_A Female Traitor.--Suspicious Correspondence.--A Close Watch under
Difficulties.--I am Arrested.--Exposure of the Treason of a Trusted
Officer.--A Disgraced Captain._
During the earlier stages of the rebellion, a number of Southern
sympathizers were domiciled in the city of Washington, and among the
number were many ladies of refinement and wealth, from the South, who
had been leaders of fashion and of society in the brilliant days of
previous administrations. Many of these ladies were extremely
fascinating in their manners, and being gifted with great personal
beauty and with rare conversational qualities, they had gathered around
them a brilliant circle of acquaintances, to whom they dispensed regal
hospitalities and most delicate courtesies.
When the war broke out, these ladies thoroughly identified themselves
with the cause of the South, and upon all occasions were unreserved in
the expression of opinions favorable to the rebels, and of fervent
hopefulness for the eventual success of the disunionists. But little
attention was paid to these _grand dames_ of the old regime, as it was
not deemed possible that any danger could result from the utterances of
non-combatant females, nor was it considered chivalrous that resolute
measures should be adopted toward those of the weaker sex.
That this policy was a mistaken one was soon fully proved, and when it
was discovered that these fine ladies were secretly giving information
to the enemy, it was deemed of great importance that such means should
be adopted as would prevent their treasonable actions from being made
valuable to the opponents of the government, and who were seeking its
overthrow.
From information received from reliable sources, it was shown that the
rebel authorities were as fully conversant with the plans of the Union
commanders as they were themselves. That they knew of the position of
every regiment and brigade, and the contemplated movements of the
commanders, and the time of proposed action, far in advance of any
publicity being given to them, and when the utmost secrecy was the only
true passport to victory. Indeed, it was openly boasted that the secret
information given to the rebel generals had been mainly the cause of the
defeat of our armies at Bull Run and Manassas.
Upon these facts being fully proven, the government resolved to
effectually prevent a continuance of these practices, and that if they
were persisted in, the guilty parties should either be confined or
exiled to the more congenial climate of Dixie.
My department was in its infancy when the event occurred which I am
about to relate. I had secured a house in Washington, and had gathered
around me a number of resolute, trustworthy men and discreet women, who
were devoted to the cause of their country, but were scarcely in such a
condition as to move properly or with any systematized regularity. I had
not been many days in the city when one afternoon I was called upon by
the Hon. Thomas A. Scott, of Pennsylvania, who was then acting as the
Assistant-Secretary of War, who desired my services in watching a lady
whose movements had excited suspicion, and who, it was believed, was
engaged in corresponding with the rebel authorities, and furnishing them
with much valuable information.
This lady was Mrs. Rose Greenhow, a Southern woman of pronounced rebel
proclivities, and who had been unsparing in her denunciation of the
"Abolition North," and who had openly declared that "instead of loving
and worshiping the old flag of the Stars and Stripes," she saw "in it
only the symbol of murder, plunder, oppression and shame." Mrs. Greenhow
had occupied a prominent position in the social circles of the capital,
and was personally acquainted with all of the leading men of the
country, many of whom had partaken of her hospitality and had enjoyed a
social intercourse that was both pleasurable and fascinating.
She had now become an avowed hater of the Union, and it was feared,
from her previous association with officers in the army, that she was
using her talents in procuring information from them which would be
immediately communicated to the rebel government at Richmond.
The residence of Mrs. Greenhow was situated at the corner of Thirteenth
and I streets--quite a fashionable quarter of the city, and within a
short distance of the White House. The building, while not at all
imposing in appearance, was large, roomy, and was furnished with every
consideration for wealth and tasteful refinement. It was a two-story and
basement brick building, the parlors of which were elevated several feet
above the ground, and entrance was obtained by ascending a flight of
steps in the center of the edifice. This lady was a widow, her husband
having died some years before, and being possessed of considerable
means, and mingling with the highest circles of Washington society, her
home was the resort of most of the prominent people of the city.
The instructions of the Secretary of War were, that a strict watch
should be kept upon this house, and that every person entering or
leaving the same should come under the close surveillance of my men, who
should endeavor to ascertain who they were, and if they attempted in any
manner to communicate with any suspicious persons. I was to report to
him daily, and to continue my espionage until I received definite and
official orders for its discontinuance. My further instructions were,
that in case any of the visitors of Mrs. Greenhow should attempt to pass
the lines of our troops, they should be arrested at once, and a rigorous
search of their persons instituted, in order that nothing should be
allowed to pass through without a thorough examination by the Secretary
of War or Mr. Scott.
