L. P. Brockett, The camp, the battlefield, and the hospital: or, lights and shadows of the great rebellion

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[212] caught; a sixth escaped and gave the alarm to the forces in the town, whose strength, Zagonyi learned from a Union farmer, was fully two thousand strong. Nothing was left but a retreat or bold dash. Zagonyi did not hesitate. His men responded to his own spirit fully, and were eager for the adventure, let it result as it would. Major White was so ill from overwork that, at Zagonyi's entreaty, he remained at a farm-house for a brief rest. The Union farmer offered to pilot the Body-Guard around to the Mount Vernon approach on the West-thus hoping to effect a surprise in that direction, as the enemy was, doubtless, aligned to receive the assault on th: Boliver road, on the North. Of this detour White knew nothing, and after his rest he pushed on with his guard of five men and a lieutenant, to overtakes his troops. He travelled up to the very outskirts of the town, and yet did not come up to his men. Supposing them in possession of the place, he kept on and soon found himself in a rebel camp — a prisoner. He was immediately surrounded by a crew of savages, who at once resolved to have his life. Captain Wroton, a rebel officer, only saved the Federal officer and his men from murder by swearing to protect them with his life. The blood thirsty wretches were only kept at bay by the constant presence of Wroton.

The particulars of the charge are given by Major Dorsheimer in his admirable papers on Fremont's Campaign, in the Atlantic Monthly:

The foe were advised of the intended attack. When Major White was brought int) their camp, they were preparing to defend their position. As appears from the