When the Fourth Regiment was transferred to Shield's division and the division transferred to Banks' department, Jack went with it, of course. He soon won the confidence of his new departmental commander and was again employed in collecting information of the movements of the enemy. The last time he was sent out by Gen. Banks, he was accompanied by Richard Field, also of Marion, and as brave as Jack himself. They were ordered to procure information of the situation of Gen. Ewell's camp. They proceeded to a point on the Masanatten Mountain whence they could, by the aid of a splendid field-glass belonging to Col. Godman, obtain a full view of the rebel encampment. After making a thorough sketch of it, they started for headquarters, Jack having his papers in his cap with his handkerchief over them. On their way, they were suddenly surrounded by a number of Mississippi soldiers. The officer in command ordered them to surrender, which they did, but when ordered to advance, Jack stopped, took off his cap, took out the handkerchief, gathering the papers in his hand with it, wiped his face, threw the handkerchief back deftly retaining the papers in his band, and, whilst advancing toward the officer, apparently by accident he stubbed his toe, fell down and ran his hand under the leaves and rubbish, leaving the papers there, and thus saving himself and comrade from being shot as spies. They were then taken to Richmond, treated most inhumanly for eight or nine days, and finally paroled.History of Marion County, Ohio, p. 456, Leggett, Conaway, & Co., Chicago, 1883.
