herself
effectually, and, under the mask of a market-woman, drove a cart through
Washington, across the Potomac, and deceived the guard by selling
vegetables and milk as she proceeded. Once beyond Federal lines, and in
friendly neighbourhood, it was but a few minutes' work to "off ye
lendings," and secure a horse and riding-habit. With a courage and
rapidity which must ever command the admiration of a brave people she rode
at hard gallop that burning July afternoon to Fairfax Court-house, and
telegraphed to General Beauregard, then at Manassa's Junction, the
intelligence she had risked so much to convey. Availing himself promptly of
the facts, he flashed them along electric wires to Richmond, and to General
Johnston; and thus, through womanly devotion, a timely junction of the two
armies was effected, ere McDowell's banners flouted the skies of Bull Run.

The artillery duel of the 18th of July ended disastrously for the advance
guard of the Federals--a temporary check was given.

A pure Sabbath morning kindled on the distant hill-tops, wearing heavenly
credentials of rest and sanctity on its pearly forehead--credentials which
the passions of mankind could not pause to recognize; and with the golden
glow of summer sunshine came the tramp of infantry, the clatter of cavalry,
the sullen growl of artillery. Major Huntingdon had been temporarily
assigned to a regiment of infantry after leaving Richmond, and was posted
on the right of General Beauregard's lines, commanding one of the lower
fords. Two miles higher up the stream, in a different brigade, Colonel
Aubrey's regiment guarded another of the numerous crossings. As the day
advanced, and the continual roar of cannon toward Stone-Bridge and Sudley's
ford indicated that the demonstrations on McLean's, Blackford's and
Mitchell's fords were mere feints to hold our right and centre, the truth
flashed on General Beauregard that the main column was hurled against
Evans' little band on the extreme left. Hour after hour passed, and the
thunder deepened on the Warrenton road; then the General learned, with
unutterable chagrin, that his order for an advance on Centreville had
miscarried, that a brilliant plan had been frustrated, and that new
combinations and dispositions must now be resorted to. The regiment to
which Major Huntingdon was attached was ordered to the support of the left
wing, and reached the distant position in an almost incredibly short time,
while two regiments o