Chicago (IL) Tribune, "Stampede from the Patriarchal Relation," November 19, 1861

  Stampede from the Patriarchal Relation. 

   Capt. Bennett with a party of fifty cavalry ventured four miles within the rebel pickets beyond Alexandria. He reports that many of the dwellings, built in fine taste and surrounded by beautiful gardens and shrubbery, have been deserted by their owners, who have not even taken care of their contacts. He saw silverware and other valuables lying on the tables and in the closets, the building in all their appointments bearing evidence of having been abandoned in great hastes. Many of the negroes that he met begged most piteously of him to take them in safety to his camp. There was a general desire expressed by them to come within the Federal lines.

              Seven negroes belonging to the estate of the late John A. Washington fled form one of his plantations beyond the Occoquan, were brought into Fort Lyon, when they were sent to Washington.

              Gen. Hooker made a reconnaissance at Mathias Point. On returning, the troops were followed by numbers of slaves. One gang numbered 50.

              Judge Freese has heard several applications during the past twenty hours for judicial aid in the capture of runaway negroes. They were all refused.