. THE DESERTER'S DAUGHTER. BY . W. D. HERRINaTON; 3d N C. Cav., AUTHOE OF % ^'The Captain's Bride,/' '^ The Refugee's Niece," etc. Southern Field and Fireside i^ovelette, .^o, 3. RALEIGH : WM. B. SMITH & 00> 1865. TIE SOUTHERN FIELD AND TIRESTOE! THE GEEAT UTERAET WEEKLY OP THE sourriM ! A SUPERB FAMILY JOURNAL ! ! ! n^ IS ANNOUNCED WITHOUT FEAR OP CONTRADIC- Horn that th« extensive and SPLENDID ARRAY OF COMBINED TALENT now employed in writing for the Field and Firesid© surpasaes in genuine merit, ability, celebrity and numerical strength any com- bination of POPULAR LITERATEURS ever before attained in the hU: ory ..: Periodical Literature of Eu- rope or America. It 18 a large eight-page Weekly' Journal, elegantly printed, and teenmig with charming original Romances, Sketches, Tales, History, Travek, Adventnree, Essays, Criticisms, Witticisms ; including Translations from the German ^ Freiich and other languages; Agri- coUnraj, Mechanical and Scientific articles, etc., etc. TERMS: On© copy six monHhs, - - - - J 15 00 Ten eopies six months, . - - - 1S5 00 ADSIlVtf, V¥W, B. SMITH A, CO ., RALBIOH, V. C. THE DESEBTER'S DAUGHTER. ■ ♦ ♦•♦ »■ ^ BY W. D. HERRINGTON, 3d NO. Cav., AUTHOR OF '' The Captain's Bride,'' '' The Refugee's Niece/' eH. Southern Field and Fireside Jfovelette, Jio. 8. RALEIGH : WM. B. SMITH & 00. 1865. Entered according to^act of Congress in the year 1864, hy wm.'b. smith & CO., in ttie CMerk's Office of the District Court of the Confederate States f^T the Distiiot of Pamjico of "Ndrt-h Carolina. THE DESERTERS DAUGHTER. CHAPTEE I. '' This has heen a daj #f erents to me and I shall not soon forget it." Thus spoke Captain Forrester, alighting from his horse in front of his tent, and addressing his -first Lieutenant, who_. in company with several of the men, were seated around a camp fire passing ofi" the evening in jovial con- Tersation. ^^'Anv thing new on the picket lines, Captain," asked the Lieutenant anxiously. " No excitement 'there, I believe hut" — '^ Why then will you remember to-day so especially? Another adventure I guess ?" ^'.JSTo not an adventure ; but an escape." •^ From the widow's bewitching eyes," answered the Lieutenant jestingly. ' ^ *^ Don't be jealous, Lieutenant," said the Captain forc- ing a gmile. But the want of life feviBced by Capt. Forre&ter, in thus turning what he knew to he a very imp.ortant matter int« a joke, was instantly Blade quite evident to Lieutenant Hart. '^Have a non^commissiontd officer and twelve men d^ tailed immediately. Lieutenant, aad- order them to am- busk thf Mselres at the second mile -p©st keyoad the vidette at the fork of the road. There they will find a blind foot path leading off to th* right exacUy %% th^ mUe-poti.. That path I desire to liave stristly watched. Instruct them to keep well concealed to arrest every one that endeavors to pass and bring them to me, and to continue there until further orders.'" Finishing these instructions ho turned tiway*and ordered his cook, to '' prepare dinner in five minutes." '• The Captain's excited,''' said one of the men at the fire. . * ^• '' There's something wrong as sure a8 twice one makes j^nr," answered Charlie M. This lapsus lingua, or the wrong answer to the wrong sum, caused a genreral outhnrst of laughter, and Charlie in ridicule was ordered by all present to ^o im-nediately and call on the widow that she might teach him mathe- matics. '^ Hurry off the detail, Lieutcaant," «H'dered the Cap- tain as he seated himself at his mess-chest to eat his has- tily prepared meal. '^ Saddle uj) f s'^outed the non-commissioned officer^ and in a few minutes the decail was making its way to the place designated. It was, now growing dark and the sombre'clou-.Is boiling up from the, northeast an-] spreading over the horizon gave ominous signs of a snow storm, while a boisterous wind shrieked and howled amid the towering forest pine tops. The^ camp-fires of Captain Forieiiter's squadron blazing brightly, and the im-^n that were not immediately on duty -were quietly seated around them, waiting for their '^turns'' to go. At headquarters thingk were exceedingly quiet.. Alone Capt. Forrester and Lieutenant Hart' might be seen by the light of their fires seated in dreamy silenc- — the Lieu- tenant in wonder, while the Captain was evidently en- gaged in deep thought ; and from the often volu^ntar^'y contracting of his dark brow the path of duty over which these thoughts w«re then meandering were beset with many unpleasant obstacles. But at last, as though to break the suspense that he knew must be passing through the Lieutenant's mind , he said, ''^to-day, Lieutenant, I have eome in possession of positive information that there is in our rai^lst a secret league, composed of our own fel- low-citizens, (-but I am glad to say that the league is amall) whose avowed intention it is to thwart our designs, who haye a regular means of communication that conveys information to