Commentary, A Scouting Party

A Sampler of Civil War Literature

»Aspects of Military Life

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The Scout
Harper's Weekly, February 11, 1865

Commentary from Harper's Weekly

We call attention of our readers to the sketch engraved on the preceding page. No feature connected with our military operations is so interesting or so abundant in thrilling incident as what is called the secret service. This has been especially the case in the West. For the most part the details of this service have been hidden from the public. It was necessary that it should be, both for the success of important movements and for the sake of the gallant heroes engaged in this branch of the service. The veil of secrecy has covered in temporary obscurity the most romantic incidents of the war—incidents, too, upon which oftentimes the fate of battles has hung. These will some time be made known, and will form an interesting portion of the history of this war, relieving the tedious details of marches and manoeuvres.

Harper's Weekly, February 11, 1865