THE FAIR COURIER. 61

 

aspect, a countryman rode along the Ame-
rican lines, conversing familiarly with the
officers and soldiers on duty. No particu-
lar notice was taken of this, as, from the
beginning of the siege, the friends of our
cause were permitted to enter the camp
and go wherever their curiosity happened
to lead them. The individual here men-
tioned moved along, seemingly much in-
terested with all he saw and heard, until
he arrived at the great road leading direct-
ly to the town, in which quarter were only
come batteries thrown up for the protection
of the guards. Pausing here for a few mo-
ments, he glanced cautiously around him,
and then, suddenly putting spurs to his
horse, he dashed at full speed into the town.
Seeing this, the guard and sentinels opened
their fire upon him, but he escaped unhurt,
holding up a letter as soon as he was
out of danger. The garrison, which had
observed this movement, understood . its
meaning, and the gates were instantly
thrown open to receive the messenger, who