^^ V ^ ^ v^ cy m^:. 1-^ ^^ ^;^^: ^^^ v^ ^^^ '^^ '^ v^^ .-^' O- O '^/. ""* 81 \'"^ \^^ "'h: ' << -' ^^■ <^' V. -^ .;%^^^^ ^^ -s^<^. ,0 o. '^.^v v^^ -^^^ ^, v-^' vO o. ./-, '^ "^y.. C^ ^^ /M^:-^^ -x^> •0' v«\'*« -^^ .,*^ c° ■^=^. Vy;^ l//fy' ^v> DARING AND SUFFERING A HISTORY OF THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. BY LIEUT. WILLIAM PITTEXGER, ONE OF THE ADVENTURERS. WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY REV. ALEXANDER CLARK. "The expedition, in the daring of its conception, had the wildness of a romance; while in the gigantic and overwhelming results it sought and was likely to accomplish, it was absolutely sublime." — Official Report of Hon. Judge Holt to the Secretary of War. •'Itwas all the deepest laid scheme, and on the grandest scale, that ever emanated from the brains of any number of Yankees combined."— ^^^anta •• Southern Confederacy" of April I5th, 1862. PHILADELPHIA: W. DAUGHADAY, PUBLISHER, 1308 CHESTNUT STREET. 1863. Capy_' 47 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by J. W. DAUGIIADAY, In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. R. T. TRALL, M. D., EDITOR OF THE "HERALD OF HEALTH," AND THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED AS A TRIBUTE OF ESTEEM AND GRATITUDE, BY THE A-UXHOK. New Somerset, Jcffe'son Co., 0., October, 1863. NAMES OF THE ADVENTURERS, EXECUTED. J. J. Andrews, Leader, William Campbell, George D. Wilson, Co. B, Marion A. Ross, Co. A, Perry G. Shadrack, Co. K, Samuel Slavens, Samuel Robinson, Co. G, John Scott, Co. K, Citizen of Kentucky. Citizen of Kentucky. Second Reg't Ohio Vols. Second Reg't Ohio Vols. Second Reg't Ohio Vols. Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols. Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols. Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols. ESCAPED TN OCTOBEB. W. W. BrowN, William Knight, J. R. Porter, Mark Wood, J. A. Wilson, M. J. Hawkins, John Wollam, D. A. Dorse Y, Co. F, Co. E, Co. C, Co. C, Co. Co. Co. Co. Twenty-first Reg't Twenty-first Reg't Twenty-first Reg't Twenty-first Reg't Twenty-first Reg't Thirty-third Reg't Thirty-third Reg"t Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. Ohio Vols. EXCHANGED IW MARCH. Jacob Parrott, Co. K, Robert Buffum, Co. H, William Bensinger, Co. G, William Reddick, Co. B, E. H. Mason, Co. K, William Pittengbr, Co. G, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols. Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols. Twenty -first Reg't Ohio Vols. Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols. Twenty.first Reg't Ohio Vols. Second Reg't Ohio Vols. PEEFACE The following work is a narration of facts. My only desire is to give a clear and connected record of what will ever be regarded as a most remarkable episode in the history of the Great Rebellion. The style of the book demands an apology. It was begun in sickness induced by the privations of rebel prisons, and completed amidst the fatigue and excitement of the most glorious campaign which has yet crowned our arms. Under these circum- stances, there must be many faults of expression, which a generous reader will readily pardon. To the many kind friends who sympathized witli me during the weary interval when my fate was con- sidered hopeless, as well as those who rejoiced with me on my return, I can only tender my most sin- cere thanks. Myself and comrades are greatly indebted to the President and Secretary Stanton for their gene- rous recognition of our services, and the munificent rewards bestowed upon us. To them, and to Judge Holt, Major-Gcneral Hitchcock, and James C. Wetmore, Ohio State Military Agent, we take this opportunity of expressing our heartfelt obligations. 1* (6) " 6 PKEFACE. Another to whom I am indebted is Dr. R. T. Trall of New York. At his beautiful " Hygiean Home,^^ on the mountain side, near Wernersville, Berks county, Pennsylvania, I regained my lost health. For his kindness, and that of his skillful assistants, Drs. Glass and Fairchild, I will ever be deeply grateful. It was with regret, woven with many pleasant memories, that I left their hospita- ble home when recovered health and duty called me again to the field. To my early friend, Rev. Alexander Clark, Editor of the " School Visitor,''^ I am still more deeply indebted. His literary experience was freely placed at my service, and when discouraged in the preparation of my story, which was to me an ardu- ous undertaking, his words of hope and cheer stimu- lated me to renewed efforts. But for aid derived from his sympathy and advice, I would have proba- bly abandoned my task. May he be fully rewarded I There are a host of others whose good offices will always be kindly remembered. Among them are W. R. Allison of the ''Steubenville Herald,''^ Dr. John McCook, also of Steubenville, Dr. George McCooK of Pittsburgh, Rev. William B. Wat- kins, A. M., Dr. John Mills, and many others. Thanks to them all ! WILLIAM PITTENGER. Army of the Cumberland^ August^ 1863. CONTENTS CHAPTBB I. Sad Retrospective — Object of the Book — Military Situation in the Southwest — Disaster and Energy of the Rebels — Necessity for a Secret Expedition — A Proposition to Buell and Mitchel — An Attempt and Failure — Return of Adventurers — Second Expedition — Writer Volunteers — Andrews, the Leader — Parting from the Regiment — On the Way — Perplexities — The Writer Cur-tailed ! 23—35 CHAPTER 11. Midnight Consultation — Plans Developed — Money Distri- buted — Compagnons du Voyage — A Dismal Night — Shel- tered from the Storm — Southern Unionist — Arrested by Federal Soldiers — Beyond the Lines — Panic Caused by Negroes — Method of Avoiding Suspicion — Continuous Rain — Behind Time — Hunting Human Beings with Bloodhounds — The Cumberland Mountaina — Rain again. 36—45 0) CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. Crossing the Mountains — Playing Hypocrite — Legend of Battle Creek Valley — Lodged with a Secessionist — Strategy— A Welcome but Fatal Delay — Exaggerated Accounts of Shiloli — Prevented from Crossing the Ten- nessee — In the Mountains again — Amusing Rebel Story — To the River again — Perilous Crossing — Success — Chattanooga — On the Cars — Night — Arrive at Marietta. 46—56 CHAPTER IV. " Take an Early Train — Prospecting — Capture of the Train — Panic in Confederate Camp — Away at Lightning Speed — Thrilling Exj)erience — Cut the Telegraph— Tear up the Track — Unexpected Obstacle — Running a Powder Train to Beauregard— Red Flag — Dropping Cross-Ties — Battering out Spikes — Immense Exertion of Strength — Pursuing Backward — Terrible Chase — Attempt to Wreck the Enemy's Train— Fearful Speed— Bold Plan. 57—67 CHAPTER V. Consternation along the Route — Wood and Watpr — At- tempt to Fire the Train — Partial Failure — Message sent to Chattanooga — Terrific Preparations — Abandon tlio Train — A Capital Error — In tiie Woods — A Thrilling Account of the Chase from the Atlanta '^Southern Con- federacy.'' 68—90 CONTENTS 9 CHAPTEK VI. Stux)endous "Man Hunt" — My Own Adventures — Playing Acrobat — Perilous Crossing of a River — Hunger — The Bloodhounds — Flying for Life — No Sun or Star to Guide me — Traveling in a Circle — Nearijig Chattanooga — Lost in Deadened Timber — Glimpse of the Moon — Fatigue produces Phantoms — Dreadful Storm — I Sleep and enter Fairy Land— Glorious Visions — Reality — A Picket — Ro- mance Faded — Horrible Situation — Day Dawn — No Re- lief. 91—105 CHAPTEE YII. Sabbath — Continuous Rain — Press Onward — Observed — Arrested — Curious Examination — Equivocating for Life — Plans Foiled by Unexpected News— Plundered — Jail — Terrible Reflections — New and Hopeful Resolve — Un- welcome Visitors — Vigilance Committee Disappointed — Ordered to Chattanooga — A Mob — Chained to the Carriage — Escort — The Journey — Musings — Arrival — Another Mob — Benevolent Gentleman (?) — General Leadbetter— Andrews. 106—126 CHAPTEE VIII. Negro Prison — Swims, the Jailor — Horrible Dungeon — Black Hole of Calcutta — Sufi"ocation — Union Prisoners — Slave Catching — Our Party Reunited — Breakfast Low- ered by Rope — Hunger — Counseling — Fiendish Barba- rity — Chained in the Dungeon — Andrews tried as a Spy and Traitor — Sweet, but Stolen News — Removed from Dungeon — Pure Air and Sunlight — Attacked by a Mob — "A Friend" — Madison — Daring Adventure and Nar- row Ebcape. 127—147 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. Return to Chattanooga — Caution of Rebels — Unchain Our- selves—Mock Trials — The Judge — Singing— One Kind- ness — Projected Escape — Loitering Comrades — A Gleam of Hope — Sad Parting — Knoxville — Prison Inmates — Brownlow — Awful Cruelty — Andrews Condemned to Death — Escapes with Wollam — Fearful Perils — Swim- ming the River — Hiding on an Island — Found by Chil- dren — Yields to His Fate — Horrible Death — Wollam's Stratagem — On the River — Passes a Gun Boat — Final Capture. 148—170 CHAPTER X. Sorrow for Andrews — Prepare for Trial — Charges and Specifications — Plan of Defence — Incidents of Trial — Encouragement — Not Allowed to Hear Pleading — Law- yer's Plea — Seven Tried — Mitchel Dissolves the Court — Tied Again — A Saucy Reply — Advantage of Sickness — Fry Deceived — Revolting Inhumanity — Fry's Capture — Starve to Atlanta — Taunts of the Mob — Atlanta Prison —A Kind Jailor. 171—183 CHAPTER XI. Cavalry Approach— Seven Removed from the Room — Sus- pense — Sentence of Death — Heart-rending Separation — Death and the Future — Not Prepared — Inhuman Haste — The Tragedy — Speech on the Scaffold — Breaking Ropes — Enemies Affected— Gloom of Survivors — Prayer. 184—192 CONTKNTS 11 CHAPTEE XII. Religious Experience — Coiitrabaud Assistance — Intelli- gence of Negroes — Love of Freedom — Wollam's Recap- ture — A Friendly Preacher — Obtain Books — Disgusting Diet — Plays — Debates — Reading Hours — Envy the Birds — Dreams of Home — Telegraphing — Friends from our Army — Hope Deferred — Union Society — Difficulties of Tobacco-chewers — Precious Books. 193 — 207 CHAPTER XIII. Contemplated Escape — Startling Intelligence — Our Doom Pronounced from Richmond — Hesitate no Longer — Our Plan — All Ready — Supper — Farewell — Life or Death — Seize the Jailor — Gruns Wrested from Guards — Alarm Given — Scaling the Wall — Guards Fire — Terrible Chase — Six Recaptured — Wood and Wilson Reach the Gulf — Dorsey's Narrative — Porter's Account — Boasting of the Guards— Barlow's Cruel Death. 208—223 CHAPTER XIV. Despair and Hope — Bitten Finger — Removed to Barracks — Greater Comfort — Jack Wells— Cruel Punishment of Tennesseeans — Story of a Spy — Help Him to Escape — Virtue of a Coat — A Practical Joke — Unionism — Sweet Potatoes — Enlisting in Rebel Army — Description of a Day— Happy News— Start for Richmond— Not Tied— Night Journey — Varied Incidents — Lynchburg — Rebel Audacity Punished — Suffering from the Cold — Arrival in Richmond. 224—246 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTEE XY. The City by Moonlight — Old Accusation Renewed — Libby Prison — Discomfort — A Change— Citizens' Department — Richmond Breakfast — Removed under Guard — Castle Thunder — Miniature Bedlam — Conceal a Knife — Con- fined in a Stall — Dreadful Gloom — Routine of a Day — Suifering at Night — Friends Exchanged — Newspapers — Burnside — Pecuniary Perplexities — Captain Webster — Escape Prevented — Try Again on Christmas Night — Betrayed— Fearful Danger Avoided. 247—266 CHAPTEE XYI. Letter sent Home — Alarming Pestilence — Our Quarters Changed — Rowdyism — Fairy Stories — Judge Baxter — Satanic Strategy — Miller's History — An Exchange with a Dead Man — Effect of Democratic Victories — Attempt to Make us Work — Digging out of a Cell — Worse than the Inquisition — Unexpected Interference — List from " Yan- kee Land" — Clothing Stolen — Paroled — A Night of Joy — Torch-light March— On the Cars— The Boat— Reach Washington — Receive Medals, Money, and Promotion — Home. 267—288 INTRODUCTION, While our absent brothers are battling on the field, it is becoming tbat the friends at home should be eager for the minutest particulars of the camp-life, courage and endurance of the dear boys far away ; for to the loyal lover of his country every soldier is a brother. The narrative related on the following pages is one of extraordinary ''daring and suffering," and will excite an interest in the public mind such as has rarely, if ever, arisen from any per- sonal adventures recorded on the page of history. William Pittenger, the oldest of a nu- merous family, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 81st, 1840. His father, Thomas Pittenger, is a farmer, and trains his children in the solid experiences of manual labor. His mother is from a thinking familyhood of peo- ple, many of whom are well known in Eastern 2 (13) 14 INTRODUCTION, Ohio as pioneers in social and moral progress — the Mills's. William learned to love his' country about as early as he learned to love his own mother ; for his first lessons were loy- alty and liberty, syllabled by a mother's lips. Even before the boy could read, he knew in outline the history of our nation's trials and triumphs, from the days of Bunker Hill, forward to the passing events of the latest newspaper chronicling, — all of which facts were nightly canvassed around the cabin - hearth. Although he was an adept in all branches of learning, yet, in school days, as now, young PiTTENGER had two favorite studies ; and they happened to be the very ones in the prosecu- tion of which his teachers could aid him scarcely at all — History and Astronomy. But, in the face of discouragement, with the aid only of accidental helps, and by the candle-light and the star-light after the sunny hours had been toiled away, he pressed patiently and perse- veringly forward in his own chosen methods, until he became an accurate historian, and a practical astronomer. At the age of seventeen, he manufactured, for the most part with his own hands, a reflecting telescope, which his friends came from near and far to see, and INTRODUCTION. 