For the moment the advantage was with the stranger, despite the difference in rank.
"Who are you ?" asked the general.
"My name, sir, is Shepard, William J.Shepard.I am a spy or a scout in the Union service.

I have concealed upon me a letter from President Lincoln, empowering me to act in such a capacity and to go where I please.

Do you wish to see it, sir ?" Shepard spoke with deference, but there was no touch of servility in his tone.
"Show me the letter," said Banks.
Shepard thrust a hand into his waistcoat and withdrew a document which he handed to the general.

Banks glanced through it rapidly.
"It's from Lincoln," he said; "I know that handwriting, but it would not be well for you to be captured with that upon you." "If I were about to be captured I should destroy it." "Why have you come here?
What message do you bring ?" "The worst possible message, sir.

Stonewall Jackson and an army of twenty thousand men will be upon you in the morning." "What! What is this you say! It was only a cavalry raid at Front Royal!" "It was no cavalry raid at Front Royal, sir! It was Jackson and his whole army! I ought to have known, sir! I should have got there and have warned Kenly in time, but I could not! My horse was killed by a rebel sharpshooter in the woods as I was approaching! I could not get up in time, but I saw what happened!" "Kenly! Kenly, where is he ?" "Mortally wounded or dead, and his army is destroyed! They made a brave stand, even after they were defeated at the village.