We publish herewith three portraits, from photographs by M’Pherson and Oliver, of the negro Gordon, who escaped from his master in Mississippi and came into our lines at Baton Rouge in March last. One of these portraits represents the man as he entered our lines, with clothes torn and covered with mud and dirt from his long race through the swamps and bayous, chased as he had been for days and nights by his master with several neighbors and a pack of blood-hounds; another shows him as he underwent the surgical examination previous to be mustered into the service – his back furrowed and scarred with the traces of a whipping administered on Christmas – day last; and the third represents him in United States uniform, bearing the musket and prepared for duty.
This negro displayed unusual intelligence and energy. In order to foil the scent of the bloodhounds who were chasing him he took from his plantation onions, which he carried in his pockets. After crossing each creek or swamp he rubbed his body freely with these onions, and thus, no doubt, frequently threw the dogs off the scent.
At one time in Louisiana he served our troops as guide, and on one expedition was unfortunately taken prisoner by the rebels, who, infuriated beyond measure, tied him up and beat him, leaving him for dead. He came to life, however, and once more made his escape to our lines.
(via THE BLACK BOOK)
humananalyzer 