15 gaze through at the wonderful worlds un- thought-of before. The ambitions of farm-life were not sufficient to occupy the head and hands of this searcher for knowledge. To explore the fields of the firmament with his telescope, gave him intenser pleasure than the most faithful farmer ever real- ized from furrowing his fields in the dewiest spring mornings. To follow the footsteps of heroes through the world's annals, as they struggled up through conflicts to glorious lib- erty, thrilled him with a livelier enthusiasm than ever sprang from the music of marching harvesters. While other young men of his age and neighborhood idled their rainy days and winter nights in trifling diversions, there was one who preferred the higher joy of com- munion with Humboldt in his " Cosmos," Macaulay in his '^ England," Irving in his " Columbus," or Burritt in his " Geography of the Heavens." Owing to this decided preference for science and literatui'e, the father found it advisable to indulge his son in the desire to enter a field more consonant with his wishes. He accord- ingly qualified himself, by close study at home, and without a tutor, for the profession of teach- ing. In this honorable avocation he labored 16 INTRODUCTION. with industry and promise, until he felt con- strained by love of country to quit the desk and the children, for the tent and the hosts of armed men. During his career as teacher, he was, for awhile, associated with the writer in the publica- tion of the School Visitor, then issued at Cleve- land, Ohio. The enterprise was, at that time, (1857-8,) to the great outer world, an unno- ticed and insignificant one ; yet to those whose little all was enlisted in the mission of a Day School paper, it was, indeed, something that lay close upon their hearts. That was a cheerless, friendless time in the history of the little VisitoTj to at least two inexperienced adven- turers in the literary world. But these were hidden trials, and shall be unwritten still. The never-forgotten teachings of his mother, together with the unconscious tuition result- ing from observation and experience, made PiT- TENGER an early and constant friend of freedom. Any mind imbued with an admiration of God's marches in the Heavens as an Omnipotent Creator, and inspired by a contemplation of God's finger in History as a merciful Deliverer, Avill rise to the high level of universal love to man, and will comprehend the broad equality of Gospel liberty and republican brotherhood. INTRODUCTION. 17 Let a man be educated, head and heart, and he will love freedom, and demand freedom, and " dare and suffer" for freedom, not for him- self only, but for all the oppressed of the whole earth. Eeader, you may draw lines. You may pro- fess a conservative Christianity that would theo- logize the very grace out of the command, " Love thy neighbor as thyself.''^ You may ignore this Christ-like precept, and adopt something more fashionable and aristocratic ; but if you do, you entertain in your heart treason, both to your Father in heaven and to your brother on earth. This law of love is revealed to lowly men. It cuts down through crowns and creeds and chains, and rests as a blessed benediction on sufferers and slaves. This is the inspiration that brings victory to our arms, and deals death to destroyers. This was the spirit that prompted our young hero to stand forth, one of the very first from his native county, a soldier for right and righteousness, the moment the Sumter cry rang up the valley of his Ohio home. When PiTTiNGER became a volunteer, it was for the suppression of the Rebellion with all its belongings, — and if its overthrow should tumble slavery, with its clanking fetters and howling hounds, to the uttermost destruction, he would 2* 18 INTRODUCTIOK". grasp his gun the firmer for the hope, and thank God for the prospect, the test, and the toil ! He enlisted as a soldier for his country, ready to march anywhere, strike with any weapon, endure any fatigue, or share any sor- row. He went out not merely an armored war- rior, to ward off attacks, not to strike off ob- noxious top-growths ; but to " lay the ax at the root of the tree," and to pierce the very heart of the monster iniquity. In three days after the receipt of the startling intelligence that the Stars and Stripes had been fired upon by rebels in arms, Pittenger was on his way to the Capital as a private soldier in the Second Ohio Regiment of volunteers. He fought bravely on the disastrous 21st of July, in the battle of Bull Run, while many of his com- rades fell bleeding at his side. For his calm, heroic conduct throughout that memorable day of peril and panic, he received the highest praise from every of&cer of his regiment. ^Ithough thus a sharer of war's sternest conflicts during the three months' campaign, he was ready to re-enlist immediately, when his country called for a longer service ; and after a few days' rest beneath the old homestead roof, he was again on his way with the same regiment to the seat of war in the Southwest. INTRODUCTION. 19 During the fall and winter he saw severe ser- vice on the '^ dark and bloody ground." No soldiers ever endured so many midnight marches more patiently, or manifested more self-sacri- ficing devotion to country, through rains and storms, and wintry desolations, than the noble Ohio Second, under the command of Colonel Harris, through the campaign in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. In December, the regiment was transferred to the Division commanded by the lamented Gene- ral MiTCHEL, then encamped at Louisville. From this point, the army pressed forward victoriously through Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, Nash- ville, and Murfreesboro', until the old banner floated in the Tennessee breezes at Shel- byville. While here, the daring expedition to penetrate the heart of the Confederacy was organized, of which party PiTTENGER was one of the most enthusiastic and deter- mined. From*^ the day the brave fellows departed over the Southern hills on their adventurous journey, a veil was dropped which hid them from sight of friends for many weary months — and some of them for ever 1 No tidings came in answer to all the beseeching thought- ques- 20 INTRODUCTION. tionings that followed their mysterious pathway '' beyond the lines." Yague rumors were current around the camp- fires and home- circles that the whole party had been executed. Friends began to despair. Strangers began to inquire as if for missing friends. A universal sympathy prevailed in their behalf, and whole communities were excited to the wildest fervor on account of the lost ad- venturers. The widely-read letters from the Steubenville Herald's army correspondent were missed, for Pittenger wrote no more. The family were in an agony of suspense for the silent, absent son and brother. His ever faith- ful friend, Chaplain Gaddis, of the Ohio Second, made an effort to go, under a flag of truce, in search of the party, but was dissuaded by the commanding of&cers from so hopeless an undertaking. The summer passed, and yet no tidings came. The autumn came with its me- lancholy, — and uncertain rumors, like withered, fallen leaves, were again afloat about the camps and the firesides. The dreary winter came, and still the hearts of the most hopeful were chilled with disappointment. The father began to think of William as dead, — the mother to talk of her darling as one who had lived, — the chil- dren to speak of their elder brother as one they INTRODUCTION. 21 should never see any more until all the lost loved ones meet in the better land. The writer was even solicited by a mutual friend to preach the funeral sermon of one whose memory was still dear, but whom none of us ever hoped to see again on earth. But our Father in heaven was kinder than we thought. Our prayers had been heard! As our fervent petitions winged up from family altars to the ear of the Infinite Lover, the gu.ar- dian angels winged afar downward through battle alarms, and ministered to him for whom we besought protection. When the bright spring days came smiling over the earth, a mes- sage came from the hand of the missing one, brighter and sunnier to our hearts than the April sunlight on the hills ! Soon the story was told, and we all thanked God for the merci- ful deliverance of him for whom we prayed, and who had found, even in a dismal prison-cell, the Pearl of great price ! The one we loved returned home a witness of the Spirit that came to him as a Comforter in his dreariest loneliness, and is already a minister of the precious Gospel that gladdened him in the time of his tribula- tion. And now the reader shall know all about the 22 INTKODUCTION. tedious delay and the long silence, from the pen of him who survives to tell the story. We commend to all who peruse this narrative an interesting volume, entitled '' Beyond the Lines,'''' another sad rehearsal of terror in rebel prisons and Southern swamps, in other portions of the Confederacy — the experience of Kev. Capt. J. J. Geer, now one of Lieutenant PiT- tenger's associate-advocates for liberty in the pulpit, as he was recently a brother-bondman in the land of tyranny and death. A. C. Philadelphia, September 15, 1863. DARING AND SUFFERING. CHAPTER I. Sad Retrospective — Object of the Book — Military Situation in the Southwest — Disaster and Energy of the Rebels — Necessity for a Secret Expedition — A Proposition to Buell and Mitchel — An Attempt and Failure — Return of Adventurers — Second Expedition — "Writer Volunteers — Andrews, the Leader — Parting from the Regiment — On the Way — Perplexities — The Writer Cur-tailed! It is painful for me to write the adventures of the last year. As I compose my mind to the task, there arises before me the memory of days of suffering, and nights of sleepless apprehen- sion — days and nights that, in their black mo- notony, seemed well nigh eternal. And the sorrow, too, which I felt on that terrible day, when my companions, whom common dangers and common sufferings had made as brothers to me, were dragged away to an ignominious death that I expected soon to share — all comes before me in the vividness of present reality, and I almost shrink back and lay down the pen. (23) 24 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR But I believe it to be a duty to give to tbe pub- lic the details of the great railroad adventure, which created such an excitement in the South, and which Judge Holt pronounced to be the most romantic episode of the war, both op ac- count of the intrinsic interest involved, and still more because of the light it throws on the manners and feelings of the Southern people, and their conduct during the rebellion. With this view, I have decided to give a detailed history of the expedition, its failure, and the subsequent imprisonment and fate of all of the members of the party. In doing this, I will have the aid of the survivors of the expedition — fourteen in all — and hope to give a narrative that will combine the strictest truth with all the interest of a romance. In order to understand why the destruction of the Georgia State Railroad was of so much consequence, I will refer to the situation of afiliirs in the Southwest, in the opening of the spring of 1862. The year commenced very auspiciously for our arms. Fort Donelson had fallen, after a desperate contest, and nearly all its garrison were taken prisoners. The scattered remains of the rebel army, under Johnston, had retreated precipitately from Kentucky, which had indeed THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 25 been to them " the dark and bloody ground." Columbus and Nashville were evacuated, and fel! into our hands. Island No. 10 was invested, and the Tennessee river groaned beneath a mighty army afloat, the same that had conquered Donelson, under its popular leader, General Grant, and which, it was fondly hoped, would strike far away into the center of the rebel States. Throughout the North, men talked of the war as done, and speculated as to the terms of a peace that was soon to come. But the end was not yet. The rebel leaders, who had embarked their all in this cause, and had pictured to themselves a magnificent slaveholding empire, stretching away from the Potomac to the Sierra Madre, in Mexico, and swallowing up all tropical America in one mighty nation, devoted to the interests of cot- ton and slavery alone, over which they should reign, were not yet satisfied to relinquish their cause as desperate, and abandon their glorious dreams. With a wonderful energy that must command our admiration, though it be only of the kind that is accorded to Satan as pictured in " Paradise Lost," they passed the conscription law, abandoned the posts they still held on the frontier, and concentrated their forces on a shorter line of defence. 3 26 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR The eastern part of this line extended from Eichmond, through Lynchburg, to East Tennes- see. In the west, it was represented by the Memphis and Charleston Kailroad, extending from Memphis, through Corinth, Hunts ville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, to Charleston. Here they poured forward their new levies, and began to prepare for another desperate contest. The unaccountable inertness of the Eastern army of the Union, under McClellan, gave them time to strengthen their defences, and reinforce their army, which had dwindled to a yery low ebb during the winter. But while the commander of the East was planning strategy that, by the slowness of its development, if by nothing worse, was destined to dim the lustre of the Union triumphs, and lose the results of a year of war, the West was in motion. Down the Mississippi swept our invincible fleet, with an army on shore to second its operations. Up the Tennessee steamed Grant's victorious army, and Buell, with forty thousand men, was marching across the State of Tennessee, to reach the same point. My own division, under the lamented General 0. M. Mitchel, was also marching across the State, but in a different direction, having Chattanooga as its ultimate aim, while Morgan, with another strong force, many THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 27 of whom were refugees from East Tennessee, lay before Cumberland Grap, ready to strike through that fastness to Knoxville, and thus reach the very heart of rebellion. To meet these powerful forces, whose destina- tion he could not altogether foresee, Beauregard, who commanded in the west, concentrated his main army at Corinth, with smaller detach- ments scattered along the railroad to Chatta- nooga. The railroads on which he relied for supplies and reinforcements, as well as for com- munication with the eastern portion of rebel- dom, formed an irregular parallelogram, of which the northern side extended from Mem- phis to Chattanooga, the eastern from Chatta- nooga to Atlanta, the southern from Atlanta to Jackson, Mississippi, and the western, by a net- work of roads, from Jackson to Memphis. The great East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, which has not inaptly been called *' the back- bone of the rebellion," intersected this parallelo- gram at Chattanooga. Thus it will be seen that to destroy the northern and eastern sides of this parallelogram isolated Beauregard, and left East Tennessee, which was then almost stripped of troops, to fall easily before General Morgan. So important was this destruction of comma- 28 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR nication deemed by those in power, that it was at first intended to reach both sides, and destroy them by armies ; but the distance was so great that the design of destroying it in this manner was abandoned. However, just at this time, J. J. Andrews, who was a secret agent of the United States, and had repeatedly visited every part of the South, proposed another method of accomplish- ing the same object, by