DOC Education and Social Change: Contours in the History of American Schooling by John L. Rury in History

Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. A false Alarm--Arrival at Martinsburg--My Mother and Family visit me--Departure for Washington--My Reception at the Depot--The "Old Capitol "--My Prison Room--My Treatment--Interview with the Chief of Detectives--Offers of Liberty--My Reply-- A Pleasing Reminiscence of my Captivity. About half-past three the following morning I was suddenly aroused from my comfortless slumbers by the beating of the long roll; and by the reports of several muskets fired in quick succession. Officers half dressed sprang to arms; rushed to their horses; and rode off to the outposts. Meanwhile; I had lighted my candle; my heart beating high with hope; for I persuaded myself that the alarm was caused by an attempt on the part of the Confederates to effect my rescue. I sat down anxiously awaiting the result; when one of the officers; who was rushing to the front; stopped opposite my tent and shouted; or rather roared out-- "Put out that light: it is some signal to the rebels. Do you hear me?" I of course obeyed the mandate; and a few minutes afterwards I heard the retreat beat; upon which one of the sentries explained the meaning of what had happened; and how it came to pass that the camp had been thrown into such a state of confusion. It appeared that an obtuse cow had strayed from a neighbouring field; and; not understanding the challenge Of the sentry; had disregarded the order to halt; although; twice repeated. Hereupon the sentry; who could not make out the outline of the cow in the darkness; fired; and the other sentries on his right and left; taking the hint; fired also; though at what they aimed it would be difficult to say. However; fire they did at random; as is the custom of undisciplined troops everywhere; and thus all my hopes of a...