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VOL. 111. From the Southern Home. Midnight Cross- CORDELIA ! The light hath lost its summer tints, — The world with woe hath whitened, since The shrouded April, long ago, That laid our Lily in the snow ! The star that trembled down the west Returns not from its sacred rest:-- Aid if the dawn awake the flowers They shine for other eyes than ours. And yet in grace of deed and thought That linger where her hands have wrought, W e see the April of her eyes, And wait her summer to arise 1 Waiting the dawn with spice and myrrh, We tairy by the sepulchre; While still the sentry’s sullen tread Insults the victor, not the Dead; ’Tis a proud pinnacle to rear By this bowed pathos of Judea This Roman Eagle, with his eyes Watching lest Righteousness arise.’ The white palms crossed in perfect rest; — The book of God upon her breast, In witness of the good she sought,— In token that her task is wrought. Watch Roman ! for a tale is told Oi slumber o i thine eyes of old; — Os triumph, blind : of tears that kept The better vigil that they wept. F. 0. Ticknor. Torch Hill. 'Written for the Banner of the South j HENRY WARREN; OR, The Confederate Soldier’s Revenge. BY F. FAUNTLEKOY, OF TEXAS. (concluded.) These soldiers belenged to the South ern order; and they told Henry the Brotherhood had not only spread rapidly in the army, but also among the citizens throughout the country; that wherever the troops marched they actively extend ed the association to aid the great cause; and many lodges were established for the protection and benefit of the citizens. They came with authority to form a lodge in that section. A night was appointed for a meeting, and Henry attended it. He enjoyed the pleasure of assisting in the initiation of several of his old ir ends; After which he communicated what he had done. All of the brothers, and particularly the new members, were filled with astonishment by the thrilling narrative. The latter were entirely una ware of the fact that Henry had been in that part of the country. Some appre hension was felt in regard to his safety, but they warmly assured him that no matter to what extremities he might be reduced, if within reach, t s aid fiud them true to their obligati as, -~ad sin cere friends ; that he shou .i have all the assistance they might be able to extend. Their hearts were with him in all his adventures against the blue coated van dals. Henry expressed his fervent thanks. The morning arrived when he must start for his regiment. He took an af fectionate farewell of parents rind sister, and the excellent family under whose hospitable ruof they dwelt, and com-1 rnenced his journey. He re-entered upon his military duties, j not with the bouyant energy and hope | which iiad before characterized this good j soldier, but with intense hatred instead, j which urged him to the performance of' every act within his power which might injure the public enemy. LoDg months were passed in march ing and fighting, scouting, and other martial duties, with occasional intervals of rest. In the course of ever changing mili tary operations, Warren found himself under the command of that famous hero, Gen. B , whose fighting qualities were such a terror to the enemy. It was very important in the opinion of that great warrior, that information of the precise situation of the Yankee Gen. be obtained. He asked Gen. ,if he could send him a wily, shrewd and cautious man, who would make a good scout; one who feared no danger. Gen. man, and summoned Warren. The latter promptly reported himself, received his instructions, and started on his mission. It was a perilous one, but he was no stranger to such work. He traveled to a horse mill, some miles out of his route, of which he had heard, and when be met the owner he made a certain sign which to his delight was recognized and answered in such a manner as to prove that the miller belonged to the Southern order. Every assistance in his power was warmly offered Warren, who told him lie wanted to visit the Yankee camp, and for that purpose wished tu exchange his horse and his clothes for a day or two. The miller gave him an old suit of his own which was well besmeared with meal, and an old mare; referred him to a Mr. Rayard, who resided near the Yankee camp, as one of the order, and told Warren they were all professed Union men, and made the deception pro fitable; they were fully protected, and had the benefit of trading with the Yankees, lie said he had furnished the blue coats with many a bushel of meal. Warren took a sack of meal, placed it on the back of the old animal, mounted upon it and started for the hostile encampment. The picket guard allowed him to pass after questioning closely, Warren pre tending to be in the employment of the miller, and he went on and peddled out his meal. The old man was well known to the Federals, and Warren played his part skillfully as an ignorant and good Union man. It would have exhausted all the poultry yards in the country to furnish the chickens and tur keys he engaged to the different com panies. He paid particular attention to everything he saw or heard ; noticed the size, character, and number of the guns which came under his observation ; con versed with the men, and drew forth much information as to numbers, extent of the line, the situation, spirit of the men, &e. He obtained a passport to re turn to the mill, and learning the way to Bayard’s, rode to that gentleman’s house. Here he found many Federal officers, richly dressed, and seeming to enjoy themselves finely. He beckoned to a servant and told him to inform his mas ter that a man wished to see him for a moment. When Mr. Bayard came to him Warren gave proof that they were brothers. The former said in a tone to be beard : “You wish to see the pony, Mr. Wil son ?’’ Warren, carrying out the deception, answered: “Yes, sir, I want to sec him so as I can tell Ml*. Hawks about him.” They went to the stables, and Warren explained his mission. Mr.Bayard said: “I can furnish you with important in formation. You take the road which runs around my fence, and when you get to the branch turn into the thicket on the left, if you do not see any one about. I will join you there within fifteen minutes.” Warren went his way and the planter returned to the house, and sent to the parlor fur Mary, who, excusing herself to the gay officers she had been enter taining, went to her father. AUGUSTA, GA., AUGUST 18, 1870. “Daughter, I want that plan and those notes you have.” She went to her room and quickly re turning, handed the papers to her father. Mary, a beautiful and talented girl, with whom a staff officer w r as deeply in love, and who was ingeniously playing her part, had artfully made him draw a detailed plan of their intrenchment and position, and had conversed with him freely in regard to the officers, the strength and spirit of the army, and of which she had made careful notes All corresponded with her father’s observa tion. Mr. Bayard made his way cir cuitously to the thicket, explained the facts to Warren, and gave him the papers, which were cunningly hidden in his clothing. Mr. Bayard pointed out a road that led into the one by which War ren had come, bade him God speed, and they separated. It was dark when Warren again rode up to the miller’s. He paid the good man the proceeds of the meal, aid told him he had met with unexpected success. The clothes were re-exchanged, and tak ing a plenty of corn for his mare and some food for himself, he went to the place where Betty was concealed. Here he spent the night. Just at daylight he was surprised to see the miller bringing him a smoking breakfast with good coffee. Soon he was traveling at a sprightly rate to tlio ooutLward. Hft had gOQfi about ten miles when he saw a man in Federal garb, approaching on the the same road. He was at once on the alert, and soon recognized the man as Jo. Bates, one of the most desperate of Warren’s particular foes—a large, homely, and savage looking individual. When with in thirty paces of Bates, Warren halted and exclaimed: “I am Henry Warren, villain!” ‘‘Ha! Mr. Warren, you are just the man I want to meet.” “I am at your service.” Each drew his six-shooter and fired about the same time. Warren received a slight flesh wound in the left arm, and his ball grazed the cheek of his foe, tearing away his right ear. Again they fired. The clasp of his pistol belt saved Warren’s life, and Bates would have died hid n t his horse thrown up his head and received the ball which would have slain the ruffian. The horse fell dead, and his rider’s pistol was thrown from his hand. Warren instantly dis mounted. Bates sprang to his feet and came like t an enraged tiger, with a drawn bowie knife. Warren dropped his six-shooter and drew an equal blade. He had learned on the Texas frontier how the Mexicans use their sombreros in fighting with knives. He grasped his hat in his left hand, and when Bates made a furious thrust he di verted the weapon and planted his own in his enemy’s side. As the man fell Warren gave him a savage cut across the face. “Die, wretch, by the hand of Henry Warren!” “D n you!” mattered the prostrate foe. He shuddered and was a corpse. Warren, suspecting him as a spy, searched his pockets and clothes for pa pers and found a small packet. He un fastened the pistol belt of the dead man, and picking up the weapon placed it in the scabbard; and as he was recovering his own six-shootes he heard the clatter ing of horses feet behind him. Turniug, he saw half a dozen Yankee soldiers galloping in that direction. He mounted bis faithful and well trained mare, and, uttering a wild yell of triumph that an Indian would have envied, dashed off. The vandals being then within a hun dred paces fired at Warren. The latter turned in his saddle and gave them a farewell shot, and was soon out of sight. When he reached the Confederate en campment he immediately reported to Gen. B , delivered the papers given him by Bayard, and those he captured from Bates, and gave all the informa tion in his possession. The General was highly pleased, and dismissed him with a compliment he well deserved. The papers taken from Bates proved him to have been a spy, in possession of important information for the Yankees; implicated several citizens in the vicinty, and discovered some spies and traitors in our army. The citizens were arrested, and the spies shot by order of the Com manding General. With the light before him the Confed erate leader put his army in moving or der, with his wonted energy ; soon gave the Yankee General battle, and gained a signal victory. In this engagement fifteen of the vandal Capt. T ’s com pany were slain and five captured. Warren adroitly managed to have the five prisoners turned over to his com pany for safe keeping. They were quick ly placed where they could do no more harm to a omen and children. To Warren’s great gratification, Gen. by a staff officer who belonged to the Southern Order) to make a raid through certain parts of the country, which would require the command to pass through the section in which Warren resided. At once it occurred to him that he might get up a scouting party when they ar rived in the neighborhood, for the pur pose of striking a blow against his espe cial enemies if opportunity offered He upoLo to W wished to compose the party. They were active, daring spirits, all belonging to the Order before men tioned, and eagerly entered into the scheme proposed. Lieut. , a fiery soul promised to lead them if permitted. The rapid march was begun; and in its