Patrick Scally, an honest deserter from the Confederate service--A sketch
of the defences of Richmond.
The following statement is interesting as showing how a poor, ignorant,
drunken man was hurried off with Gilmor and Bradley T. Johnson, in July,
'64, when they retreated from north of Baltimore.
I feel sure the whiskey was paid for by Judge Grason, or Mr. Cockey, or
some of the other disloyals spoken of in Mr. Kremer's and my own former
reports. They undoubtedly gave him the horse, also:
Baltimore, Md.,
Dec. 23, 1864.
Statement of Patrick Scally:
"I was born in Ireland. I lived in Texas, Baltimore County,
for five years before I went South; my father and mother live
there. I am a laborer.
I went South on the tenth of last July, that is, I joined
Gilmor's command at Texas. I joined Company C, Second Maryland
Battalion. They gave me a horse, carbine and sabre. The
second day after I joined them I was in the fight in front of
Washington, but did not like the fighting much.
I was drunk when I joined them and didn't know what I was
doing.
I deserted from them on the 1st day of August between Hancock
and Cumberland, and went to work for a farmer named McLean, a
good Union man; he didn't know that I was a deserter. I worked
for him about two weeks. I then went to Cumberland, and then
went to Pittsburg and there worked for Wood, Matthews & Co.,
nearly four months. I was afraid, while at work for Mr.
McLean, that the Rebels would catch me and shoot me.
I didn't report at Pittsburg because I didn't know there was
any necessity for so doing; the people in Pittsburg did not
know that I had been with the Rebels. I was only with the
Rebels three weeks, they never gave me a uniform; they once
paid me ten dollars in Confederate money.
I was sworn into the Rebel service the same day that I
enlisted, while I was drunk. I wore the same citizens clothes
that I wore from home, while with the Rebels. I would have
deserted the next morning after I joined them if I could, but
could not get any chance.
I left Pittsburg last Sunday night, got home to Texas
yesterday evening. My father told me I would have to come
here and take the oath and if I did not I would be arrested as
a spy. I knew I had to give myself up before. I came in town
this morning and gave myself up.
I cannot read or write. I have heard the newspapers read, but
not often. I never heard of the President's Proclamation,
don't know what it is."
his
(Signed) PATRICK X SCALLY.
mark
Below is a sketch of the fortifications bounding Richmond on the east
and north. The information came to me from Dr. A's brother, who had just
arrived from Richmond. The source of information being so reliable, a
copy was made and forwarded to General Grant. The date of its
transmission I have not.
* * * * *
When General Grant made the assault on Richmond, on the east and north,
on Sept. 26, 1864, the colored troops under General Birney encountered
this ditch.
[Illustration]