Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/80

66 Captain Henderson commanded the scouts, which were so valuable to General Forrest.

On one occasion he was in camp near Byhalia, Miss., with about twenty of his men, while the others were watching the enemy. Suddenly and unexpectedly a regiment of Yankees surrounded the party and all were made prisoners, except Captain Henderson, who escaped on foot.

They were all taken to Germantown, Tenn., not far distant, and confined in a house. During' the night Henry slipped out with both of his master's horses, and the following day rode into the Confederate lines. Of course, Henry was cordially received, and it is needless to say remained faithful to the last.

Another instance among thousands occurred in Bedford County, Va. Judge Micajah Davis, an honored citizen of the county, was Collector of Internal Revenue, under appointment by President Davis. Judge Davis, like all his extensive family, was an ardent Confederate. When the Yankee General Hunter began his march of devastation down the valley, it became necessary for Judge Davis to keep out of his reach in order to preserve the records of his office. After making the necessary preparations for departure he called up one of his faithful old servants, and said: "Billy, I shall be obliged to leave home before the Yankees come, I am sorry to go, but I shall leave everything in your charge with confidence that you will do the best you can. There are some valuables in the house which your mistress will give you to hide; do what you think is best with them, but be sure the Yankees do not find them."

When Judge Davis returned, after Hunter had been hurled back by Early, he found everything safe, due to "Uncle Billy's" diplomacy with the Yankees.

The Judge said: "Billy, I think we may safely bring the silver back now." "Well," said Uncle Billy, "come with me, master, and we will measure for it." A short distance from the house Uncle Billy halted by a tree, to which he tied a line, and asked his master to hold the other end at a certain point; then fastening another line to a sapling he stretched it across the one held by the Judge. "Right there, master, where the lines cross," and