A SPOOL OF THREAD by Eastman, Sophie E.

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A SPOOL OF THREAD
by Eastman, Sophie E.

Well, yes, I've lived in Texas since the spring of '61;
And I'll relate the story, though I fear, sir, when 'tis done,
'Twill be little worth your hearing, it was such a simple thing,
Unheralded in verses that the grander poets sing.
There had come a guest unbidden, at the opening of the year,
To find a lodgment in our hearts, and the tenant's name was fear;
For secession's drawing mandate was a call for men and arms,
And each recurring eventide but brought us fresh alarms.
They had notified the General that he must yield to fate,
And all the muniments of war surrender to the state,
But he sent from San Antonio an order to the sea
To convey on board the steamer all the fort's artillery.
Right royal was his purpose, but the foe divined his plan,
And the wily Texans set a guard to intercept the man
Detailed to bear the message; they placed their watch with care
That neither scout nor citizen should pass it unaware.
Well, this was rather awkward, sir, as doubtless you will say,
But the Major, who was chief of staff, resolved to have his way
Despite the watchful provost guard; so he asked his wife to send,
With a box of knick-knacks, a letter to her friend;
And the missive held one sentence I remember to this day:
"The thread is for your neighbor, Mr. French, across the way."
He dispatched a youthful courier. Of course, as you will know,
The Texans searched him thoroughly and ordered him to show
The contents of the letter. They read it o'er and o'er,
But failed to find the message they had hindered once before.
So it reached the English lady, and she wondered at the word,
But gave the thread to Major French, explaining that she heard
He wished a spool of cotton, and great was his surprise
At such a trifle sent, unasked, through leagues of hostile spies.
"There's some hidden purpose, doubtless, in the curious gift," he said.
Then he tore away the label, and inside the spool of thread
Was Major Nichol's order, bidding him convey to sea
All the arms and ammunition from Fort Duncan's battery.
"Down to Brazon speed your horses," thus the Major's letter ran,
"Shift equipments and munitions, and embark them if you can."
Yes, the transfer was effected, for the ships lay close at hand,
Ere the Texans guessed their purpose, they had vanished from the land.
Do I know it for a fact, sir? 'Tis no story that I've read—
I was but a boy in war time, and I carried him the thread.
Sophie E. Eastman.

Source: Project Gutenberg

Source: Project Gutenberg