Page:The woman in battle .djvu/423

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CHAPTER XXXII.

FORREST'S GREAT RAID. GOING NORTH ON A MISSION OF MERCY.

A Friend in Need is a Friend indeed. The Lieutenant aids me in procuring a new Wardrobe. I succeed in finding out all I want to know about the Number and the Disposition of the Federal Troops on the Line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. A Movement made in Accordance with the bogus Despatch which I had brought to General Washburn. Forrest makes his Raid, and I pretend to be alarmed lest the Rebels should capture me. The Lieutenant continues his Attentions, and something occurs to induce me to change my Plans. I have an Interview with an Officer of my. Brother's Command, and learn that he is a Prisoner. I resolve to go to him, and leave for the North on a Pass furnished by General Washburn. At Louisville I have an Interview with a mysterious secret Agent of the Confederacy, who supplies me with Funds. On reaching Columbus, Ohio, I obtain a Permit to see my Brother. Through the Agency of Governor Brough my Brother is released, and we go East together, he to New York, I to Washington.


HE next morning the lieutenant made his appearance bright and early; and said that he had raised a hundred dollars for me, by representing me as a Union woman who was flying from persecution in the Confederacy, and who had brought important information into the lines. This money I regarded as lawful spoils of war, and therefore had no hesitation in accepting it. Expressing my gratitude to my friend for his zeal in my behalf, I said that he would place me under still further obligations if he would aid me in obtaining some better clothing than that I had on. He expressed the greatest desire to oblige me, and, taking half of the money, he invested a good portion of it in a stylish bonnet, a handsome piece of dress goods, and a pair of shoes. He also presented me with a number of little articles, which I was given to understand were meant for testimonials of his individual regard.

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