means of a secret mili- tary expedition, to burn the bridges on the road, and thus interrupt communication long enough for the accomplishment of the schemes which were expected to give rebellion in the southwest its death-blow. He first made the proposition to General Buell, who did not, for some reason, approve of it. Afterwards he re- peated it to General Mitchel, who received it with more favor. Our division was at this time lying at Mur- freesboro', repairing some bridges that had been destroyed, preparatory to an onward march fur- ther into the interior. All at once, eight men were detailed from our regiment— four of them from my own company. No one knew anything of their object or destination, and numberless were the conjectures that were afloat concerning them. Some supposed they had gone home to THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 29 arrest deserters ; others, that they were desert- ers themselves. But this last idea was contra- dicted by the fact that they were seen in close and apparently confidential communication with the officers just before their departure, as well as by the character of the men themselves, who were among the boldest and bravest of the regiment. Many supposed that they were sent into the enemy's country as spies ; but the idea of sending such a number of spies from the privates in the ranks was so obviously absurd, that I did not seriously consider it. However, I was not long to remain in uncertainty, for an officer, who was an intimate friend of mine, re- vealed the secret to me. The enterprise was so grand and so audacious, that it instantly charmed my imagination, and I at once went to Colonel L. A. Harris, of the Second Ohio, and asked, as a favor from him, that if any detail was made for another expedition of the same kind, I should be placed on it. Soon after, one of the party, from Company C, returned, and reported that he had ventured as far as Chattanooga, and there had met a Con- federate soldier who recognized him as belonging to the Union army ; and while, for the sake of old friendship, he hesitated to denounce him to the authorities, yet advised him to return, which 3* 30 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR he immediately did, and arrived safely in camp in a few days. He would give no details that might embarrass his companions, who were still pressing their way onward into the Confede- racy. A short time after this, all the party came back, and I received full details of their trip to the center of rebeldom. They had proceeded in citizens' dress, on foot and unsuspected, to Chattanooga ; there had taken the cars for At- lanta, where they arrived in safety. Here they expected to meet a Georgia engineer, who had been running on the State road for some time, and, with his assistance, intended to seize the passenger train, at breakfast, and run through to our lines, burning all the bridges in their rear. For several days they waited for him, but he came not. They afterwards learned that he had been pressed to run troops to Beaure- gard, who was then concentrating every avail- able man at Corinth, in anticipation of the great battle which afterwards took place. Thus foiled, and having no man among them capable of running an engine, they abandoned the enter- prise for that time, and quietly stole back to our lines. Had an engineer then been along, they would, in all probability, have been successful. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 81 as the obstacles which afterward defeated us did not then exist. Our camp had been moved onward from Mur- freesboro' to Shelbyville, which is a beautiful little city, situated on Duck river. We camped above the town, in a delightful meadow. It was Sabbath, the 6th of April, and the earli- ness of the clime made the birds sing, and the fields bloom with more than the brilliancy of May in our own northern land. Deeply is the quiet of that Sabbath, with the green beauty of the warm spring landscape, pictured on my mind I An impression, I know not what, made me de- vote the day to writing letters to my friends. It was well I did so, for long and weary months passed ere I was permitted to write to them again. But while the day was passing in such sweet repose with us, it was far different in another army ; that was the day on which Grant was surprised by Beauregard, and only saved from destruction by the assistance of the gunboats. This, however, we did not learn for several days after. On Monday, Andrews returned to our camp. He had spent some time along the line of the Georgia State road, and on his return reported to General Mitchel that the scheme was still 82 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR feasible, and would be of more advantage than ever. He, however, asked for a larger detail of men, and twenty-four were given from the three Ohio regiments then in Sill's Brigade. One man was detailed from a company, though all the companies were not represented, and I believe in two* instances, two men were detailed from one company — they were probably inti- mate friends, who wished to go together. During the day, I saw Andrews in the camp. I had seen him frequently before, away up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, but did not then observe him particularly. Now I paid more attention. He was nearly six feet in hight, of powerful frame, black hair, and long, black, silken beard, Eoman features, a high and expansive forehead, and a voice fine and soft as a woman's. He gave me the impression of a man who combined intellect and refinement with the most cool and dauntless courage. Yet his manner and speech, which was slow and pensive, indicated what I afterwards found to be almost his only fault — a slowness to decide on the spur of the moment, and back his decision by prompt, vigorous action. This did not de- tract from his value as a secret agent, when alone, for then all his actions were premeditated, * One of these I noticed only very lately. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 33 and carried out with surpassing coolness and bravery ; but it did unfit him for the command of men, in startling emergencies, where instant action afforded the only chance of safety. This trait of character will be more fully developed in the course of my story. I conversed with him on the object of the expedition, not, of course, expecting a full detail, but receiving a general idea. I put particular stress on his promise, that whatever happened, he would keep us all together, and, if necessary, we would cut our way through in a body. This was because, being near-sighted, and, therefore, a bad hand to travel in a strange country, with no guide, I had a particular horror of being left alone. I returned to my company, and procured a suit of citizen's clothes from our boys who had been out before. All the members of the com- pany, seeing me so arrayed, came around to try to dissuade me from the enterprise, which to them appeared full of unknown perils. It was gratifying to be the object of so much solicitude, but having decided to go, I could not yield. My captain, J. F. Sarratt, of Company G-, Second Ohio, as brave and true-hearted a sol- dier as ever lived, earnestly entreated me not to go ; but finding my determination was fixed, he bade me an affectionate farewell. Seldom have U4 DARING AND SUFFERING ; OR I parted with more emotion from any one than these war-worn veterans. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when we left camp, and started for the place of rendezvous at Shelbyville. The sun was shin- ing brightly, and the bracing evening air sent the blood coursing cheerily through our veins, and inspired us with the brightest hopes of the future. Soon we reached Shelbyville, and lin- gered there for an hour or two, when Ross and I, acting under the previous direction of An- drews, started out of town. Our orders were for us all to proceed along the road in small squads, for two or three miles, and then halt and wait for him. We walked quietly along, until about dark, when, seeing none of the others, we began to grow uneasy, fearing we had gone on the wrong road. We met several persons, but they could give no account of any one before ; then we saw a house just by the road, and crossing the fence, went up to it to get a drink of water. Before we reached the door, a clo^ came up behind my companion and bit him — then ran away before punishment could be inflicted. The bite was not severe, and I good-humor- edly laughed at his mishap ; but before we again reached the fence, the same dog came once more. THE GKEAT KAILROAD ADVENTURE. 35 Ross saw him, and sprang over the fence ; but I had only time to reach the top of it, where I sat in fancied security. But the merciless whelp, in his ire, sprang at me, seized my coat, and tore a large piece out of it ! That coat, thus cur- tailed, I wore all through Dixie. I mention this incident, because it was what some would call a bad omen. 36 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR CHAPTER II. Midnight Consultation — Plans Developed — Money Distri- buted — Compagnons du Voyage — A Dismal Night — Shel- tered from the Storm — Southern Unionist — Arrested by Federal Soldiers— Beyond the Lines — Panic Caused by Negroes — Method of Avoiding Suspicion — Continuous Rain — Behind Time — Hunting Human Beings with Bloodhounds— The Cumberland Mountains — Rain again. We now proceeded on our way — not re- joicing, for our situation grew every moment more perplexing. Darkness was falling rapidly, and not one of our comrades was visible. We were almost certain we had taken the wrong road. Finally, we resolved to retrace our steps, and en- deavor to obtain some clue to our journey, or if we could not, to return to camp ; for, without in- struction, we knew not how or where to go. We therefore retraced our steps till in sight of Shelby ville, and then, sure that none could pass without our knowledge, we waited nearly an hour longer. Our patience was rewarded. A few, whom we recognized as belonging to our party, came along the road ; we fell in with them, and were soon overtaken by others, among whom was THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 37 Andrews. Now all was right. Soon we were as far from Shelby ville as Ross and I had been whsn alone, and a few hundred yards further on we found the remainder of our comrades. In a little thicket of dead and withered trees, sufficiently open to assure us that no listening ear was near, we halted, and Andrews revealed to us his plans. There were twenty-three gathered around him ; twenty-four had been de- tailed, but from some cause, one had failed to report. In low tones, amid the darkness, he gave us the details of the romantic expedition. We were to break up in small squads of three or four, and travel as far south as Chatta- nooga. If questioned, we were to answer so as to avoid exciting suspicion, and tell any plau- sible tale that might answer our purpose. We were to travel rapidly, and, if possible, reach Chattanooga on Thursday evening at five o'clock. This was Monday, and the distance was one hundred and three miles, a heavy travel on foot ; but then we were allowed to hire conveyances, if we could. Andrews then gave us some Confederate money to bear our expenses, and we parted. There were three others with me ; P. G. Shad- rack, of Company K, Second Ohio, a merry, reckless fellow, but at heart noble and gene- 4 88 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR rous ; William Campbell, a citizen of Kentucky, who had received permission to come with us, in a soldier's place. He was a man of two hun- dred and twenty pounds weight, handsome as Apollo, and of immense physical strength, which he was not slow to use when roused, though good-natured and clever in the main. The third was the most remarkable man of the whole party. He was not educated highly, though he had read a great deal ; but in natu- ral shrewdness, I rarely, if ever, saw his equal. He had traveled extensively over the United States, had observed everything, and remem- bered all he observed. Had he lived, the com- position of this book would have been in abler hands thaa mine. In addition to this, he ex- celled,, perhaps, even Parson Brownlow, in the fiery and scorching denunciation he could hurl on the head of an opponent. In action he was brave and cool; no danger could frighten him, no emergency find him unprepared. These were my companions. The rain had begun to fall slightly as we walked out the railroad, on our route, and soon it increased to torrents. The night was pitchy dark, and we stumbled along, falling into gut- ters here, and nearly sticking in the mud there, THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 39 ■until midniglit, when we resolved to seek shel- ter from the storm. For a long time we could find no indication of a house, until, at last, the barking of a dog gave us a clue. After some dispute as to which side of the road it was on, we struck off" over a field. Our only guide were the random flashes of lightning that gave us a momentary view of the country around. The better to prosecute our search, we formed a line within hearing dis- tance of each other, and thus swept around in all directions. At last we found a barn, but were so wet and chilly that we resolved to hunt on, in the hope of finding a fire and a bed. After a still more tedious search, we found the goal of our wishes. It was a rude, double log-house. Here we roused up the inmates, and demanded a shelter for the night. The man of the house was evidently alarmed, but let us in, and then commenced questioning us as to who we were. We told him we were Kentuckians who were disgusted with the tyranny of the Lincoln Government, and were seeking an asylum in the free and independent South. " Oh," said he, " you come on a bootless errand, and had better go back home, for I have 40 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR no doubt the wliole of tlie South will soon be as much under Lincoln as Kentucky is." " Never !" we answered, " we will fight till we die first !" At this the old man chuckled quietly, and only said, '' Well, we'll see ; we'll see," which closed the discussion. We were truly glad to find a Union man under such circumstances, but did not dare to reveal our true character to him, and he proba- bly believes to this day that he harbored some chivalric Southerners. However, he provided us with a good supper and a comfortable bed, promising, also, not to inform the Federal pick- ets on us. The next morning, the sky for a time was clear, but it soon became overcast, and we were again compelled to suffer the inevitable drenching that befel us every day of this dreary journey. We reached Wartrace in the midst of a pelting storm. At first we intended to go around the town, as it was the last station on our picket line. It was raining so hard that we thought we would not be interrupted in passing through it, but our guards were too vigilant for us. They stopped us, and after being for some time detained, and trying to play off the inno- cent Southern citizen, as hundreds do, we were THE GREAT BAILROAD ADVENTURE. 