the enemy with the greatest dispatch, who " tarry on a nefarious contraband traffic, and who are en- deavoring to induce our fellow soldiers to desert their country/ s flag. If this disaffection is sot crushed in its infancy it bids fair to weaken, if not destroy, the cause in North Carolina. This is perfectly reliable information, from a responsij^le source ; but, by the way, came near costing me my life ti>day ;" and opening the breast of his coat he displa^^ed the trace of a rifle bullet that just missed his body^at the heigth of hi^ heart. ^^Tliis, too, was the work oi' what was once a lady, but "—-hesitating ho buried his forehead in his hands. ''Is it possible I^' afked the Lieutenant in surprise. "But before to-morrows's sun Heaven may favor us with some clue to this dark plot, and if so I shall go im- mediately to work heart and hand to bring those black hearted villians to summary justice, aul r;d our mother State of the stigma that their conduct is. already bringing upon her fair name." '' You will need assistance, GUptain, in this matter, and remember that I am anxious to be your abettor." -'' Yes, I am aware that it will be a hazardous under- taking, and to be successful will require nerve, energ|r and perseveraruce. I know of no one on whom I can more confidently rely than yourself in this matter, and I shall expect your assistance." Rising from his seat he extend- ed his hand, to the Lieutenant, who grasping it said. ^' Here I supposCj Captain Forriiter, we BQutuaily resolve to su«ceed or perish/' That's th» d«t©rBaiaation," wag the rtsponse. (C •HAPTBR IL .'' Nothing hai beea heard from the detail I suppose /, Lieutenant?" asked 4he Captain earlv on the next morn- ing. '' JS'othing except what has just been brought in by the relieved pickets. They report that firing was heard be- low about day-break." ^' Order a man to saddle his horse and report to me," said the Captain. ""^ But hold," I see a man riding in * camp now. ^' It's one of the detail/" answered the LieutenaHt, ** and, strange to say, ke hag a little girl on the horse with him." *' A little girl! ha, thus Heaven has crowned this. enter- prise with success. Captain Forrester, followed by Lieutenant Hart, walked in the teqjt as the horseman rode up i*n front. ** Captain," said h«, lifting the little girl ■ from his horse, ^^ I hare come to briag this little girl whom we caught thifc morning, accompanied by some' one, endeav- oring to pass through our ambuscade.- Her escort made his escape, after we ha^ fired on him several times. She will give us ntv information.'' *■* Come here to me," said the Captain^ putting on an austere frown and addressing the little miss who had as- sumed a look of perfect resignation. This abrupt order caused a little agitation, however,, in her features, but, placing the nail of her left fore finger between her teeth, she promptly obeyed the order as the Captain turmed awaj to complete his toilet, which he had not quite fin- ' ished. '' Take a seat on the bed here, sissy. Aia't you cold?" aaked the Lieutenant. *^ No sir !" answered a low voice. The Captain, somewhat attracted by the soft musi#al Toice^ turned his eyes upon the beautiful features' of the .blue-eyed neat little maiden and asked, ^* Whose little girl are you?" She hesitated in perplexity. . ' *' I am nobody's little girl." • , ''What is your name ?" ''Lula." "Lula— what else?" asked the Captain. '^Nothing else?" '' What is your father's name ?" She refused to answer. " ^ '' Where is your home ?" *' I h.av'nt got any home." *' Where is your mother?" ''I have -no mother now," she answered," while the tears chased each other down her plump cheeks. ''You are a singular little being," said the Captain. — " You belong to nobody. You have no home nor mother and named nothing but Lula." - " Where is your father ? Come, you must answer me." " I don't know sir." ^' Have you nolDrothers and sisters?" *' Yes sir, I have two brothers and one sister." ^^ Where are they?" '^ I don't tnow sir." . ^' i^nd what's your sister's name ?" ^' Julia."- ' _ • '^Nothing but Julia of course/' said the Captain iron- ically. ^' Is she gro>vn ?" ^'^Yessir.^^ . ^^What^is your age?" ' ''"Ten/" she answered. *' Ten," said the Gaplain. " • '^ You know a great d(?al more than you have told.'' — He made a feint as though to draw his sabre from its scabbardj hoping thereby to intimidate her. • She caught the movement, and, throwiag herself into Lieutenant Hart's arms, she shrieked, -^oh, Lieutenant, don't let him kill me." ^' He will not hurt you if you will tell us why you were passing our men this morning, and who was with you."