, and that a free country."

300 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XXVI.
Frightened by a dead Colonel — Burns Confederate corn in face of the
enemy — Gets into a tight place — A frightened Major — Captures infor
mation — A headstrong Captain gobbled up — Captures a rebel Provost-
marshal General — Encounter with General Ross' s cavalry — A strange
adventure — Races with a rebel Colonel — A hard-hearted woman.
The next service that I performed was in the
month of February, 1864. It was in that month that
General Sherman made what is known as the "Meri
dian raid." I accompanied the expedition. The
second day out from Vicksburg, General McPherson
sent me to watch the movements of Wirt Adams, who
was hovering about our right flank with 1,500 caval
ry. I found a movement in progress to attack the
ordnance and supply train, which I reported in
time to prevent ; it was handsomely effected by the
11th Illinois Cavalry. At night the army halted at
Bear Creek.
There an incident occurred that I can never for
get. I expected to go home with my regiment on
veteran furlough as soon as the campaign that we
Were then on was completed. I had felt desirous of
procuring a complete Confederate colonel's uniform
to take home with me. I had already secured every
thing except a coat. When I had completed my
day's ride, and secured my horse for the night, it was
nine o'clock Passing along the line to find Sergeant

SCOUT AND SPY. 301
Downs, I met a soldier, who said, " Bunker, didn't I
hear you say that you wanted a rebel colonel's
coat ?"
" Yes."
"There was a rebel colonel killed on the skirmish
line in front to-day."
" Was there ! Where is he ?"
"Go up to the ditch yonder, to the left, till you
come to the end of it ; then take a hollow that leads
away to your left. The first body that you come to
is a dead private ; the next is that of a colonel."
The night was very dark, but my desires to obtain
the coat were so strong that they overcame all fear,
so I started out. I found the hollow described Avith
less difficulty than I had expected. Coming to the
dead private, I said, "Good-evening, Johnnie ! you'll
get cold there, won't you ?" A few steps further
brought me to another body. " Good-evening, Colo
nel !" said I. He made no reply. I . continued :
" You are going down below, where it is warm, and
when we get back from this raid I am going up north,
where it is cold ; you have got a good coat and I want
it. Since it is so Avarm down where you are going
that you don't need it, what objection can you have
to my taking it ?"
The colonel made no reply.
" Well, colonel, they say silence gives consent, so I
guess I'll take it."
He lay on his back, Avith his feet crossed, and one
arm lying across his breast. His boots were already
gone. Taking hold of his arm and raising it up, I

302 THE GREAT AMERICAN
found that it was limber. Said I, " You haven't had
your furlough long, have you, Colonel?" He made
no reply. I set the body up, and got down upon my
knees in front of it, and commenced to take off the
coat. A gasp and a convulsive spring forward
brought the colonel's open mouth suddenly against
my face. Unearthly horror seized me ; with one
bound I was on my feet, and the next thing that I
knew I was in camp. To say that I was frightened
is no description of my feelings. Had a demon from
the infernal regions placed his gnashing jaws against
my face, I could not have been more horrified. I
covered myself in my blankets, and cold tremors
crept over me for hours after. Every attempt to
court sleep would force through my mind a vivid rec
ollection of every mean thing that I had ever done,
followed by all the stories of ghosts and hobgoblins
that I had ever heard. I have had no desire since to
obtain a rebel colonel's coat.
The next morning the march was resumed. Noth
ing of particular interest occurred, save the usual
skirmishing, foraging, and burning consequent upon
such expeditions, for several days. After we had
crossed Pearl River, I was kept constantly on the
flanks, scouting. I usually had a squad of men with
me. At Jonesboro I was sent out on the left flank,
with a squad of eight men. A few miles out from
Jonesboro, the road leading to Hillsboro forks. The.
straight and most direct road leads through seven
miles of swamp, and is known as the "lower road."
The right-hand road leads to the south, around the

SCOUT AND SPY. 303
swamp, and is called the "upper road." The latter
was the one taken by the army in its route to Hills
boro. When I left the troops in the morning, I did
not know that there was more than one road leading
to that place. The consequence was, I kept to the
left of the lower road, which carried me entirely too
far from the main force of the army for safety.
After travelling about eight miles, we came to a
cross-road. Our course, thus far, had not been con
fined to any road, but lay across the fields. As we
came to the cross-road we emerged from a piece of
woodland. Half a mile beyond us was a double log-
house and several large rail-pens, which we saAV Avas
filled with Confederate corn. Three hundred yards
to the left of the corn Ave discovered a camp of two
regiments of rebel cavalry. These we tried to clear,
by filing to the right and keeping along in the timber
to the Avest of the road. Less than a hundred yards
brought us to a small stream of water, whose banks
were lined with a dense groAvth of alders. The
stream, after crossing the road, made its way along to
within fifty yards of the corn-crib. Taking advan
tage of the cover afforded by the alders, one of my
party, James E. Bader, waded down the shalloAV
stream until opposite the cribs, and then, under cover
of the cribs, made his way to them and set them on
fire, and then retraced his steps.
Two miles further south, we came to a planter's
house, where I found a table spread for eighteen per
sons, and fried sausage figured extensively in the
meal, which was then nearly prepared.

304 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"You've got the table set for some Johnnies, I
reckon," said I to the planter.
" No, sir ; for none but our own family."
"I reckon you have ; I'll go out and stand picket
while my men come in and confiscate the meal." As
I was about to step behind an ash-house that stood in
the yard, the old man, who had followed me out,
stepped up to me and begged of me not to go there.
Said he, " If you do you will surely get shot."
" You want to frighten the men away from that
sausage," said I, still determined to go there.
"No," said he, "I have never seen a man shot,
and I don't want to see you shot in my own yard ;
you will certainly get shot if you go there. If you
want to stand picket at all, go up into my garret and
Avatch from the window."
The old man turned so pale and looked so much
in earnest, that I concluded to take his advice. In
stead of going into the front door I went round to the
back door : both doors were open. In the front end
of the hall sat the planter's daughter, waving a white
handkerchief, and in the field beyond, not more than
three hundred yards distant, I saw a line of Johnnies
coming, hiding their approach as much as they could
by intervening objects. I said to the boys, " Grab
the sausage, kick over the table, and be off, for the rebs
are on us." We took to the trees, when quite a live
ly skirmish ensued, which lasted for several minutes.
The rebs then took to their horses, evidently bent on
intercepting our retreat on the cross-road. As soon
as they were out of sight, wc started across the fields

SCOUT AND SPY. 305
in their rear, and bent our course for the "lower
Hillsboro" road, which proved to be about a mile
distant. There Avere eighteen of the rebs, and they
had evidently been watching the "lower road" for
forage parties. We had been coming up in their
rear until we stopped to confiscate the sausage. On
reaching the road, I found that the troops had not
passed that way, and consequently must have taken
some other. The fact now flashed upon my mind
that we were much further from our command than
we had any idea of.
There was a brick church at the corner of the
road. I got the boys into that as quick as possible,
and ordered them to knock out the windows. While
they were preparing for defence, I stood in the road
and watched. While the boys were getting ready, a
lieutenant and a private of the Federal Signal, Corps
came up, each armed with revolvers, and soon after
several infantry soldiers, that had strayed away from
their commands, came in sight. I hurried them up,
and had hardly got them into the church when a par
ty of rebs made their appearance. We opened on them
lively, and killed two of their number and wounded
others, which caused them to clear out and leave us.
I knew it would not do to stay there long, so we " lit
out" to find the army, taking the cross-road to the
south. Being mounted, I rode on ahead, until I came
to the upper road. The 16th Corps had just passed,
and the 17th was just coining into sight. In a few
minutes General McPherson and staff came up, and
wanted to know what the firing was about. I re-

306 THE GREAT AMERICAN
ported the situation of affairs. Just then two of my
squad, who had brought up the rear at a distance of
three hundred yards behind the rest, came up on the
run, with information that two regiments of rebel
cavalry were coming. The General ordered a brig
ade of infantry into position on a double-quick. They
were hardly in line before the rebs commenced firing.
A lively engagement ensued, which lasted about thirty
minutes, and resulted in a handsome defeat ofthe enemy. .
A march of three days more brought us to Deca
tur, Miss. The 16th Army Corps passed on beyond
the place to encamp for the night. As the rear of
their supply train was passing out of the place it was
attacked, and one man and twenty-six mules were
killed. The 17th Corps encamped for the night at
Decatur. The next morning General Leggett sent
me out on a road running south from the place, to as
certain whether there was a rebel force near. I had
only gone half a mile before I discovered at a short ,
distance ahead of me, a squad of seven mounted rebels
at their picket-post. As soon as they saw me they
came into line of attack.
Wheeling my horse, I motioned with my right hand
for them not to shoot, and with my left for them to
come on up. About twenty feet brought me out of
their sight behind the brush, and putting spurs to my
horse I rode to camp.
I reported the fact to General Leggett, and as I was
passing the first line of our troops, Major Fry, of the
20th Ohio, said to me," Bunker, what is out there ?"
"There are rebs out there."

SCOUT AND SPY. 307
"How far?"
" Not more than half a mile."
"Pshaw! Bunker, you must be mistaken; there
can't be rebs that near."
" Perhaps you had better go and see if you don't
believe it."
The Major mounted his black stallion and went
out. The road was crooked, and lined on both sides
with a heavy growth of pine underbrush, so that it
was impossible to see far. He hadn't been gone long
enough to have rode half a mile, when he was seen
coming back, Avith his horse under full spur, and at its
utmost speed, with hat in hand, shouting at the top of
his voice, "Fall in ! Fall in !" From the Major's ac
tions, the regiment supposed that a large force of
rebels were about to attack us. The troops instantly
fell in, when a company was sent out to find the cause
of alarm, and discovered seven men that had given
chase to the Major. Officers sometimes get frightened
as well as enlisted men.
General Leggett then gave me a squad of twenty-
six men, ancl sent me out on a road to the, southeast
of the town. Two miles out I saAV a citizen fleeing
from his house to the woods, as if alarmed at our ap
proach. I gave chase and soon caught up with him.
Brandishing my revolver, I said to him, "Daddy,
you have got to tell me one thing, or I will kill you
right here ; now tell me the truth."
"Well, what is it?"
" Where were you going, and what were you going
for?"

308 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" There are six hundred State militia down in the
woods, about three-quarters of a mile from here. I
was afraid of you all, and I was going down there for
protection." " You belong to them, I suppose ?"
"No, sir."
"What are the militia doing there?"
"They are going to attack your supply train."
"That's a fact, is it?"
" Yes, and they are going to do it right quick."
" It was the militia that killed the mules last night,
I suppose." " No, it was the citizens of the town."
"Did you have a hand in it ?"
"No, sir, but my brother did. I'll tell you how it
was done. Before the Yankee force came up, the
citizens of the toAvn met on the public square, and
joined hands around the Confederate pole, with the
Confederate colors flying, and swore by Almighty
God that they would resist the march of the Yan
kees through the place, or every man would die in
the attempt. As soon as the Yankee advance made
its appearance, they all fled to the woods. As the
rear of the train came up, they rallied and made the
attack ; but as soon as they saw other troops coming,
they again fled."
I returned to General Leggett to report the infor
mation that I had gained. I found him still in Deca
tur, superintending the departure of troops. The
train was already moving out. I told him Avhat was
up. Said he, " They dare not attack it ; and if they

SCOUT AND SPY. 309
do, there ain't enough of them to wake up one side
of it."
" I don't say, General, they will capture the train,
but they will attack it."
In about twenty minutes the crack of rifles was
heard, which increased m; frequency until the firing
was quite lively.
" They are at it, I guess," said the General. " I
must see about that." So out we went to the scene
of action. The guards were doing bravely, but the
presence of the General inspired them with new
courage, and they pitched into the militia like so
many tigers, and whipped them without any re-en
forcements to assist them.
Some think it absolutely necessary in a battle to
have commissioned officers to give command, but
here was a desperate fight, and a glorious victory,
and not a commissioned officer within half a mile dur
ing the engagement.
Shortly after the foregoing event, I met two mem
bers of the 78th Ohio, who had been out on the left
flank in search of supplies. They found a house oc
cupied by an old lady and two daughters. They said
they had enjoyed themselves finely ; had had a good
dinner, and had been invited to dine with them again
the next day.
I says, " Boys, will you accept their invitation?"
" Certainly," said they.
"Well, then, that will be the last of you, unless
some one goes with you."
" Will you go with us ?" said they.

310 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"I will," said I, " if I can take a squad of men with

me."

Said I, " Boys, now you must face the music."
" 0 yes, we'll do that."
" All right. We'll start to-morrow morning."
The next day we started on our trip.
When we reached the place, I told the boys to go
in and see to the dinner. I took twenty-six of my
men and formed them in three companies, so that we
could see the movements at the house. Soon I saw
a girl come to the door of the house and wave her
handkerchief toward a piece of woods. Out came
six rebel soldiers and rode up to the house, dis
mounted and went in. By a flourish of my revolver
I gave the command to my men to come up and
surround the house. I dismounted and went into the
door. They said, "Come in, Mr. Yank, we'll take
you, too."
" Dismount, boys, and come in, the Johnnies Avant
you in here."
Twenty-seven of us rushed in, and the rebels in
surprise said to the girl, " What does this mean?"
She said, " I didn't know that there was but two."
They had already robbed the boys of their money,
finger rings, &c, so we in return took the money and
rings, with their horses and other valuables, and
marched them into camp, not waiting for dinner.
At Meridian, General McPherson sent me out alone
to hunt up a grist-mill that was suitable to grind corn
for the army. It Avas rendered necessary because of
our having advanced into the enemy's country one
10*

SCOUT AND SPY. 311
hundred and fifty miles from our base of supplies,
which compelled us to subsist upon the products of
the country.
Two miles out from Meridian I found a mill, but it
needed some repairs. The man who kept it told me
that there was another mill six miles further down the
stream that was in good running order. I went out
to find it, but had gone only about a mile, when I
discovered rebel forces, both of infantry and caval
ry. From appearances, I judged- them to be quite
strong. I then retraced my steps toward camp. On
my way I met a captain, with a detail of forty men,
going after forage. I advised him to go back. I told
him the strength of their forces, and that if he under
took to go on the rebs would gobble him up. He in
sisted upon having his own way, and went on. Two
men of Company K, of the 17th Illinois Infantry,
who knew me, heard what I said to the captain, and,
not liking very well to be captured, fell back a short
distance to the rear of the squad, and watched the
motion of things. The result was the captain and
his men were surprised and all gobbled up without
firing a shot or making any resistance, except the
two that fell back, and they made a narrow es
cape. After leaving the captain, I hurried back and
reported to General McPherson, Avho sent out a
force of cavalry as quickly as possible to support
the captain, or release him if captured. The
assistance, however, was too late. The rebs had
departed with their prisoners.