41 obliged to reveal our true character to the com- manding officer of the post, which, of course, secured our release. Then again, we traveled onward for a time, wading the swollen creeks, and plodding through the mud as fast as we could. We were now outside of our lines, with nothing to trust to but the tender mercies of the rebels. Soon after, we found what a slender ground of trust that was, but 71010 we were safe in the complete- ness of our disguise. We met many others of our party, and trudged along — sometimes in company with them, but oftener alone. Toward evening, we reached Manchester, crossed Duck river, which was at flood hight, and entered the town. Here we found the population in a wild ferment, and on inquiring the cause, learned that some of the citizens had reported an ap- proaching band of Yankee cavalry, and that they were even now visible from the public square. We repaired thither with all speed to witness the novel spectacle of the entrance of National troops into a hostile town, from a Southern point of view. Mingled were the emotions expressed ; fear was most prominent, but I thought I could detect on some counte- nances a half- concealed smile of exultation. 4* 42 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR Soon the terrible band loomed up over the hill which bounded the view, when lo ! the dreaded enemies were seen to be only a party of negroes, who had been working in the coal mines in the mountains somewhere. Some of Mitchel's men had destroyed the works, and the contrabands were brought here for safe keepi n g. The feelings of the chivalry may be better imagined than described, as they dispersed with curses on the whole African race ! We here obtained from some of the citizens the names of the most prominent secessionists along the route we were to travel, who would be most likely to help us on to that blissful land where we might enjoy our rights in peace (?) undisturbed by even dreams of Abolitionists. These names were a great advantage to us, because always having some one to inquire for, and being re- commended from one influential man to another, it was taken for granted that we were trustwor- thy characters, and few questions asked. That night we were within a few miles of Hills- boro', but so much were we delayed by the rain, that we began to fear we could not reach our destination in time. My feet, too, were sore from the gravel and dirt that filled my shoes in crossing the creeks, and wading through the mud, and already we were weary and stiff from THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 43 traveling in the wet. But we resolved to press on, and, if necessary, to travel in tlie night, too, rather than miss our appointment. Where we stayed that night, I first heard from the lips of a slave-owner himself of hunting negroes with bloodhounds. Our host said he had seen some one dodging around the back of his plantation, by the edge of the woods, just as it was getting dark, and in the morning he would take his bloodhounds, and go to hunt him up, and if it proved to be a negro, he would get the reward. He said he had caught great numbers of them, and seemed to regard it as a highly profitable business. We, of course, had to agree with him ; but . well remember that the idea of hunting human beings with bloodhounds, for money, sent a thrill of horror and detestation through my veins. Not long after, we found that blood- hounds were not for negroes alone. The next morning, we continued our journey, and after walking three miles, found a man who agreed, for an exorbitant price, and for the good of the Confederacy, to give us conveyance in a wagon for a few miles. This was a great help to us, and as we trotted briskly along, we soon came in sight of the Cumberland Mountains. 44 DARING AND SUFFERING ; OR Never did I behold more beautiful scenery. The rain had for a short time ceased to fall, and the air was clear. The mountains shone in the freshest green, and around their tops, just high enough to veil their loftiest summits, clung a soft, shadowy mist, gradually descending lower, shrouding one after another of the spurs and high mountain vail eys from view. But the beau- tiful scene did not long continue. Soon the mist deepened into cloud, and again the inter- minable rain began to fall. To add to our dis- comforts, our wagon would go no further, and once more we trudged along afoot. At noon we stopped for dinner at a house be- longing to one of the '' sand-hillers." This is the general name applied to the poor class of whites at the South. They have no property of their own, and live in small hovels, on the worst portions of the lands of the rich. Here they lead an ignorant, lazy life, devoting most of their time to hunting and fishing ; only raising a little patch of corn to furnish their bread. They are almost as completely owned by their land- lords as the slaves, and are compelled to vote as their masters choose. In the social scale they are no higher than any slave, nor do they de- serve to be, for their intelligence is less. The THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 45 term *'sand-liiller," or " clay- eater," is a terrible one of reproach, and is applied unsparingly by the aristocrats. Of course, our entertainment here was composed of rather rude fare, but we ate the half-ground and half-baked corn bread, with the strong pork, and went on our way re- joicing. 46 DAKING AND SUFFEBINa ; OR CHAPTEE III. Crossing the Mountains — Playing Hypocrite — Legend of Battle-Creek Valley — Lodged with a Secessionist — Strategy — A Welcome but Fatal Delay — Exaggerated Accounts of Shiloh — Prevented from Crossing the Ten- nessee — In the Mountains Again — Amusing Rebel Story — To the River Again — Perilous Crossing — Success — Chattanooga — On the Cars — Night — Arrive at Marietta. We were near the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, and addressed ourselves to the task of crossing them. Just as we were mounting the first spur, we fell in with a Confederate sol- dier, who was at home on a furlough. He had been in a number of battles, and among others the first Manassas, which he described very mi- nutely to me. Little did he think that I, too, had been there, as we laughed together at the wild panic of the Yankees. He was greatly de- lighted to see so many Kentuckians coming out on the right side, and contrasted our noble con- duct with that of some persons of his own neigh- borhood, who siill sympathized with the Abo- litionists. When we parted, he grasped my hand with tears in his eyes, and said he hoped " the time would soon come when we would be comrades, THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 47 fighting side by side in one glorious cause." My heart revolted from the hypocrisy I was compelled to use ; but having commenced, there was no possibility of turning back. On we clambered up the mountain till the top was reached ; then across the summit, which was a tolerably level road for six miles ; then down again, over steep rocks, yawning chasms, and great gullies ; a road that nooe but East Tennesseeans or soldier Yankees could have traveled at all. This rough jaunt led us down into Battle Creek, which is a delightful, pictu- resque valley, hemmed in by projecting ridges of lofty mountains. While here, they told me how this valley obtained its name, which is certainly a very romantic legend, and no doubt true. In early times there was war among the Indians. One tribe made a plundering expedi- tion into the camp of another, and after securing their booty retreated. Of course they were pursued, and in their flight were traced to this valley. There the pursuers believed them to be concealed, and to make their capture sure, divided their force into two bands, each one taking an opposite side of the valley. It was early in the morning, and as they wended their way cautiously onward, the raoun- 48 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR tain mist came down just as I had seen it de- scend that morning, and enveloped each of the parties in its folds. Determined not to be foiled, they marched on, and meeting at the head of the valley, each supposed the other to be the enemy. They poured in their fire, and a deadly conflict ensued. Not till nearly all their number had fallen did the survivors discover their mistake, and they slowly and sorrowfully returned to their wigwams. The plunderers, who had listened to their conflict in safet}^, being fur- ther up the mountains, were thus left to carry home their booty in triumph. But we had no leisure for legendary tales. The sun had set, and we stopped for the night with a rabid Secessionist, whom our soldier- friend on the mountain had recommended to us. He received us with open arms, shared with us the best his house afforded — giving us his bed- room, and sleeping with his family in the kit- chen. We spent the evening in denouncing the Abolitionists, which term was used indiscrimi- nately to designate all Federals who did not advocate the acknowledgment of the Confede- racy. This did not go quite so hard as it did at first, for practice had rendered it nearly as easy for us to falsify our sentiments as to express them plainly. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 49 Among other things we instanced to show the tyranny of the Lincolnites in Kentucky, was the expatriation law. This hiw provides that all persons aiding or abetting the rebels, or leaving the State and going South with their army, shall be expatriated, and lose all their right of citizenship in the State. The old man thought this was an act of unparalleled oppres- sion ; and in the morning, before I was out of bed, came in the room, and desired that some one of us would write that law down, that he might show his Union neighbors what the Yan- kees would do when they had the sway. I wrote it, and we all afterward signed our names to it. No doubt that document has been the theme of many angry discussions. So thoroughly did we deceive the old man, that when, three days after, the railroad adven- ture fell on the astonished Confederates like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky, he would not believe that we were part of the men en- gaged in it. One of his neighbors, who was a Union man, and was arrested and confined in the same 'prison with us, told us that to the last our host maintained that his guests, at least, were true and loyal Southerners. Should I ever again be in that part of the country, I would delight to call on him in my true character, 5 50 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR and talk over tlie national troubles from another point of view. We stayed "with him Wednesday night, and were still a long way from Chattanooga. "We had designed, notwithstanding our weariness, to travel all that night, but accidentally met some of our comrades who had seen Andrews, who informed them that he had postponed the enter- prise one day longer. This was a great relief, as it saved us a most wearisome and dreaded night tramp. But better to have taken it, for the delay of that one day was fatal. On Friday there would have been no extra trains to meet, and our success would have been sure. But this we did not know at the time. The next day, which was Thursday, we came to Jasper, stopped in the town and around the groceries awhile, talking of the state of the country. We told them Kentucky was just ready to rise and shake off her chains, and they were just foolish enough to believe it ! Here we heard the first indistinct rumor of the battle of Shiloh — of course, a wonderful victory to the rebels, killing thousands of Yan- kees, and capturing innumerable cannon. It was the impression that our army was totally destroyed. One countryman gravely assured me that five hundred gunboats had been sunk. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 51 I told him I did not think the Yankees had so many as that, but was unable to shake his faith. That night we stayed at Widow Hall's, and there met Andrews and some of our other com- rades. This was on the banks of the Tennes- see river, and Andrews advised us to cross there, and to take passage on the cars at Shell Mound station, as there had been a stringent order issued to let no one cross above, who could not present perfectly satisfactory credentials. Andrews had these, but we had not ; it was, therefore, advisable for us to be challenged as few times as possible. We passed a pleasant evening, during which the wit of my friend Shadrack kept us in a continual roar of laughter. At last morning came, and we went down to the bank of the river to cross. The ferryman had just swung the boat into the stream, and we were getting into it, when a man arrived with positive orders from the military authorities to let no one across for three days. Afl'airs now looked dark. We could not cross except at the upper ferries, and not there unless our credentials were good. However, we resolved to persevere, and thinking in this case, as in many others, the boldest plan would be the safest, we again struck over the wild spurs 62 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR of the Cumberland, which here sweep directly down to the river, on in the direction of Chat- tanooga, with the intention of trying to cross there, at headquarters. Our journey was far from a pleasant one, and several times we lost our road in the en- tanglements of the mountains ; but at last we reached a valley that ran directly down to the river, opposite Chattanooga. Here the road was more frequented, and from the travelers we met we learned further particulars of the battle of Shiloh. Still the accounts were rose-tinted for the Confederates, though they now admitted a considerable loss. One man gave me an interesting item of news from the East ; it was, that the Merrimac had steamed out, and after engaging the Monitor for some time with no decisive results, had ran alongside, and throwing grappling- hooks on her, towed her ashore, where, of course, she fell an easy prey. He said that now they had the two best gunboats in the world, and they would be able to raise the blockade without difficulty, and even to burn the Northern cities. But I have not space to tell of all the wild chimeras and absurd stories that we heard on our entrance into a land where truth always has been contra- band. From that time forward, we heard of THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVKNTURE. 