_East and West Virginia.--Seceding from Secession.--My Scouts in
Virginia.--A Rebel Captain Entertains "My Lord."--An old Justice Dines
with Royalty.--A Lucky Adventure.--A Runaway Horse.--A Rescue._
At this time the condition of affairs in the State of Virginia--the "Old
Dominion," as it was generally denominated--presented a most perplexing
and vexatious problem. The antagonistic position of the two sections of
that state demanded early consideration and prompt action on the part of
the Federal Government, both in protecting the loyal people in the
Western section, and of preserving their territory to the Union cause.
Within the borders of this commonwealth there existed two elements,
directly opposed to each other, and both equally pronounced in the
declaration of their political opinions. The lines of demarkation
between these diverse communities were the Allegheny Mountains, which
extended through the very middle of the state, from north-east to
south-west, and divided her territory into two divisions, slightly
unequal in size, but evidently different in topographical features and
personal characteristics.
From the nature of its earlier settlement, and by reason of climate,
soil and situation, Eastern Virginia remained the region of large
plantations, with a heavy slave population, and of profitable
agriculture, especially in the production of tobacco. West Virginia, on
the contrary, having been first settled by hunters, pioneers, lumbermen
and miners, possessed little in common with her more wealthy and
aristocratic neighbors beyond the mountains. They made their homes in
the wilds of the woods, and among the rocky formations, under which was
hidden the wealth they were seeking to develop, and in time this western
country became the seat of a busy manufacturing industry, with a
diversified agriculture for local consumption, while the east was
largely given up to the production of great staples for export. As a
natural result, the population and wealth of the eastern portion, which
was thus made to stand in the relation of a mere tributary province to
her grasping neighbor, who selfishly absorbed the general taxes for
local advantage.
The slave interest also entered largely into the creation and
continuance of this antagonistic feeling. According to a census, which
had been recently taken, it was ascertained that Eastern Virginia held
but a few thousands. It was not a matter of surprise, therefore that
secessionism should be rampant in the east, and that a Union sentiment
should almost universally prevail in the west. As the institution of
slavery was more or less the cause of the war, here, as in other parts
of the South, secession reared its most formidable front where the slave
interest predominated, and treason was more alert in the centers of
accumulated wealth and family pride, whose foundations were laid by the
suffering and the toil of the African bondsmen. The war had been waged
to defend the "Divine institution," and it was scarcely to be expected
that such a cause would be valiantly championed by men whose
self-reliance and personal independence had endeared to them the rights
of free and honorable manhood.
When the Convention of Virginia met to consider the question of
secession, the slave-holding dignitaries were somewhat startled by the
logical, but novel, declaration of one of the western members, that "the
right of revolution can be exercised as well by a portion of the
citizens of a State against their State government, as it can be
exercised by the whole people of a State against their Federal
Government." This was followed by another, more pointed and
revolutionary, "that any change in the relation Virginia now sustains to
the Federal Government, against the wishes of even a respectable
minority of her people, would be sufficient to justify them in changing
their relation to the State government by separating themselves from
that section of the State that had thus wantonly disregarded their
interests and defied their will."
The convention, however, denying the pertinency of this logic, passed
its secret ordinance of secession on the 17th day of April, and within a
week popular movements were on foot in the various towns and counties of
Western Virginia, to effect a division of the State. The people united
in a unanimous protest against the efforts of the slave-holding
aristocrats to carry them into a cotton confederacy, and a determination
to "secede from secession," was manifested everywhere. The loyal
determination was rapidly followed by popular organization, an appeal
for assistance was made to the government at Washington, who promised
them countenance and support, and on the 13th day of May, delegates from
twenty-five counties of West Virginia met at Wheeling, to devise such
action as would enable them to fully and finally repudiate the
treasonable revolt of East Virginia.