312 THE GREAT AMERICAN
We staid at Meridian two days, which we spent
in gathering supplies and devastating the country.
The object of the raid was to impoverish the coun
try as much as possible, and it was successfully
accomplished. The destruction of property could
not have been more complete. At the expiration of
two days the army retraced its way eighteen miles,
and then made another halt of two days, to rest the
teams. From that place, Colonel Potts, of the 32d Ohio
Infantry (since a Brevet Major-General), in com
mand of the Ohio Brigade* was sent with fifty-six
wagons to the north of our line of march after supplies.
I went with him. He ordered me to ride on some
distance in advance, and see what I could find.
Twelve miles out, I came to a plantation that looked
as if it belonged to a man in wealthy circumstances.
As I came in sight of the house, I saw two men go
in. The house stood in a yard inclosed by a picket-
fence ; behind the house was a small oak grove.
Halting in front of the gate, I shouted, " Halloo the
house ! " Two men came out, and one of them inquired
what I wanted.
" I want you to come out to the gate," I replied.
"You go along to your command," he continued;
' ' you have no business here. Your command has just
passed the corner yonder, out of sight. I don't want
you straggling back and prowling around my prem
ises. I am Provost-marshal General of this district.
and I order you to go on."
"Oh, come out here. I am no straggler. I have

SCOUT AND SPY. 313
got some news to tell you about the Yankees, and
it's good news, too."
At that they both came out into the road. As the
Marshal closed the gate, and stepped away from it, I
reined my horse between him and the gate, and
quickly presenting my revolver, told them that they
were my prisoners, and if they made any attempt to
get away I'd kill them both on the spot. I then
marched them back till I met Colonel Potts.
" What have you got here ? " he inquired.
" The Provost-marshal General."
"Is that your rank, sir?" he inquired of the
prisoner. "Yes sir."
" What is your name ?"
"Davis, sir; Doctor Davis, they call me."
"What is your name?" (addressing the other).
" My name is Davis ; lama brother of the doctor."
" What is your rank ? "
"lama private in the 35th Mississippi Regiment."
" What are you doing here ? "
" I am on furlough. Here it is," said he, pulling it
out and handing it to the Colonel.
The Colonel ordered me to take them to the rear.
I said to the Colonel it is only a few rods to the
doctor's house ; so he brought them along to the
house, where they were turned over to my care.
I noAV discovered, for the first time, that there were
several persons chained to the trees in the little grove
behind the house. Leaving my prisoners with a
guard, I went to find out who they were. I found that
14

314 THE GREAT AMERICAN .
they had iron collars around their necks, to Avhich the
chains were made fast. They said they were Union
people, and lived in the country about there, and that
they had fled from conscription, and Doctor Davis
had hunted them down with bloodhounds, and then
chained them there. I went to the doctor and asked
him who he had got chained up in the grove. He
said, "They are Confederate soldiers that have de
serted their regiments. I captured them, and fastened
them that way for safe-keeping, until I could return
them to their commands."
I made him give me his keys, and then I unlocked
the Union men, and put one of the iron collars on
Doctor Davis' neck and locked him to the hind end of
one of the wagons. The doctor's brother cried, and
said he would rather see him shot than treated that
way, and begged of me to let him go. I told him
that such treatment was no worse for rebs than it Avas
for good Union men. I had hardly stepped away from
the doctor when the Union men pitched into him, and
I guess they would have killed him in a very few
minutes if I had not interfered. I was very sorry
afterward that I didn't let them do him justice.
We loaded the fifty-six wagons with bacon, oats, and
corn, from the doctor's plantation, and then burned
every thing that was left. While the wagons were
being loaded, some Indians that lived near by came
to us, and seeing that I had the doctor chained, said :
" Bad man ; very bad man. Be glad he's gone."
As soon as I reached camp, I reported to General
McPherson who I had captured. He said, "Doctor

SCOUT AND SPY. 315
Davis is notorious for his cruelty to loyal people.
Bring your prisoner in."
While I was gone for the prisoner, General Sher
man and General Logan came over, and were there
when I entered with' him. General Sherman asked
him a few questions, and then gave him a most severe
upbraiding for his barbarous cruelty. When the
generals had all given him a piece of their minds, he
was turned over to my care.
The next morning I took him out into the woods
alone, to see what I could do toward scaring him. I
chained him to a tree, and then, draAvingmy revolver,
told him that I was going to kill him. He begged of
me to spare his life.
"Yes," said I, "the ox is yburs now; Avhy didn't
you think of that when loyal men begged of you for
mercy ? You have no time to beg ; you had better
go to praying."
He plead and cried, and finally prayed. As much
as he deserved "death, I hadn't the heart to kill him ;
so I returned him to his place behind the wagon.
He was made to travel all the way to Vicksburg
with the collar and chain fast to his neck. At
Vicksburg he was tried by court-martial, and sen
tenced to confinement on Johnson's Island.
When the army arrived at Jonesboro, on its re
turn, General McPherson sent me, with a squad of
nine men, into the country to hunt up forage. We
were all mounted. When we had gone about eight
miles to the northwest, we came to a small stream
that flowed within deep perpendicular banks, and a

316 THE GREAT AMERICAN j
few yards beyond the stream we came to a house,
where we dismounted. I went to the stable in seareh
of horses and mules. On returning to the yard, in
front of the house, I found my men gathered in a cir
cle around a young lady that had come out of the
house. She was dressed extravagantly gay and rich,
evidently in expectation of a visit from somebody.
Her gay appearance something to do in gathering the
men around her.
"Boys," said I, " don't you know better than to
huddle together in that way for bushwhackers to shoot
at? One shot would kill two or three of you."
"That's so, Bunker," said they scattering out.
" What are you dressed up so nice for?" said I to
the lady. Who's coming to see you ?"
" I ain't dressed up ; this is my every-day attire."
" You needn't try to deceive me in that way ; there
is somebody coming to see you, and if you don't tell
me who it is, I'll burn your house doAvn."
"Perhaps if you stay here long enough you will
find out Avho it is."
" Whereabouts is General Ross's command?"
" He is not far from here."
• " Well, where is he ?"
" Down in the woods yonder."
" Come on, boys, we'll go down and see."
We mounted and rode down into the woods ; there
we discovered a great many fresh horse-tracks. I
ordered the boys to dismount and form a skirmish
line. We had hardly got into position when a Confed
erate general made his appearance on a rise of

SCOUT AND SPY. 317
ground in our front, about sixty yards distant, com
ing toward us. When he had ascended fairly to the
top of the hill, he halted to look. He was the rich
est dressed general that I ever saw. His uniform Was
heavily trimmed with gold lace, and his saddle, bri
dle, and holsters were mounted with gold. The gen
eral was straight, and well proportioned, and made a
splendid appearance. I presumed that it was Gen
eral Ross, on his way to visit the young lady.
"Jim," said I to the man nearest to me, whom I
knew to be a good shot, " why don't you shoot that
general ?"
Jim fired but missed him. We gave chase, and
fired twelve or fifteen shots at him, but, in the ex
citement of the occasion, we all missed him. We
followed about forty rods, then returned to our horses,
recrossed the bridge, tore it up, stationed ourselves
behind trees, and waited for the approach of the ene
my, who, I felt sure, would give chase. We had not
waited long until the expected enemy came. We
opened fire on them as they came up, which was
kept up by us for several minutes, ancl returned with
equal vigor by them. Finding they made no im
pression on us, they withdrew. Suspecting that they
knew of some other place to cross the stream, I told
the boys to "light out." We were hardly in saddle
till we saw the rebels coming from another direc
tion. They had crossed the creek, intent on our
capture. Away we went, and the rebs after us. It
was now nip and tuck who had the fastest horses.
Fortunately for us, during our absence the 16th

318 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Corps had moved out on the road that we were on,
and gone into camp, and we had only about three
miles to ride before we ran into our own lines. The
rebs kept up the chase until they were fired into by
our pickets. I never learned whether we injured
any of the rebs or not ; my own men received no in
jury- Two days' further marching brought the army
within four miles of Pearl River Swamp, where it
halted to lay a pontoon across Pearl River. While
the army was waiting, I was ordered by General
Leggett to take a detail of eighteen men from the
32d Ohio Infantry, in addition to which I had a squad
of nine that had been on detail with me for several
days. With these I was to go after forage, and be
ready to start at daylight the next morning. I got
horses for my men, and had them all ready that
night. In the morning we started for General Leg-
gett's headquarters for special instructions. On the
Avay I met a lieutenant of the 23d Indiana Infantry,
with a detail of ninety men, all mounted. He said to
me, "Bunker, what is your detail for?"
I told him that I was going after forage. He said,
"lam ordered to take command of all forage parties
to-day. You and your men fall in with me." The
men, supposing it was all right, fell in, except one.
I knew well enough that he had misrepresented his
order to the men. He wore shoulder-straps and I
Avore none. I Avas vexed. I sat on my horse and
watched his movements. He rode on to the head of
his command with more assuming dignity than a Ma-

SCOUT AND SPY. 319
jor-General with a. command of a hundred thousand
men. H<?> paid no attention to his men, and they
strung out behind long enough for a good-sized regi
ment. I told the man that had remained with me to
go on, and tell the men of my detail that I wanted
them to run with me, and to drop back behind till I
came up. This they did, without being missed by the
lieutenant. I got them all back but one man. The
lieutenant filed to the left at the first left-hand road ;
I went on to the second left-hand road, and then filed
left. I calculated to let the lieutenant have the out
side track, and I would forage inside his operations.
After turning to the left, Ave went a mile, and then
took a track that led to the right, down through a
field, and then into a piece of woods, until we came
to a creek, with a steep bank on the side that we
were on that was four feet down to the water. We
could only get our animals down the bank by push
ing them- In this we succeeded. The opposite bank
we ascended without difficulty. We were then about
five miles from where the lieutenant and I parted.
Going on a few yards further, I heard the sound of
voices, and motioned to the boys to stop. We lis
tened, and could distinctly hear loud talking, and oc
casionally suqh expressions as "thar," "you all,"
and " gwine," which led us to conclude that we Avere
coming upon a party of rebs. I knew that Carson's
cavalry was somewhere not far distant, and readily
enough suspected that the talking we heard was from
his men. To retrace our steps was impossible, owing
to the nature of the opposite bank of the stream. To

820 THE GREAT AMERICAN
remain long where we were was dangerous. " Boys,"
said I, "Ave must do one of two things — either
fight those rebs or go to Andersonville. Which will
you do ?"
" Try 'em a whack, Bunker."
"Well, then, tie your horses, and get into a line
of skirmishers, and I'll ride cautiously forward and
see what's there. I went so near that I saw two
Confederate soldiers and a negro, clad in confederate
uniform. This confirmed my suspicions that we had
run. into Carson's cavalry. I concluded that our only
hope lay in the trial of strategy. From the voices
that I beard, the party, whoever they were, greatly
outnumbered mine.
Having placed myself at the rear of my command,
I shouted at the top of my voice, "Attention
battalion! Company A, on the right, and B,
ON THE LEFT, DEPLOY AS SKIRMISHERS! FORWARD
— double-quick — march !" Away the boys went.
Then I shouted, "Battalion — forward — double*
quick — march!" I was the battalion. I kept on
giving commands, as we. advanced, as loud as I could
yell, as if I was commanding a full regiment of in*
fantry. The strategy had its effect. The party did
not Avait to see who we were, but very unceremo
niously "lit out." We only got sight of three per
sons ; those were the two Confederate soldiers and
the negro that I have mentioned, who remained behind
for us to capture. We now found out that we had
stampeded a party of Federal soldiers. They had
left two yoke of oxen and a wagon, loaded with a

scout and spy\ 321
barrel of sugar, a sack of flour, and nice hams. On
top of the load was a roll of carpeting. The fleeing
party had left along their line of flight great numbers
of nice hams, that they had thrown away in their
efforts to escape. The three persons that we had
captured had hauled the stuff down into the woods
that morning, to hide it from the Yankees. A party
of Federal soldiers had discovered the track, and
followed it up, and were in the act of appropriating
the best of the hams to their own use, when we
surprised them. We took possession of the property,
and started on, keeping a plantation road that wound
its way round to the main road, on which the army
was encamped.
Just before we came out on the main road, I halted
my party to give the oxen a chance to rest. While
there, the 11th Illinois Cavalry and a brigade of
infantry were seen coming out on the road that we
were on, with battle-flags flying. Coming up to us,
they halted. At the head of the command, with
the Colonel of the 11th Illinois Cavalry, was the
Lieutenant of the forage party and a private of the
23d Indiana Infantry. Said the private to me :
" Bunker, Avas there a carpet on that wagon ?"
" Yes ; but we threw it away."
" Is there sugar in that barrel?"
"Yes." " Is there flour in that sack?"
"Yes."
Turning to the lieutenant, " Here is your wagon."
" Do you claim that wagon, Lieutenant?" I inquired.

322 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" I don't know as it is my wagon."
"If it is, just say so ; I don't know as one soldier
is better than another. These supplies are for this
noble army. If they are yours, just say so ; then I'll
tell how I came by them."
"I don't know as I care who has them; only I
would like to have had one of those hams for my din
ner." " Well, why didn't you save one of the hams that
you threw away, if you wanted one so bad ?"
"I declare," said the Colonel, "if this ain't a
pretty flirt ! A brigade of infantry and a battalion
of cavalry sent out to attack Bunker and his squad !"
The colonel then moved with his command back to
camp, and I reported with my forage to General
Leggett. The next day I took out a squad of six men on a
road leading to the northwest. Two miles out I came
to a cross-road leading down to Pearl River. Near
the corners stood a dwelling-house, and in the yard
lay a dead horse, which, from appearances, had been
killed only a few minutes before. Riding into the
yard and reining up to the door of the house, I called
the occupants out, who proved to be a widow lady
and two daughters. I inquired hoAV the horse came
to be killed in her yard. At first she refused to tell.
By threatening to burn her house, I succeeded in
drawing out the information that a Federal soldier
had been there but a few minutes, when a Confeder
ate colonel, an adjutant, and a servant rode into the
yard; the servant was mounted on a mule. The

SCOUT AND SPY. 323
Federal soldier, seeing them, rushed out of the house
and fired his piece at the adjutant, and then rushed at
the colonel with his bayonet. The shot missed the adju
tant and killed his horse. The colonel shot the soldier
in the right arm and disabled him. The adjutant left
the servant to shift for himself, mounted the mule
and rode off with the colonel toward Pearl River.
They hurried their prisoner off as fast as he could go,
without giving him time to tie up his wound. Hav
ing learned this, I said, "Come on, boys! we can
outrun a mule, and perhaps we can catch them.
Away we went, under full spur. A chase of a little
over two miles brought us in sight of a dwelling-
house, where, by the roadside, Avas hitched a horse
and a mule, and sitting upon the porch was a Federal
soldier. The colonel and adjutant had entered the house
and called for a snack. The man of the house re
plied, " Really, Colonel, I should like to get you
something to eat, but I am afraid the Yankees will
be upon you before my servants can get it ready."
" No they won't, they are afraid of me. The cow
ardly rascals dasn't follow me ! I've got one of them
now ; if they come I'll get some more."
The soldier, seeing us coming, and having heard
the conversation, said : " The Colonel is a brave man,
indeed ; but, by the looks of things out here, he, is
gone up. Hearing that, they made a rush for their
animals, and we fired a volley from our revolvers,
which killed the adjutant instantly. We emptied our
revolvers at the colonel ; but in the excitement of the

324 THE GREAT AMERICAN
occasion every shot missed, and he succeeded in
mounting his horse and starting off toward the river.
By the time he was in his saddle, I was within twen
ty feet of him. The chase was a desperate one. The
colonel, at intervals of a few rods, would let drive a
back-handed shot toward me, until he had emptied
his piece. My horse would lay back his Qrtars and
open his mouth, and spring forward with all his force,
as if to catch hold of the colonel's horse with his
teeth. A mile and a half brought us to the river. I
had gained at least ten feet. The colonel's horse
splashed into the water, and mine gave a leap and
came nearly up, and then outswam his, till I came
near enough to strike the colonel on the back of the head
With the butt of my revolver, which considerably
stunned him, and enabled me to get his horse by the
bridle. " Surrender," said I, "or I'll kill you !"
" Don't strike me again, I'm your prisoner," said
the colonel.
"Bring him out," shouted the boys, who, by this
time had come up.
We conducted the prisoner back to the house,
where we found the soldier, still bleeding and very-
weak from the loss of blood. He belonged to the
32d Ohio Infantry. He said that he had asked the
woman of the house for a rag with which to tie up
his wound, which she refused to give him, adding, "I
hope you will bleed to death." We dressed the
wound as well as we could, and then took care of the
Avoman's rags. We then carried the soldier to his

SCOUT AND SPY. 325
regiment, and the colonel to General McPherson's
headquarters. After crossing Pearl River, very little occurred of
interest in my individual experience during the
march back to Vicksburg. A great many forage
parties and straggling soldiers were gobbled up by
the enemy during the raid ; but, though I was out
with men under my charge nearly every day, I
never lost a man during the entire campaign, which
lasted thirty days. On the march from Canton to
Vicksburg the troops were not allowed to destroy
property. The raid was a demonstration of the fea
sibility of the plan of campaigning which was after
ward inaugurated by General Sherman in the State
of Georgia.