53 continuous Confederate victories, and not one Union triumph, till in September, when they admitted that they were repulsed by Rose- crans at Corinth. On reaching the river, we found a great num- ber of persons on the bank waiting to go over. The ferryman was there with a horse-boat, but the wind was so high that he feared to attempt the crossing. We waited as patiently as we could, though the time for the cars to start on the other side had nearly arrived, and we could not well afford to miss them. At length, the ferryman agreed to attempt the passage. He found it very difficult. We were about an hour in crossing, though the river was only a few hundred yards in width. Several times we were beaten back to our own side, but at last perseverance conquered, and we landed at Chat- tanooga. The passage was an anxious one, for we ex- pected to find the guard waiting for us on the other side ; and then, if we failed to satisfy them that we were loyal subjects of King Jefferson, we would at once land in a Southern prison. Judge, then, of our delight when we saw no guard there, and were permitted to pass un- molested and unquestioned on our route. I do not yet know the reason of this sudden 5* 54 DARING AND SUFFERING ; OR relaxation of vigilance. Perhaps it was be- cause all their attention was directed to Hunts- ville, which was now occupied in force by Gene- ral Mitchel. The panic produced by this occu- pation was immense, as the only communication it left them with Beauregard was by the circui- tous route through Atlanta, and when, the next day, this too was endangered, their excitement knew no bounds. Chattanooga is a small town — not much more than a village. It is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Tennessee, and is bowered in amidst lofty mountain peaks. One of these hangs right over the town, and is more than seven hundred feet in perpendicular hight. From its summit parts of four States are visible — Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. It is capable of being very strongly fortified ; and though there were no works erected when I was there, many may have been built since. It is one of the most important strategic points in the whole South, and should have been in the possession of our forces long ago. From the river we went directly to the depot. Some of our party had arrived earlier, and gone down to Marietta on a former train. We found the cars nearly ready to start, and after loitering THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 55 around a few minutes in the depot, which was crowded full of travelers — mostly soldiers — we purchased our tickets and got aboard. The cars were jammed full. There was scarcely room to stand. Many of the passengers were soldiers who had been at home on furlough, and were returning to join Beauregard. The con- versation was mostly on the great battle which had just been fought, and the accounts were by no means so glowing as they had been at first ; still they announced a great victory. "We took part in the conversation, and expressing as much interest as any one, our true character was not suspected. There was at this time no system of passports in use on that line, and travel was en- tirely unrestricted. The sun was about an hour high as we glided out of the depot, and soon sunk to rest behind the hills of Georgia. There were many bridges on the road, and as we passed over them, we could not help picturing to ourselves our pro- posed return on the morrow, and the probabili- ties of the destruction we intended to wreck on them. Darkness gradually closed in, and on we went amid the laughter and oaths of the Con- federates, many of whom were very much in- toxicated. I procured a seat on the coal-box, and for awhile gave myself up to the reflections 56 naturally suggested by the near culmination of the enterprise in which I was engaged. Visions of former days and friends — dear friends, both around the camp-fire and by the hearth of home, whom I might never see again, floated before me. But gradually, as the night wore on, these faded, and I slept. At midnight, we were wakened by the con- ductor calling ^'Marietta." The goal was reached. We were in the center of the Confe- deracy, with our deadly enemies all around. Before we left, we were to strike a blow that would either make all rebeldom vibrate to the center, or be ourselves at the mercy of the mer- ciless. It was a time for solemn thought ; but we were too weary to indulge in speculations of the future. We retired to bed in the Tremont House, and were soon folded in sweet slumbers — the last time we slept on a bed for many weary months. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 57 CHAPTER lY. Take an Early Train— Prospecting—Capture of the Train — Panic in Confederate Camp — Away at Light- ning Speed— Thrilling Experience— Cut the Telegraph- Tear up the Track — Unexpected Obstacle — Running a Powder Train to Beauregard— Red Flag— Dropping Cross-Ties— Battering out Spikes— Immense Exertion of Strength— Pursuing Backward— Terrible Chase— At- tempt to Wreck the Enemy's Train— Fearful Speed- Bold Plan. The waiter aroused us at four o'clock in the morning, as we told him we wished to take the train at that hour back to Camp McDonald, which is located at a place called Big Shanty, eight miles north of Marietta, and is also a breakfast station. Andrews had gone to an- other hotel, and warned the members of the party there to be in readiness to take passage. Two of them, Hawkins and Porter, who had arrived earlier, were not warned, and were, therefore, left behind. It was not their fault, as they had no certain knowledge of the time we were to start, but rather thought it would be the next day. There were just twenty of us on the train, Andrews and nineteen others, of whom several 58 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR were engineers. We went along very quietly and inoffensively, just as any other passengers would do, until we reached Big Shanty. I knew that Ave were to take possession of the train at this place, but did not just know how it was to be done. I thought we would probably have to fight, and compel the conductor, train-hands, and passengers to get off. We might have done this, but it would have re- quired very quick work, for there were then some ten thousand troops, mostly conscripts, camped there, and a guard was placed watching the train. But a far better plan was adopted. As soon as we arrived, the engineer, conduc- tor, and many of the passengers went over to the eating-house. Now was our opportunity! Andrews, and one or two others, went forward and examined the track, to see if everything was in readiness for a rapid start. Oh ! what a thrilling moment was that ! Our hearts throbbed thick and fast with emotions we dared not manifest to those who were loafing indifferently around. In a minute, which seemed an hour, Andrews came back, opened the door, and said, very quietly and carelessly, " Let us go, now, boys." Just as quietly and carelessly we arose and followed him. The passengers who were lazily waiting for the train THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 59 to move on and carry them to their destination, saw nothing in the transaction to excite their suspicions. Leisurely we moved forward- reached the head of the train— then Andrews, Brown our engineer, and Knight, who also could run an engine, leaped on the locomotive ; Alfred Wilson took the top of the cars as brakesman, and the remainder of us clambered into the foremost baggage car, which, with two others, had been previously uncoupled from the hinder part of the train. For one moment of most intense suspense all was still — then a pull — a jar— a clang— and we were flying away on our perilous journey. There are times in the life of man when whole years of intensest enjoyment seem con- densed into a single moment. It was so with me then. I could comprehend the emotion of Columbus, when he first beheld through the dim dawn of morning, the new found, but long dreamed-of shores of America, or the less inno- cent, but no less vivid joy of Cortez, when he first planted the cross of Spain over the golden halls of Montezuma. My breast throbbed full with emotions of- delight and gladness, that words labor in vain to express. A sense of ethereal lightness ran through all my veins, and I seemed to be ascending higher— higher— 60 BAKING AND SUFFERING; OR into realms of inexpressible bliss, with each, pulsation of the engine. It was a moment of triumphant joy that will never return again. Not a dream of failure now shadowed my rap- ture. All had told us that the greatest difficulty was to reach and take possession of the engine, and after that, success was certain. It would have heeii, but for unforeseen contingencies. Away we scoured, passing field, and village, and woodland. At each leap of the engine our hearts rose higher, and we talked merrily of the welcome that would greet us when we dashed into Huntsville a few hours later — our enter- prise done, and the brightest laurels of the guerilla Morgan far eclipsed ! But the telegraph ran by our side, and was able, by the flashing of a single lightning mes- sage ahead, to arrest our progress and dissipate all our fondest hopes. There was no telegra- phic station where we took the train, but we knew not how soon our enemies might reach one, or whether they might not have a portable battery at command. To obviate all danger on this point, we stopped, after running some four miles, to cut the wire. John Scott, an active young man, climbed the pole, and with his hand knocked off the insu- lated box at the top, and swung down on the THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 61 wire. Fortunately, there was a small saw on the engine, with which the wire was soon severed. "While this was being done, another party took up a rail, and put it into the car to carry off with us. This did not long check our pursuers, but we had the satisfaction of learning that it threw them, down an embankment, as will be narrated more fully in a Confederate account inserted hereafter. When the engine first stopped, Andrews jumped off, clasped our hands in ecstasy, con- gratulating us that our difficulties were now all over ; that we had the enemy at such a disad- vantage that he could not harm us, and exhi- bited every sign of joy. Said he, '^ Only one more train to pass, and then we will put our en- gine to full speed, burn the bridges after us, dash through Chattanooga, and on to Mitchel at Huntsville." The programme would have been filled if we had met only 07ie train. We were ahead of time, and in order to meet the down train just on time, we were obliged to stop on the track awhile. These were tedious moments while we waited, but soon we moved on very slowly again. At the next station, Andrews borrowed a schedule from the tank- tender, telling him that he was running an ex- press powder-train through to Beauregard. He 6 62 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR gave tlie schedule, saying tliat lie would send his shirt to Beauregard if he wanted it. When asked afterwards if he did not suspect anything, he said he would as soon have thought of sus- pecting Jeff Davis, as one who talked with so much assurance as Andrews did ! On we went till we reached the station where we were to pass what we believed to be the last train. Here the switch was not properly ad- justed, and Andrews entered the station-house, without asking leave of anybody, took down the keys, and adjusted the switch. This raised some disturbance on the part of those around the station, but it was quieted by telling them the same powder story. After waiting a short time, the down train arrived, and we passed it without difficulty. But we observed on it what we did not like — a red flag, indicating that an- other train was behind. This was most discouraging, for we had now hoped to have the road exclusively to our- selves ; but still we did not despair. However, we had yet to run on regular time, which was, unfortunately, very slow time — not more than twelve or fifteen miles an hotir. Thus unavoid- ably consuming our precious moments, we glided on till we reached the station where we expected to meet what we were now sure would be our THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 63 last hindrance. We stopped on a side-track to wait for it, and there had to remain twenty-five minutes. Just as we had concluded to go on, and risk the chances of a collision, the expected train hove in sight. It was safely passed, as the other had been before ; but judge of our dismay when we be- held a red flag on this train also ! Matters now began to look dark. Much of our precious time, which we had reserved as a margin for burning bridges, was now gone, and we were still tied down to the slow regular rate of run- ning. Yet we could not retreat, and had no resource but to press firmly on. This we did, and obstructed the track as well as we could, by laying on cross-ties at different places. We also cut the telegraph wire between every sta- tion. Finally, when we were nearly to the station where we expected to meet the last train, we stopped to take up a rail. We had no instru- ments for doing this, except a crowbar, and, instead of pulling out the spikes, as we could have done with the pinch burrs used for that purpose by railroad men, we had to hatter them out. This was slow work. We had loosened this rail at one end, and eight of us took hold of it to try to pull the other end loose. Just as 64 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR we were going to relinquisH the effort in despair, the whistle of an engine m pursuit sounded in our ears ! The effect was magical. With one convulsive effort we broke the rail in two, and tumbled pell-mell over the embankment. No one was hurt, and we took up our precious half rail, which insured us time to pass the train ahead, before our pursuers could be upon us. We were not a moment too soon, for we were scarcely out of sight of where we had taken up the last rail, before the other train met us. This was safely passed, and when our pursuers came to the place where we had broken the rail, they abandoned their own train, and ran on foot till they met the one we had just passed, and turned it back after us, running with great speed. We were now aware of our danger, and adopted every expedient we could think of to delay pursuit ; but, as we were cutting the wire near Calhoun, they came in sight of us. Then ensued the most terrible and thrilling chase ever known on the American continent. We instantly put our engine to full speed, and in a moment its wheels were striking fire from the rails in their rapid revolutions. The car in which we were, rocked furiously, and THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 65 ttrew us from one side to the other like peas rattled in a gourd. Still on after us relentlessly came the pursuers. The smoke of their engine could be distinguished in every long reach, and the scream of their whistle sounded in our ears around every curve. It was still neces- sary for us to cut the wire, and, in order to gain time for that, we dropped a car on the track, and, soon after, another. This left us with only the