^ ''I was sent/' she said, ^-^ and couldn't help it. Oh f if you please don't malie me tell any more." ^^ Don't be rash with lier. Captain." ' ^^ She niust be sent to the General/" said the Captain. '^ I'll swear, by •Eternal Heaven, to wreak vengeance upon the heads of tliBse villians yet." . Captain Forrester 'was a young Confederate officer of much promise. Ko one saw him but to love him. His manly form, his frank, open countenance, his fierce black eyes, his generous heart, and inflexible determination won the admiration even of his enemies. An eaemy to him, however, was an enemy, and he hated him with all the bitterness and venom that the depths of his soul could foster, while he loved his friends with that interesting devotion that ever characterise^ the faithful keart. Thecause of his country *was dearer to him than even life itself; and he respected no one that did not cherish a like devotion. When Captain Forrester was convinced that a plan was reallj set on toot in his native State to break down the cause in which he himself was struggling, and in which he had seen so many of his comrades and even a cherish- ed brother sacrifice their lives, it aroused every nerve .in his form to energy.. Then the news through his picket lines to the enemy awakened him to a vigilant sense of his duty. • In Lieutenant Hart he found a genial companion. One wliose motto was ever to do or die. Ojje who loved ad- venture with a 'veteran hunter's devotion. One who never shrank from any duty except where his finer' sentiments were compromised. Never, therefore, could the disaffect- ed mob of North Carolinians have had two more deter- mined foemen watching them than these two who before a c?*mp-fire ^'mutually resolved to crush them or die." •^' Lieutenant," said he after musing for a few moments, *f we are now fairly on the track of those traitorous rene- gades whose headquarters, (if .we may honor their den by this appellation,) I have every reason to believe, is not far distant from this place in the wilds of Dover Swamp. To detect and defeat them now only requires a liUle cunning courage and energetic action." ' • ^^ What course ought we now to pursue? or what are your plans ?" . ^^ We must first find out their base of operations. This movement must be definitely understood ; they must be betrayed by strategy, and then we must crush them at one- blow. Of course we cannot commence an open cam- paign against them in their dens in Dover Swamp. So secrecy on our part^^will be the ground work of success." " I am well acquainted with all of this country, Cap- tain, and I offer you my services as a scout." 10 '^I suggest, then, that you tak« with you three day's co«ked ratiens and set out this evening. . I am 8»re that the foot path at which our men are now amhushed is a communication to their headquarters. Take that path, and find to what mystical rendezvous or .hover it leads, and what dark deads of treachery it witnesses. Caution must be your watchword ; and let me advise you to keep your eyes open and have no confidants. Order your de- tail to camp." This plan was adopted and Lieutenant Hart was dis- patched aa a seout an d^ detective. - CHAPTER III. ^^The widow gives us another hall to-night," saffl. Charlie M as he walked hurriedly in camp and ad- dressed a numher of his comrades who ha9. seated them- selves upon the pine straiu and were very diligently watch- ing two of their numher who were deeply interested in a oontest at checks. '^ Not to U8y'^ answered on« of the men, *' Charlie, birt to you." 11 ** n* ! tke invitatioH is ex-tende'd te sm many of the squadron as are disposed to go. You must gOj boys. We ahtAl have splendid Musie. Furthermore, there is to be B©me new ladies there. The widow says they are beau- tiful." ^' Where are they to come from ?" was asked. ^* Tkey are to run the blockade of our pickets to-night after dark, accompanied by Edgar and Austin. But this must not be made known to Captain Forrester !" *' It will be a haz9,rdoils undertaking ; and, further- more, it is acting in bad faith to the service. How are they to return?" ^'^ I reckon the Captain will grant them a pass ia the morning to return^" answered Charlie. ^' You are mistaken, Charlie ; orders have just been is- sued that no one shall pass the lines without written per- mission from thef Q-eneral." ^' Ne^^er mind, boys, the matter is all fixed with the Captain, and will all turn out right, '^ and Charlie turned away and walked to another portion of the encampment. ^' That boy deserves sympathy," said* one of his friends eyeing him closely as he left. ' . ^^ Why ?" ;:sked another. ^^ Because by subtility that woman has completely»en- trapped him, and is fast leading him astray. I for one have but little confidence in her." '^ I am sure that she has always treated us very kindly, and, for all I know, she is a perfect lady.'' ^* Very true, but I do not like the cut of her eye. Fur- thermore, her, husband died in the Yankee service, and some even doubt his being dead at all — nevertheless, I suppose she is called luidoivy ^^ She could not help what her husband did. '' Probablp not." Three hours afterwards and the merrimenf at the wid- ow's ball was at its acme. 12 *^The boys were success slul," aid