After the departure of the Secretary I took with me two of my men, and
proceeded to the vicinity of the residence of Mrs. Greenhow. I was then
quite a stranger in Washington, and localities were not as familiar to
me as they afterward became, and I therefore preferred to reconnoiter by
daylight, to depending upon a survey after nightfall.
The entire day had been dark, gloomy and threatening; clouds had been
gathering in the heavens, and everything indicated the imminence of a
severe storm. As I left my headquarters, a slight shower of rain was
falling, which I knew was but the precursor of a storm more violent. On
arriving at the designated locality I found everything to be as they had
already been described to me. The inside shutters to the windows were
closed, and no sign was apparent that the house was occupied, and after
carefully noting the situation and the exposed condition of the
premises, I left the two men within a convenient distance of the place,
and returned for the additional aid which I thought might be needed.
Selecting three of my most discreet men, I again repaired to the scene
of operations. We had not proceeded far, when the storm burst upon us in
all its fury. The wind blew strong and chill, and the rain fell in
deluging torrents. Umbrellas were a useless commodity, and, unprotected,
we were compelled to breast the elements, which now were warring with
terrible violence.
Arriving at Mrs. Greenhow's, under cover of the darkness I posted my men
in such positions as I thought would be most advantageous for our
purpose, and then calling in the two whom I had left there during the
afternoon, I approached to within a short distance of the house. The
darkness and storm, while decidedly uncomfortable, were of some benefit
to us, as but few people were abroad, and these paid no attention to
passing events, seeming to be only too anxious to reach their
destination and to escape the pitiless rain.
The blinds at the windows were still closed, but a light was observed in
two rooms upon the parlor floor, and I knew that the house was occupied.
Of course I could see nothing within, as my view was entirely obstructed
by the closed blinds, and, at length, becoming impatient at this
unprofitable and unsatisfactory waiting, I determined to obtain a
glimpse, at least, of the interior, and to ascertain, if possible, some
knowledge of its occupants.
The parlor windows, through which the lights were gleaming, were too
high from the ground to permit me to see within, and summoning the two
men who were awaiting instructions I made use of their strong, broad
shoulders in a manner quite novel to me, and quite ludicrous, no doubt,
to a passer-by who did not understand the situation.
Ranging the two men side by side under the broad windows in front of the
house, I removed my boots and was soon standing upon their shoulders and
elevated sufficiently high to enable me to accomplish the object I had
in view. I was now on a level with the windows, and noiselessly raising
the sash and turning the slats of the blinds I obtained a full view of
the interior of the room. The furniture was rich and luxurious, valuable
pictures hung upon the walls, and several pieces of statuary and various
articles of artistic ornamentation were arranged about the apartment,
but to my disappointment, it was unoccupied.
I was about to give expression to my chagrin at this discovery, when a
warning "Sh!" from one of my sturdy supporters induced me to be silent.
Some one was approaching the house, and hastily clambering down from my
perch, we hid ourselves under the stoop which led up to the front door.
Scarcely had we ensconced ourselves in this convenient shelter when we
heard the footsteps of the new-comer, and to our satisfaction, he
stopped in front of the house, and ascending the steps rang the bell and
in a short time was admitted.
By this time we were drenched to the skin--the rain had fallen in
copious showers and during all the time we had been exposed to its
dampening influences--but paying but little heed to this, we again took
our position in front of the window, and I was soon remounted upon the
shoulders of my operatives, prepared to take notes of what transpired.
As the visitor entered the parlor and seated himself awaiting the
appearance of the lady of the house, I immediately recognized him as an
officer of the regular army, whom I had met that day for the first time.
He was a Captain of infantry and was in command of one of the stations
of the Provost-Marshal, and not desiring to divulge the real name of the
gentleman, who has since died, I will call him Captain Ellison.
He was a tall, handsome man of a commanding figure and about forty years
of age. He had removed his cloak, and as he sat there in his blue
uniform, and in the full glare of the gaslight, he looked a veritable
ideal soldier. As I watched him closely, however, I noticed that there
was a troubled, restless look upon his face; he appeared ill at ease and
shifted nervously upon his chair, as though impatient for the entrance
of his hostess. In a few moments Mrs. Greenhow entered and cordially
greeted her visitor, who acknowledged her salutations with a courtly
bow, while his face lighted up with pleasure as he gazed upon her.
