Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/218

 you suspect we harbour any such base souls in our Virginia legion."

"Indignant at his indifference, the officer replied—

"The deserter is believed to be no less a person than your sergeant-major. His horse, and arms are missing from their quarters. I have to request immediate orders for pursuit."

"These Lee was compelled to grant, after prolonging the conversation as much as possible. Immediately a band equipped for pursuit appeared in front of his tent. On inspecting them, he said to the lieutenant at their head—

"I have a particular service for you in the morning. Call Cornet Middleton to the command of this party."

"This arrangement was partly to create delay, that the fugitive might have more the advance of his pursuers; and partly from a knowledge of the tenderness of Middleton's disposition, which he thought would prevent him from inflicting personal injury on his victim. The design of delay was soon frustrated by the appearance of Cornet Middleton, spurring his horse in front of his associates. Such command of countenance had Lee, that not a muscle moved, as he delivered his orders in a distinct, deliberate tone—

"Pursue as far as you can with safety Sergeant Champé, who is suspected of desertion to the enemy. He has been seen to take the road leading to Paulus-hook. Bring him alive, that he may suffer in the presence of the army; but if he resist, kill him."