Charlie to one of his comrade g. '•* Xot as succ'essfnl as you might suppose," was the re- ply.. • '''Why?" " They eyaded the picket and patrol, but were met by the relief, who have reported it. to the Captain." The Captain says that he intends to arrest the ladies early in the morning, and he has doubled the picket lines to pre- vent their escape. The Captain has offered a reward to know the boys that piloted them fkrough. The relief could not recognize them in the dark. Edgar is strongly suspected." • " I know that none of the boys who are kno\ying to all the circumstances will betray Edgar and Austin, and I will raake all of these facts known to them immediately." » laying this Charlie called his two friends to one side and related the circumstances to th^m. ' ' '^ This is yery strange conduct on the part ot the Cap- tain, or else I have been deceived in the matter," said Austin, '^for— "* " Never mind,' boys," interrupted Charlie, " it will all be right." •' Yes, but if Captain'Forrester made this threat he will carry it into execution unless the ladies are carried back through the lines before day. And this must be done. Go, Edgar, and tell them what has happened. Tell them that we will take them back at four o'clock, and be ready then to start. Tell them, also, that it will be impossible 'to take them back on horse-back,' and that they will have to walk." Edgar did as he was advised and soon returned with the report that the ladies were vei*y much excited, and ready to start^im mediately." " Na/' says Austin, " at four o'clock the fifth relief will take post. We will pass the lines at patrol number one. 13 At four tiie patrol will b© expecting the relief and will be standing on post witJi the picket, and under tkc cover of night we can cross his beat." '' And then how?" asked ETlgar. ^' We will get into the field at the gate, from wheuce there is a fimJl path leading into the main r«ad beyond the last viaette post." ^' IL>w near the pickets do we have to pass ?" " In rifle shot ; but jf we are cautious we shall nass im- ohserved." At the hour set apart this plan was put in execution. AiS they passed out of the neld, at which place they were safely across the picket lines^ Austin exclaimed : " And now I feel relieved. All dan o^er is how over " ^' Was'nt that the -tramp of horses' hoofs oa the road ?" asked Edgar. <^ Be still." '' The enem^ ! the enemy !" whispered one of the youno- ladies. You had better return .to } our command. We are not afraid .now to return home, by ourselves." '* We are sorry that w^e' cannot see you safely home, but it is best for us to return," and, extending their hands to the'young ladies,, they bid them in haste good-bye. '^ Tell Captain Forrester," whispered one of the young ladies, but before she could complete' the sentence she waa abruptly interrupted by 'her companion ; and the two young men hastened back in the direc-tion of their camps.- When they were passing their picket post they were, as they had done before, using great precaution for fear of being discovered. Edgar halted suddenly and laid hi« hand on the shoulder of his companion. '' Hark !" he whispered, '^ an advancing footstep ahead. Lie down/' The form of a man passed them. '^ He is alone/' whis- pered Austin. As prompted by one common impulse u th«j sprang to their feet and presented their pistols to the intruder*s head. The man scared out ©f his wits fell upon his knees and, stammering, said : /'I — I — ma» — eit — e — e — zen." ■''ITot a iford from you, sir." % ^^ Let us search him," said Austin. , '^ "What are you doing here at this hour?" demanded Edgar of the affrighted stranger. '^Hun— t— t— ing-" " Around our pickets, I guess. So are we." '' What kind of a dispatch is this you have here 7' ' said Austin, extracting a neatly folded paper from the back lining of the priioner'scoat, which, when it became light, read as follows : — 22d, 186-. To Gheismo Tunwt. • • H. The prisoner aad his' unintelligible dispatch were both * sent to department headquarters. CHAPTER lY. If three days previous had made a lasting impressioil mpoa the mind of Captain Forrester, indeed this was a daj of memorable events to the entire command. The most important information had heen communicated te> the General commandinggby this nerycus spy and his dis.- patch, while the minor, deeds of treachery that had been going on even withia the'bounds of Captain Forrester's «amps began to unfold themselves before his eyes. The day commenced^with a demonstration by thp enemy upon the picket lines> The pickets were everywhej*e driven back upon the reserve, when, to maintain their position, a -most desperate skirmish took place, which, though it resulted in completely routing the insolent foe, yet many of our braviest boys had fallen. Among those were Edgar and Austin, who, while feeling th« strength of the enemy's line of battle in th6 first part of the ea- gagement, were shot dead, and at a point, too, where no e&iemy was suspected. Hardly had the enemy.