Many circumstances favored their position. The state of Ohio,
immediately adjoining, was organizing her military force of volunteers,
and Western Virginia was, not long after, attached to the department of
the Ohio under command of General McClellan. The blockade of Washington,
and other events, had operated to keep the Western troops on the Ohio
line, and the Unionists of West Virginia found a protecting military
force at once in their immediate vicinity, with a commanding officer who
was instructed to give them every encouragement and support.
Meanwhile, Governor Letcher, of Virginia, ignoring the attitude assumed
by the people of the West, had issued his proclamation calling for the
organization of the state militia, and including Western Virginia in the
call. Prompted by a spirit of arrogance or over-confidence, he at an
early day dispatched officers to that locality to collect and organize
the militia of Western Virginia. Owing to the sparsity of the
population, and the hilly and mountainous situation of the country,
there were but two principal localities or lines of travel, where a
concentration of forces could be best effected--one of these being the
line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the other the valley of the
Great Kanawha river. In these districts Governor Letcher sent his
recruiting agents, but they soon returned reports of a very discouraging
character. The rebel emissaries found the feeling very bitter: that
Union organizations existed in most of the counties, and that while
fragments of rebel companies were here and there springing up, it was
very evident that no local force sufficient to hold the country, would
respond to the Confederate appeal, while the close proximity of Union
forces at several points along the Ohio, pointed to a short tenure of
Confederate authority.
This information was not at all cheering to the rebel Governor of the
State, and he determined to maintain his authority in the disaffected
districts with armed forces from the eastern portion of the State. To
accomplish this, he detailed a few available companies from Staunton to
march toward Beverly, from which point they could menace and overawe the
town of Grafton, the junction of the main stem of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, with its branches extending to Parkersburg and Wheeling. The
inhabitants showed more alacrity, however, to take up arms for the
government than for Governor Letcher or General Lee. A Union Western
Virginia regiment, under the command of Colonel Kelley, began to gather
recruits rapidly at Wheeling, while the rebel camps between Beverly and
Grafton were comparatively deserted, and Colonel Porterfield, who had
been sent under orders of Governor Letcher, found his efforts at
recruiting decidedly unsuccessful.
On the 23rd day of May the State voted upon the ordinance of secession,
and East Virginia, under complete military domination, accepted the
ordinance, while West Virginia, comparatively free, voted to reject the
idea of secession.
Immediately after the result was ascertained, the rebel troops became
aggressive, and Colonel Porterfield dispatched several of his companies
to burn the bridge on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
The appearance of these troops was quickly brought to the notice of the
Federal authorities at Washington. On the 24th day of May the Secretary
of War and General Scott telegraphed this information to General
McClellan, and inquired "whether its influence could not be
counteracted." General McClellan at once replied in the affirmative,
and this was the sole order he received from Washington regarding a
campaign in Virginia.
On the 26th, the General ordered two regiments to cross the river at
Wheeling, and two others at Parkersburg. They were to move forward
simultaneously by the branch railroads from each of these points to
their junction at Grafton. The burnt bridges were restored in their
passage, and after a most brilliant strategic movement, Porterfield was
completely surprised, and the rebels were forced to disperse, in utter
rout and confusion.
This complete success of the first dash at the enemy had the most
inspiriting effect upon the Union troops, and also encouraged and
fortified the Western Virginia unionists, in their determination to
break away from the East and to form a new State. This movement was
successfully accomplished, and early in July they elected two United
States senators, who were admitted to, and took part in the national
legislature.
Governor Pierpont, who was head of this provisional State government,
organized at Wheeling, made a formal application to the United States
for aid to suppress the rebellion and protect the people against
domestic violence. General McClellan, in furtherance of this object,
ordered additional forces into the State from his department.
In order to act intelligently in the matter, it was necessary that some
definite information should be derived respecting the country which was
now to be protected, and from which it was necessary the invading rebels
should be driven. For this purpose the General desired that I should
dispatch several of my men, who, by assuming various and unsuspicious
characters, would be able to travel over the country, obtain a correct
idea of its topography, ascertain the exact position and designs of the
secessionists.