326 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTER XXVII.
Starts home on veteran furlough — Suspected of being a, rebel spy— Com
missioned officer serves him at the table — Kind attentions at home— gt
lences an old maid — Returns to the front— Shot at twenty-one times^-
The remedy— A Union lady— The dwarf weaver— The weaver fee-
headed — Goes into Marietta as a spy — Confederate side of the linefi— Es*
cape from the rebs — General McPherson's death — Hard fighting.
Early in March, 1864, we left Vicksburg for. home
on a veteran furlough. At Memphis we changed
from the steamer Continental to a Memphis and Cin
cinnati packet. General Breman took passage with
us as far as Cairo, 111., and, being the senior officer in
rank on board, was in command of the troops. It is
customary, when troops are on board transports, to
have a guard and an officer of the day, whose duty it
is to preserve order, subject to the instructions of the
commanding officer.
The next morning after we left Memphis, Captain
Ayres, of the 20th Ohio Infantry, was the officer of
the day. On reporting to General Breman for in
structions, he was informed that there was a "suspi
cious character" on board. He pointed me out to the
captain, and told him that I came on board at Mem
phis, and that, in all probability, I was either a rebel
spy or an incendiary, watching an opportunity to
burn up the boat. He instructed the captain to watch
me, and if my actions confirmed his suspicions, to ar-

SCOUT AND SPY. 327
rest me and place me under guard. The captain was
personally acquainted with me, but kept the fact to
himself. As soon as an opportunity offered, the cap
tain told me what the general had said ; so I resolved
to see how he would act when he found out who I
was. Walking back to the after-cabin, I found Gen
eral Force and General Breman engaged in reading.
Said I to the latter, saluting him, " General Breman,
you don't know me, do you?"
"Not that I know of."
" You don't remember of having me arrested in
Tennessee as a rebel spy ?"
" That's Mr. Ruggles, General," said General
Force ; " he's a useful man. He's a valuable scout."
"Ah!" said Breman, remembering his instructions
to the officer of the day, and coloring slightly, " I
didn't know Avhat to make of you. I did suspect your
loyalty." "I'm loyal enough, but I am among the rebs so
much that I sometimes act like one." The officer of
the day Avas saved the necessity of placing me under
¦arrest. Before reaching Cincinnati, the boat supplies be
came so nearly exhausted that it became necessary
to issue an order forbidding any but commissioned
officers ancl their attaches being furnished with meals
by the boat. There were so many to eat that it gen
erally required the table to be set three times before
all would be supplied. The first time the table was
set after the order was issued, I called at the clerk's
office to buy a ticket for dinner for myself and a

,328 THE GREAT AMERICAN
friend, and was refused on the plea that the order for*
bid furnishing meals to enlisted men. My friend and
I then seated ourselves at the table, but were ordered
away by the steward. On our refusing to go, he re
ported us to the clerk, who came and ordered us
away. I told him that we were entitled to get our
meals there, and if he couldn't furnish us a waiter,
I'd get a commissioned officer to wait on us. I then
ordered a waiter to serve us, but the clerk counter
manded it. Just then Captain Bostwick, of the 20th
Ohio Infantry, was passing by us.
"Here, Captain," said I, "these men have got
above their business. They won't wait on us because
we ha'n't got on shoulder-straps. Can't you wait on
a poor soldier ? "
'• Certainly, gentlemen ; what will you have, roast
beef, or boiled ham ? "
"Some ofthe beef, if you please, Captain."
Away went the Captain with our plates. General
Force, having heard our words, now made his ap
pearance. " General," said I, "this man and I fare
rather slim ; they won't give us any thing to eat on
this boat unless we have a man with shoulder-straps
to wait upon us."
"Clerk," said the General, "let these men have
what they want to eat. That man there (pointing
to my friend) is a commissioned officer, and the
other man is a great deal more deserving of his meals
than I am."
"I beg your pardon, gentlemen," said the clerk.
" Waiter, serve these men."

SCOUT AND SPY. 329
"Nevermind the waiter, clerk. We don't want
any of your trash around us ; we have eom/mssicmed
officers to serve us." The Captain served us till we
had finished our meal, very much to the amusement
of those looking on.
On my arrival in Ohio, I found that my reputation
as a scout and spy had preceded me, and where-
ever I went I could scarcely make my appearance on
the street without having a crowd gather around me,
eager to hear my experience in the scout service. I
was pressed with invitations to call upon people whom
I had never seen or heard of before. Circumstances,
beyond my control, rendered my position an embar
rassing one. We Avere to have been paid our bounty,
back pay, and veteran bounty at Columbus, 0., but,
by the carelessness of. the commissary of musters that
mustered me, my veteran papers were left at Vicks
burg, so that I drew no pay, and, consequently, my
clothes were ragged and my pocket empty. Embar
rassing as this was to me, it seemed to have very
little influence with others, and ladies in silk would
listen with intense interest to the narratives of the
ragged soldier.
I am proud that I live in a country Avhere patri
otism, valor, and services rendered to the Govern
ment, are more highly appreciated than dress or a
lavish expenditure of money. My war-worn clothes
did not diminish the number of my friends and ad
mirers, otherwise my veteran visit would have been
an unhappy one.
In the course of my visiting, I spent an evening at a

330 THE GREAT AMERICAN
farm-house, where was boarding the school-mistress
of the district. She was a lady aged forty-two years
— my age exactly — and would usually, be called an
"old maid." Her tongue was as flexible as mine:
indeed, I found it hard to get the start of her. At
first, we were shy of each other ; she was afraid of
soiling her silk, and I was afraid to show my rags.
Our seats were at opposite sides of the room.
Gradually, however, our interest in each other's
stories increased, and our distance apart as gradually
diminished, until, finally, we were sitting side by side,
and became the centre of attraction for the evening
by our narratives, alternately told — hers of school-
teaching experience and mine of experience in the
scout service. At last she said: "Mr. Ruggles, I
should like to knoAv how you learned to practise the
art of deception, as you did, among the Southern
people. They are not all fools, are they ? "
"No, ma'am, they are not all fools," but they
acted foolish when they rebelled.
"Really, then, I should like to knoAv how you
learned it."
" I'll tell you, if you will permit me to do so."
" I should like to know."
" I learned it in paying my respects to old maids."
"There ! there! that will do !" and away she went to
the opposite side ofthe room, much to the amusement of
the company present. For the remainder of the eve
ning I had to keep at a respectable distance from her.
Our veteran furloughs having expired, we reported
to General Leggett, at Cairo, Illinois, who sent me to

SCOUT AND SPY. 331
Clifton, Tennessee, to report to General M. F. Force
for duty. He sent me to Pulaski, a distance of sixty-
two miles, with dispatches. A squad of twenty men,
under command of a lieutenant from a battalion of
Tennessee cavalry, Avas sent with me as an escort.
The entire battalion of cavalry — in all, four hundred
men — had been in the Confederate service. They
Avere captured at the taking of Fort Donelson, and
had been released by the Federal authorities, and had
enlisted in the Federal service, They had been run
ning the courier line to Pulaski, but had never got
through with their dispatches. The men of the bat
talion lived in the country lying between Clifton ancl
Pulaski. Soon after starting out from Clifton, my cavalry
escort began to drop off, one at a time, to visit their
homes, and when I arrived at Pulaski I had but two
of my escort with me — one was the lieutenant and
the other a sergeant. I Avent through Avithout being
molested. I returned to Clifton with dispatches alone, and
without difficulty. Two days after I was sent
back again alone. I always passed over the most
dangerous part of the route in the night. I went
through undisturbed, but on my return I was shot at
twenty-one times. At Lawrencburg I was fired at
from the dwelling-houses, as I passed through the place,
without any challenge to halt. One man Avas stand
ing on his porch, with his gun in his hand, evidently
watching for me to come, and fired at me as I
passed. Four miles from Lawrence I came to several

332 THE GREAT AMERICAN
cotton-factories ; the locality bore the reputation of
being loyal. There I was fired at both from the
factories and dwelling-houses. I went through both
of these places under full spur. The last shot that was
fired at me was by a man standing in the middle of
the road, who challenged me to halt, and at the same
time brought his piece to an aim. Instead of halting,
I put spurs to my horse and dashed by. I was not
more than six feet from him when he fired, but, in the
excitement of the moment, his shot missed me, and I
passed on unharmed. I can assure the reader, from
actual experience, that it is no very pleasant thing to be
a mark for people to shoot at. I am fully convinced
that it was citizens that fired at me, and that they
had found out, through the cavalry that I have men
tioned, that I was a bearer of dispatches, and were
watching for me.
I delivered my dispatches to General Force, and
told him that I was afraid to run the line alone,
He gave me an order for twenty-one men, Avith the
privilege of selecting men of my choice. Two days
after, I again started to Pulaski, with my escort, who
Avere infantry soldiers, mounted. Previous to start
ing, I told General Sherman my plan of operation, to
Avhich he said, "Very well." I called at every house
along the entire route. If the people were in bed, I
made them get up, and said to them, "I am rwrming
a courier line from Clifton to Pulaski, and you. good,
loyal people have fired at me twenty-one times. If lam
ever fired at again, whether lam killed or not, every man,
within four miles of this road, on either side, shall be
shot, and your houses burnt."

SCOUT AND SPY. 333
All of them claimed to be innocent, and said they
were quiet, peacably-disposed citizens. I went
through and back with my escort without being
molested, and for three weeks after, I ran the line
alone, without being disturbed.
At the expiration of three weeks, General Leggett
arrived at Clifton with the 3d Division of the 17th
Army corps, bringing with his . command twenty- two
hundred head of cattle for beef. The troops now
prepared to march across to Georgia, to increase the
force operating under General Sherman for the cap
ture of Atlanta.
Preparatory to the inarching of the troops, General
Force sent me out on the road to Florence, to ascer
tain the locality of Roddy's cavalry — Avhich was
known to be hovering around — to prevent any at
tempt it might make to stampede the cattle. I
found out that the cavalry, 4,000 strong, was at
Florence, Ala., and that Col. Bill Johnson commanded
900 of Roddy's choicest men, and that he— Roddy —
had heard of the arrival of the cattle, and had
ordered Johnson to be on the alert for an opportu
nity to stampede them. This I learned from citizens
who seemed to be well informed of the intended
movements of both forces. Having satisfied myself
that the information was reliable, I did not go into
Florence, but crossed over to the Nashville and
Florence military road, which I came to seven miles
from the latter place. I then went toward LaAV-
renceburg, on my return to my command. Twelve
miles from Avhere I came into the road, I halted at

334 THE GREAT AMERICAN
a dwelling-house, ancl said to the man of the house,
"Can I get my horse fed, and some supper here?"
" Where do you belong?"
" I belong to Bill Johnson's cavalry, and I'm going
down to look up the Yankee beef-cattle."
"Yes, yes; come in. The servant will feed your
horse. I hope you'll succeed in finding the cattle."
The servants were already engaged in preparing
supper for the family. Just before supper was an
nounced, a daughter of the planter came in. I should
judge that she was about sixteen years old.
"Mother," said she, "what are you doing with
that man here ?"
"He's one of Johnson's men, and he's going
down to hunt up the Yankee beef-cattle," was the
reply. "Well, you had better watch him, or he'll steal
something before he leaves."
"Behave yourself, and not insult the man in that
AA'ay," said the mother.
" I do behave. He ought to be insulted. You
are going down to hunt up the Yankees, are you ?"
she continued, addressing me. "You are a pretty
object to be engaged in hunting up Yankees. The
sight of one pair of blue breeches Avould make six such
monuments of God's sparing mercy as you are get up
and have the ground."
At the table the impudent thing would watch me,
and whenever she could get my eye she would make
faces at me, which she carried to such an extreme
that her mother slapped her ears.

SCOUT AND SPY. 335
Whether the whole family were loyal, or only the
daughter, or whether the daughter was secesh, and
tried only to draw out my true character, the reader
alone must judge ; my duties were such that I dare
not trust any of them.
I reached Clifton Avithout being disturbed.
On the arrival of the troops to within two miles
of Lawrenceburg, I was sent ahead to that place,
with instructions to go out on the military road
toward Florence, and see if Johnson was coming. I
told the adjutant-general that I was afraid to go on
that road without an escort, on account of bush
whackers. He gave me an order for the men out
of the 11th Illinois Cavalry. When Ave had gone
three miles on the military road, Ave came suddenly
Upon a dwarfish-looking man, mounted on a horse,
who was wonderfully frightened at our unexpected
meeting. " Hoav far have you come on this road ?" I inquired
of him.
" I have come from Florence."
" Did you see any of Colonel Bill Johnson's cavalry
on the road ?"
'• No, sir ; there is no cavalry on the road. Roddy's
cavalry is at Florence ; there is none this side of
there." "Look here, you are lying to me," I said, eyeing
him closely. "A'n't there any cavalry camped at
Shoal Creek?"
" No, sir ; if there is I did not see them."
' ' You are lying to me sure. Johnson's cavalry is at

336 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Shoal Creek, not more than three miles from here,
and you could not pass without seeing them. You
belong to the cavalry, and have been sent out to see
if the Yankees are coming with the cattle."1
"No, indeed, I don't belong to them," he persisted ;
" I am no soldier, and did not see any soldiers along
the road. I am a weaver by trade, ancl do not belong
to the army."
" Well, go with us ; we'll find out whether you are
a soldier or not." His fright now turned into terror.
We went about a mile, when we met Johnson's cavalry
coming up, and were obliged to turn back. As we
turned, one of the 11th Illinois cavalry, Avith a single
stroke of his saber, severed the weaver's head from his
body, which struck the ground before his body began
to fall, and Ave left him for his comrades to take care
of. I have no doubt that he was a scout for Johnson,
and that he calculated his being a dwarf would clear
all suspicion of his belonging to the army.
I reported the approach of Johnson to General
Leggett, Avho threw out a brigade of infantry in line
of battle, to prevent an attack upon the cattle.
Johnson formed his lines of attack, and moved up
till he saw the infantry, then fell back and disap
peared. At Huntsville, Alabama, the ague came on me so
bad that I was unable for duty. Leaving my horse
Avith a scout that had run Avith me considerably, I
went to the hospital. I did not like the looks of
things there, so I was sent to Chattanooga, where I
remained four days, at the end of which time I felt a

SCOUT AND SPY'. 337
little better, and resolved to go back to the front.
Hospital discipline and I could not agree. I went to
a member of General McPherson's staff and told him
what I wanted, and he gave me a pass to report to
General Sherman, wherever I could find him. I came
up with him just at the opening of the Buzzard's
Roost fight, in which I took a part. From there I
was with the advanced guards until we came to
Resaca, at AVhich place I assisted, on the right flank,
in fighting Wheeler's cavalry. I kept along Avith the
advance "of the army until we arrived at Kingston,
where General Leggett's command formed a junction,
with us. There I found my horse. From there I had
nothing of particular interest to do until the rebs
were driven to the Kenesaw Mountain.
At that place General McPherson sent for me, and
asked me if I thought I could go into Marietta and
get back again. I told him I could, if allowed to
take my OAvn plans to accomplish it, which he said
I might do. He told me to go in and find out
whether the battery that commands the approach
along the railroad is a masked one, and count the
guns ; see whether any State militia were there, and
whether any part of the line was held by them, and
whether they were mixed in with other troops. I
Avas to examine the enemy's first line of works, and
see how far they extended ; and how deep the ditches
were, and whether I thought it practicable to carry
them by assault. He gave me fifty dollars in green
backs to defray my expenses, and sent me to Major-
General Logan for a Confederate uniform and some
15