^diiappeared, the line of battle been broken and the excitement of the morning passed iway, when Lieutenant^Hart^returned to camp from his €S:peditioTi/ This was a Hew cause of eiciteiment, for every on© could see in his tell-tale countenance that^he had brougkt in:^r- matioH of importance. • • ^< "What's the news ! what's th9 ncWg ! Lieutenant ?" wked voice after Toice. 16 '^ I guppos« you thrashed the Yankees this morning/^ would be his evasive answer. He sought Captain Forrester in private interview. The camp was in breathless suspense until broken by an order issued by the Captain : '^For all of the men to be ready to march at four o'clock, on foot." . When the men were marched to the field of operation, nut one knew where he was, nor what he was to do. They had marched through the wild woods for an hour and a half, and were now halted in, the thickest place they had feeen. The Captain and Lieutenant, who had lead their horses in the rear a' few moments before halting the men,' h^ fastened them to trees. ** The Captain wants to hide us good,'' said one of the men in mimic ridicule. Ordering the squadron to count off the strength of the line in an under tone, he divided it into two equal parts. With the first he formed a parallel line of battle, and, placing it in charge of Lieutenant Hart, he marched the second forty paces, filed it to the right, halted, brought it to a front in a line corresponding with the first. -' Now make ready with your pieces, men, lie down and a'^rait orders." In the greatest suspense and anxiety they all prostrated themselves upon the earth, with their pieces cocked, and in a position to be discharged at th« command Fire. How indiscribarble is that feeling of impatience that at- tends the anticipation of ^ a final issue. Every stroke of the heart seems to say " icaity' while it apparently makes but four vibrations per hour. ^^ What is to be done ?" would be asked by one of an- other all the way down the line. Th^ suspense was one of novelty with the men. Every thought would seem to ask its successor, '* what's the is- sue ?" With Captain Forrester it was difi'erent. His sua- penee was half doubt, intcrmiiigled with hopeful antici- pation. He and Lieutenant Hart alone in tfhe two linei, then confronting each other, knew that between th^m lay a small but well beaten feot-path. As the last lingering sun be^ni took its departure from the tallest lorest pine top, the man on the left of the first line touched his neat- est comrade with his elbow, ^f Look," he whispered, and nodding his head to the left, he drew his attention to a detachment — ^say a hundred' — armed men marching ia single file, close order. On they marched unsuspecting. Some wore the insignia of the s&ldier, both blue and gray, while b^ far the grfeater portion ^ere garbed in the habit of the plebeian citizen. As the head of the marching column passed the right of tlie ambuscade, Captain Forrester rose coolly and or- dered his nfen ''upon their feet»" The men 'sprang fi-om their coyer, like mad .panthers^ their guns sprung and levelled. • , ''Surrender,"" he demanded in a firm -yet animated voice. This fell'upon their unsuspecting reverie like a thunder bolt. Some attempted to run', gome threw down thek arms and shouted, "don't shoot." ■ ^* Shoot out the brains of the first 'scoundrel that at- tempts to'escape,'* ordered Captain Forrester. '■' We'll give up," and other tokens of surrender rang . 0¥it all the way down the line.- Ariangements were^ made for their safe escort to the camp, wlxtii tilt: Captain siiouted, " to oilr hordes, Lie¥i- ter!lnt, to our horses," and, mounting their restless , ©hargers, they set off with almost lightning speed down the foot-path thr«ugh the dense gloomy forest. • The path breught them suddenly to an opening at the mouth of a lane. The Captain reined up. •!.' That is it," said the Lieutenant, pointing to a cottage- built farm-house two or three hundred yards in the dig- ♦unce. 18 • They drew their pietols from the holsters and, pressing their rowels to their horses' sides, they made them redoii- Ifiie "trheir exertions. As they neared the gate leading to the yard, two armed men stepped' from behind the gate, posts, and, levelling their guns, iSred. Lieutentant Hart reeled in his saddle and finally fell from his horsG, jwhile Captain Forrester's hor.}e fell dead in a few paces of the gate. He caught on his feet, however, and recovered from the shock of the fall, only to find liimself confronted hj the two men, wh©, with fixed bayoaets, had thrown themselves in the gate-way to dispute his farther advance. Baising his jjistol he shot one of them dead in his tracks. The other, seeitig the fate of his companion, endeavored t^3 save himself by flight ; hut, ere he made but few steps, he met a like fate. The Captain now caught his pistol in his left, and, drawing hU .