The Army and Navy Magazine (Volume 13) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... to issue a certain order which made his name a hye-word through Louisiana; an order which impartial people may perhaps think more severe than the case warranted, but which proved an effectual, albeit a coarse remedy. The lovers who were talking had been engaged to be married ever since the commencement of the war, and they had not seen each other for some months. The girl, Evelyn Delorme, was the only daughter of a rich Virginian planter; and the young man, when a lieutenant in Lee's cavalry, had fallen desperately in love with her at a Richmond ball. The cavalry-man was well-born and wealthy, and the course of true love ran for some time exceptionally smooth. Then the war had broken out, and Evelyn had watched her lover's career with breathless anxiety; for he had taken part in many a hard-fought field, and had distinguished himself by the most reckless bravery. For the last seven months he had been shut up inside Petersburg, unable to get a glimpse of Evelyn; within a few miles of her, and yet ignorant as to whether she were still alive. A Confederate spy had offered to take a message to her, and he had gladly availed himself of the chance to communicate, and, if possible, appoint a meeting with the woman he loved. It was no hard matter for him either to leave or re-enter Petersburg; but the country round was swarming with Federal soldiers, and he knew that, once captured, he would be shot with scant ceremony. "And now," said the Confederate captain, " tell me about yourself; what are you doing?" "We have some Feds billeted upon us. I have been tempted to poison them," she said, with a laugh; " particularly a certain major of cavalry." "Ah " cried Jack, " I scent a rival. This major, has he been making love to you?" "He has, indeed," she replied. "His name i...