338 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Confederate money. Thus equipped, I started out
the next day on horseback. I passed along our lines
to the extreme left, to General Garrard's headquar
ters, where I left my papers, and procured a pass
through the lines. I passed the videttes about noon,
and proceeded on in an easterly direction until I
reached Canton, sixteen miles from General McPher
son's headquarters. There I staid all night. In the
morning I resumed my journey, on a road leading
south, and halted for the night at a small village on
the Chattahoochee River, called Roswell Factories,
twenty-eight miles from Canton. The next morning
a division of South Carolina cavalry came along from
the east, just as I was ready to start out. I fell in
and attached myself to company A, of the 1st South
Carolina, and represented myself as belonging to the
11th Texas Cavalry — which I knew Avas in our front
when I started out — going to join my command. The
explanation proved satisfactory, and I kept along
with them till Ave reached Marietta, a distance from
Roswell Factories of eighteen miles. Then I left
them, under pretence of going to my own regiment,
and went north along the railroad, until I came to
the battery that I Avas directed to visit. It contained
twelve large guns, avcII masked. I then turned to
the right, and rode along the first line of intrench
ments. About eighty rods from the masked battery
I found a six-gun battery of small guns, and about
eighty rods further on was another six-gun battery
of small guns.
About midway between the tAvo six-gun batteries,

SCOUT AND SPY. 339
I came upon a small squad of militia that had been
digging a spur from the main ditch for a rifle-pit.
One of the party stepped out of a pit that he had just
completed, and for a moment contemplated the result
of his labor, and then said : Nary a Yankee is gwine
to come up thar ; thar is whar I'll stay, and thar is
whar I'll die!" When we came in possession of the
place, however, Ave found no dead bodies "thar."
Down under the hill from the six-gun batteries,
toward Marietta, I found a large force of state militia,
who were holding the right of the rebel • lines by
themselves. There Avas nothing military in their
appearance. Their camp was Avithout regularity, and
filthy in the extreme. Many of them had their
families with them, and some of them had cows tied to
to their wagons. The dog and cat were not left be
hind. The tongues of their wagons usually pointed
outward, and boards laid across from one wagon-
tongue to another served them as tables. Decrepit
old men and little boys, women and babies, white
and black, were there. The various kinds and cal
ibers of small-arms were as numerous and different as
the individuals that carried them.
The ditches of the first line I found to be four feet
deep and six wide. A little to the right and front of
the militia, I found a brigade of Texas cavalry,
composed, in part, of the 11th and 3d Texas regiments;
two other Texas regiments made up the brigade. I
Avent to the orderly sergeant of company A, of the
11th Texas, and told him that I belonged to company
A of the 1st South Carolina Cavalry, and that my

340 THE GREAT AMERICAN
regiment had just come in that day, and that I had
got separated from my command, and I would like to
stay with him overnight, and then hunt up my
regiment in the morning. He went to the Colonel
and asked permission to keep me, which was granted.
The colonel of the 11th Texas was in command of
the brigade.
In the morning the brigade prepared to make a
demonstration upon General Wilder's command ; so I
told the orderly that I would go along and see the fun.
The command moved out a short distance and then
halted. Just then an orderly rode up and handed
the colonel a dispatch, which, when he had read, he
sent the whole command back to camp except the
company I was with ; with that he said he would go
out and capture a Yankee vedette. We rode until
we came to a narrow ridge of ground. As we were
rising this, and just as we had reached its summit, we
unexpectedly received five shots from Federal
vedettes, which killed the colonel and two pri
vates. The command immediately broke to the rear and
fled toward camp. I broke back with them until Ave
reached the foot of the hill, when I turned to my right,
and went up the hollow, I should judge about three
hundred yards, and again ascended the ridge, ancl
crossed to a little brook that flowed along the .base of
the hill, and crossed the road between the vedettes
and where the colonel was killed. A little below
me, in the brook, was a Federal soldier, engaged in
washing his face. His hat and gun were lying upon

SCOUT AND SPY. 34l
the bank. He was but a mere boy. Seeing me
approach, he seized his gun, cocked it, and raised it
to his face, when I called to him, " Hold on, my little
man, I am a Federal soldier ; don't shoot me ! "
"Well, then, come in out of the wet! Don't you
try to get away ; if you do I'll bore you ! "
The little fellow kept his piece levelled at me until
I came up, and then marched me away to the reserve.
He was so elated with his capture that he forgot his
hat, and marched me in without it.
From the reserve I was taken to General Wilder's
headquarters, and then to Colonel Miller's, where my
horse was taken from me. From there I was taken
to the corral of rebel prisoners, near General
Garrard's headquarters, and turned in. I sat down
upon a block of wood, near the entrance to the
inclosure, and leaned my head upon my hands. I
had been there but a moment, when a prisoner,
discovering that I was a fresh arrival, stepped up and
said, "To what command do you belong?"
" Clear out, and don't bother me," I replied ; "I'm
mad now."
The prisoners, seeing that I was not in a talking
mood, left me to myself. Shortly after, the Adjutant-
General came out and discovered me sitting there.
I heard him call the sergeant of the guard, who
shortly came to the entrance and said, "Halloa, there,
you long-haired fellow ! you are wanted here." He
took me to headquarters, where I received the
papers that I. had left there, and an order for my
horse and a pass to General McPherson's head-

342 THE GREAT AMERICAN
quarters, where I arrived after an absence of five
days and a half.
The information that I gathered showed that the
enemy's right was the most advantageous point for
us to attack ; so much so, that it was thought by good
judges that a single army corps could easily have
entered Marietta. General Sherman, however, was
not left to choose his place of attack, for the next
morning the enemy made a furious assault upon our
right, against General Hooker's command. The on
slaught was impetuous and the pressure tremendous,
but was heroically resisted. For a time it seemed as
if Hooker's entire command would be swept away
by the masses that were hurled against it. It was
enough, however, that "Fighting Joe" was there to
animate his troops by his noble bearing.
The action was sustained in all its fury, and grad
ually spread from right to left, until the whole line
was engaged, and lasted until, overpowered by the
boys in blue, the enemy broke and fled, resulting in
a complete victory to the Federal arms, with the pos
session of Kenesaw Mountain and Marietta.
The next day, at my request, General McPherson
and staff, accompanied by GeneraLLeggett, went with
me to see the places that I had described in my re
port. After we had visited them, General McPher
son said that he was convinced that I had reported
correctly. I mention this, because, it is not uncom
mon for spies to go out, and, on their return, report
that which they know nothing about. It was a satis-

SCOUT AND SPY. 343
faction for me to know that he was satisfied that I had
visited the places that I had described.
General Sherman continued to press the enemy
toward Atlanta, and his victory at Kenesaw Mountain
was followed by an advance of his lines to within
two miles of that place, and extending around three
sides of it.
The 20th day of July, General Hood's supersedure
of General Johnston in the command of the Confed
erate army Avas inaugurated by a furious attack upon
the 4th and 14th corps, comprising General Sher
man's centre. Very much to our satisfaction, General
Johnston's slow-retreating process of campaign was
changed to one of rapid evolutions and bold, des
perate dashes. Our greatest difficulty had been to
get the enemy to fight. This Ave now had an oppor
tunity of doing. The hardy veterans of the North
west received the attack with coolness and determina
tion, and, though the enemy came in massed columns,
they stood their ground, dealing out death and de
struction, until Hood was glad to withdraw, leaving
his dead and wounded in our hands.
On the morning of July 22d, General McPherson
was informed, by a member of his staff, a picket offi
cer, that he had heard, during the night, a noise 'like
the moving of artillery, which he surmised to be
the enemy evacuating Atlanta. General McPherson
thought the officer was mistaken about the evacuation
of the place. The noise of moving troops, he thought,
was probably a body of rebel cavalry that had moved

344 THE GREAT AMERICAN
out ou our left flank, which lay stretched along on the
east side of the place.
To clear up the matter, General McPherson told
me to take my horse and ride out to Decatur, which
was four miles distant, and from there out on the
Stone Mountain road, and find out Whether the enemy-
was there. He instructed me to go as far as I could,
and not get captured. If I found the enemy, I was
to drop back toward our lines, and feel along, at in
tervals, for the enemy toward our left. This was on
the supposition that the enemy might have a line ex
tending around our left flank and along its rear.
Three-quarters of a mile out from Decatur, I came
upon five rebel soldiers on picket. They challenged
me to halt, but I had no intention of halting there ;
so I wheeled about and "lit out." The rebs might
have shot me as well as not. I returned to our lines,
and went out on another road, and had proceeded
but about half a mile, when I came upon more rebel
pickets. They did not fire at me. I tried to get out,
in all, at thirteen different places, and every time
encountered pickets, none of whom tried to shoot me .
I was well satisfied that the noise of moving troops,
heard in the night, were infantry and artillery moving
round to our rear, intending to surprise us, and for
that reason their pickets were forbidden to fire upon
individuals or small parties.
I then hastened back and reported to General
McPherson what I had seen. He wanted to knoAv
if I was sure the pickets were infantry, and I told
him that I was. He seemed to doubt the possibility

SCOUT AND SPY. 345
of their being infantry. He and his staff then rode
out to our rear picket-line, on a road that I had not
been out on, and, waiting there, he sent me out to
see if I could find any pickets. I went about forty
rods, when I came to a dwelling-house, standing in
a little opening in the woods that lined either, side
of the road. It Avas then about eleven o'clock, a. m.
I had become very thirsty from constant riding in
the hot sun since early in the morning ; so I rode up
to the door of the house, and inquired of a lady there
if she would have the kindness to give me a drink
of water. Said she, " I have just drawn a bucket
of fresh water at the Avell, back there, and you can
have some in welcome ; but I reckon you are a Fed
eral soldier, and if you stop to get it, you will get
killed, for a colonel ancl two of our soldiers have just
this minute stepped away from the Avell." Without
stopping to drink, I rode back into the road, and
there, about seventy -five yards further on, stood the
colonel and two soldiers. They did not fire at me,
but the colonel, who had his sword in his hand, gave
it a defiant flourish, as if. to say, "You'll catch it
directly." I went back to General McPherson, and
reported Avhat I had found, who then rode out with
me and saw for himself. He said it was about noon,
and he would go back to dinner and send out a recon-
noitering party.
While we were eating our dinner, a firing com
menced on the picket-line to the rear, and in less
than five minutes an entire division Avas engaged.
Brigades of troops had been stationed near the rear
15*

346 THE GREAT AMERICAN
pickets as a reserve. It was these troops that were
attacked. The troops known as the "Iowa Brigade"
of the 17th Army Corps were among the reserves.
Against this brigade were massed such overwhelming
numbers, that it Avas compelled to give way and fall
back. General McPherson immediately rode to the
scene of action, and ordered up a, brigade to its sup
port. Anticipating that when the first shock of the
onset was over the enemy would ease up, and swing
round in mass against the rear of his left, he imme
diately dispatched his staff with orders to the different
commanders to counteract such a move. He watched
the progress of the action until satisfied that his pres
ence was no longer needed there, and then started
for the left.
The falling back and changing of position of the
Iowa brigade had left a gap in our lines. Through
this a part of the rebel line advanced. As we were
making our way along, Ave met the rebel skirmish-
line, whose direction of advance had become changed
by the broken character of the country'. A volley
Avas fired at us, Avhich instantly killed General Mc
Pherson, the ball passing in at one side and out at
the other, piercing his heart and lungs ; another
wounding his horse across the breast, and another
wounding his horse across the neck, and another
passed through the lower part of one of the forefeet
of my horse, tearing off a shoe and leaving a groove
across the entire foot. Seizing the General's horse
by the bridle, I led him away out of danger.
Two orderlies and a captain of the Signal Corps

o m i

o nz m
33>

Xn
WO z

SCOUT AND SPY; 347
were the only persons, besides myself, that were near
the General when he fell. As soon as it was known
that McPherson had fallen, Major-General Logan
took command of the Army of the Tennessee. I
turned the horse over to the captain of the Signal
Corps, to take care of, Avho dispatched an orderly
to Colonel Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General of Mc
Pherson's staff, with the intelligence of his death.
My horse Avas so lamed by his wound that I could
not ride him, so I took him to General Leggett's
headquarters and left him, took my gun and went to
the front.
By this time the action had become general along
the Army of the Tennessee, and raged furiously in
front and in rear. Attaching myself to the first regi
ment that I came to, the 18th Missouri Infantry, I
fought with my rifle until the action was over.
The contest was a desperate one, and the slaughter
on both sides dreadful. Five times avc jumped our
works, fighting sometimes to the front and sometimes
to the rear. The action did not extend beyond the
Army of the Tennessee. When the action had ceased,
we were ordered to fall back a short distance and
throw up intrenchments. The colonel of the regiment
I was with now saw me for the first time, and, from
my dress, supposing that I was a reb. trying to evade
capture, said to me : "Look'e here, mister, where do
you belong ?"
" I am a member of the 20th Ohio Infantry, but I
belong to General McPherson's headquarters."
" What are you doing here ?"

348 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" I have been in the fight. I had my horse dis
abled in the beginning of the action, so I took my
gun and went to fighting with your regiment, and I
have been with it for two hours." I then handed
him an order that General McPherson had given me,
which said, "Guards, pickets, and patrols will pass
Corporal Lorain Ruggles, of the 20th Ohio Veteran
Volunteer Infantry, who is on special duty, at all
places and at all hours, without the countersign."
When he had read it, he said, " May-be General
McPherson gave you that, and may-be you stole ii
from the pocket of a dead soldier. You look to me
more like a reb. than anything else."
I then showed him an order that General Leggett
had given me to draw fresh beef for myself and scouts
that messed with me. Having read it, he said, "It
may all be right."
We won a victory, but at a fearful cost of life, of
both officers and men. Among the fallen heroes of
this war, there has been none more amiable in char
acter, none whose services were of more value to the
Government, and none whose loss was more regretted
by the men of his command, than the brave, gallant
McPherson. He was loved and highly esteemed by
all that kneAV him. I can scarcely describe my sorrow
at his loss. My attachment had become intimate, and
I felt that I had not only lost my commanding officer,
but my most valued friend. Such feelings of sorrow
and loneliness came over me that I was well-nigh in
capacitated for duty. I had felt lonely when General

SCOUT AND SPY. 349
Grant left the Army of the Tennessee, but now I
scarcely knew what to do.
Shortly after the battle of the 22d of July, General
Sherman changed his position by ordering the Army
of the Tennessee to take its position on the right of
the army, leaving the armies of the Ohio and the
Cumberland where they were. This movement en
abled General Sherman to extend his right toward
the junction of the railroad to the south of Atlanta.
The movement having been effected, General Logan,
on the 28th of July, ordered the 16th Army Corps to
advance its lines, and the 14th Corps, at the same
time, to swing round its left, and the 15th Corps to
swing round its right, so that the 14th and 15th
Corps formed converging lines toward the intrench
ments from which the 16th Corps had advanced.
General Hood ordered an attack on the advancing
Corps, which, when it had fairly drawn on the en
gagement, as had been previously arranged, fell back
as if beaten, until it reached its place of starting be
hind its intrenchments, closely followed by the enemy.
The 16th Corps then poured a tremendous fire into
Hood's front, and the 14th and 15th Corps an oblique
fire into his flanks. He kept pressing his men up in
masses to the contest, until it seemed as if the entire
Confederate army would be swept away by the ter
rible cross-fire to which it Avas exposed. The action
lasted from nine o'clock, a. m., until five o'clock, p.m.,
when the enemy withdrew, leaving his dead and
wounded in our hands. The loss of the enemy was

350 THE GREAT AMERICAN
five thousand killed, besides wounded and prisoners.
Our loss was very light in comparison to that of the
enemy. I had no hand in this fight, but had an ex
cellent opportunity of witnessing it. The next day I
Went over the battle-ground. The rebel dead lay so
thick upon the ground that I could not ride along
without stepping on them, and was compelled to
leave my horse "and proceed on foot' The destruc
tion of life to the enemy, compared with our own
loss, was greater than in any other action that I have
ever witnessed.

