General Sheridan's Fox Hunt.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4348, 19 April 1884, Page 6

General Sheridan's Fox Hunt.

l)i kino the winter he remained near Winchester, but as soon as the roads and rains allowed, (.'rant directed him to push onco more up tho Valley - -this time not to return. He was to advance in tho direction of Richmond, destroying the railroads in every direction, us well as all the stores that could possibly be of use to the enemy. In order to conceal his purpose, Sheridan resorted to one of those ingenious devices in which ho was unrivalled since the days of Hannibal, lie learned that the people in the neighbourhood were fond of hunting, antl encouraged his stall' to make their acquaintance and talk ol fo\cs anil hounds. A pack of hounds wits found, and a day set for the chase. Tho hounds were brought into Winchester, the horses were shod, and all the talk of tho country around was of Sheridan's hunt. On the appointed day the whole neighbourhood came to the meet, the gcneial ami his stall' conspicuous. Tho start was mado and the run was good, but the general was his si.itl! went further than the Virginians, and the army followed. They rode after the enemy, and never returned. Tho stratagem had kept all news of Sheridan's intentions secret, as all preparations were attributed to the hunt, and lie was far on his way before the wile was discovered. — Central llutleuu, hi the Century.