Our
colonel was not at first disposed to grant her request, but
finally acceded to it, rather reluctantly, declaring that it was
all nonsense. I was selected, with five other men, to serve as a
guard. Mrs. Roberts--for this was her name--appeared quite
satisfied to find her request granted, and drove slowly home
under our escort.
"On arriving, we found a mansion in the old Virginia style, low
in elevation, broad upon the ground, and with a piazza extending
along the front. Surrounding it was a good-sized plantation. At a
little distance from the house was a row of negro huts. These
were mostly vacant, the former occupants having secured their
freedom by taking refuge within our lines.
"As sergeant in command--you must know that I have been
promoted--I inquired of Mrs. Roberts what danger she apprehended.
Her answers were vague and unsatisfactory. However, she seemed
disposed to treat me very civilly, and at nine o'clock invited
the whole party into the house to partake of a little
refreshment.
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