SCOUT AND SPY. 351

CHAPTER XXVIII.
Goes to Ohio to recruit— Raises twenty-one men — Difficulty with the Gov
ernor—Visits Lieutenant-General Grant— Order from the War Depart
ment—Again in difficulty— Runs away from the Governor— Reports to
General Sherman — Georgia raid — An amusing coincident— Reports to
General Granger, at Mobile— Reports to General Grierson, in Texas-
Makes a trip to the Upper Colorado— Incident at General Grant's head
quarters — The war over.
When General Grant left the Western Depart
ment to take command of the armies of the United
States, I felt very lonely and depressed in spirit, on
account of being parted from one to whom I had be
come strongly attached. I might have accompanied
the General to the Army of the Potomac, but I had
no acquaintance with that part of the country, and
I preferred to operate where I had some knowledge
of army movements, as well as of the country and
people. The death of General McPherson made me
feel gloomy and discouraged ; and in the absence
from the department of my two most valued friends,
I determined to seek relief for my depressed state
of mind by attempting to raise an independent com
mand of my own, for secret service purposes.
I visited Major-General Logan — then in command
of the 15th Army Corps — and told him my state of
mind, and that I felt as if I had rendered service
valuable enough to the Government to entitle me to

352 THE GREAT AMERICAN
a command of my own, and if he thought I was
worthy of it, I wished him to assist me. He imme
diately drew up and gave me the following letter :
" Headquarters 15th Army Corps, )
" Before Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 15, 1864. j
" Captain Lt M. Dayton, Aid-de-camp MiUitary Division of
the Mississippi:
"Captain — The bearer, L. Ruggles, of the 20th Ohio
Volunteers, has been for two years in the secret service of the
Government, and has, during that time, made it his study
to become efficient in all its branches. Notv, feeling confi
dent in his ability, he wishes to raise a company of scouts,
and desires authority to do so. I respectfully recommend
that necessary authority be given him, believing him to be
eminently fit to direct the movements of such a body of
men. " Under my directions, in the Mississippi campaign,
through Holly Springs, Miss., and again in the Yicksburg
campaign, he rendered the most signal service in obtaining
information. He once entered the city of Yicksburg, dur
ing its investment, and returned .with valuable and reliable
information. If such authority can, under any circum
stances, be given to any one, I respectfully recommend that
it be granted him. Yery respectfully,
" John A. Logan,
" Major-General Volunteers."
I carried the letter to General Leggett, who placed
on it the following indorsement :
" Headquarters 3d Division, 17th Army Corps, )
" Before Atlanta, Ga., Aug, 15, 1864. j"
" I am well acquainted with said Lorian Ruggles, and
have been familiar with his career since he entered the

scout and spy. 353
secret service, and fully subscribe to all that is said for him
by Major-General Logan.
" During the most of his time he has been in the secret
service he has been under my direction. He has often had
under his command from six to thirty men, as scouts, and
has always handled them with great skill, collecting valua
ble information and yet saved his men.
" M. D. Leggett,
" Brigadier- General."
From headquarters 17th Army Corps, I received
the following indorsement :
" Headquarters 17th Army Corps, )
" Near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 15, 1864. j
" Respectfully forwarded. Approved.
" Frane P. Blair, Major- General."
At Department of Army of the Tennessee, it was
indorsed as follows :
" Headquarters Dep't Army Tenn., [
August 15, 1864. j
" Bespectfufly forwarded. O. O. Howard,
" Major-General."
The reader will bear in mind that I was a stranger
to both Generals Blair and Howard. I then carried
it to General Sherman, who disapproved it, as folloAvs :
" Headquarters Military Division, Mississippi, )
" In the Field, near Atlanta, Aug. 15, 1864. )
"Respectfully returned. There is no general law for
such organization as the within. General officers, when
they have secret service funds, can employ men for such
service. 10*

354 THE GREAT AMERICAN
" States have had authority for raising independent com
panies of any kind that might be converted.
" By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman.
" L. M. Dayton, Aid-de-camp."
I Avas .disappointed with General Sherman's decis
ion. I felt confident that there was some way by
which I could get such a command as I wanted. I
went to General Leggett for advice, who, after hav
ing read General Sherman's reasons for disapproval,
wrote and handed me the following letter to Governor
Brough : " Headquarters 3d Div. 17th Army Corps, )
" Before Atlanta, Ga., August 17, 1864. J
" To his Excellency John Brough, Governor of Ohio :
"Governor — The bearer of this communication — Cor
poral Ruggles, Co. H. 20th O. V. Y. I. — has been in the
secret service in the Army of the Tennessee for more than
two years past, and has been eminently successful in that
department. He has frequently had charge of considera
ble numbers of men employed as scouts and has always
managed them with great discretion and skill.
" I would respectfully recommend that authority be ob
tained, if possible, for him to recruit in Ohio from among
non-veteran soldiers, who have been discharged from ser
vice by reason of expiration of term of enlistment, an inde
pendent company, to be armed with Spencer rifles, and
used as sharp-shooters, scouts, secret service men, etc.
" It is believed that such a company can be raised of men
skilled in such service, and that the service will be greatly
benefited thereby.
" Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
"W. D. Leggett, Brigadier- General"

SCOUT AND SPY. 355
The foregoing letter was indorsed as follows :
" Headquarters 15th Army Corps, )
" Before Atlanta, August 17, 1864. j"
" Approved and recommended. John A. Logan,
" Major- General Commanding."
"By R. E. Townes, Lieutenant- Colonel and A. A. G."
" Headquarters 17th Army Corps, )
" Before Atlanta, Ga., August 17, 1864. j
" Approved and strongly recommended. This man has
proved himself a trusty scout, and has been of great service.
" [Signed for Major-General Blah'.]
" A. J. Alexander, A. A. G."
" Headquarters Army and Dep't of Tennessee, )
August 17, 1864. j
" Respectfully forwarded.
" I could make good use of a good company, skilled as
within described. I have no personal knowledge of Cor
poral Buggies. " O. O. Howard, Major- General."
The foregoing letters and indorsements, and Gen
eral Grant's indorsement — which is yet to follow —
were furnished me for these pages, accompanied by
the following letter by the War Department :
" War Dep't, Adjutant-General's Office, )
" Washington, August 13, 1866. j
"Mr. Lorain Buggies, (Care of Major E. C. Downs, late qf
tJw 20th Ohio Vols., Senrie House,) Cincinnati, Ohio:
» gm  I have respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 2d inst., requesting to be furnished with

356 THE GREAT AMERICAN
copies of letters asking authority for you to raise a com
mand of scouts, etc., with the indorsements thereon recom
mending the same, for publication in a work detailing your
experience as a scout.
" In reply, I have to transmit herewith copies of the let
ters referred to, with the indorsements thereon, as requested.-
" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
" Thomas H. Yincent,
"Assistant Adjutant- General."
With the two letters of recommendation and their
indorsements, I proceeded to Ohio, and presented
them to Governor Brough, who read them over very
carefully, then returned them to me, and ordered
that I be furnished with the necessary recruiting
papers and set to work immediately.
Having received the necessary documents, I com
menced at once, and in a very short time had pro
cured twenty-one men. With these I went to Colum
bus, and reported in person to the Adjutant-General.
He read over my order from the Governor, .and then
said : " Did you raise your men under that order as
scouts ?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, there a'n't such an organization known in
the United States Army Eegulations as a company
of scouts. I can't do anything with such men."
" I can't help that," I replied ; " I have acted un
der authority of the Governor of Ohio."
" Well, let us go and see the Governor."
We carried the order to the Governor, and the

SCOUT AND SPY. 357
Adjutant-General explained to him that there was no
such organization in the Army Eegulations.
" Well, Mr. Euggles," said the Governor, " you go
on and raise the men, and assign them to a regiment,
and then have them detailed out for scouting pur
poses." " That won't do at all, Governor," said I. "I have
commanded detailed men long enough ; I want a com
mand of my own."
" Well, put your men into the 197th Ohio Infantry,
and I will extend your time to recruit, and give you
a commission as Captain."
" I don't want such a commission, Governor. I
don't want to be in the infantry service."
"Yery well; I have got to fill that regiment up,
because it is needed immediately at Nashville, and
the men will have to go into it."
"Then take them and put them there, and I'll go
to Washington," said I, and walked out.
I still held the letters of recommendation, with
their indorsements. With these I proceeded to Bal
timore, where I found Major-General Lewis Wallace,
and obtained a pass, from him to General Grant's
headquarters, at City Point, Ya. I showed General
Grant my papers, and told him of my difficulty. He
took my papers and addressed them to the War De
partment, with the following indorsement :
" Headquaetebs Armies of the United States, |
" City Point, Ya., October 13, 1864. f
" I know Private Buggies well, and the services he ren
dered in Mississippi as a scout. With an independent

358 THE GREAT AMERICAN
company of such men as himself, he would be worth more
in the Shenandoah Valley, and over the district of country
over which Mosby roams, than a regiment of cavalry.
" I would recommend that he be authorized to raise a
battalion of men, and be put in the Department of West
Virginia. " U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General."
Thus approved, General Grant sent me with them
to the Secretary of War ; but, as I was about to leave
his quarters, he said, " Perhaps you had better show
these papers to the President." Thus prepared, I
bent my way toward Washington, with a somewhat
lighter heart than I left the Governor's office at Co
lumbus, Ohio.
Finding several army officers of my acquaintance
at Washington, I showed them my papers, and told
them that General Grant advised me to show them
to the President, and I have since been sorry that I
did not take his advice. My friends said that it was
not necessary, so I proceeded at once to the Wax
Department, and handed my papers, in person, to
Secretary Stanton. I felt happy when I entered the
office. Said Mr. Stanton, " What do you want?"
"I Avant you to read these papers."
He read the papers, and then said, " Can you com
mand cavalry ?"
" I don't knoAv whether I could command horses,
but I have done pretty Avell with mules."
He then signed the papers, and sent me to the
Provost-marshal-general. From the Secretary of War I went to the Provost-

SCOUT AND SPY. 359
marshal-general's office. There I was told to call in
a week, ancl my papers would be ready.
At the expiration of seven days, I again called at
the office of the Provost-marshal-general, and Avas
handed an order of which the following is a copy :
" War Dep't Provost-marshal-General's Office, )
" Washington, D. C, October 21, 1863. j
** To his Excellency the Governor qf Ohio :
"Sir: — Subject to your approval, it is hereby ordered
that Corporal Lorain Buggies, Company H, 20th Ohio Ve
teran Volunteer Infantry, has authority to proceed to Ohio
and raise a company of cavalry, for certain special services,
whereas ordered by these headquarters.
" Should the Corporal's success warrant it, authority will
be given him to raise three additional companies — not
more than one company, however, to be under recruitment
at one time.
" As soon as a company is raised, he will report with it
at once to these headquarters; The men must be enrolled
under the present existing regulations, for the period of
one, two, or three years, as the men may choose to enlist.
The company must be raised within twenty days from the
time the Corporal commences to recruit.
" By order of the Secretary of War.
"James B. Fry, Provost-marshal- General."
With this I again reported to the Governor of
Ohio. He. opened the order and commenced to read
aloud. When he came to the date, which was 1863,
Avhen it should have been 1864, he inquired : " Where
have you been for a year past?"
" You know where I have been, Governor," I re
plied. " You know that that paper is dated wrong."

360 THE GREAT AMERICAN
"Well, don't you know that when a military order
is dated wrong it is ail Avrong."
" Yes ; but what shall I do about it?"
" Go back to Washington and get it made right."
" I don't want to spend so much time running about.
I would like to raise a company and get back to the
front before the war closes." He then finished reading
the order. When he had done, I asked him Avhat he
thought of it.
"Well," said he, " I would advise you not to do
anything with it as it is."
" That's my mind exactly. It a'n't what I wanted
at all. It looks like making a recruiting officer of
me to fill up some fancy regiment. All I wanted was
authority to raise a company. I am subject to your
orders. What shall I do — go to recruiting, or go
back to the front?"
" I don't know, Corporal, what you had better
do." "Well, if you don't know, I don't; so, I guess
I'll leave."
At length, being disgusted with making any fur
ther effort to raise a company, I went back to the
front without orders, and reported to the command
ing officer of my regiment. Finding that I had no
order returning me to duty in the regiment, he re
fused to have me in his command. I then reported
to Major-General HoAvard, who said that I was sub
ject to order from the War Department, and that he
had no authority over me. I remarked, "I guess,
then, that I must be out of the service altogether.

SCOUT AND SPY. 361
I'll go and see what General Sherman can do for
me." I Avent to him, and told him what I had done,
and he said to me, "You may remain at my head
quarters until further orders."
I must say that I felt sadly disappointed and dis
heartened at my failure in raising a command of my
own. If I had humored the Governor in the first
attempt to raise a company, I would, undoubtedly,
have been a captain, but I was determined to have
such a command as I wanted, or none. The reader
must judge for himself whether I have merited it
or not.
In about five days after my arrival at the front,
General Sherman started on his grand campaign
through Georgia. Not a doubt was entertained by
the troops of their ability to march triumphant across
to the Atlantic coast. Yery few there Avere but who
anticipated correctly the point of destination at the
outset of the march, and at the prospect before them
were highly elated. Never were men in better spirits
than when the march commenced.
It was the most decisive and glorious campaign of
the war, and yet fraught with the least of personal
adventure of any campaign that I have taken part in.
My duty was one in common with the other scouts,
and the soldiers of the entire army were ail scouts.
My individual experience was not different from that
of the great mass of soldiers.
Our duty was to subsist ourselves and devastate
the country as completely as possible, taking good
care not to get captured. This we accomplished
1 6

362 THE GREAT AMERICAN
successfully. The army never lived better and the
men never enjoyed better health ; and when we
reached the Atlantic coast we were in better condi
tion physically than when we started from Atlanta.
The march occupied a period of thirty-two days,
every day of which we were on the move.
During our progress, though we were cut off from
all communication with home, we were not altogether
ignorant of General Thomas' glorious victory, and
route of the Confederate army under Hood. We
learned, by way of the Southern people, of "Hood's
disaster," and could plainly comprehend the strategy
that had drawn him unwittingly to the defences at
Nashville, and it added not a little to our courage.
We plainly saw that the enemy was utterly power- .
less to resist our advance.
On our arrival at the coast, near Savannah, we
were visited by the Secretary of War. General
Leggett gave me an introduction to him, as " a very
efficient and worthy scout and spy," to which he re
plied, "Yes, I knoAv him."
He asked me if I was acquainted about Mobile
and New Orleans. I told him that I was not much
acquainted about Mobile, but had been there twice,
and that I was pretty Avell acquainted about New
Orleans and I^ake Pontchartrain. He asked me if I
was willing tof make a trip across the country and
report to General Granger, and I answered, "Yes,
anywhere." The next morning I received a sealed order from
the Secretary of War to proceed across the country

