n, where he
professed to be going on some mission for the rebels. The letters, as
before, introduced Mr. Jackson, of Memphis, Tenn.

[Illustration: Jackson starts for Europe 275]

"He sailed the following day and had a pleasant voyage. While on board
the vessel crossing the Atlantic he made the acquaintance of one Capt.
Redingson, a jolly, gentlemanly companion. They were very suspicious of
each other for some time, but finally Capt. Redingson gave him the sign
of the Golden Circle, to which Jackson responded. The friendship was
then at once established. Jackson carefully felt his way,--as you
have seen, he was a cautious man,--and finally discovered that Capt.
Redingson was well acquainted in Memphis. This rather placed Jackson in
a dilemma, as his letters located him at Memphis. Finally he turned the
conversation in the direction of building railroads, and finding that
Capt. Redingson knew nothing about railroads, he mentioned that he had
been employed in engineering work on the Memphis & Chattanooga Railroad.
He said he lived in Ohio, but claimed Memphis, Tenn., as his residence,
inasmuch as he was a rebel and would have nothing whatever to do with
the North while they were making war against his friends, as his people
were all natives of Virginia, he himself having been born there. This
statement made all things right, and the two had a jolly good time
together the remainder of the voyage.

"During one of their conversations Capt. Redingson, in relating some of
his war experiences, made mention of the fact that at one time, not long
past, he had met a young lady from Michigan in search of her sweetheart,
and that he had been her escort while she was at Richmond, and through
their lines to ours. At this moment Jackson told me that he came very
near spoiling everything by his agitation, but by rising and taking a
glass of water had time to recover, and then listened to the story with
great interest, asking a question occasionally. Capt. Redingson
finally took a small book from his pocket and read her name, 'Se-raine
Whitcomb,' and that of her lover, 'Henry Lyon,' and remarked, that he
intended, if ever he should have an opportunity, to find out the history
of the two, as she had impressed him very favorably, and, in fact, had
excited his admiration,--she was so gentle and frank, and withal so
brave. Jackson said at this point he again became very thirsty.

"Very soon the conversation took a turn in another directio