For this duty I selected a man named Price Lewis, who had just returned
from a trip to the South, and whom I had reason to be satisfied was
equal to the task. I resolved, therefore, that he should be one of the
party to make this journey, together with several others who were
delegated for the same purpose. In order to afford variety to the
professions of my operatives, and because of his fitness for the
character, I decided that Price Lewis should represent himself as an
Englishman traveling for pleasure, believing that he would thus escape a
close scrutiny or a rigid examination, should he, by any accident, fall
into the hands of the rebels.
Procuring a comfortable-looking road-wagon and a pair of strong gray
horses, which were both substantial-looking and good roadsters, I
stocked the vehicle with such articles of necessity and luxury as would
enable them to subsist themselves if necessary, and at the same time
give the appearance of truth to such professions as the sight-seeing
Englishman might feel authorized to make. I provided him also with a
number of English certificates of various kinds, and I also supplied him
with English money which could be readily exchanged for such currency
that would best suit his purposes in the several localities which he
would be required to visit.
Lewis wore a full beard, and this was trimmed in the most approved
English fashion, and when fully equipped for his journey he presented
the appearance of a thorough well-to-do Englishman, who might even be
suspected of having "blue blood" in his veins. In order that he might
the more fully sustain the new character he was about to assume, and to
give an added dignity to his position, I concluded to send with him a
member of my force who would act in the capacity of coachman, groom and
body servant, as occasion should demand. The man whom I selected for
this role was a jolly, good-natured, and fearless Yankee named Samuel
Bridgeman, a quick, sharp-witted young man, who had been in my
employment some time, and who had on several occasions proved himself
worthy of trust and confidence in matters that required tact as well as
boldness, and good sense as well as keen wit.
Calling Sam into my office, I explained to him fully the nature of the
duties he would be required to perform, and when I had concluded I saw
by the merry twinkle in his eyes, and from the readiness with which he
caught at my suggestions, that he thoroughly understood and had decided
to carry out his part of the programme to the very letter.
In addition to these, I arranged a route for two other men of my force.
They were to travel through the valley of the Great Kanawha river, and
to observe carefully everything that came under their notice, which
might be of importance in perfecting a military campaign, in case the
rebels should attempt hostile measures, or that General McClellan might
find it necessary to promptly clear that portion of Virginia from the
presence of secession troops. These two men were to travel ostensibly as
farm laborers, and their verdant appearance was made to fully conform to
such avocations.
Everything being in readiness, the two parties were started, and we will
follow their movements separately, as they were to travel by different
routes.
Price Lewis, the pseudo Englishman, and Sam Bridgeman, who made quite a
smart-looking valet in his new costume, transferred their horses, wagon
and stores on board the trim little steamer "Cricket," at Cincinnati,
intending to travel along the Ohio River, and effect a landing at
Guyandotte, in Western Virginia, at which point they were to disembark
and pursue their journey overland through the country.
I accompanied Lewis to the wharf, and after everything had been
satisfactorily arranged, I bade him good-bye, and the little steamer
sailed away up the river.
There were the usual number of miscellaneous passengers upon the boat,
and added to these were a number of Union officers, who had been
dispatched upon various missions throughout that portion of the State of
Ohio. These men left the steamer as their points of destination were
reached, and after they had departed, several of the passengers who had
hitherto remained silent, became very talkative. They began in a
cautious manner to express their opinions, with a view of eliciting some
knowledge of the sympathies of their fellow-travelers in the important
struggle that was now impending. Lewis had maintained a quiet, dignified
reserve, which, while it did not forbid any friendly approaches from his
fellow-passengers, at the same time rendered them more respectful, and
prevented undue familiarity. Sam Bridgeman contributed materially to
this result; his deference to "my lord" was very natural, and the
respect with which he received his commands convinced the passengers at
once that the English-looking gentleman was a man of some importance.