SCOUT AND SPY. 363
on horseback, and report for special service to Gen
eral Granger, at Mobile, Alabama. I was not limited
in time to make the trip.
It Avas some time in the month of January, 1865,
that I set out on my journey. I travelled very leis
urely, and visited every place of any importance that
lay near my route. I had been instructed by the
Secretary of War to gather as much information as I
could while passing through the country. To accom
plish this, I made frequent trips to converse with the
people, and I frequently rode many miles, to one side
or the other of my route, to find people that were
influential and leading members of society, so that I
might learn the sentiments of those who wielded a
controlling influence. I travelled in the disguise of a
citizen, carrying my order from the Secretary with
me. It Avas not often that I ventured to carry such
papers, but at this time I considered the war virtually
at an end. and apprehended no danger of being
searched. I found that most of the people Avere willing to
give up to the Federal authorities — not because they
had been wrong, but because by the force of Avar they
had been overpowered and exhausted. While there
Avas a desire for peace, there was also a hatred of the
Federal Government. A few were satisfied with the
old Government as it was, and had reluctantly been
drawn into rebellion by the force of the elements
around them. Such people hailed the overthrow of
the Confederate government with joy.
"Hood's disaster" and "Sherman's raid" had re-

364 THE GREAT AMERICAN
vealed to the Southern people their weakness in a
more alarming view than they had ever before seen
it. It seemed, in their case, that the last straw had
been laid upon the camel's back, and the overloaded
beast was unable to rise.
The most of the way I enjoyed my journey finely.
Sometimes I would lay over several days, on account
of rain and bad roads. Wherever I stopped I found
something to interest me. I made it a point to make
myself as interesting and agreeable to the people that
entertained me as possible.
I spent three weeks in Florida. There I found the
people more disheartened than anywhere else in my
route ; in fact, resistance to the Federal army had
been given up. During my stay there I spent sev
eral days with a planter by the name of Fanshaw,
who lives near the coast, at St. Mark's. He was
formerly from the State of New York. I passed my
self while there by my real name, and as a brother
of General Euggles, and represented that I Avas on
my Avay home to Bolivar County, Mississippi, from
Savannah, Georgia, where I had been on business
pertaining to the Confederate Government I gave
him such an account of the general state of affairs all
over the Confederate States that he did not doubt, in
the least, the statements that I made. When I called
at his house I had no intention of remaining there
long, but his hospitality Avas so strongly urged upon
me that I accepted it to enable my horse to rest.
During my stay there I was much amused by read-

SCOUT AND SPY. 365
ing a story in a Mississippi journal, which was handed
to me by Miss Ella F. She remarked that it was one
of the curious events of the war. Little did she
think, in handing me the paper, she was making it
doubly so. This account will serve to show the dif
ference betAveen truth and fiction, and how much
many of the writers of the present day make out
of a little fact. How the paper had made its way
there I cannot tell.
The story was written by Mr. James D  , of the
14th Illinois Infantry. Sergeant Downs, of the 20th
Ohio, had related to Mr. D  several of the inci
dents in my experience as scout ; and from one of
these he wrote the romance, in which I figured as
the hero, giving, instead of my full name, only the
initial letters, together with the name of my com
pany and regiment. It was given as a narrative of
facts, Avith an announcement that an extended history
of my services would be forthcoming from the able
pen of Captain Downs. It was first published in
1863, as before mentioned.
Coming to me as it did, under such peculiar cir
cumstances, it Avas exceedingly amusing. I took good
care, however, that my lady friend did not find out
that I was the hero of the story. My feelings at the
time can be better imagined by perusing it. It ran
as follows :
"On board the magnificent steamer 'Imperial,'
on her passage from St. Louis to New Orleans, in the
month of October, a. d., 1860, reclining upon one of

366 THE GREAT AMERICAN
those elegantly-furnished sofas in her sumptuous
cabin, might have been seen the hero of our story,
wrapped in a ' brown study.'
" His form was attractive and commanding ; some
thing over a medium size, and Avell proportioned.
His features were pleasant, and his hair brown and
Avavy, extending in a rich profusion of glossy curls
down over his shoulders. His eyes were of a deep
blue, and as sharp and piercing as those of an eagle.
His forehead was broad and high, imparting a look
of more than usual intelligence ; indeed, he was what
might be called a handsome fellow, and, though he
had passed the age of five-and-twenty, he looked as
fair and fresh as though but twenty-one. L 
E  (the subject of our sketch) was a resident of
Ohio, but was then on his Avay to NeAv Orleans on
business. "It is said that he once loved a beautiful and
accomplished young lady of an amiable disposition,
and, withal, of no inconsiderable wealth ; but upon
the very day on which they were to have been united
in marriage, he followed her remains to her long-
home. Three years had passed, but he had found no
fair one to fill the heart thus made vacant.
"As he reclines upon the sofa, he is meditating
upon the strange vicissitudes of life. Eecollections
of scenes in his own experience pass vividly before
him, and, as if but yesterday, he strolls for the last
time in the green meadow. Just as the declining sun
is shedding his last lingering rays across the land
scape, accompanied by his own angelic Belinda, and

SCOUT AND SPY. 367
as they are about to pass the gate to her father's
house, they pause for a moment, and, with her soft
fingers playfully twirling his glossy curls, she presses
her lips to his, and Avhispers, ' My own dear L  /'
" Since then three summers have passed without
obliterating the blank in his heart caused by the
transfer of his fair one to the spirit-land, and he won
ders whether, indeed, there was but one heart on
earth whose emotions of love can soften his. Again
and again he recalls the scenes of love's sunny hours
until his eyes are suffused with tears. Dashing them
away, he starts from his seat and mingles with the
gay crowd that are passengers with him.
"Among that throng was a young man by the
name of Charles Eollins, who had just finished a
course of education at one of our northern colleges,
and was then on his way home. He was a young
man of an ardent temperament, of fine appearance
and accomplished manners. His parents resided at
Natchez, Mississippi.
" L  sought relief from the recollections that
had passed, by seeking to make the acquaintance of
those around him. The fine manly bearing of Charles
attracted his attention, and he at once sought an in
terview, which proved to be agreeable. Frequent
interviews were had, and their acquaintance soon
ripened into friendship.
" Charles had a sister— an only one— by the name
of Annie. She was then entering upon her twenty-
fourth year; ancl though not in the strict sense of
the word handsome, she Avas, nevertheless, good-

368 THE GREAT AMERICAN
looking, and possessed, of Avhat is of more conse
quence than beauty, all the graces that adorn the
life of a devoted, exemplary Christian. She had
early embraced the Christian religion ; and her pure
devotion, genial nature, and agreeable manners, won
for her the love and respect of all who knew her.
" Annie had received the attentions of several
young men of unexceptionable character and reputa
tion, possessed, withal, of that Avorldly competence
and business tact that would have placed her, be
yond doubt, above want; yet, strange to say, she
saw reason to decline their offers. Why she had
failed to love was known, if at all, only to herself.
Her parents Avould have been pleased had their
daughter been united in holy wedlock to a worthy
young man that she loved ; nevertheless, they had
too .much respect for her judgment to question the
propriety of her decisions and the reasons for them,
and the only reason, perhaps, that they could assign
was that old and common one, ' matches are made in
heaven.' "The entire passage from St Louis passed off
agreeably to our neAV-made friends, and, sooner than
they could have Avished it, the signal was sounded to
land at the beautiful town of Natchez. L  Avas
unable to refuse the pressing invitation from Charles
to stop and spend a few days, or at least a night,
Avith him at his father's house.
"It is. unnecessary to describe the introduction
that followed, or the welcome that was extended.
Suffice it to say, the journey was not renewed the

SCOUT AND SPY. 369
next day, nor the next. A week rolled around, and
then another, and another, until three months had
passed, and still L  was a Avelcome guest at the
home of the Eollinses. At the end of' that period
L  E  and Annie were engaged to be married.
"At last business became so urgent that L 
was obliged to resume his journey to New Orleans.
The hour came for departure, and he sought a last
interview with Annie, and gave her the parting fare
well. "During the winter of 1860 and '61, the country,
North and South, had become agitated Avith political
excitement, which ran so high that the two sections
seemed in imminent danger of becoming involved in
a civil war. The South claimed that the North had
encroached upon her rights, and even Avent so far as
to threaten to withdraw from the Federal compact
and take up the sword in vindication of her rights.
"As L  was about to leave, Annie still clung
to him, saying : ' My dear L  , before you leave
me, I want you to make me one promise.'
" ' Well, Annie, what is it?'
"'You know, L  , that our nation is being
shaken to its centre by political excitement, and it is
more than probable that before I shall see you again
the Southern States will secede from the Union, and
the country become involved in Avar. Promise me
that in case the South becomes engaged in war Avith
the North, you will not take up arms against her.'
" 'My dear Annie, as much as I love you, I can
not make you that promise. The North is my birth-
16*

370 THE GREAT AMERICAN
place and home. I love and respect the flag under
which I was cradled, and if the country needs my
serA'ices to preserve her glorious nationality, I am
under sacred obligations to render assistance.'
"She pressed his hand warmly and drew him
closer to her fond embrace ; her eyes filled with tears
and her bosom heaved with emotion as she said,
' Make me, then, at least this promise — if the country
does become involved in war, with you upon one side
and Charles upon the other, and you should chance
to meet him as your enemy, will you, dearest L  ,
spare my brother?'
" ' Yes,' he uttered, as he imprinted a farewell kiss
upon her lips.
" Time rolled on, and, as had been anticipated, one
after another of the Southern States seceded and took
up arms against the North, and involved the country
in a civil war. Charles Eollins, as his sister had
feared, identified himself with the interest of his own
State, and enlisted in a Mississippi regiment of in
fantry. L  E— — , true to his country and his
country's flag, rallied at the first call of the President
to save it from destruction.
" His devoted patriotism and his obstinate bravery
in the hour of battle, won for him the confidence of
his commanding officers, Avho often sent him on mis
sions of danger. The Commander-in-chief, having
learned of his reliability, address, and daring, fre
quently sent him to obtain information of the enemy's
movements. "In November, 1861, preparatory to moving the

SCOUT AND SPY. 371
grand army south into Mississippi, and while the
troops were being concentrated in the vicinity of
Lagrange, Tenn., General Grant sent Mr. E  out,
on horseback, to find the enemy's advanced pickets.
It was in the night, ancl extremely dark, which render
ed the undertaking a hazardous one. He felt his way
along with the utmost caution, and had made a dis
tance of twenty miles, wheii, in the midnight darkness,
not six feet in advance of him, he was confronted by
a single sentiy, standing in the middle of the road,
who challenged him with ' Halt ! who comes there ? '
"It was a desperate situation, and Mr. E  de
termined to make the most of it. ' Friend, with the
countersign,' he answered, draAving his revolver.
"'Advance and give the countersign,' was the
reply. He did so, and, thrusting his revolver to the breast
of the sentry, fired. The flash of his piece revealed
to him the face of Charles Eollins ! l0h heavens! ' he
cried, and sprang from his horse and embraced the
fallen form. ' Charles ! Charles ! speak ! if but once ;
for God's sake, speak ! '
"It was too late; the ball had penetrated his
heart, and Charles was dead. The sharp report
aroused his sleeping companions, who were lying by
the roadside, a little distance from him, and the
noise they made as they sprang for their guns Avarned
L  of his danger, who quickly sprang to his sad
dle and clashed away unharmed, but not without being-
fired at by the remaining pickets. He made a safe
return, and reported to General Grant, but since

372 THE GREAT AMERICAN
that time his acquaintances have noticed that he has
become a changed man."
I arrived at General Granger's headquarters in
Mobile, Alabama, April 9, 1865, the next day after
the capture of Blakely. I had travelled in all, since
leaving Savannah, a distance of nine hundred miles,
and that Avithout molestation.
During my journey, two of the most important
events of the war had transpired. General Lee had
surrendered his command to General Grant, and
General Johnston had surrendered his command to
General Sherman. Kirby Smith's command, west of
the Mississippi, was the only armed force that had
not surrendered.
The returned Confederate soldiers, wherever I met
them, in my route, had expressed themselves as satis
fied with their attempt to sustain the Confederacy,
and gave it up as a lost cause. " Experience" is said
to be the "best school-master." The Confederate
soldiers evidently thought so.
A few days after my arrival, the intelligence was
received that President Lincoln had been murdered.
It Avas too sad intelligence for the soldiers to believe,
nor would they believe it until officially confirmed.
Then their anger knew no bounds, and it Avas with
the utmost difficulty that commanding officers re
strained their men from committing retaliatory dep
redations. In the midst of a nation's rejoicing, she was called
to mourn the death of the man who had steered the
Ship of State clear of the shoals that threatened

SCOUT AND SPY. 373
her destruction, who was swept from the helm as
the ship Avas just entering, the haven of peace, and
within sight of her desired moorings. While it was
hard to deprive him thus of the sweet anticipations in
prospect before him, it was nevertheless permitted,
in the wise directions of a beneficent Providence.
The murder of Abraham Lincoln was the closing act
of the great rebellion. The picture of the scene, re
volting as it had been, seemed incomplete until the
dark finishing shades had been added by the hand of
an assassin.
The war was now virtually closed, and during our
stay at Mobile General Granger had nothing for me
to do. In July he moved to NeAV Orleans, taking
most of his troops Avith him. It Avas generally sup
posed that we were going there to take transports
home to our respective States, to be mustered out ;
but in this we were disappointed. At that place
General Granger ordered me to report to the Pro
vost-marshal for duty as a detective. Why I was so
often selected for such duty is more than I can tell.
If I had all other necessary qualifications for that
business, my dislike' for it was so great as to over
come them. I Avent to the Provost-marshal with my
order, and told him that I was at his disposal for
duty, but that I had objections to engaging in that
kind of service— not that I was unwilling to obey my
superior officers, but simply because I had a dislike
for the business that it was impossible for me to over
come. I told him that I had twice tried to operate
as a detective and had failed, and the more I tried it

374 THE GREAT AMERICAN
the less I liked it. It was a kind of duty that was
not congenial to my nature, and it seemed to me like
low business. I was satisfied that there were those
who were better adapted to such business than I, but
if he insisted upon it I would go tq work and do the
best that I could.
He told me that he had but very little detective
business to do, and that he did not wish to have me
engaged* in business that was not agreeable to my
feelings. He told me to return to General Granger's
headquarters, and that if he found occasion to need
my services he would send for me.
I have since had reason to suspect that setting me
to work as a detective was simply a show of some
thing for me to do, on the part of commanding offi
cers, that I might be retained in the service longer,
lest, in the future, something might turn up that
Avould give them occasion to need me. At that time
there was great clamoring among the soldiers to be
mustered out, and orders had been issued to muster
out all detached men who were not actively engaged.
We remained in New Orleans until the latter part
of July, when Ave embarked on board the transports
and went to Galveston, Texas. At that place there
Avas as little for me to do as there had been in NeAV
Orleans. Having no use for me, General Granger
sent me to Columbus, Texas, a distance of one hun
dred and sixty miles inland, to report to General
Grierson. I made the journey alone and on horseback, dressed
as a citizen. For the last year and a half of my ser-

SCOUT AND SPY. 375
vice, I very rarely wore anything but a citizen's
dress. I occupied five days in making the journey,
and got through to General Grierson's headquarters
without having experienced a- single incident of inter
est. That kind of scouting was dry business to me.
It is excitement that makes the life of a scout inter
esting. In September General Grierson sent me alone to
the Upper Colorado, a distance of four hundred miles,
with instructions to see whether the rebs were con
centrating a force or fortifying at any point along the
river. I made the trip on horseback, in my usual
citizen's dress. Yery much of the distance was
sparsely settled, which rendered my journey at least
a lonesome one. A naturalist, no doubt, Avould have
found in that route enough to have made a volume
interesting, but to me nothing was of so much interest
as the end of my journey. During the entire route it
was the same dull monotony day after day.
On my return, and when within four days' ride of
Columbus, I fell in with a party of outlaAvs number
ing forty men. They wore uniforms exactly like
General Grierson's cavalry, and had United States
saddles and 'carbines. At first I supposed that they
were a detachment of his command, but fortunately
I discovered my mistake before having told Avho I
was. They plundered indiscriminately, but left the
impression, Avherever they went, that they were a
detachment of United States troops, acting under
General Grierson's orders. I travelled Avith them
three days.