Just at this moment I again received a warning from my supporters, and
hastily jumping to the ground, we hid ourselves until the pedestrians
had passed out of sight and hearing. When I resumed my station the
Captain and Mrs. Greenhow were seated at a table in the rear part of the
room, and their conversation was carried on in such low tones that, in
consequence of the storm that was still raging, I could not catch but
fragmentary sentences. At last, however, accustoming myself to the
noise, I heard enough to convince me that this trusted officer was then
and there engaged in betraying his country, and furnishing to his
treasonably-inclined companion such information regarding the
disposition of our troops as he possessed.
Presently, he took from an inner pocket of his coat a map which, as he
held it up before the light, I imagined that I could identify as a plan
of the fortifications in and around Washington, and which also
designated a contemplated plan of attack.
My blood boiled with indignation as I witnessed this scene, and I longed
to rush into the room and strangle the miscreant where he sat, but I
dared not utter a word, and was compelled to stand by, with the rain
pouring down upon me, and silently witness this traitorous proceeding.
After watching their movements for some time, during which they would
frequently refer to the map before them, as though pointing out
particular points or positions, I was again compelled to hide myself
under the shelter of the convenient stoop, and when I resumed my
position the room was empty. The delectable couple had disappeared. I
waited impatiently for more than an hour, taking occasional glimpses
into the room and watching for their re-appearance. At the end of that
time they re-entered the parlor arm in arm, and again took their seats.
Again came the warning voice, and again I hastily descended, and as the
retreating figures disappeared in the distance, I could hear the front
door open and the step of the traitor Captain above me.
With a whispered good-night, and something that sounded very much like a
kiss, he descended the steps, and then, without paying any attention to
the fact that I was without shoes, I started in pursuit of him, and
through the blinding mist and pelting storms kept him in view as he
rapidly walked away. It was then about half-past twelve o'clock, and the
storm evinced no sign of a discontinuance.
I was not sufficiently acquainted with the city at that time to tell in
what direction he was going, but I determined to ascertain his
destination before I left him. I was compelled to keep pretty close to
him, owing to the darkness of the night, and several times I was afraid
that he would hear the footsteps of the man who accompanied me--mine I
was confident would not be detected as, in my drenched stockings, I
crept along as stealthily as a cat. Twice, I imagined that he turned
around as though suspecting he was followed, but as he did not stop I
reassured myself and plodded on. I could not, however, disabuse my mind
of the fear that I had been seen, I could not relax my vigilance, and I
resolved to take my chances of discovery. I knew who my man was, at all
events, and now I must ascertain where he was going.
As we reached the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Fifteenth street I
imagined that I saw a revolver glistening in his hand, but it was too
dark for me to determine that fact with any degree of certainty. At this
point he passed a guard on duty, and quickly passed into a building
immediately in advance of me.
This movement was so unexpected, that I had no time to turn back, and I
was so close to him that it would have been very unwise to have done so,
but I was more surprised when, as I reached the building into which the
Captain had disappeared, I was suddenly confronted by four armed
soldiers, who rushed suddenly out upon me, with fixed bayonets pointed
at my breast.
"Halt, or I fire!" called out the officer of the guard.
[Illustration: "_Halt, or I fire!_" P. 260.]
Realizing that an attempt at resistance or escape would be both foolish
and useless, I attempted to make an explanation. All to no purpose,
however. I informed them that I had been out late and had lost my way,
but they refused to listen, and ordered my companion and myself to march
at once into the guard-house. I endeavored to make the best of my
misfortune, and entering the building we seated ourselves and awaited
developments.
After waiting for about half an hour, I was informed that my presence
was required by the Captain; and the guard conducted me up-stairs to his
room. As I entered, I found myself face to face with Captain Ellison,
who was pacing excitedly up and down the floor; stopping immediately in
front of me, he glared fiercely at me for some minutes without uttering
a word.
I was a sorry figure to look at, and as I surveyed my weather-soaked and
mud-stained garments, and my bare feet, I could scarcely repress a
laugh, although I was deeply angered at the sudden and unexpected turn
affairs had taken.
"What is your name?" imperatively inquired the Captain, after he had
fully recovered himself, and had taken his seat at a table which stood
in the room.
"E. J. Allen," I replied.
"What is your business?"
"I have nothing further to say," I coolly replied, "and I decline to
answer any further questions."
"Ah!" said the Captain, "so you are not going to speak. Very well, sir,
we will see what time will bring forth."
He endeavored to impress me with his importance and played restlessly
with the handles of two revolvers that lay before him on the table, but
I saw too plainly through his bravado, and I knew that the scoundrel was
really alarmed.