The passengers all appeared to be Union men, and while they expressed
their regrets that the war had commenced, they regarded their separation
from Eastern Virginia, with undisguised satisfaction.
At midnight, on the second evening, the boat landed at Guyandotte, and
Samuel, with a great deal of importance, attended to the transfer of his
master and the equipage from the boat to the wharf. Here they found a
number of men in uniform, who were ascertained to be representatives of
the "Home Guard," and in a few minutes Bridgeman had secured the
services of two of them, to assist him in safely landing their effects.
This being satisfactorily accomplished, he, apparently in a sly manner,
treated them to a drop of good whisky, which formed part of the stores
they had been provided with. Stopping at the hotel over night, they
continued their journey on the following morning. They drove leisurely
along, and at about ten o'clock they stopped at a farm-house to rest
their horses. They remained here until nearly three o'clock in the
afternoon, conversing with the old farmer, who seemed to be much pained
at the condition of affairs, but who had two sons who had joined the
rebel army. They renewed their journey in the afternoon, and in about
two hours reached the little village of Colemouth, where there was a
rebel encampment. On passing this they were halted by the guard, who
inquired their business and destination. Lewis told him he was an
Englishman, accompanied only by his servant, and that he was traveling
through the country for pleasure. The guard informed them that he could
not let them pass, and asked Lewis to go with him to the Captain's
headquarters, which was located in a large stone house, a few hundred
yards distant. My operative willingly consented, and leaving Sam in
charge of his carriage, he accompanied the soldier to the officer's
quarters. He was ushered into a large and well-furnished apartment on
the second floor, and in a few minutes the Captain came in.
[Illustration: _An English Lord and a Rebel Captain._ P. 215.]
He greeted my operative pleasantly, and informed him that he regretted
the necessity of detaining him, but orders had to be obeyed. Lewis
related in substance what he had already stated to the guard, which
statement the Captain unhesitatingly received, and after a pleasant
conversation, he invited the detective to accept the hospitality of the
camp.
An English gentleman traveling for pleasure was not to be treated with
discourtesy, and upon Lewis' accepting of his invitation, a soldier was
dispatched to bring the horses and carriage and their impatient driver
into camp.
Supper was ordered, and in a short time the Captain and his guest were
discussing a repast which was far more appetizing than soldiers' fare
usually is. During the meal Sam stood behind the chair of Lewis, and
awaited upon him in the most approved fashion, replying invariably with
a deferential,
"Yes, my lord."
After full justice had been done to the repast, Price directed Bridgeman
to bring in from the carriage a couple of bottles of champagne, and by
the time the hour of retiring had arrived the detective had succeeded in
impressing his entertainer with a very exalted opinion of his rank and
standing when at home.
Lewis, being an Englishman by birth, was very well posted about English
affairs, and he entertained his host with several very well invented
anecdotes of the Crimea, in which he was supposed to have taken an
active part, and his intimacy with Lord Raglan, the commander of the
British army, gained for him the unbounded admiration and respect of the
doughty Captain.
From this officer Lewis learned that there were a number of troops in
Charleston, but a few miles distant, and that General Wise, who was then
in command, had arrived there that day.
After a refreshing sleep and a bounteous breakfast, Lewis informed the
Captain that he would continue his journey toward Charleston, and
endeavor to obtain an interview with General Wise. The Captain cordially
recommended him to do so, and furnished him with passports which would
carry him without question or delay upon the road. As they were about
taking their leave the Captain put into Lewis' hands an unsealed letter,
at the same time remarking with great earnestness:
"My lord, I beg of you to accept the inclosed letter of introduction to
General Wise; as I am personally acquainted with him, this letter may be
of some service to you, and I should be only too happy if it will be
so."
"Thank you," replied Lewis, "but you have been far too kind already, and
believe me I shall always recall my entertainment at your hands with
pleasure."