>^abre with his right hand, rushed ♦n still to the house. As he placed his foot njfbn the door steps the smoke from a musket almost stifled him, but the ball missed its mark. Baising his s^.abre at a '' teirce point " he t.hrus.t it into the bosom of his antagonist, and bore him struggling to the floor, inke a tiger roused from liis lair, with the scent of blood, he kaped ov^r the prostrated body of the dying man and into the passage of the house. To the left he spied a shut door. With au elastic bound he thii;w himself against it and hoisted it from its hinges. As his ejes met its interior, now shaded by the soft evening twilight, a. woman, with hands ex- tended towards Heaven .and speechless with fear, met him and kn«lt'at his feet. ^■^Aie you,'^ he-deman" •kito spring, when a placid gmilo may be said to be dawn- ing upon the lips of nature— when each little songster dares to speak forth an an-xi^us carol, in unison with the notes #f the gladdened insects that l;iave been awakened by a stealing sunbeam. A mossing that brings gloom over the despondent and makes the grave^ light-hearted, mirth- ful — when joy and despiairrseem to linger together upon Mie air. A*s the sun lifted^liis sparkling face above the low wall •f smoke that belted the surrounding horizon,, ail the gtoonr in the neighboring atmosphere seemed to concen- trate and hover over Captain Forrester's camp. It was ihdeed a picture of a calm after a storm to a ship-wrecked, eiew, who had been rescued from immediate death, but doomed to perish by ' degrees upon a barren and solitary rock in the immense bosom of the briny deep. Here and there might be 'seen one gloomy face, seated undisturbeil and alone, his miijd wandering apparently in the fathom- less depths of despondeney. At some, other point groups were assembled as though to mingle and share each others §nmd. The death ofa comrade, a mess-mstte or ?i friend !kad to be commemorated in mutual sympathy. At headquarters things had been .quite astir at an early hour. During the night couriers had been dispatched to and retur»ed from the General Commandijg, with in- structions. At sunrise Captain Forrester was walking "back and forth in front of his te^at, his eyer, fixed intently i:g)on the earth and grasping tightly his right arm witk •22 iiis left, both of which were drawn tightly across his W- 8om. Something haunted- him; and what was it? Charlie*eHi?ered the camj) hurriedly and" sought liina. " Captaiti — — ," his voiee faltered. '' Ha Ye you obeyed my orders, Charlie?". " We found it impossible,, Captain." '^ Impossible !'" retorted the Captain. '^ We found her a corpse." '^ A corpse, indeed." . ''She has iiommittied. suicide," said Charlie, handing the Captain a note. '^She hell this note ki ii,- nand which h iia-\i:<^^^>i>\ to you.'^ • . The Captain r«ad the note alouvd as followi^ : '• I know, Captain Forrf^gter^ before this yoit have beea apprised of my wickedness. -I know that eseape is im- ■^ossible, and I have- preferred death tQ disgrace." '^ So; Charlie, this widow, with wnom we have all as- sociated and recognized as a friend, has beeii one -of the chief accomplices in getting information to the eojemy.- — She has been a spy even within the bounds of our camp.'*' Charlie looked horror-stricken ; for this wicked woman by her cunning devices, had exerted* a.n influence over his youthful heart that was fast developing itself in a deep-seated affection. His iir»t luve was blighted at a blow. In this note he saw her history at a gLvUce. . How he had been duped ! For a moment he was moved ; but how easily can the heart forgive a /a^Jt.pvon in a wori*h- less object of affection ? When Cantain Forrester had obtained satisfactory evi- dence of the guilt of this woman he knew not of the inti- macy that existed between Charlie and herself, and,- as Chavllo WiX'^. one of his favorites, he was charged with the execution of thf the enemy, now she has neither home nor friends, she ^"will seek his protection. As soou as a respite from duty would permit him lie^r»- tuAved to satisfy himself by seeing her again'. So, moiii:^ ifog^ his horse, he rode to- the house where he had left her. She met him at the gate the sam^ warm-hearted Julia ; merertheless wearing an expression of sadness in' her sym- pathy-inspiring eyes. But she did not meet him as one who had heen the means of throwing he r upon^ the cold world without a friend to sympathize or a home t© sheltet.' her head, but as her deliverer. When he grasped her ex- tended hand, its warm palm sent. a pang of sorrow Xp hi« keart that notliing save restoration to her could ease and ©aused a tear to concentrate in his fierce eyes. '' Juli^," said he, ^^ I came- this morning that you might tell me of and show'me those plans of which you tpdke yesterday " . '* Come in ^ Captain." ^' Thank you I would be glad to do. so-, but I misist sooa return." ■ . She flitted back into the house and- soon returned ready to accompany him to the house where but the evening previous he had been tke hero in so bloody a tragedy,, — They w^alked on in silence ; for what could he fiay.