376 THE GREAT AMERICAN
As soon as I found out What they were I proposed
to join their organization. This I did for my own
safety. I represented myself as having been a planter
in Mississippi, and that I had lost all my property by
the war — a part of it by the Confederate army and a
part of it by the Lincoln army ; and I also told them
that I was determined to get "my property back in
some way, and did not care how I did it, nor Who I
got it from. My proposition was accepted, and it was
arranged that I should go on to Columbus and trans
act some business . that I had there, and, if possible,
secure by some means, fair or foul, a uniform, saddle,
and carbine, and then return to a certain plantation
that they would show me in our route.
The last day that I was with them, Ave passed the
plantation to which I was to return when I had com
pleted my business at Columbus. Toward night they
plundered a rich planter who had never been at heart
really disloyal. He had acted with the Confederate
Government simply because compelled to, but at his
earliest opportunity had taken the required oath. As
the outlaws were taking his property he remonstrated,
and told them that he was a Union man, and that
General Grierson had promised to protect him. They
told him that he was no Union man, but a lying se
cesh. They insulted him shamefully, and then, having
secured what plunder they wanted, made their way
off, leaving him to suppose that the outrage had been
committed by Federal cavalry.
During my ride with them I became quite familiar
with their countenances, and also learned where sev-

SCOUT AND SPY. 377
eral of them resided. I also found out that they did
expect, when on a plundering expedition, to remain
in a body, but separated to their homes, meeting oc
casionally, however, to arrange for new expeditions,
but never twice in the same place, lest their haunts
might be discovered. Shortly after plundering the
planter that I have mentioned, they turned off on
another road and left me to pursue my journey
alone. After reporting to Genera! Grierson the result of
my trip, I mentioned the incident about the outlaws,
and their having plundered the planter, but did not
tell him that I had agreed to return to them. The
day following my report, the planter came in with
complaint to General Grierson that his cavalry had
plundered him of his horses and mules, and other
property, and also had shamefully insulted him.
General Grierson avus surprised to hear such com
plaints, and told the man that he must be mistaken ;
but he insisted that he knew they were his men ;
they had United States uniforms, saddles, and car
bines exactly like his men. The General then called
the Adjutant, to know whether he had sent a detach
ment, out, but none had been sent. The planter still
insisted that it was United States cavalry that com
mitted the outrage. Eecalling to mind what I had
reported to him the day before, the General mis
trusted who had done it, and sent for me. I at once
recognized the planter as the one whom I had seen
plundered by the outlaws.
The next day I accompanied a detachment of cav-

378 THE GREAT AMERICAN
airy, in disguise, to hunt up the outlaws. We pro
ceeded at once to the residences of those that I had
learned, and were so fortunate as to fipd them at
home, all of Avhom we captured. I took good care to
be seen by them as little as possible. I do not think
I was recognized by any of the number that we cap
tured. Every one of them were loud in their declara
tions of good behavior, and expressed astonishment
that they should be so treated. The arrest of a part
of the band put a damper upon the rest, and they
cleared out, or ceased their operations. I heard of
no more complaints during the time I remained
there. From what experience I have had in the secret
service, I am of the opinion that the Government
has been entirely too lenient with that class of men.
Nothing but the severest penalty of the law will ever
stop them from their depredations. They will con
tinue to give trouble in the South so long as they, are
allowed to run at large. They are possessed of none
of the finer feelings of humanity that can be reached
by moral suasion, and nothing but physical restraint
can control them.
Sympathy for those that have erred is a commend
able element in the human heart, but when carried
to extremes is productive of disastrous results. I
think the entire secession element of the South has
received, and is now receiving, more favor at the
hands of the Government than is consistent for the
safety of our republican institutions. People who
have committed crime should be made to feel that

SCOUT AND SPY. 379
they have done so, by inflicting upon them the proper
penalty. Let rebels prove themselves " prodigal
sons" before being embraced in the arms of our good
Uncle Sam.
On the 2d day of December, 1865, I received an
order from General Grant to proceed to Columbus,
Ohio, for discharge. On my arrival there I reported
to the Provost-marshal, who refused to discharge me,
because I had no copy of the orders under which I
had reported from one commanding officer to another.
My business had been such that it was not safe for
me to carry them, and, for the same reason, my orders
were generally given orally. I went to General Leg
gett and told him my difficulty, who at once wrote
me a statement to Captain Barber, Provost-marshal,
setting forth his knoAvledge of my services, and why
I had not preserved my orders of detail. General
Wiles also gave me a similar statement, of which the
following are copies :
" Zanesville, O., February 15, 1866.
" Captain Barber, Provost-marshal :
" Dear Sir :— Corporal Lorain Buggies, Co. H, 20th O.
V. V. L, reports to me that he has difficulty in obtaining a
discharge from the service. Corporal Buggies was used,
during the whole war, as a scout and spy. I first assigned
him to that service early in the summer of 1862. His great
success made him a favorite with all general officers having
charge of secret service. He was, at different times, under
the immediate direction of Generals Force, Boss, Logan,
McPherson, Blah-,' Grant, and others, generally remaining,

380 THE GREAT AMERICAN
when not on active duty, at my headquarters. The nature
of his services was such that he could not carry details,
passes, or orders, and details could not be waited for by
officers when he was needed, and, in fact, were very seldom
made in such cases.
" Corporal Buggies was regarded as one of the most suc
cessful and reliable spies in the United States service, and
was always called upon for desperate service where others
would fail, and was equal to the undertaking.
" I hope you will secure him such a discharge as will
enable hini to draw his pay. He has been a most worthy
soldier. I doubt whether any man of his rank has done
more for his country.
" Very respectfully, " M. D. Leggett,
"Late Major-General of Volunteers." /
"Zanesville, O., February 17, 1866.
" Captain Barber, Provost-marshal, Columbus, Ohio :
" Dear Sir — I certify that I have long known Corporal
Lorain Buggies, of the 20th O. V. V. I. (Said regiment
was one of the regiments comprisiug the brigade which I
had the honor to command.) I further certify that I have
known Corporal Buggies as a scout and spy since about the
month of June or July, 1862. He was in the secret service,
under orders from Generals Grant, Sherman, McPherson,
Leggett, Force, Boss, and others. He was regarded as one
of the best and most reliable scouts connected with our
army, and, in my judgment, has performed as much valua
ble service as any man in it, and I have no doubt but he is
entitled to an honorable discharge, although he may be
unable to account for his absence from his regiment and
company by exhibiting the necessary documents. The
most of his details were oral, being ordered by one officer .
to report to another officer for special duty. I have used
him myself for scouting, by permission of the commanding

scout and spy. 381::
General. It is with pleasure that I add this my testimony
in favor of a gallant and trustworthy soldier.
" I am, Captain, respectfully, your obedient servant,
" G. F. Wiles,
"Late Colonel 78th 0. V. V. I., Brevet Brig.-Gen."
Generals Leggett and Wiles have my thanks for
the kind interest thus, and upon all other occasions,
manifested in my behalf. With these letters, I was
enabled to get a discharge from the service that I am
proud of, and which I value more than all the gold
that I might have made in dishonest traffic with out
laws. I have never been sorry that I followed Gen
eral Grant's advice.
After having received my discharge, I experienced
trouble in getting my pay. I could scarcely get the
Paymaster to look at me, let alone paying me. Find
ing that I could prevail nothing upon the Paymaster
at Columbus, I reported at once, in person, to Lieu
tenant-General Grant, at Washington, D. C, and
told him my troubles. He caused my papers to be
fixed so that I not only received all my pay proper,
clothing account, etc., but my special service pay.
Here I Avould express to General Grant my gratitude
for the pains he has taken to instruct me in the class
of duties that I have had to perform, and for his per
sonal interest in my welfare. I am indebted to all
the Generals for whom I have served for their kind
ness, and the instructions they have given me, and
especially so to Generals Grant, Logan, McPherson,
Leggett, Force, Eoss, Potts, and Wiles. I always
found a welcome at their headquarters.

382 THE GREAT AMERICAN

CHAPTEE XXIX.
Ludicrous effect of fear — A Corporal outflanks a Captain— A good Union
man — A touching appeal — A scene among the wounded — An old Se
cesh discovers his mistake — Suggestions from experience — Concluding
thoughts. In looking back over my experience, I can recall
to my mind many little incidents not included in the
preceding narratives.
I once came near getting into difficulty by not
properly doing my duty while on picket. It was at
Shiloh Church, a few weeks after the battle, and
while the main part of the army was engaged in
besieging Corinth. The entire regiment vvas more
or less troubled with that terrible scourge of the
army, camp diarrhea, and the men were constantly
contriving some way to get through the picket line
in search of chickens and fresh vegetables.
One morning, soon after I had taken my post on
picket duty for the first time in my life — I was a
corporal of the guard — a squad of men from my own
company came down to my post, without passes, and
said that they wanted to go out and get some vegeta
bles, and, if I would pass them, they Avould divide
with me when they came in, to Avhich I assented.
Toward night they came back to my post, and left,
as my share of the proceeds of the trip, two very fat
chickens, and a nice lot of onions, lettuce, and rad-

SCOUT AND SPY. 383
ishes. It so happened that just after the men left
the post for camp, Captain Eogers, of my regiment,
who was in command of the guard, made his appear
ance to inspect the condition of his men, and, dis
covering the party who had just left, mistrusted that
I had passed them in, and, of course, took me to task
about it.
"Did those men come through the lines here?"
inquired the Captain.
"Yes, sir," I answered.
" Did they have passes ? "
" I don't know Avhether they did or not. I did not
ask them."
" Did they go out here this morning ? "
"Yes, sir."
"Did you allow them to go out without passes ? "
" I didn't ask them for passes. I didn't knoAv they
needed them. They said that they were going after
vegetables, and I know that they needed them bad
enough, so I supposed it was all right."
" What were you placed here for ?"
" To watch the enemy, I suppose. I did not know
that I had to watch my friends."
" Well, sir, if you don't know your duty better than
that, you are not fit to be a Corporal. I'll report you
to the Colonel, sir, and have you reduced."
The Captain then went on and left me to my own
reflections. I cared very little about being an eighth
Corporal, and yet I disliked the idea of becoming dis
graced by being reduced. I dressed my chickens
nicely, and laid them away. As soon as the relief

384 THE GREAT AMERICAN
came out, I started across the woods to camp. Taking
my nicest chicken and some of my best vegetables in
my hands, I repaired to the Colonel's tent. I knew
that he had been quite complaining, and unable to
procure what vegetables he needed. On entering, I
saluted him as politely as I knew how, and then said :
" Colonel, I knew that you was not very well, and I
thought you would relish some chicken and fresh veg
etables. Will you accept them ? "
" Thank you, thank you, Corporal," said he, taking
them, and looking very much pleased. " They are
just what I wanted exactly. Were you on picket
yesterday ?"
" Yes, sir, and I expect that I have incurred your
displeasure." "Why so?"
" Well, Colonel, I'll tell you. It's the first time
that I was ever on picket, and I did not know what
the duty of a Corporal was. There were some men
from the regiment came down and wanted to go out,
and I let them go without passes, and the Captain
says that he is going to report me for it. I am very
sorry, Coldnel, that I did it, and if you will forgive
me this time I won't do so again."
" Picket duty, Corporal, is one of the most respon
sible duties of the soldier. It should always be faith
fully discharged.. Since this is the first offence, I'll
overlook it, if you will do better in the future."
"Thank you, Colonel; I will certainly do better
the next time."
Just as I came out the Captain entered; so I re-

SCOUT AND SPY. 385
mained where I could hear the conversation that fol-
ioAved. After the usual -salutation, he said: " I am
sorry, Colonel, that I am under the necessity of re
porting to you one of the corporals under my com
mand yesterday for a non-performance of duty."
" Was it Corporal Euggles?" inquired the Colonel.
" Yes, sir ; he— "
"Never mind, Captain; he reported himself this
morning and promised to do better, and I forgave
him' this offence."
When the Captain came out, I noticed that he
felt considerably worked up at being outflanked by
a corporal. It is oftentimes affecting to witness the heroic man
ner in which soldiers endure their sufferings, whether
from sickness or wounds.
There was in my company a man by the name of
Frank Rickard, who, for several months, had been
careless about writing to his mother, who was a widow.
At last the poor widow's heart could stand the sus
pense no longer, and she wrote to a daughter, then
living in the State of Indiana, to assist her in her
efforts to find out what had become of Frank. The
sister immediately Avrote to the Captain of the com
pany to learn the fate of her brother. The neglect
on the part of Frank to write was not for lack of
affection, but simply because of a careless habit. At
last Frank was taken sick with a fever, and rapidly
grew Avorse. The regiment was preparing to move
from Paducah, Ky., up the Tennessee River, and- it
became necessary to leave Frank in the hospital.
17

386 THE GREAT AMERICAN
Just a few moments before he was to be carried off
from the boat, his Captain received the letter from
his sister, inquiring what had become of Frank. The
Captain carried the letter to him and read it, and then
said, " Frank, what shall I write to your sister?"
He thought a moment, and then, his eyes filling
with tears, he said: "Oh, for God's sake, Captain,
don't tell sister how sick lam!"
It was affecting indeed to see the heroism with
which that dear boy suffered, and his affectionate
and tender regard for his sister ; was unwilling that
she should know the extent of his sufferings, lest she
should worry about him.
" Brave boy ! he has gone at his country's call."
The first mail after we left him brought the sad in
telligence that Frank was dead.
Wounded soldiers generally manifest a cheerful
resignation to their lot that is astonishing to those who
have never witnessed it. Sometimes, however, ex
ceptions occur. I often think of an incident that I
Avitnessed ^n which two extremes met.
After the battle of Matamora, Avhere General Hurl-
but's command routed General Price's army, on its
retreat after having been repulsed in its assault upon
Corinth, I assisted in taking care of the wounded as
they were brought in. Among the sufferers on that
day Avas a Captain, with a flesh wound in the arm,
and a private, Avith a leg dreadfully shattered beloAv
the knee. The Captain — though his Avound was not
of a serious nature — gave way to his feelings, and
took on dreadfully, and frequently called upon the

SCOUT AND SPY. 387
doctor to come and dress his wound or he should die.
The private, then on the table, preparatory to an
amputation of his limb, was heroically cool, and
scarce a groan escaped his lips. At length his nerves
could no longer stand the ridiculous clamor bf the
Captain, and he called out, "Captain, if you don't
hush your gab until the doctor gets my leg off I'll
throw it at you."
The soldier endured the operation manfully, and
the Captain took the hint and " dried up" his noise.
It is not hard to tell which of the two was the bravest
man. I was once very much amused by the mistake of a
very old man. It happened in this Avay. I had been
sent out on a scout, and Avas returning to camp, when
I called at a plantation-house to get breakfast for
myself and squad. Sitting upon the porch in front
of the house Avas a very old man — a secesh — engaged
in twisting up tobacco. He had a large pile of it
before him already twisted. He had never Seen any
soldiers from either army. As we came up to the
porch he kept on at his wbrk, without being in the
least alarmed at our appearance. We procured what
breakfast Ave Avanted, and were about to leave, when,
addressing the old man, I said: "HoAvdo you do,
daddy?" "Speak a little louder," said the old man ; "I'm
hard of hearing."
"How do you do, daddy?" said I again, louder
than before.
"Oh, I'm pretty well, I thank you. I'm a little