The valiant Captain was not aware that he had been furnishing very
valuable information to his gentlemanly visitor, and that while he was
unsuspectingly answering his well-directed questions, his servant, the
quiet Sam Bridgeman, was unobservedly making notes of all that he heard
in relation to the situation of affairs and with regard to the probable
movements of the rebel troops.
A rather ridiculous incident occurred to our two travelers after leaving
the camp. They had proceeded but a short distance upon their way, when
one of the horses they were driving cast a shoe, which made it necessary
for them to stop at a little village and secure the services of a
blacksmith.
Driving up to the hotel, Lewis alighted from the wagon, while Bridgeman
drove to the blacksmith-shop in order to have his horse attended to. As
Lewis ascended the steps of the hotel he noticed a tall, rather
commanding-looking gentleman seated upon the porch, who was evidently
scrutinizing his appearance, very carefully. The stranger was a man
about sixty years of age, but remarkably well preserved, and the lines
on his face scarcely gave but little indication of his years. There was
an air of seeming importance about him which impressed Lewis with the
fact that he must be one of the dignitaries of the place, and as he
approached him he very politely raised his hat and saluted him.
The old gentleman returned the salutation with an inquiring gaze, and
Lewis, in order to pave the way to his acquaintance, invited him to
partake of a drink, which was cordially accepted. In a few minutes,
under its influence, the two men were conversing with all the freedom of
old friends.
Lewis ascertained that his companion was a justice of the peace, an
office of some importance in that locality, and that the old gentleman
was disposed to give to his judicial position all the dignity which a
personal appreciation of his standing demanded. In a quiet manner, Lewis
at once gave the justice to understand his appreciating the honor he had
received in meeting him, and by a few well-administered flatteries,
succeeded in completely winning the kind regards of the old gentleman.
Their pleasant conversation was progressing with very favorable success,
when Sam Bridgeman drove up with the team, having succeeded in finding a
smithy and in having the lost shoe replaced.
With a deferential, semi-military salute, he addressed Lewis:
"We are all ready, my lord." At the mention of the title the old fellow
jumped to his feet in blank amazement, and in the most obsequious
manner, and with an air of humility, that, compared with his bombastic
tone of a few moments before, was perfectly ridiculous. Jerking off his
hat and placing it under his left arm, he advanced, and said:
"If my lord would do me the honor to accept my poor hospitality, I would
only be too happy to have the pleasure of his company for dinner; my
house is only a short distance off, on the road to Charleston, and will
detain you no longer than to rest and feed your horses, and partake of a
true Southern meal."
Lewis hesitated a moment, and then remembering that he had represented
himself as traveling purely for pleasure, he did not see how he could
avoid accepting his kind invitation.
"I have heard, sir, of the hospitable character of the Southern
gentlemen, and I assure you I shall be most happy to avail myself of
your kindness."
The old Justice could not conceal his pleasure at the prospect of
entertaining a "live lord" in his own house, and with evident delight he
accepted a seat in Lewis' carriage. He directed the way to his dwelling,
which stood back from the road, surrounded by a grove of lofty pines,
and then invited his guest within; intrusting the care of the team to
the care of Sam and one of the servants, they entered the house, and
were soon engaged in discussing the situation of affairs, both North and
South. Lewis informed the old Justice that his name was Henry Tracy, of
Oxford, England, and that his object was to reach Charleston, but that
he was not aware that the country was so unsettled, or he would not
have ventured on this trip. He then related his adventure of the day
before, and commented favorably on the gentlemanly bearing of the
Captain, and the manner in which he had been treated. They indulged in
pleasant conversation, on various topics, until dinner was announced.
