“I put poor little ‘Reb’ over the road at the very top of his speed until he was nearly white with foam, then plunged him into the Chickahominy and swam across the river. I met one general about one hundred rods from the river, making the best of his way towards the bridge. Engineers were at once set to work strengthening the crazy structure, which was swaying to and fro with the rush of the tide. The eager, excited troops dashed into the water waist deep, and getting upon the floating planks went pouring over in massive columns. I preferred to swim my horse back again rather than risk myself upon such a bridge, for I looked every moment to see it give way and engulf the whole division in the turbid waters of the swollen creek. However, all reached the other side in safety and started along the flooded road on the double quick. This was cheering news to carry back to the General, so I started again through the field in order to claim the reward of ‘Him who bringeth good tidings.’ “I found the General in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and shouting his orders distinctly above the roar and din of battle. Riding up to him and touching my hat I reported: “‘Just returned, sir. General G with his command will be here immediately.’ “It was too good to keep to himself, so he turned to his men and shouted at the top of his voice: “‘Reënforcements! Reënforcements!’ “Then, swinging his hat in the air, he perfectly electrified the whole line as far as his voice could reach and the glorious word ‘Reënforcements,’ was passed along until that almost exhausted line was re-animated and inspired with new hopes, which led it to ultimate victory.” XVI THE AMAZING ADVENTURE OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL LAFAYETTE C. BAKER In the early part of April, 1861, a tall, well-built man, with the love of adventure in his heart, called upon the General commanding the Union forces and offered to penetrate the Confederate lines for the purpose of discovering the military secrets of the Southern army. The volunteer was Lafayette C. Baker, who was to play a most conspicuous part in the Civil War, and the soldier to whom he made his proposal was General Winfield Scott, one of the most distinguished military men in the United States. The interview was epoch-making in its character, and out of it came one of the most amazing adventures in the history of the war. [Illustration: BRIGADIER-GENERAL LAFAYETTE C. BAKER]