Secrets of the Late Rebellion, Now Revealed for the First Time — John Shaqi
Secrets of the Late Rebellion, Now Revealed for the First TimeFreese, Jacob R.
History
Secrets of the Late Rebellion, Now Revealed for the First Time
Freese, Jacob R.
United States -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865
Lord Brewerton remained with Lord Lyons some days, and then returned to
New York, with the expectation of returning at once to England; but,
on reaching there, he found a cablegram awaiting him which required his
immediate return to Washington to see Lord Lyons, and, if possible,
to make his way from thence to Richmond, to see President Davis. He
accordingly returned next day to Washington, saw the British Minister,
saw Colonel Abercrombie, and finally succeeded in making arrangements
with the latter for an overland trip to Richmond. The Colonel explained
to him the hardships which he would have to endure in making the trip
overland, and tried hard to persuade him to return to New York and go by
the way of Nassau; but Lord Brewerton insisted that he could stand the
hardships, and would much prefer it to a trip by sea. He was at this
time about fifty years of age, a gentleman of high mental culture, of
elegant manners, had spent all his life in the very highest walks of
society, and had not probably ever endured one hour of real hardship;
but his health was good, and he thought he would rather enjoy, than
otherwise, the hardships of which the Colonel spoke. At all events, he
insisted upon trying it, and so the matter was finally agreed upon.
Next night, about ten o'clock, Major Weightman and Colonel Abercrombie
left Ben Beveridge's saloon in a close carriage; called at the English
embassy for Lord Brewerton; then on to Thecker's, in Georgetown, where
Ben was waiting with the disguises. Here, under Ben's skilful hands,
Lord Brewerton underwent a complete transmogrification. His mutton-chop
whiskers were cut off; his hair chipped and hacked as though done with
a broad-axe; his fashionable suit laid aside, and a rough farmer's suit
substituted; in place of his fine patent leather boots, a pair of negro
clodhoppers were put upon his feet; in place of his fine beaver, a
coarse slouch hat; all of which my lord enjoyed and laughed over as
heartily as the others. The Colonel being in disguise already, it only
took a rub or two here, and a scrape or two there, to make him ready for
the trip.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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