On the 8th, the rebel cavalry crossed Fishing Creek and reconnoitered the Federal camps.

Vincent started with the basket on his arm, and after walking three miles came upon the Federal camps.

There were Federal camps all round and a shout from the negroes would send a hundred men in instant pursuit of him.

Slave-holders and sheriffs from the Southern States were permitted to hunt fugitive slaves under the Union flag and within the lines of Federal camps.