Finding that he could not compel me to answer his questions, he turned
to the sergeant and ordered:
"Take this man to the guard-house, but allow no one whatever to converse
with him; we will attend further to his case in the morning."
I made a profound bow to the discomfited officer as I departed, to which
he replied with an oath, and then I was conducted down-stairs and placed
among the other prisoners.
I found myself in a mixed and incongruous assembly indeed. Most of my
fellow-prisoners were stupidly drunk, and lay about the floor like logs;
others were laughing and singing, while some were indulging in wild
threats against the men who arrested them. Here I found my companion,
who, representing himself as a Southern man had already become
acquainted with two secessionists, who were laughing and talking about
what they would have to tell when they obtained their release. He soon
ingratiated himself with these men, and before daylight had obtained
from them a revelation of certain matters that subsequently proved of
great value to us in our operations.
As for myself, my feelings can better be imagined than described.
Inwardly chafing against the unfortunate and disagreeable position in
which I found myself, I was deeply concerned regarding the situation of
affairs at the residence of Mrs. Greenhow. I had given no definite
orders to my men, and they would be doubtful as to what course to pursue
until they heard from me, and here was I a prisoner in the hands of the
man against whom I had grave charges to prefer, and whom I had detected
in treasonable correspondence. Added to this, my wet garments and the
cold atmosphere of the room in which I was confined, affected me with a
degree of chilliness that was distressing in the utmost. I shook like an
aspen, and my teeth for a time chattered like castanets. It may be
imagined that the hilarity of my fellow-prisoners had but little charm
for me, until at length one of the guards very kindly brought me a
blanket and an overcoat, which I wrapped about me, and soon began to
feel more comfortable.
Despite the aggravating circumstances under which I suffered, I could
not refrain from smiling at the ridiculous appearance I must have
presented as I stood before the irate Captain who had caused my arrest.
My hat was battered down over my face, and my clothing was spattered
with mud from head to foot, and were dripping with water as I stood
there. One might more readily imagine that I had been fished out of the
Potomac than that I was the chief of the secret service of the
government, in the performance of duty.
By the Captain's orders I was prevented from conversing with my
fellow-prisoners, so I turned my attention to the guard. My chief desire
was to apprise Mr. Scott of my captivity, as early as possible, in order
that my release could be effected without unnecessary delay, and I
therefore applied myself to the entertainment of my jailer.
The soldier who had charge of me I soon found to be a jolly,
kind-hearted fellow, and I amused him immensely by relating some
ridiculous anecdotes which I had heard, and before the time came for him
to be relieved I had entirely won his favor.
Seizing a favorable opportunity I asked him if he would deliver a note
for me after his time for standing guard had expired, at the same time
offering to repay him for his trouble. To this he readily assented, and
by the dim light afforded us I managed to scribble a few hasty lines to
the Assistant Secretary of War, informing him of my imprisonment, and
requesting him to order my release as soon as possible, and in a manner
which would not excite the suspicion of Captain Ellison.
At about six o'clock the guards were changed, and my messenger departed
upon his mission. He was fortunate enough to find the servants of Mr.
Scott astir, and informing them that his message was of extreme public
importance, he had it delivered to the Secretary in his chamber at once.
At seven o'clock the guard returned, and coming to the door, he
conversed a few minutes with the soldier who had succeeded him, when I
called out:
"How is the weather outside?"
"All right, sir!" replied the man, with a sly wink, and then I knew that
my note had been safely delivered, and my liberation simply a question
of time.
At about half-past eight o'clock the sergeant of the guard came to the
door with a paper in his hand, and called out:
"E. J. Allen and William Ascot!"
Ascot was the name of my operative who had been arrested with me, and
with whom I had not exchanged a word since I had been imprisoned. We
responded to our names, and following the sergeant, were again taken to
the room occupied by Captain Ellison.
"The Secretary of War has been informed of your arrest, and you will be
conducted to him at once, and then we shall see whether you will remain
silent any longer."
The manner of the Captain was imperious and commanding, and I laughed to
myself as I thought of the possible result of our interview with the
Secretary. The Captain led the way, and in the company of four soldiers,
we left the place, arriving in a few minutes at the residence of Mr.
Scott. He was awaiting our arrival, and as we entered the room he
ordered the guard to release me, and directed me to accompany him to his
room. I followed him immediately, and as the door closed behind us, he
burst into a hearty laugh at my uncouth and unkempt appearance. I was a
sorry spectacle indeed, and as I surveyed myself in the mirror, I joined
in his merriment, for a more realistic picture of a "drowned rat" I
never beheld.
