Although Colonel Dana, of the private branch of the War Office
Intelligence Department, might have claimed exemption from active
service, he never spared himself, though such a messenger ran not only
the common military dangers, but of the Johnnies treating him as a spy.
During the battles of the Wilderness, acute was the trepidation in
Washington, where no news had come since a couple of days--Grant having
"cut loose" and buried himself in the midst of the foes. Nevertheless,
Dana had a train at Maryland Avenue to take him to the front, and a
horse and escort to see him farther; he came to take the President's
last orders. But the other had been reflecting on the perils into which
he would be sending his favorite despatch-bearer.
"You can't tell where Lee is, or what he is doing; _Jeb_ Stuart is on
the rampage pretty lively between the Rappahannock and the Rapidan. It
is considerable risk, and I do not like to expose you to it."
"But I am all ready; and we are equipped, if it comes to the worst, to
run!"
"Well, now, if you feel that way--start!"--(E. P. Mitchell, from Dana.)
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