locomotive, tender, and one bag- gage-car. Each time, when we stopped to cut the wire, we would try to take up another rail ; but before we could loosen its fastenings with our imperfect tools, the approach of our ene- mies would compel us to hasten on. The thought of a new expedient crossed my mind, which saved us for some time longer. It was to knock out the end of our car, and drop the rails on the track as^ we ran. Soon after, in one of our necessary stoppages to take care of the telegraph, we loaded on some cross ties, which we threw out in the same manner. One rail I reserved for a particular purpose. When we stopped again, I took it, placed one end under the track, and let the other project up- ward, jointing toward the advancing train. It was very nearly effectual. The engineer of the train in pursuit, who afterward visited us in 6* 66 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR prison, said that if it had been only one in^h "higher, nothing could have saved their train from wreck, because, being so dark and small, it was not noticed till too late to stop. How- ever, it was a little too low to hook in the bars of the cow-catcher, as I intended. Our enemies pursued us with great determi- nation. One man rode on the cow-catcher, and, springing off, would throw the obstructions from the track, and jump on again while they had merely checked the engine. So great was our velocity, that most of the ties we threw out bounced off the track; but the few that re- mained enabled us several times to get out of sight of them. When this was the case, we would stop, and again try to take up a rail, which would have given us leisure for the greater operation of burning a bridge. By this time we had a few more instruments, which Andrews and Wilson had simultaneously procured from a switch tender. We worked faithfully, but each time, before we had loosened a rail, the inexorable pursuers were again visible. I then proposed to Andrews a plan that af- forded a hope of final escape. It was to let our engineer take our engine on out of sight, while we hid on a curve after putting a tie on the THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 67 track, and waited for tlie pursuing train to come up ; then, wlien they checked to remove the obstruction, we could rush on them, shoot every person on the engine, reverse it, and let it drive at will back as it came. It would have chased all the trains following, of which there were now two or three, back before it, ' and thus have stopped the whole pursuit for a time. This would have required quick work, and have been somewhat dangerous, as the trains were now loaded with soldiers; but it afforded a chance of success. Andrews said it was a good plan — looked all around, and then hurried to the engine, and I had no further opportunity of discussing the subject. After we were in prison, he said he was very sorry that we had not made the effort. 68 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR CHAPTEK V. Consternation Along the Route — Wood and Water — At- tempt to Fire the Train — Partial Failure — Message Sent to Chattanooga — Terrific Preparations — Abandon the Train — A Capital Error — In the Woods — A Thrilling Ac- count of the Chase from the Atlanta ** Southern Coji' federacy. ' ' All this time we were rushing through towns and villages at terrific speed. Some pas- sengers came down when they heard our whistle, to go aboard, but they all shrank back amazed when they saw us pass with the noise of thunder, and the speed of lightning. Still more were they astonished when they saw three other trains dashing by in close pursuit, and loaded with excited soldiers. Thus the break-neck chase continued through Dalton, Kinggold, and the other small towns on the route. But it soon became evident that it could not continue much longer. We had taken on wood and water before we were so closely pressed, but now our supply was nearly exhausted, and our pursuers were too close behind to permit us to replenish it. But before yielding, we re- solved to try one more expedient. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 69 For this purpose, we broke open tlie forward end of the only box-car we had left, and with the fragments endeavored to kindle a fire in it. Had we succeeded, we would have detached it, left it burning on a bridge, and run on with the locomotive alone. But the fuel on the lat- ter was too nearly gone to afford us kindling wood, and the draught through the car, caused by our rapid motion, blew our matches out. At length we succeeded in kindling a small fire ; but the drizzling rain, which had been fall- ing all morning, blew in on it, and prevented it from burning rapidly enough to be of any service. Thus our last hope expired, and our magni- ficent scheme, on which we had so long thought and toiled, was a failure. But one thing more now remained — to save ourselves, if possible. We were within, perhaps, fifteen miles of Chattanooga, when we resolved to abandon the engine. Having made this resolve, we did not cut the telegraph wire, and then, for the first time, they succeeded in sending a message ahead of us. This was no serious detriment to us, but it raised the wildest excitement in Chattanooga. The women and children instantly fled from the town, and sought safety in the woods and fO DARING AND SUFFERING; OR mountains. The whole military force, which was encamped near the place, came out, and selected an advantageous position to meet us. There they planted cannon, felled trees across the track, tore up the rails for some distance, and waited for our approach. Their orders were for them to make a general massacre — not to spare a single man. But we came not, and therefore they had no opportunity to dis- play their latent cruelty. It was at this point, when he saw every scheme we attempted to execute completely foiled, that Andrews' presence of mind, for a time, seemed to desert him. It was only fifteen miles across the country to the Tennessee river, and we could have reached it ahead of any oppo- sition, had we all stuck together. One man had a compas3, and with that, and Andrews' know- ledge of the country, we could have gained, and crossed the Tennessee, and struck into the mountains beyond, before the country could have been aroused around us. Once there, in those interminable forests, it would have been almost impossible for them to capture us, well armed as we were, before we could have reached the shelter of our army. But this was not done, and this last chance of escape was lost. The locomotive was run on till the wood and THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 71 v/ater were completely exhausted, and the pur- fiiers plainly in view. Ttien Andrews gave tlie order for us to leave tlie train, disperse, and for every man to save himself, if he could. We obeyed, jumping off the train while still in mo- tion, and were soon making the best of our way through the tangled pines of Georgia. Before giving an account of our adventures in the woods, I will insert the following article from the " Southern Confederacy,^^ of April 15, 1862, a paper published in Atlanta, Georgia, only three days after our adventure. This I purloined from the officer in charge of us, and carried concealed about my clothes all the time I remained in the South. It contains a good many errors of statement, particularly where it refers to our numbers and plans, but is valu- able as showing the estimate the rebels placed on our enterprise, and as giving their ideas of the chase. It also represents us as tearing up the railroad many more times than we did. In 710 case did they take up rails behind, and lay them down before their train. This assertion was made to give Messrs. Fuller and Murphy more credit at our expense. So highly were the services of these gentlemen appreciated, that the Georgia State Legislature, in the fall of 1862, gave them a vote of thanks, and recom- 72 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR mended the Governor to grant them the highest offices in his gift. I do not know what they ac- tually did receive. Below is the account : THE GREAT RAILROAD CHASE ! The Most Extraordinary and Astounding Adven- ture of the War — Ihe Most Daring Under- tahing that Yayihees ever Planned or Attempted to Execute — Stealing an Engirie — Tearing up the Irach — Pursued on Foot^ on Hand- Cars, and Engines — Overtaken — A Scattering — The Capture — The Wonderful Energy of Messrs. Fuller, Murphy and Gain — Some Reflections^ 112 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR In that hour, my most distressing thought was of my friends at home, and particularly of my mother — thinking what would be their sorrow when they heard of my ignominious fate — if indeed they ever heard, for I had given an assumed name. That all my young hopes and ambitions, my fond dreams of being useful, should perish, as I then had no doubt they would, on a Southern scaffold, seemed unbear- able in the extreme. But only one moment did these thoughts sweep over me; the next they were rejected as not calculated to profit in the least. My first action was to borrow from my Union companion his blankets, of which he had a plentiful supply, and wrap myself in them. The warmth they produced soon threw me into a deep sleep, — profound and dreamless, — such as only extreme fatigue can afford. I awoke hours after, feeling much refreshed, but did not at first realize where I was ; yet a glance at the woven bars which everywhere bounded me in, brought back the knowledge that I was a prisoner ; but I did not give way to useless despair. I was almost amused at the quaint, yet truthful remark my fellow-prisoner made to me. Said he : "If you are innocent of the charge they have against you, there is no hope for you. But if THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 113 it is true, you may save yourself by telling what regiment and company you belong to, and claiming protection as a United States prisoner of war." I thought a good deal over this opinion, and became more and more impressed with its wis- dom. It contained a truth that I could not gainsay. To hang a poor stranger in the South would be a common-place affair — only what was often done by the Southerners before the war began. In fact, they did kill a man at Dal- ton, under circumstances of the greatest cruelty, because he cheered as we dashed through the town. Afterward they found out that the man was as good a rebel as any of them, and had merely cheered because he thought we, too, were rebels ; then they set the matter right by apo- logizing to his friends ! It was quite different in the case of our sol- diers. If they were murdered, there was an unpleasant probability that some of the chivalry themselves would have to suffer in retaliation. Besides, I reflected with a glow of hope, the first I experienced since I fell into their hands, that our government held a number of rebels, who had been taken in Missouri on a similar expedition. All day and night I mused on these things, and endeavored to come to such a 10* 114 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR decision as would be for the best. When I heard of the capture of many of our party, and the announcement of the regiments to which they belonged, showing that they had been influenced by the same considerations I had been revolving, I at once determined to rest my fate on my claim as a United States soldier. I believe that this decision ultimately saved my life. All this time I was not in loneliness. Throngs of Georgians came in to see the caged Yankee — both ladies and gentlemen. Many were the odd remarks they made, criticising every fea- ture, and not a few adding every possible word of insult. The whole day they crowded in, and I was glad when the approach of night put an end to the annoyance. The coarse food the jailor brought was eaten with such a relish as hunger only can impart. I was fortunate in respect to quantity, for my companion was not well, and could not eat much ; but I atoned for his shortcoming by eating both of our allowances without difliculty. In the morning, they took me before a self- constituted committee of vigilance. These com- mittees were very common in the South, and still more summary in their modes of ad- ministering justice, or rather vengeance, than were the celebrated vigilance committees of San THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 115 Francisco, in the early history of the gold mines. They were prepared with a board of the most emi- nent lawyers in the vicinity, and no doubt hoped to entangle me still more deeply in the meshes of contradiction than they did the day before. But I cut the whole matter short by saying : " Gentlemen, the statements I gave you yes- terday were intended to deceive you. I will now tell you the truth." The clerk got his pen ready to take down the information. *' Go on, sir ; go on," said the president. " I am ready," said I, " to give you my true name and regiment, and to tell you why I came into your country." " Just what we want, sir. Go on," said they. "But," I returned, "I will make no state- ment whatever, until taken before the regular military authority of this department." This took them by surprise, and they used every threat and argument in their power to induce me to change my purpose, but in vain. My reason for this, was to avoid the violence of mob law. While in the hands of the populace, there was danger of the summary infliction of punishment that the military authorities could disavow, if our government threatened retalia- tion. But if I was once under the regular 116 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR military jurisdiction, they would be responsible both to the United States and to the civilized world. When they found that I would tell them nothing further, they made arrangements to take me to Chattanooga, which was distant twenty miles. It was the same to Einggold, near which we abandoned the train. Thus it will be seen that in that long and terrible night I had traveled twenty miles in a straight line, and, with my meanderings, must have walked fifty. I was remanded to the jail to wait for the preparation of a suitable escort. Here I re- mained till after dinner, when I was guarded by about a dozen men to the public square. A carriage was in waiting, in which I was placed, and then commenced the process of tying and chaining^. A great mob gathered around, completely filling the whole square, and was exceedingly angry and excited. They questioned me in loud and imperious tones, demanding why I came down there to fight them, and adding every possible word of insult. I heard many significant hints about getting ropes, and the folly of taking me down to Chattanooga, when I could be hanged just as well there. THE GEEAT KAILEOAD ADVENTUKE. 