A Union Spy in Dixie by Joseph O. Kerbey

Author:Joseph O. Kerbey [Kerbey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BIG BYTE BOOKS
Published: 2017-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

LIFE IN THE REBEL CAPITAL

It will be remembered that I am writing of Richmond as it was during September, October and November, 1861. The same conditions did not prevail in Richmond in the years that followed, and it would have been impossible in 1862 for me to have overcome so easily the obstacles I encountered in 1861.

One other important factor of this trip which should be taken into account, is that after the success of Bull Run the Southern people generally, and especially those about Richmond and Manassas, were so enthused thereby that they became careless, and were not disposed to closely scrutinize strangers who happened to be among them. They were so exuberant and full of confidence in their ability to whip the Yankees that it is doubtful if particular attention was given then to the presence of strangers in Richmond.

I realized these facts, at the time, and profited thereby.

I began to feel so secure myself that I became careless about my safety, and as I grew stronger each day I spent pretty much all of my time either on the benches in the Capitol Square or about the streets of the city.

It became a daily custom with me to secure early a certain seat in the Capitol grounds, from which I could see the front windows of the room which Jeff Davis occupied for his office. I had selected this bench because, it being near the statue of Henry Clay, I could observe every person who either went into or out of the large door which led to Mr. Davis’s apartments. I was most anxious, too, to get a glimpse of Mr. Davis, whom I had seen last at Montgomery during the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

From my bench in the grounds I could not see into the windows of the room in which Mr. Davis was located, but I could imagine from the number of people who were constantly going and coming that he must be kept pretty busy entertaining them all, so I did not find it advisable to thrust myself upon his attention. I wanted to see him, though; but it was only after several long waits that I was one evening gratified to see him come out with the late Senator from Texas, Hon. John H. Reagan, now Railroad Commissioner of his State. They stood together on the steps a few minutes, when Mr. Davis with a courteous bow turned to his carriage, the door was shut with a bang, and in a moment more he had disappeared around the corner of the square, up the hill toward the President’s Mansion.

Reagan was a prominent advisor to Davis and was also the Confederate postmaster. He participated in the surrender of General Joe Johnston’s army to General Sherman in 1865.—Ed. 2017

While yet convalescing I was permitted by my two kind Maryland friends to do pretty much as I pleased, it being generally understood that as soon as I was well I would unite with the other Maryland refugees in the formation of a Confederate company of volunteers.

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