When they had done justice to an excellent repast, they repaired to a
shaded porch in the rear of the house, and Lewis instructed Sam to bring
out a bottle of champagne and a bottle of brandy. These, as already
intimated, had been labeled with foreign wrappers, so that the deception
was complete. The brandy was a very ordinary article, and the wine of an
inferior quality, but the old gentlemen went into ecstasies over it, and
under its mellowing influence, he became familiar and confidential, and
gave to my shrewd operative much valuable information. Finally the
justice grew profusely demonstrative, and leaning across the table, he
said:
"My lord, I have never tasted such brandy as you carry in all my life, I
have a couple of warm friends outside whom I have taken the liberty to
send for, and whom I know will be delighted to see you, and still more
pleased to taste this excellent liquor."
"Certainly," replied Lewis, "bring them in; I shall be happy to meet
them."
Lewis supposed, of course, that the two men whom he had referred were
planters and neighbors, but imagine his surprise when the justice
returned, accompanied by the blacksmith and cobbler of the village.
After being introduced to "my Lord Tracy," Lewis invited them to take a
glass with them, and with evident pleasure, yet with visible
embarrassment, they accepted the invitation and seated themselves at the
table.
It was now that the old gentleman grew loquacious; he was loud and
profuse in his praises of the brandy; he asserted again and again, that
it had never been his good fortune to taste such liquor, in which
encomiums the blacksmith and cobbler heartily joined. As the afternoon
wore away, and the present supply was exhausted, Sam was dispatched
after another bottle, and the social meeting continued until evening.
Lewis was careful as to the amount he drank, and intensely enjoyed the
whole affair. The idea of the blacksmith and cobbler hobnobbing with an
English lord, struck him as being so ridiculously funny, that he laughed
again and again at the absurdity of the situation. Often during the
evening he laughed immoderately, at what they supposed their own jokes
and wit, when he was really thinking of the ridiculous comedy in which
he was playing the leading part. When the hour for retiring arrived, the
old man begged as a special favor that he would be allowed to keep one
of the empty bottles, as a memento of the occasion of his lordship's
dining with him, and to remind him of the pleasure he had enjoyed of
drinking some rare old imported brandy (made in Cincinnati). The
blacksmith and cobbler also looked so longingly at the empty bottles
before them, that Lewis could scarcely refrain from laughing heartily,
as he graciously complied with their request for a souvenir of the
occasion. The evident satisfaction with which they appropriated a bottle
apiece, as they started for home, and their hearty thanks as they bid
him good-night, was heartily echoed by the old justice, who carefully
laid his bottle away as a sacred relic of a never-to-be-forgotten event.
While the party were enjoying themselves on the porch, Sam Bridgeman had
been using his time well among the servants, and had gleaned much
valuable information from them. They remained over night with the old
gentleman, and on the following morning, after bidding him a kind
farewell, they started on their journey. Lewis did not forget, however,
before leaving, to take a parting glass with his host, who seemed very
reluctant to have them depart. They continued on their way towards
Charleston, traveling but slowly, as the roads were heavy from the
recent rains. About noon they arrived at a farm-house, to which they had
been recommended by their host of the night before. Here they stopped
for dinner, and after refreshing themselves, they again went on. The
afternoon was warm and pleasant, and their journey lay through a
beautiful stretch of country. Driving quietly along, they beguiled the
time admiring the beautiful scenery spread before them, and in pleasant
converse. Their enjoyment was, however, suddenly interrupted by the
sound of loud voices and the clattering of horses' hoofs immediately
behind him. Quickly turning around, the cause of this unusual excitement
was at once apparent. A fine black horse, covered with foam, was tearing
down the turnpike at break-neck speed, and evidently running away. Upon
his back was seated a young lady, who bravely held her seat, and who was
vainly attempting to restrain the unmanageable animal. Some distance
behind were a party of ladies and gentlemen on horseback, all spurring
their horses to the utmost, as if with the intention of overtaking the
flying steed in front of them. Intense fear was depicted upon the
countenances of those in the rear, and not without reason, for the
situation of the young lady was dangerous indeed.