progress Gen. performed those feats for which he w T as remarkable, add ins: more lustre to his name which was already carved on the tablet with that of the brave and lamented cavalier, Gen. Stuart, of Virginia. At the proper time and place Lieut. applied for and obtained a scouting party, consisting of twenty-five men, and they dashed away like fresh hounds on a warm trail. Warren was chosen as the guide. After a long and rapid ride they camped near the Lone Rock. That night Warren pushed on to the Parson’s to see his friends and learn if any of his foes were in the vicinity. Old George in formed him that twenty of Capt. T ’s company had been in the neighborhood for some days, and it was said they were to meet together and camp on the West side of Plum Creek, above the Grant Crossing, on the next evening, and would start to their command on the following morning. With a warm glow in his veins Warren returned to his companions and reported the welcome intelligence. They agreed to wait where they were until the succeeding night. Daring the next day they put their arms in the best order. About the hour of nine at night they saddled up and started cautiously through the woods on the en terprise before them. They halted with in two mile3 of the ruffian camp, and Warren and another as wily as himself, made reconnoisance. They first found the horses, and, avoiding them, ascer tained the exact spot where the guilty wretches lay asleep. A few shining coals of the camp-fire were to be seen, and they heard the snoring of some of the slumberers. A prompt report of the facts were made. Trie Lieutenant advanced his party to within half a mile of the Federal and rested. Just before dawn they moved forward, halted and formed a line, the men six feet apart, three hundred yards from the creek, and remained in the saddle. At the first blush of day spurs were applied, and “quick as a flash’’ the grey jackets were in crescent form around the terrified and confused enemy, Warren remaining in the rear. No resistance was attempted. When Warren saw that their arms were surrendered and secured, he rode up; and several cheeks blanched when he was recognized. The Lieutenant formed his men compactly, and ordered the vandals to fall into line. They obeyed. “Warren do you wish to say anything to those fellows ?” the Lieut, asked. The former advanced and said : “You now see before you, not a gray haired man and wife and two young females, a little unoffending boy and a few negroes; but, villians, you see the injured and enraged son, brother and husband, who has come, with his friends, for a revenge which will be as terrible to you as sweet to him.” They cried out in alarm: “Don’t shoot us down like dogs. We are United States soldiers; have sur rendered to you as prisoners of war, and have no show.” “United States devils! Were you United States soldiers when you visited my father’s ? You are assassins and highwaymen, savages and thieves—worse than dogs; and your blue coats will af ford you no protection now.” “We will give you a little ‘higher law,’ ” sneeringly added the Lieutenant. Warren took his place in the line. The Lieutenant commanded : “Ready*, aim, fire ! . Fifteen of the vandals fell dead ; three took to their heels, but were followed and quickly despatched, and two dropped upon their knees and implored for mercy*. V arren spurred forward and, saying “my poor sister begged you for mercy', Rnicu wwwvwi.. own hand. He threw up his arms and with deep emotion exclaimed: “Thank God, 0, I thank God, lam almost revenged!” With their booty the party returned to the command. Warren followed the fortunes of the Confederate Army until that saddest of all events, the surrender of our glorious arms to the Vandals of the North—a surrender which made his and all true Southern hearts ache, and which brought us, as he predicted it would, to desolation and shame. Deter mining to avoid all humiliation by con tact with those whom he had fought with so much energy, he fled to the mountains, where he maintained himself fer some months by working on a small farm. Knowing he could not live in peace where he had resided, he resolved to make Texas his home for the second time. But he must see his relatives and near friends before undertaking the journey. With his craft it was easily accomplished. While at the good Parson’s he .was glad to learn that two more of his ene mies had been sent by Confederate bullets to the other world; and also heard that two others of his foernen—Duncan and Burke—were at home not far distant. The small hours of night found him ap proaching the place where the former lived. He concealed himself in a copse near the man’s field, and in the morning saw fresh furrows withiu the enclosure. His patience was but little tried before he saw a laborer start his plow on the opposite side. Resting his trusty weapon on a limb, he anxiously watched the coming of the toiler, whom he soon rec ognized as the one he sought. At the end of the furrow the plowman stopped to turn his horse and implement, but he never groved the earth again. The an gry bullet pierced his brain, and Warren lied through the woods, resorting to in genious artifices to present pursuit by means of his tracks. He retreated to a mountain gorge, from which he did not emerge for several days. Much excite ment was the necessary consequence of this homicide, and great pains were taken to discover the arm which dealt the blow, but in vain. Warren retreated to a mountain gorge. He was determined to add the other man, Burke, to the list of his victims before leaving the country. The moon was nearly full at this period, and tlie night clear and beautiful. A late hour, when a majority of persons had long been travelling in the land of 1 dreams, found our hero traversing the No. 22*