I at once detailed what had transpired on the preceding night, and as I
related the interview which I had witnessed between Captain Ellison and
Mrs. Greenhow, his brow became clouded, and starting to his feet, he
paced the room rapidly and excitedly.
"Mrs. Greenhow must be attended to. She is becoming a dangerous
character. You will therefore maintain your watch upon her, and should
she be detected in attempting to convey any information outside of the
lines, she must be arrested at once. And now we will attend to Captain
Ellison."
Tapping a bell which stood upon his table, he ordered:
"Request Captain Ellison to come here."
As the Captain made his appearance, he seemed to be very ill at ease,
and gazed searchingly at Mr. Scott and myself, as though he suspected
something was wrong.
"Captain," said Mr. Scott, addressing him, "will you give me the
particulars of the arrest of this man?" pointing to me.
The Captain answered that he had gone to visit some friends, who resided
in the outskirts of the city, in the evening, and on returning at a
late hour, he had noticed that he was being followed, and supposing me
to be a foot-pad or a burglar, had ordered my arrest.
"Did you see any one last evening who is inimical to the cause of the
government?"
The Captain became flushed and nervous under this direct question. He
darted a quick glance at me, and after hesitating for some moments he
answered in a faltering voice:
"No, sir; I have seen no person of that character."
"Are you quite sure of that?" sternly inquired Mr. Scott.
"I am, sir."
"In that case, Captain, you will please consider yourself under arrest,
and you will at once surrender your sword to Captain Mehaffy."
The Captain was completely unmanned as these words fell from the lips of
the Secretary, and sinking into a chair, he buried his face in his
hands, seemingly overcome by his emotions.
But little remains to be told. Captain Ellison was arrested, and a
search among his effects discovered sufficient evidence to prove that he
was engaged in furnishing information to the enemy, and he was confined
for more than a year in Fort McHenry. He was finally released but broken
in spirit and in health, and fully realizing the disgrace he had
brought upon himself, he died shortly afterward.
After leaving the residence of Mr. Scott, I took a carriage and went
directly to my headquarters, and dispatched new men to relieve those who
had been on duty all night, and who had been so anxious for my safety
that they had sent several times to make inquiries, and who were unable
to account for my absence. They had, I was rejoiced to learn, taken care
to recover my shoes, which I was afraid would be found by some one
connected with the house, and thus lead to the suspicion that the
premises were the object of espionage.
We continued our watching of the premises, and during its continuance a
number of prominent gentlemen were received by the fascinating widow,
and among the number were several earnest and sincere Senators and
Representatives, whose loyalty was above question, and who were,
perhaps, in entire ignorance of the lady's true character.
Almost every evening one particular individual was observed to call at
the house, and his visits invariably were of long duration. He was
therefore made the object of especial attention by me, and in a short
time I succeeded in learning his true character, and the nature of the
business which he followed. Ostensibly an attorney, I ascertained that
he was undoubtedly engaged in the vocation of a Southern spy, and that
he had a number of men and women under him by whom the information was
forwarded to the rebel authorities. This gentleman, therefore, found
himself, in a very few days, a prisoner of war.
About eight days after this, orders were given for the arrest of Mrs.
Greenhow herself. She was confined in her own house, and all her papers
were seized and handed over to the custody of the Department of War. The
intention of the government was to treat her as humanely and
considerately as possible, but disdaining all offers of kindness or
courtesy, the lady was discovered on several occasions attempting to
send messages to her rebel friends, and finally her removal to the Old
Capitol prison was ordered, and she was conveyed there, where she was
imprisoned for several months. After this she was conveyed across the
lines, and reached in safety the rebel capital, where she was greeted by
the more congenial spirits of rebeldom.
Mrs. Greenhow afterwards went to Europe, in some trustworthy capacity
for the Confederacy, and while there was noted for her bitter animosity
to the Union, and her vituperation of Northern men and measures, but
retribution may be said to have followed her, and some time subsequent
to this, having returned again to the South, she made her way to
Charleston, S. C., from thence she took passage upon a blockade-runner,
upon some secret mission for the Confederacy. Her person was loaded down
with gold, which was packed in a belt close to her body. After passing
Fort Sumter, a severe storm arose, and the little vessel began to pitch
and roll in the angry waters, which swept in huge waves over her deck.
Mrs. Greenhow was, I was since informed, washed over-board, and the
weight upon her person carried her down and she was lost. No trace of
her was ever afterwards discovered.
[Illustration: A FEMALE SPY.]