These quadruped allies were not originally intended as "dogs of war," but simply to detect fugitive slaves, and the men were delighted at this confirmation of their tales of dog-companies, which some of the officers had always disbelieved.
Captain Bryant, during his scouting adventures, had learned to outwit these bloodhounds, and used his skill in eluding escape, during another expedition of the same kind.

He was sent with Captain Metcalf's company far up the Combahee River to cut the telegraphic wires and intercept despatches.

Our adventurous chaplain and a telegraphic operator went with the party.

They ascended the river, cut the wires, and read the despatches for an hour or two.

Unfortunately, the attached wire was too conspicuously hung, and was seen by a passenger on the railway train in passing.