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The Civil War in America: Unionist scouting party in the Virginian woods in the neighbourhood...1861 Creator: Unknown. The Civil War in America: Unionist scouting party in the Virginian woods in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, 1861. 'Charges of brutality, and even of assassination, are rife in the Unionist camp against the Secessionists, who, doubtless, have counter-charges with which they also could horrify us, had they, like their rivals, the ear of Europe; for all camps are sure to be infested with desperadoes who, under the garb of patriotism, prowl about to gratify their own evil purposes...One night our Special Artist accompanied the scouting party, of which the annexed is an Illustration, twelve miles into the enemy's country. The men were dressed, in round slouched hats, rough flannel blouses, and carried revolvers and bowie-knives in their belts. Two in advance carried guns, ready cocked, keeping a sharp look out for ambuscades on each side among the trees. The Lieutenant in command and our artist were in the centre'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)