388 THE GREAT AMERICAN
tired now. I've got ten or twelve little grandsons
down in General Yillipigue's army, and I heard that
they were out of tobacco, and I thought I'd twist up
some and take down to 'em."
" Boys," said I to the squad, "if you had rather
the rebs would have that tobacco than to have it
yourselves, let it alone."
At that the boys made a spring for the tobacco.
"Hut, tut, tut!" said the old man, looking won
derfully surprised; "I guess I was mistaken. I
thought you were our soldiers; but I guess, from your
actions, you are Yankees."
On leaving a service that has been fraught with as
much danger as mine has been, it is not improper,
perhaps, for me to leave on record the conclusions
suggested by that experience.
Few, if any, of my contemporaries who started in
the business as early as I did are now living. I know
of none that are living who operated in the depart
ments where I did, and who commenced at the time
and continued as long as I did. Of eighteen (includ
ing myself) that began the service with me, I am the
only one that continued through the war. Fifteen of
that number were killed in less than two years, and
two were disgraced for bad conduct.
When I look back upon what I have experienced,
it seems a wonder to me that my life has been spared.
Others, whom I thought were my superiors in all the
necessary qualifications, have sacrificed their lives in
their line of duty.
It may be thought by some that a scout is of neces-

SCOUT AND SPY. 389
sity that hardened, reckless character that is in
sensible to the dangers that surround him ; but that
is a mistake. It is true that war is hardening to the
finer sensibilities, but, nevertheless, if a man is
unconscious of the danger of his undertaking, he is
not apt to exercise the necessary precautionary meas
ures to insure his safety, and, consequently, fails in
his mission.
I can now look back and see how I might have
done better. I commenced the business without hav
ing had experience, and, consequently, I had all to
learn as I went along. At first I only ventured a
short distance out, and thought I had done extremely
well if I reached camp unharmed. I increased grad
ually the extent of my expeditions, until I succeeded
in making trips bf several hundred miles in length.
An adaptation of means to the end to be accom
plished is of as much importance in scouting and spy
ing, as in any other branch of business. The very
business itself is an evasion of what you really are,
or assuming to be what you are not ; consequently,
an evasion of the truth is often necessary to accom
plish the purpose. To be successful as a spy, it is
absolutely necessary to be able to act an assumed
character. The disguise of the individual and his plans of
operations must be adapted to the particular time and
place, and his success must depend greatly upon his
address. Generals have frequently told me, before
going out, how to address myself to the undertaking ;
but, as it is impossible to know beforehand the eir-

390 THE GREAT AMERICAN
cumstances under which one will be placed, it as
necessary that a man be of ready address, in order
to adapt himself to any unexpected state of affairs
that he might find.
Presence of mind, when suddenly and unexpected
ly confronted, is very essential. When a man in
that situation is thrown off his guard, his condition
can rarely be retrieved.
A man should never lose confidence in hi^| own
case, nor despair of escape if captured ; if he does,
his case becomes hopeless. Never was I in a situa
tion where hope entirely left me.
A spy should have as little superfluous or unneces
sary conversation as possible. His information should
mainly be derived from observation. I once came
across a spy that General Grant had sent out, who
was an inveterate talker. I was alarmed for his safety,
and, as soon as an opportunity occurred, I said to
him, "You talk too much. General Grant requires
us not to talk." The fellow made fun of my advice.
What became of him I do not know ; he never re
turned to our lines.
Scouts sometimes get frightened ; I have been. So
do commanding officers and enlisted men. I have
known a Major-General to dodge at the whiz of a
bullet, and a whole regiment to become stampeded
by a runaAvay mule ! The best of men are sometimes
the victims of fear. It should, however, be guarded
against. I made a practice of getting all the information
that I could, without exposing myself to the danger of

SCOUT AND SPY. 391
recognition, concerning the different regiments in the
Confederate service. It was often of great service to
me to know where such regiments were raised, and
who commanded them, and also what brigades, divi
sions, and departments they were in. The names
and residence of prominent individuals were also of
great service to me. A knowledge ofthe language
and habits of the people, wherever a spy travels, is
of great advantage. I have no idea that I would
have succeeded as I did if I had not lived in the
South before the war commenced.
I have been very successful in managing scouting
and forage parties. I attribute it to the fact that I
always watched for myself and my men. I have
knoAfn several officers and their details to get cap
tured because of depending entirely on the men to do
the watching. Men become careless in such duties,
and a surprise is often the consequence.
In my travels in the enemy's country as a spy, I
was very particular to observe the features of the
country through which I passed — whether wooded,
cultivated, level, or hilly ; the condition of the roads
—whether hard, sandy, or wet ; the condition of tho
streams and their location— whether fordable or not,
and the manner of crossing and the nature of their
banks. Also, the location of springs and wells, and
the supply of water that they afforded, Such informa
tion is of great value to a commanding officer.
There is great responsibility resting upon a scout
and spy. If his reports are reliable, the commanding
officer knows how to execute his movements success-

392 THE GREAT AMERICAN
fully ; biit if his reports are false, and the command
ing officer relies upon them as truth, the probability
is that his movements will end in disaster, with
a sacrifice of hundreds, and" perhaps thousands, of
lives. It is far better for a scout, if he fails to accomplish
his mission, to report it a failure, for, sooner or later,
it will be found out. • It is mortifying to fail in one's
mission, but that is of little consequence compared
with jeopardizing a whole army. I have several
times failed to accomplish my mission, but my re
ports of such failures have always tended to increase
the confidence of my employers in my reliability.
Having finished my services for the Government, I
am once more a citizen, engaged in the pursuits of
civil life. I have " beaten my sword into a plough
share," and my bayonet into a " pruning-hook," and
have become a resident of the "Far West ;" and though
I "became a changed man," and did not take for a
better half " Miss Annie," nevertheless I am married
and settled in life, and can look back with proud sat
isfaction upon the result of my labors.
Noav, reader, you have followed me in my humble
career from the commencement pf the war to its close,
and you -are able to discern- with approximate cor
rectness whether the part I have acted, in sustaining
the noble institutions of our great Eepublic, has been
of any benefit.
The Avar is now over. The flag of our country
again proudly floats over the entire domain. Peace,
prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness have taken

SCOUT AND SPY. 393
the place of deadly strife. In place of teaching the
art of war, Ave are now enlarging our commerce and
friendly intercourse. In. a few years the blackened
trail of contending armies will smile with luxuriant
harvests. We have the satisfaction of knowing that American
liberty still exists ; that the institutions inaugurated
by the hardships and sufferings of our forefathers,
baptized with their blood, and consecrated by their
prayers, are renewed and perpetuated. The prin
ciples that they struggled to maintain still live.
The fires of patriotism that were kindled in the
bosoms and flashed in flames of heroic valor at Lex
ington, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown, still
burn in the bosoms of their children's children, and
have burst forth in glorious illuminations of valor upon
such fields as Donelson, Vicksburg, Antietam, At
lanta, and Eichmond.
The heroes of this Avar have proved themselves
worthy of their ancestry, and have baptized and con
secrated aneAV their precious inheritance by giving
their best blood for its maintenance.
Never were prayers more devoutly and fervently
uttered, never did blood more freely flow, never was
treasure more extensively lavished, or individual
sacrifice more cheerfully borne, than in the war from
which we have just emerged.
Our children and children's children will look back
upon our deeds of valor and sacrifice with the same
feelings of respect that we cherish for the fathers of
the Eevolution, and the institutions which we have

394 THE GREAT AMERICAN
perpetuated will be doubly dear to them for that
second sacrifice.
Let me here present my sincere and heartfelt
thanks to the generous ladies of this Union, who have
so nobly borne their part through the struggles of
this great rebellion, and to those who so generously
volunteered their services in administering to the
wants bf the sick and Avounded in the hospitals, amid
the groans of my bleeding comrades, torn by the shot
and shell of the enemy, weltering in pools of blood,
with fractured skulls and amputated limbs. May their
beneficent labors never be forgotten, and may the
emblem of our country ever float proudly over the
graves that enclose them.
Let us then watch carefully the treasures of liberty,
and so use them as to invoke the smiles of Heaven
upon our sacred trust. Let us acknowledge His di
recting hand, and, by strict integrity and adherence
to the principles of truth, justice, and righteousness,
prove ourselves worthy of the trust that we haATe re
ceived. Millions yet unborn, calling to mind the
noble deeds of daring, and the patriotic devotion of
these heroes of the Grand Army of this Eepublic,
who bore, in triumph, the star-decked emblem of our
nation through the proud embattled hosts of the
enemy, will rise up to bless the God of battles for such
a noble ancestry, and will crown them with perpetual
and immortal honors.

CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS
OF THE
GREAT AMERICAN SCOUT AND SPY,
" GENERAL BUNKER."

The foregoing narratives here related are facts that
actually occurred in the experience of C. L. Euggles,
and many of these are as well authenticated as any
facts in history. There has been no aim at making
this a work of general history, but simply a narrative
of personal experience, coupled with only so much
of the general history of the Avar as is necessary to
explain the cause of the events that transpired in his
experience. Many of these are incidents of daring
that are Avithout parallel in the scout service, and
reveal the interior of war as it is not seen in the gen
eral records of history. The following testimonials
of the value of his services and the truthfulness of his
reports will be read with interest :

" Headquarters 1st Brigade, 3d Dmsiojr, )
17th Army Corps, December 11, 1863. )
'•I have known Mr. Ruggles since December, 1861. I
remember very well his first expedition as a spy, in June,

396 CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS.
1862, when the 20th was at Grand Junction, then an ex
posed outpost, under command of General Leggett.
" Since that time he has been continually employed on
such duty, often on expeditions of extreme hazard. He
has shown as much address as daring. Many a camp-fire
has been enlivened with stories of his adventures, while
commanding officers have set high value upon his reports.
"I remember Mr. Ruggles as one of our best sharp
shooters in the war. • His skill in this department, as well
as in the scout service, often obtained him leave to go out
from the line on somewhat independent duty. At Cham
pion Hills I gave him liberty to go with Company A, which
was sent out as skirmishers to open the way for an advance,
on account of his skill.
" At the siege of Yicksburg, he had a special permanent
permission to be among the sharp-shooters on the ad
vanced lines. On the day of the general but unsuccessful
charge in May, 1863, he was mainly instrumental in driving
away the artillerists from two of the enemy's guns on the
right of the Jackson road.
" During the siege, his Henry rifle, presented to him by
General Grant, was one of the marked pieces among the
sharp-shooters of the 17th Corps.
"M. F. Force,
"Brig.-Gen'l Vols., hie Colonel 20th Ohio."

" Headquarters, 3d Division, 17th Army Corps, >
Vicksburg, Miss., December 7, 1863. J
"Mr. Ruggles (or 'General Bunker,' as he is better
known) has acted as scout and spy for me on very many
occasions since the early part of June, 1862. In this char
acter he has been remarkably successful, .seldom ever fail
ing to satisfactorily accomplish the mission on which he
was sent.

CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS. 397
" Many scenes of his life as a spy are intensely interest
ing. "At some future time, I shall probably be at liberty to
relate a few incidents of considerable interest in his career,
of which he himself is as yet ignorant.
" M. D. Leggett, Brigadier- General."

" Memphis, Tenn., November 38, 1863.
"Captain E. C. Downs:
" Dear Sir, — You wrote me some time since, inquiring as
to the services of Mr. Ruggles as a scout and spy for the
Union army. In reply I would state that Mr. Ruggles was
a superior man for the work assigned him, and the infor
mation obtained through him of the movements of the
enemy was always reliable.
" In the .discharge of his duties, he was active, energetic,
and heroically brave. His gallantry in the service deserves
honorable mention in the work of which you speak.
" I am truly yours, "Leonard F. Ross."

"Headquarters 17th Army Corps, j
"Department op the Tennessee, [•
" Vicksburg, Miss., December 15, 1863. J
" To whom it may concern :
" This is to certify that Mr. Ruggles has been employed
by me at various times during the past year, and I have
always found him brave, adventurous, and truthful.
" His services as a scout have been very important, and
he deserves well of the military authorities.
"James B. McPherson, Major-General."

398 CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS.
"Zanesville, Ohio, July 31, 1S66.
'• It affords me pleasure to state that I am personally ac
quainted with Mr. Lorain Ruggles, known in the army as
'General Bunker.' He belonged to my command, and I
know he was regarded as one of the most intrepid scouts
in the 17th Army Corps. He was in high favor with all our
general officers, and I think rendered more efficient service
in the capacity of, scout and spy than any man with whom
I am acquainted. He certainly deserves well of his country.
" I never knew him to give false intelligence, and in his
forthcoming work should recommend it as a truthful nar
rative of his personal adventures, many of which I am
knowing to.
"G. F. Wiles,
"Late Colonel 78th 0. V. V. I., and Brevet Brig.-Gen'l"

" CaeroltoK, Ohio, June 27, 1866.
"I am glad to add my testimony to the reputation of
' Bunker' as a scout and spy. I believe him to have been
the most reliable and successful scout in the Western army.
"'Bunker' had the confidence of Lieutenant-General
Grant and Major-Generals McPherson and Logan, which
he earned by skilful labor during the campaign, and which
resulted in the capture of Vicksburg and its garrison.
1 " Yours truly,
"B. F. Potts,
"Late Brevet Major-General U. 8. Vols."

" Carbondale, III., July 1, 1886.
" I am well acquainted with Mr. Ruggles, or, a3 we called
him in the army, ' General Bunker.' He was certainly a
very excellent scout, and performed great service in that
branch of duties. He served as scout for me, as well as for
many others, and at all times performed his part well; ran

CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS. 399
great risks ; was not only a good scout, but one of the best
sharp-shooters, perhaps, in the army. " Yours truly,
"John A. Logan."

" Washington, D. C, July 9, 1865.
" Major E. C. Downs :
" Dear Sir, — In the work of which you speak, you are at
liberty to refer to me concerning the value of the services
rendered by Mr. Ruggles as a scout and spy, His reports
were always reliable, and were held in high estimation by
me. " Yours truly,
"U. S. Grant.
"Lieutenant-General U. 8. A."
Such testimonials as the foregoing give the narra
tives contained in the preceding pages a reputation
of reliability that cannot be doubted. Whenever a
mission of great danger Avas to be executed, Mr.
Euggles was the man that was usually chosen to per
form it. His quick comprehension and heroic daring
enabled him to address himself to the work, which he
rarely ever failed to accomplish. Often the boldness
of his designs proved to be the reason of his success.
Very few have equalled, Avhile none luive excelled,
him in that line of duty. Many of the incidents in
his experience are so wonderful, that without such
endorsements as we have here presented, Ave might
have been led to doubt. But with such an array of
testimony every Avorcl is established. The paramount
value of the book is its truthfulness. It will prove a
valuable addition to any library.

400 CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS.
The following certificate was obtained, just as we were going to press,
from the son of a well-known and honored citizen of Norwalk, who, while
yet in youth, has risen, by energy and heroic bravery, from the rank of a
teacher to a Brevet Major-General, and who stands forth ,to-day as a bold
and intelligent defender of those principles for which he fought :
" New York, October 25, 1868.
"Brevet Major-General W. T. Clark:
" General, — We have been referred to you, by Dr. Asa
Hill, of Norwalk, Conn., as one probably familiar with the
military career of C. L. Ruggles, whose adventures as a
scout and spy we are now publishing. Anything you may
choose to furnish us on this subject will be most thankfully
received. " With great respect,
" Your obedient servants,
"Olmsted & Welwood."

" Norwalk, Conn., October 27, 1868.
" Messrs. Olmsted & Welwood :
" Gentlemen, — I know Mr. Ruggles, or "General Bunker,"
his army sobriquet ; have known him since the fall of 1862.
His reputation as an excellent soldier and reliable scout
was well established in the Army of Tennessee
" He ever had tho confidence of his commanding generals
in an eminent degree. " Yours,
"W. T. Clark,
" Brevet Major-General,
" Late Chief of Staff, Army of Tennessee."

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