Quick as a flash, my operatives realized the situation of affairs, and
the necessity for prompt action. Without uttering a word, Sam Bridgeman
turned his horses directly across the road, intending by that means to
stop the mad course of the fiery charger approaching them. As he did so,
Lewis sprang from the wagon, and with the utmost coolness advanced to
meet the approaching horse. On came the frightened animal at a speed
that threatened every moment to hurl the brave girl from her seat, until
he approached nearly to the point at which my operatives had stationed
themselves, and then, evidently perceiving the obstructions in his path,
he momentarily slackened pace. In that instant Lewis sprang forward, and
grasping the bridle firmly with a strong hand, he forced the frightened
animal back upon his haunches. The danger was passed. The horse, feeling
the iron grip upon the bridle, and recognizing the voice of authority,
stood still and trembling in every joint, his reeking sides heaving, and
his eyes flashing fire. The young lady, with a sudden revulsion of
feeling, fell back in the saddle, and would have fallen but that Sam
Bridgeman, hastening to the relief of his companion, was fortunately in
time to catch the fainting figure in his arms. Extricating her quickly
from the saddle, he set her gently on the ground, and as he did so the
fair head fell forward on his shoulder, and she lost consciousness.
By this time Lewis had succeeded in quieting the excited animal, and had
fastened him to a tree by the wayside, and as he turned to the
assistance of Bridgeman, the companions of the unconscious girl rode up.
Hastily dismounting, they rushed to her aid, and in a few minutes, under
their ministrations, the dark eyes were opened, and the girl gazed
wonderingly around.
After being assisted to her feet, she gratefully expressed her
thankfulness to the men who had probably saved her life, in which she
was warmly joined by the remainder of the party.
Sam Bridgeman received these grateful expressions with an air of modest
confusion, which was indeed laughable, and then said:
"It ain't no use thanking me, Miss, it was my lord here, that stopped
the animal."
At the words "my lord," a look of curiosity came over the faces of the
new-comers, and Lewis stepped gracefully forward and introduced himself.
"I am glad, ladies and gentlemen, to have been of service to this young
lady, and permit me to introduce myself as Henry Tracy, of Oxford,
England, now traveling in America."
The three gentlemen who were of the riding party grasped the hand of
their new-made English acquaintance, and in a few words introduced him
to the ladies who accompanied them, all of whom were seemingly delighted
to make the acquaintance of a gentleman who had been addressed by his
servant as "my lord."
This adventure proved to be a most fortunate one for my two operatives.
The gentlemen, upon introducing themselves, were discovered to be
connected with the rebel army, and to be recruiting officers sent by
Governor Letcher to organize such rebel volunteers as were to be
gathered in Western Virginia. By them Lewis was cordially invited to
join their company to Charleston, which he as cordially accepted.
Suggesting that as the young lady, who had scarcely recovered from the
accident, might not feel able to ride her horse into town, he politely
offered her a seat in his carriage, which offer was gratefully accepted,
and attaching the runaway horse to the rear of the vehicle, the party
proceeded on their way to Charleston, at which point they arrived
without further event or accident.
The young lady whom Lewis had so providentially rescued was the only
daughter of Judge Beveridge, one of the wealthiest and most influential
men in the State, and upon conducting her to her home, the detective was
received with the warmest emotions by the overjoyed father. Lewis was
pressed to make the house of the Judge his home during his stay, but
gratefully declining the invitation, he took up his quarters at the
hotel, where he could more readily extend his acquaintance, and where
his movements would be more free.
The young officers whom he had met upon the road had their quarters at
the hotel at which Lewis had stopped, and under their friendly guidance
no one thought of questioning his truthfulness, or impeaching his
professions.
By this means he was enabled to acquire a wonderful amount of
information, both of value and importance to the cause of the North, all
of which was duly reported to me at headquarters, and by me communicated
directly to General McClellan.