117 However, as the mob grew more violent in their denunciations, I selected some of the more intelligent ones and addressed them. They answered with curses ; but in the very act of cursing, they grew milder and more willing to converse. I was not very much in the humor for talking, but following the dictates of policy rather than inclination, I answered their innuen- does merrily, and soon had some of the laugh- ers on my side. Before long, I heard some of them say, " Pity he is a Yankee, for he seems to be a good fellow." This was gratifying, and we were soon ready to start. I had been secured in such a manner as to make assurance doubly sure. A heavy chain was put around my neck and fastened by a padlock ; the other end was hitched to one foot, and secured in the same manner ; the chain beino: extended to its full length, while I was in a sittmg posi- tion, making it impossible for me to rise. — My hands were tied together; my elbows were pinioned to my side by ropes; and, to crown all, I was firmly bound to the carriage seat ! My evil genius, the little major, took the seat beside me as driver. He was armed to the teeth. Two other officers on horseback, like- wise fully armed, constituted the rest of the 118 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR guard that was thought necessary to attend one chained and helpless Yankee. Oh ! spirit of chivalry ! how art thou fallen ! No longer one brave Southern knight a match for eight or ten Northern mudsills ; but three well-armed offi- cers to guard one chained Union soldier ! The same exaggerated caution I frequently noticed afterward. There seemed to be a perpetual fear on the minds of the miscreants that we were about to do something desperate. As we .journeyed along, the sky, which for days had been overcast, and, during that time, had hardly afforded us a glimpse of its celestial blue, became suddenly clear. The sun shone out in beauty, and smiled on the first faint dawnings of spring that lay in tender green on the surrounding hills. I am ever very sensi- tive to the influences of nature in all its phases, and now felt my spirit grow more light as I breathed the fresh air, and listened to the sing- ing of the birds. My companions were quite talkative, and though I hated them for the indignity they had thus put upon me in chaining me as a criminal, yet I knew it would be unavailing to indulge a surly and vindictive disposition, and there- fore talked as fast and as lively as they could. My guards, themselves, did not subject me to THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 119 any insults, and even endeavored to prove that the extraordinary manner in which I was bound was a compliment to me. I could not see it in that light, and would have willingly excused the tying and the compliment together ! The worst was that when they passed any house they would call out, " We've got a live Yankee here ;" then men, women, and children, would rush to the door, and stare as though they saw some great monster, asking : " Whar did you ketch him ? Goin' to hang him when you get him to Chattanooga ?" and similar expressions without end. This was only amusing at first, but its per- petual recurrence soon grew terribly wearisome, and was not without its effect in making me be- lieve they really would hang me. In fact, my expectation of escaping was never very bright ; yet I considered it my duty to keep up my spirits as well as I could, and not despair till it really was certain that there remained no ground for hope. The afternoon wore slowly away as we traveled along, passing some very grand and romantic scenery, that in any other frame of mind would have been enthusiastically enjoyed ; but now my thoughts were otherwise engaged. It was not the thought of death I so much 120 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR dreaded, as tlie manner of death. Death amid the smoke, and excitement, and glory of battle, was not half so terrible as in the awful calm- ness and chill horror of the scaftbld! And sadder yet, to think of my friends, who would count the weary months that had gone by, and wish and long for my return, till hope became torturing suspense, and suspense deepened into despair. These thoughts were almost too much for stoicism ; yet there was no alternative but to patiently endure. The sun went down, and night came on — deep, calm, and clear. One by one the stars twinkled into light. I gazed upon their beauty with new feelings, as I wondered whether the short, revolving course of a few more suns might not bring me a dweller above the stars ! And as I thought of the blessed rest for the weary beyond the shores of time, my thoughts took a new direction. I was not then a pro- fessor of Christianity, but had often and be- lievingly thought of the great interests of the future, and had resolved to make them my par- ticular study ; but had never hitherto addressed myself in earnest to the task, and latterly, the confusion and bustle of a camp-life had almost driven the subject out of my mind. But now, whether it came from the clusterinoc stars THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 121 above, or from the quiet and stillness so con- genial to exhausted nature, after the weariness and excitement of the last few days, or from a still deeper source, I know not. I only know that the memory of that night, when I was thus being carried chained to an unknown fate, is one of the sweetest of my life. My babbling guards had subsided into silence, and, as we wended along through the gathering darkness, high and noble thoughts of the destiny of man filled my breast, and death seemed only the shining gate to eternal and blissful life. I was nerved for any fate. We arrived at Chattanooga while a feeble glow of the soft spring twilight still lingered on the earth. We immediately drove to the headquarters of General Leadbetter, then com- manding that place, and while our guards as- cended to inform him of our arrival, I was left in the carriage. As soon as we entered the town, the word was given : " We've got a live Yankee ; one that took the train the other day." I was not the first one of the party captured, but was the first brought to Chattanooga. The curiosity to see one of the men who had fright- ened women and children into the woods, was, 11 122 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR of course, most extreme, and an immense crowd soon gathered around. They behaved just as Southern mobs usually do — ^jeering and hooting — calling me by every epithet of re- proach the language afforded, and wanting to know why I came down there to burn their property, and murder them and their children. To these multitudinous questions and as- sertions I made no answer. I was greatly amused (afterward 1) by their criticisms on my appearance. One would say that '' it was a pity that so young and clever-looking a man should be caught in such a scrape." Another, of more penetrating cast, could tell that " he was a rogue by his appearance — probably came out of prison in his own country." Another was surprised that I could hold up my head and look around on honest men — arguing that such brazen effrontery was a proof of enormous depravity of heart. I did not give my opinion on the subject. Indeed, it was not asked. There was one man I noticed in particular. He was tall and venerable-looking ; had gray hair, gray beard, a magnificent forehead, and an altogether commandmg and intellectual ex- pression of countenance. He was treated with great deference, and appeared to me most like THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 123 a doctor of divinity. As he parted his way through the crowd toward me, I thought : '' Surely I will receive some sympathy from that noble-looking man." His first question was calculated to confirm my impression. Said he : " How old are you ?" I answered, '' Twenty-two, sir." Gradually his lip wreathed itself into a curl of unutterable scorn, as he slowly continued : '' Poor young fool ! and I suppose you was a school-teacher, or something of that kind in your own land ! and you thought you would come down here and rob us, and burn our houses, and murder us, did you ? Now let me give you a little advice : if you ever get home again, (but you never will,) do try, for God's sake, and have a little better sense, and stay there !" Then he turned contemptuously on his heel, and strode away, while the rabble around re- warded him with a cheer. I never could find out who he was. After that I looked no more for sympathy in that crowd. My conductors now returned, and escorted me into the presence of General Leadbetter. They said he was a Northern man: but if so, it is very little credit to my section, f jr he was one 124: DARING AND SUFFERING; OR of the most contemptible individuals I ever knew. He was a perfect sot, and had just two states of body, as a Confederate captain after- wards explained to us — these were, dead drunk, and gentlemanly drunk. He oscillated con- stantly between these two. He was a coward as well, and though only a brigadier-general, managed to stay as far away from the field when the fight was going on, as one of our own most conspicuous major-generals did. He had been promoted to his present position for his gallantry in hanging some defenceless East Ten- nessee citizens, which he did without a trial. All these facts I learned afterward, except one, which was apparent when I entered the room. He was '' gentlemanly drunk." He commenced questioning me, and I told him partly the truth, and partly not — going on the principle that truth is a pearl, and pearls are not to be thrown before swine. I told him that I was a United States soldier, giving him my company and regiment ; but saying that I was detailed without my consent, that I was igno- rant of where I was going, and what I was to perform, which I only learned as fast as I was to execute it. He wanted to know our inten- tion in thus seizing the engine, but I plead THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 125 icrnorance. He next inquired who was our en- gineer, but I refused to tell. He then said : " Sir, I want you to tell me just how many men you had on that train, and to describe them so I may know when I get them." I answered, " General, I have freely told you whatever concerns only myself, because I thought it better that you should know that I am a soldier under the protection of the United States, but 1 have not yet become base enough to describe my comrades !" " !" sneered he, " I don't know that I ought to have asked you that." '^I think not, sir," I replied. " Well," said he, '' I know all about it. Your leader's name is Andrews. What kind of a man is he?" I was perfectly astonished that he should have Andrews' name, and know him to be our leader ; but I never imagined what I afterward found to be the true cause— that Andrews had been captured, and had given his name, with the fact that he was the leader of the expe- dition. I had every confidence that he would getaway, and try some measures for our relief; so I answered boldly : " I can tell you only one thing about him, 11* 126 DAKING AND SUFFEKING ; OR and that is, he is a man whom jou will never catch." I thought I noticed a peculiar smile on the General's face as I said this, but he only replied : " That will do for you ;" and turning to a captain who stood by, he continued, " take him to the hole ; you know where that is." With a nod in reply, the captain took me out of the room. As I passed through the door, I saw an explanation of the General's smile. There stood Andrews, ironed, waiting an au- dience, and Marion Koss and John Williams with him. I did not choose to recognize them ; for such recognition might have compromised them, as I knew not what course they would pursue. THE GREAT RAILBOAD ADVENTURE. 127 CHAPTER YIII. Negro Prison — Swims, the Jailor — Horrible Dungeon — Black Hole of Calcutta — Suffocation — Union Prisoners — Slave Catching — Our Party Reuiiited — Breakfast Low- ered by Rope — Hunger — Counseling — Fiendish Barba- rity — Chained in the Dungeon — Andrews tried as a Spy and Traitor — Sweet, but Stolen News — Removed from Dungeon — Pure Air and Sunlight — Attacked by a Mob — "A Friend" — Madison — Daring Adventure and Nar- row Escape. The captain now called a guard of eight men, and conducted me through the streets for some time ; at last we came to a little brick building, surrounded by a high board fence. Those who have ever been in Chattanooga, and visited the negro prison, will recognize my de- scription. A portion of the building was occupied by the jailor, but the prison part con- sisted of two rooms, one under the other, and also partly underground. This under room had no entrance from the outside, but was ac- cessible only through a trap-door from the room directly overhead. Chattanooga is not a county-seat, and, there- fore, this prison was built only for the accom- modation of negroes by their humane owners. 