= She broke the suspense : , . '^ Captain, I told you last evening that I had be«n held as a prisoner — I told you that I had one opporj:unity of communicating to you tlve treason that was going on in the neighborhcfbd of your comfnand. On the night of the -widow's ball my Father consgrtted f@r me, accompanied by fv wicked woman, one of his accomplices, to go with meia your lines, (she went with the purpose of obtaining infor- mation.) I intended to go to you and expose the whole affair ; but your threat to arrest us, coupled with th« knowledge that I was in bad company, and would be ua- able to exculpate myself intimidated me, and my plan* were all frustrated." ^' Where is that woman now?" asked the Captain. 2f. '/ She hiis escaped to the enemy and will go to New York, where she has relatives ; and she is, therefore, gone forever beyond jour rej^ch." Just at this moment they emerged into a large neigh- liorhood road, one end of which l6d to a Confederate pick- et stand and the other through Dover Swamp into the '^ loiver -Neuse road/' Julia stopped suddenly and burst- ed into tears. . '^ Captain.'"' gaid she, " heic, a-'^. iu > .^oor aiisguided raothei' suftered herself to be placed as- a eenti- nel while my father endeavored to surprise and captura your pickets, was encountered by some one, on whom she fired. In the contest she was sh-ot and killed. My father suspected some of your men and, to retaliate, he took my poor little sister that nigrht and started in vour lines with a phial of arsenic, which she v\^as to deposit in the well from which you obtained water. O'n his way he was met by a number of soldiers, who captured her a.nd fired on liim I have not heard from him since." Overcome by these thoughts she seated herself upon a fallen tree and tufst into a most violent paroxysm of grief. Captain Forrester watched her in wonder and agitation until his heart grew sick within his bosom. He seated kimself by her side and threw his arm gently around her thouldere and drew her to hie bosom; ^^ Julia,'" said he, '^ will you — " *^ Captain Forrester,'" s^eexcJlaimed, endeavoring to :free herself from his grasp, •'* would you insult a poor girl whose heart is already borne to the earth with sorrow — vhom a father's conduct has disgraced." ^^ Hear me, Julia — if you can ever love nie, hear me. Since I liave deprived you of all that you must have held dear on earth — since I have deprived you of friends and kome I here offer you my love as remuneration and my kands to prcftect you. Say, Julia, that you will be my wife." 21 ■ . How could she believe him otherwise than true ? O^fS look at his face was sufficient to convince her of the purify of his heart. ^' You do not love me, and if you do I am unwortj ot your love." '^ If I thought 80, Julia, I should surely be unwortby of yours." • . • Leaning with comi^lacent confidence upon the arm thai had slain mother, father and brother, she sighed and »few days afterwards General Picket.signed Captain Foi- rester's leave of absence for thirty days, and he led to the altar liis beautiful Julia, Tug Deserter's Daughtbb. /. H. er.BECH. J. J. LITOBfrOR©. CREECH & LITCHFORD, dfiWERAL COMMISSIO^r NERCHAWTI . ^ AND RALEIGH, N C, WfLL ATTEND FAITHFULLY AND PUNCTUALLY TOALL BUSINESS COMMITTED TO THIER CARE. MEMITTANCES MADE PROMPTLY. CONSIGNMENTS OF MEKCHANDISE RESPECTFULLY SOLICTED. BY THE HAT MANUFACTURERS AT STATES- yille, N. C, 100,000 Fur Skins, such as * rabbjts; - - - - , - 2i,ood COON, - ^ - - - " - 20,000 FOX, - *- - - - . - 30,00© MUSK RAT, - - - - 10,00a MINK, .- - - - - < - 10,00i OTTER, ----- 4,000 BEAYER, ' ----- 1,00# lor which we will pay the highest prices either in oi»r- lency or specie, or exchange for Hats. WITTKOVVSKY & SALTZBERY. Peferuaiy 2, 1865. PAYETTEVIL.LE STEET, RALEIGH, N. . , KEEPS CONST AOTLY ON HAND A LAKQE AN© varied selectio;i. of ENGLISH and CONFEDERATE Q-OODS, and, having in his employment Two of the Best Cutters in the Sputh, is prepared to furnish OFFICERS" and CITIZENS' OLOTHING at the shorte^st possible notice. He keeps on hand ihe best articles of Trimmings, ajai^ latest styles of Buttons, &c., and flatters himself that fer GOOD FITS AND SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP his establisliment eaniiotbe s^^ruassed in the Confederacy. His- prices, will be as moderate ay the times will afford. CHARLES M. FARRtSS- JOHN H. mvm, JR., m>TAEY PUBLIC AND GENERAL AOENT, RALEIGH, N. C. ALL BUSINESS ENTRUSTED TO HIS CHAROfi will be carefully attended to. • ' Kul^igh, N. C, Dec. U, 1864. . Cataiogne of Books^ PITBLTSHBD BY R a 1 e i g h , N . C . OUR OWN PUBLICATIONS. Rr^t Dixie Primer, 8J E mUh., dedicated especially to the Dixie • Children, (by a SouthrnD Matron, Ilrs. M. B. Moore. Tf. C.) Price, (per • hundred $50.) • $1 W FU'St Dixie Pu adpr, comi risincr easy reading lessors, to succeed the Primer. By 3ir*. 