University of Virginia Library

40. The Belligerent Quaker
(1863)

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 47.— Captain Carter, 5th Indiana Volunteers, is hereby relieved from his command indefinitely, and will report at these headquarters immediately. By order of Major-General ROSECRANS.

Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD, A. A. G.

The above order was read upon dress parade to the gallant old 5th, in January, 1863. The regiment was struck dumb, so to speak, and the captain most of all. What could such an order mean? Surely, none deserved censure less than Captain Carter; but none could give a sufficient reason why he should be thus relieved; for, said they, does not the order imply disgrace? But these mutterings were not heard at headquarters, and were of no avail. The Captain retired to his tent, relieved himself of his accoutrements, called his servant Tom, and set out for headquarters, with none but his black companion.

General Rosecrans was quartered in Judge Ready's house, and had a private suit of rooms on the second floor, with windows opening upon a veranda. He was sitting before a bright fire on the evening our story opens, in undress uniform, with nothing but the buttons to betoken rank. An orderly entered and announced Captain Carter. The General arose quickly, and advanced to meet him, with that easy, smiling look, that put the Captain's fears at rest. The General took him by the hand, while his countenance assumed a more thoughtful look, or rather settled in repose, and said :

"This is Captain Carter, of the 5th Indiana?

"It is, sir,"replied the Captain.

"You received a peremptory order this evening to report forthwith."

"I did, sir, and have done so."

"Yes, yes ; take a seat, Captain. I am in want of a man of some experience, Captain, who has not only a 'hand to do and a heart to dare,' but also has judgment to guide and direct both. General Thomas, after quietly looking through his command, has picked on you ; and I have such confidence in the 'grizzled old hero' that I have summoned you here for secret service. Are you willing to undertake it, with all its risks?

"Anything, General, for our country's good."

"Very well, sir; you will remain here to-night. Any of your effects you may need, send for by the orderly at the door. During the night I will inform you what your duties will be."

One morning in February, 1863, two persons were making their way on horseback from Shelbyville to Spring Hill. The first of these was dressed in

Quaker garb, and bestrode a light-built, dapple bay stallion, whose small, sinewy limbs, broad chest, and open nostrils betokened both speed and bottom. Horse and rider were ill-matched, but seemed to have a perfect understanding.

The other person was a negro, dressed like his master, broad brim, white neck-tic and all, mounted on a stout roadster. They were fast approaching a vidette post; were shortly halted by a cavalryman; they drew rein and dismounted.

"Is thee a man of war?"asked the Quaker.

"Don't know; reckon, tho', I mought be. But what's your business, Quaker?"

"Does thee know a Mr. Van Dorn about here ?"

"Well, I reckon I does ; but he'll mister ye if you call him that."

"Well, I have business with him, and I desire admittance into thy camps."

"All right, old fellow; wait till I call the corporal."

General Van Dorn was examining some maps and charts, when an orderly entered and announced that a Quaker desired to see him.

"Admit him,"said the General.

"Is thee Mr. Van Dorn, whom carnal men call General? "

"What is your business with me, sir ? "asked the General, without answering the question.

"I am sent, friend Van Dorn, by my society, to administer comforts and consolation to these men of war, and would ask permission to bring such things as they may need or my means may supply."

"Have you any recommendations? " "Yes, verily; "and the Quaker produced a bundle

of papers, and commenced assorting them out. Here is one from friend Quakenbush, and here— "

"Never mind,"said the General, while the corners of his mouth commenced to jerk; "here, Mr.

"Thurston,"suggested the Quaker.

"Mr. Thurston, here is a pass through the lines at will for such articles as you may see proper to bring. This is all, sir?"

"May I ask, friend, how far it is to those ungodly men who are persecuting our people with fire and sword, whom the carnal men call the Yankees? "

"Yes, sir. About fourteen miles. See that you give them a wide berth, for they have a curious way of burning men of your persuasion."

"Yes, verily will I; "and with this the Quaker retired.

"Queer character, that,"remarked the General to himself; but it takes all kinds to make a world."

The Quaker passed out among the camps, meeting a smile here, and a rough jest there. The Quaker seemed to have a good supply of tracts and religious papers, which he scattered freely, with a word of gentle admonition to the card-players, and a hint of the world to come to all. He was particular in his inquiries for the sick, and even visited all the forts and fortifications, and made particular inquiries in and about them for the sick, writing a letter for one, furnishing a stamp to another ; so that at the close of the day he had visited all, and made a memorandum of what was needed, and was preparing to leave camp, when a Lieutenant

came and accosted him with, "I say, stranger, haven't we met before ? "

"Nay, verily,"replied the Quaker, "I go not about where carnal men do battle."

"No! Well, I must have seen you at some place, but I don't recollect where. Likely I'm mistaken."

"Very like, friend; good day to you."

"Massa, did ye see dat debbil's eyes brighten up towards the last ? Tells ye, sure, we'd better be trablin."

"Yes, Sam, I saw it, and my recollection is better than his, for I took him prisoner at Stone River,

though he escaped soon after. We will pass out as soon as possible."

That night a despatch went to General Bragg, which read:

"Look out for a Quaker, followed by a nigger. He is a spy. Arrest him.