3i. i?.,j¥oore.'- Price, 1 ©• flje Dixie EiemeLtary Spelling Book, most carefully arranged aa«l adapttd for Southern Sohooli!. By Mrs. 31. B Moore. Price, 8 0§ Ibe Primary Crtograpby. with Maps, t^ntirely ^ew r.nd popular. By Mrs. M. B. Moore. Ptice, S 09 JohDSon's Common S:hoo! Arithmetic, juat frotn the press and ia gre^ftt demand. By Prof . L Johnson, .f Trinity College. Price, 4 5f First Book in CompcsiiioD, to precede Eng'igb Grammar, contain- ing a variety ot pleasant writiug exercl^ s h t the student. By L. Branson, A. M. Fri-e, 4 6t York's English Graa.mar, Sd Edition, ill'ji^trsl^'-l by diagrams, tu- tirely a S-uthein work, and one of the best U use. By a devo- • ted Teacher. Price, , 4 6# HJU's Poems, pronounced bv the best critijs t- >6 " true and gen- uine poetry." By Theo.H. Bill. Price, 8 06 Morven acdLinda, a tale of a soldii*r's faithtu! love. By A. W. Mangum Price, ■ 5# MyrtleLeavci:, !i look irr \\.e {'imas/by Bev. A. W. Mangnm,[:i full of fine tiiuught, s-'-t in ' e.autjful pros.? and poehy. Price, S 0# Hifitoricai Scripture QuostioL;;,*for S.ibbath Schools and the Camp. Price, (i>er hundred $50,) " 1 0# "It i? deci''!r!^!y t!;^.- bosi w. >k I i:ave known '.a the ^iubjci. I: gives the .student a fiie knowledge of Bibie History." — W. J. W. Croicd^, Trr.ct Ag« ot. Socgs of Love and Liberty, ccmpiied by a North Carolina Lady for . Southern patriots. Price, ($50 per hundred,) 1 00 5'eck Morgan Songster, choice selections; by Gapt. T. A. Branson, late of Gen. Lee's army. Price, ($50 per hundred,) 1 06 B^The uiual discount to the Trade. 'B. 0. MUliRAY. JA3. A. MOORU. JNO. W . HARRIdtJC. I). C. MURRAY & CO., AKD f ;0mmiM0n ^^ FAYETTEVILLE STREET, RALEIGH, N. C, HAVING REaUL'ARLY COMMENCED BUSINESS, •solicit consignments. They will attend promptly to tke purchase an.i sale of goods, stocks, &c., &g. REFERENCES: Chas Dewey, Caabier. and W. II. Jolcs, C\xshier, Raleigh. Harris & Howeli, Wilmington. J. li. Lin ii-'ay, C'\.s!ii'.T, O'c^nsboro'. 15. A. Davis. Casliier, Salisbury. * T. W'. D^w<-/, Cashi:'v, Charlotte. A. Mcly-uu, Oi'^shic'i-, Pay^-lteviile. • British, Moiton'& C<.>., RichtDi)u.], Ya. Jas. E. CiiJ.-hbert, Cusiiieic, Petf^rsiiurg. Va. NE^RO AUCTION AND BY "V^. K. A^ske-viT & Co. FA YETTEVILLE STBEET, RALEIGH, N. C. -♦■«►•♦♦- SAFE AND COMFORTABLE QUARTERS, AND charges for Board, &e., as moderate as the times will per- mit. They have an experience of twenty ye^irs in the Trade, and flatter themselves that they thoroughly understand the husiness. W. F. ASKEW & CO. January 1st, 1865. W R. aiGHARDSON & CO , BROKERS AND STOCK AUCTIONEERS, FAYKTTEVILL.E STREET, RAL.EIGH, N. C , (THREE DOORS ABOVE THE POST OFFICE.) eONlSlGNMENTS OF S|'ATE, RAILROAD AND ALL KINDS OF Stock solicited. It bein^' our jveuliar busin'ess to deal in Storks ir. is bl* fair to i*resnm« we give therri more a!ip;iU'»u ihi-.n goneril Aucriou'eeis. r We (leal it! iVll k\r..U of Exchange, Stuck, Coin, BuHion, Bark Notef, 6-oveniraeril, State and Corporation B-nds, ;an*i do a ;;euer\l Brokeraga bosiat'^t=. - * ' WANTED,. G-OLD AND SILYER. BANK NOTE! AND NORTH CAROLINA TREASURY NOTES. FOR SALE, KORTH CAROLINA 6 PER CENT. BONDS, OLD ISSUE. ALSO NEW NORTH CAROLINA 6 PER CENT. BONDS. NORTH CAROLINA COUPONS OF OLD G PER CENT. BOND*. BULLION AND COIN. CONFEDERATE BONGS. MARtm M- mnn, BOOK AND NT WS DEPOT, KING STREET, OPPOSITE ANN STREET, CHAHLESTON, S. C. BACK NOS. OF THE FIELD AND FIRES>DE^AN1 Pacificator sent to any acldrfs.s on receipt of fifty cents per copy. January 5t'*:, 1865. NEW PUBLICATIONS. BY WM. B. SMITH & CX>. -♦-♦♦♦-♦— CASTINE. A CHABMtNG ROMAtStCE, BY EDWARD EDGEVIL\L\S, PRICE, - * - $2.00 THE DESERTER'S DAUGHTER, BY W. D. HERRINGTON, 3d N. C.^Cav. PRICE, - - - - - - « $2.00 -*-»•« ♦- ROSE EMMERSON; OR, THE BRIDAL OF TME FOUNDLING, BY EDWARD EDGEVILLE. PRICE, - - ^ - - . - - $2.00 THE SCOUT OF AUAOO ; OR, VENGEANCE IS MINE, BY 'FIDE LIS.' PRICE, - - - - - - ' $2.00 THE CAPTU^'S BfilDE, {SECOND EDITION,) BY W. D, HERRINGTON, 3d K. C. Cav. PRICE, - - $2.00 wwm mmw^mimmM. A MONTHLY MASONIC MAGAZINE. THE OSLY mmm PPBLICATIOX IX THE SOITH \ IT IS DE ■ ro THE IXTEaESX 'O? TF^ ANCIKN' T AND i, Houorable F.ui.:;.> y -^t Piw Hml ^ Ac'?f>pU.-d iVJas ms. It has eog.^ged i: upoa its E Ijturi^xl Si;vff. aDw ij wrili v'j; f'-r it, a -lar^i^ft niinrier of the L'Briglitest JiU'its ; Gt expoondei.- i i 1^ A S O N I O JURISPRUDENCE M?ig nf interest to tfao Crari.-liai.otAiUi;^ in liu Sti-j .ftiiaaty or- Grand luYl^nt-, Ch.ip-er8, -C.^u'ciiri n-id EQcarapiU'Sota oi the 'liff-rtnV States oi the CojirclerK.'y v jVded every monvfa. :' It is the siinc y - ■ ^xm'i iHims^tT of p j- ?< ^i.-^ oth;^r Masonic Mi^isiij Uaitel Stnte.- hi^for- tiv war, is I printed npoD gIbh' ' some i covers. ,«! w ; TERIilS: Oij" cop, - - - - $ 10 00 Twelvii c;>pi - - 100 00 Single copit*. - - 2 00 I Adprf** WM. B. SWITH A CO.. RALEIGH, >. C.