128 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR The jailor, Swims, was a character, and merits a particular description. He was an old man — perhaps sixty. His hair, which was very abundant, was white as snow, and his face had a dry and withered expression. His voice was always keyed on a whining tone, except when some great cause, such as the demand of prison- ers for an extra bucket of water, excited him, and then it rose to a hoarse scream. Avarice was his predominant, almost his only, charac- teristic. He seemed to think his accommoda- tions were vastly too good for negroes and Yankees, and that when they were admitted within his precincts, they should be thankful, and give as little trouble as possible. With such notions, it was not wonderful that he man- aged to make the lot of the prisoner an uncom- fortable one. In addition to this, he was very fond of a dram, and frequently became suffi- ciently intoxicated to reveal many important matters that we would not otherwise have learned. He bustled to the gate, growling all the time about being troubled so much, unlocked it, and admitting us, led us up the outside stairway, and then into the upper room. I now saw why the General called the place a " hole," and truly I thought the name was appropriate. It was THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 129 only thirteen feet square, destitute of every convenience, without chairs, beds, or any- thing of the kind. There were in it five or six old, miserable-looking men, who had not been washed for months. The place looked hard to me, and I shuddered at the idea of taking up my abode in such a den. But I soon found that I was not to enjoy that luxury. Said the jailor to the captain, " Where shall I put him ?" '' Below, of course," was the reply. The jailor then advanced to the middle of the floor, and taking a large key from his pocket, knelt down and unlocked two rusty locks ; then, with a great effort, raised a pon- derous trap-door just at my feet. The hot air and the stifling stench smote m^e back, but the bayonets of the guards were just behind, and I was compelled to move forward again. A long ladder was next thrust down through the trap- door, and the inmates warned to stand from under. A mingled volley of cries, oaths, and questions ascended, and the ladder was secured. The captain then ordered me to descend into what seemed more like Pandemonium than any place on earth. Down I went into the Cim- merian gloom — clambering step by step to a depth of full v thirteen feet; for the place, as I 180 afterwards learned, when I had more leisure for observation, was a cube, just thirteen feet each way. I stepped off the ladder, treading on human beings I could not discern, and crowd- ing in as best I might. The heat was so great that the perspiration broke from me in streams. The foeted air made me for a time deadly sick, and I won- dered whether it could be possible they would leave human beings in this horrible place to perish. The thought of the black hole at Cal- cutta, where so many Englishmen died, rushed over me. True, this was done by the cruel and savage East Indians, while we were in the hands of "our Southern brethern," the ^'chivalry;" but I could not perceive that this difference of captors made any difference of treatment. My breath came thick and heavy, and I thought of suffocation. The ladder was drawn up, and with a dull and heavy sound that seemed crushing down on my heart, the trap- door fell. I wedged and jammed my way through the living throng to the window. The one I reached was just under the wooden stairs, and, of course, gave no light. The other was below the surface of the ground. They were at opposite sides of the room, and were only about a foot square, being filled with a triple THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 131 row of thick set iron bars, that almost excluded every current of air. I pressed my face close to the bars, and breathed the purest air I could get, until I became partly reconciled to the op- pression, and then turned to ascertain the con- dition of my companions. It was wretched beyond description. They were ragged, dirty, and crawling with vermin. Most of them were nearly naked ; but this was no inconvenience there, for it was so warm that those who had clothes were obliged to take them oft', and nearly all were in a state of nudity. I soon found it necessary myself to disrobe, and even then the perspiration poured oft* me most pro- fusely. It was an atmosphere of death. Yet among the prisoners were old men, just trembling on the verge of the grave, who were arrested merely because they had ventured to express a preference for the old, well-tried Gov- ernment, over the new, slave-built Confederacy. The cruelty practiced on the Tennessee Union men will never half be told. It forms the dark- est page in the history of the war. In every prison of which I was an inmate in Georgia and Virginia, as well as in Tennessee, I found these miserable but patriotic men thus heartlessly im- mured. But I will speak more of them here- 132 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR after ; at tliat time tlie thought of my own dan- ger banished every other consideration. There were fourteen white men in the room beside myself, and one negro. I wonder what those tender soldiers, who consider it deroga- tory to their dignity to fight in the same army that blacks do, would think if they were con- fined with them so closely that there was no possibility of getting away. But we endured too many real evils to fret at imaginary ones ; and besides, Aleck was so kind and accommo- dating, so anxious to do everything in his power for us, that he soon became a general favorite; and when he was taken out to be whipped, as he was several times, to ascertain whether he was telling a true story or not, we could not help feeling the sincerest sympathy for him. The Southern method of catching stray negroes is about this : When one is found travel- ing without a pass, he is arrested, taken to the jail, and severely flogged. This usually brings some kind of a confession from him, and he is advertised in accordance with that confession. If no answer is received in a limited time, it is taken for granted that he lied, and he is whipped again, in order to bring a new confes- sion. Thus they continue alternately whipping THE GREAT RAILTIOAD ADVENTURE. 133 and advertising, till the close of the year. If a master is found before this, he can pay the costs and take his property ; if not, the negro is sold to pay the jail and whipping fees. No trial id ever allowed at which the negro might prove himself free. When once arrested his doom is sealed, and in this way many free negroes are enslaved, Aleck had been in this prison seven months, and was to remain five more, with no other prospect than that of being sold into perpetual bondage ! Every society has its aristocrats, and here I soon found that the eminence was given to those who were charged with the most daring deeds. The spy — there was but one so accused, and he was blind,* — was considered much above the ordinary Union men. I was charged with the greatest adventure of any confined there, and, of course, was treated with becoming deference. I was not long the only one of the engine- thieves, (by which name we were known during our stay in the Confederacy,) who was confined in this dungeon. Soon the trap-door again opened, causing a stream of comparatively cool air from the room above to rush down. It was an inconceivable relief — a luxury that none ^ The rebels thought he was counterfeiting blindness, but I believe it was real. 12 134 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR could appreciate who had not, as we had, been deprived of that greatest blessing God has given to man — pure air. We wondered who was coming next, as the feeble glimmering of a candle above revealed several forms descending. The Tennesseeans cried out : "Don't put any more down here! "We're full ! " We'll die if more are put down !" which did not seem improbable. But these remonstrances produced no effect. Down they came, and I, stationing myself at the foot of the ladder, spoke something indiffe- rently to them, and heard my name called in return. It was Andrews, Wollam, and Eoss, who gave me their hands in silent condolence of our common misery. Still others were brought, I do not now remember whether that evening, or in the morning. Again the door was closed, and the free air, which had seemed to flow to us in sympathy, was once more shut out. We tried to arrange ourselves to secure the repose we so much needed, but the room was too small. Think of this, ye who sleep on your downy beds at home. Here were your bro- thers of Ohio, not only compelled to sleep on the bare floor, but not even enough of that, in THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 135 this vilest of dens, on which to lie down at all ! and yet some of you sympathize with those who were the authors of this cruelty, and think it so hard that their property should be confiscated for such trifles as these, and, worst of all, that their negroes should be taken from them ! What shall we think of you ? We did the best we could. Some found room to lie down. Others sat against the wall, and still others leaned on the breasts of those who were thus supported. It is no wonder if, while in such a situation we should be afflicted with the nightmare, and have innumerable bad dreams. If any one wanted to move his posi- tion, or go for a drink, (and the stifling heat rendered us all very thirsty,) he was sure to tread on his neighbors, and tempers being natu- rally very short here, some warm altercations took place, which contributed still more to dis- turb our slumbers. The next morning we slept late. Indeed, as long as we remained in this prison we were inclined to sleep much. The great quantity of carbonic acid gas our breathing produced, seemed to act as an opiate, and thus served, in some measure, to deaden the sense of pain. We were aroused the next morning — early, as we supposed — by the opening of the door above, 136 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR and the delicious shower of cool air that fell on us. As we looked up, we saw the white head of our old jailor bending over, and saying, in drawling tones, "Boys, here's your break- fast," and down he lowered a bucket, by a rope, containing a very small piece of bread, and the same of meat, for each of us. This was seized and devoured almost instantly. I had received nothing to eat since breakfast the day before, and the little morsel I got only served to whet my appetite ; but there was no more I AYe asked what time it was, and were told nine o'clock. We were also informed that we would get our meals only twice a day. This was rather discouraging information for persons as hungry as ourselves, but we had no remedy. During the day a few more of our party came in, and among them was G. D. Wilson. I found that they had all done as I had in acknowledging themselves United States sol- diers, influenced by the same reasons, and most of them sooner than myself. We consulted about the matter, and concluded that the only hope we had, was in adhering to the same story, and trying to make them believe that we were actually detailed without our consent, and without a knowledge of what we had to do. This was true for part, but not for all, or even THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 137 for the most of us. We agreed to conceal the name of the engineer at all hazards — the fact of a previous expedition being sent down into Georgia, and that Campbell was not a soldier — also our previous acquaintance with Andrews, thus leaving him free to make his own defense. With the exception of these reserved facts, w^hich were not even to be whispered among ourselves, we were to talk freely ; to answer all questions and convey the impression that we had nothing to conceal. We carried out this idea, and, as more of our men came in, they agreed to it, and gave, wnthout reserve, their true names, companies, and regiments. This course gained us sympathy from those whose bosoms were not steeled against every kindly feeling ; and to this, more than anything else, I attribute the fact of some of the party being alive to-day. We afterward communicated our plan to Andrews, who cordially approved it — saying that if we adhered to it there would be some chance for our lives. We did adhere to it, and no amount of persuasion, threatening, or pro- mises, could induce any of the party to betray one of our reserved secrets. The rebels were particularly anxious to discover who was the engineer, and would first ask the question in 12* 138 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR the most careless manner ; then afterward would sternly demand to know. They even employed a man, who was a freemason, to visit the party, and try to gain the confidence of one of our number, who belonged to that order, and sub- sequently urge him to tell the desired name, under the sanction of the masonic oath I But all in vain. As others of our party joined us, in bands of two or three, they told the story of their cap- ture. This was, in some cases, most thrilling, and still further illustrates the fiendish barbar- ities of the rebels. Two of them, Parrott and Eobinson, who were captured the same day they left the train, were taken to Ringgold. Here they endeav- ored to compel Parrott, who was the youngest looking of the party, to betray his companions, and particularly the engineer ; but he refused to do it; then these villains in Confederate uni- form, stripped him naked, and stretched him down on a rock, four men holding him by each hand and foot, while two others stood by with loaded revolvers, threatening him with instant death if he offered the least resistance ; then a rebel lieutenant commenced whipping him with a raw hide ; three different times he ceased and raised Parrott up, asking him if he was ready THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 139 to confess ; but the heroic boy refused, and at last the whipping was discontinued, after more than a hundred lashes had been inflicted. His back remained sore a long time, and he suffered very much from being obliged to lie on the hard floor. They did not apply anything to his wounds to heal them, and the scars still remain. All the party came in chained, but of course expected, . when they were put down into the dungeon — and such a dungeon! — that they would at least have the use of their hands. But this was too great an indulgence to be allowed. We were handcuffed, and then chained to- gether by the neck in twos and threes. My partner was William Reddick, to whom I was strongly attached ioT some time ! Thus chained together, packed into a little cramped dungeon, deprived even of light, and almost of air, crawled over by all kinds of vermin, for there were innumerable rats, mice, and bugs, as well as a smaller and still more pestiferous insect, we presented a picture of nearly perfect misery. In this state we remained almost three weeks. During this time Andrews had received a trial. The evidence was strong against him. A Mr. Whiteman, whom Andrews himself had di- 140 rected to be summoned, and who was a former business partner of his, testified that Andrews had been repeatedly in the South, that he had professed allegiance to the Southern Confed- eracy, and in all things represented himself to be a citizen of the same. In fact he had passes in his possession when he was captured that '^ould hardly have been obtained without his taking the oath of allegiance. This did much to sustain the charge of treason against him, as he admitted being the leader of the expedition. The other indictment, which was that of being a spy, was not supported by any evidence, so far as I could learn ; but this was of no import- ance, as the punishment of the first charge was death. However, the sentence was not then given, and Andrews' lawyers gave him some reason to hope that there was an informality in the proceedings which would render the whole trial void. All this time we were most intensely anxious to know how military affairs were progressing in the world without. I had appropriated from an officer in charge of us, a paper containing the Confederate account of our chase, which has been given before, and also an admission that the battle of Shiloh was not so much of a victory as they had at first supposed. We managed, THE GEEAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 141 likewise, to get one or two other papers which gave the welcome news that onr armies were still pressing onward, and earnestly did we wish and hope that Chattanooga would be reached in time to effect our deliverance. But the best item of news we received, was from our old jailor, who, on one occasion, be- came too drunk to remember the orders he had received against telling us anything, and let out the very interesting fact that General Mitchel had advanced to Bridgeport, only twenty -eight miles below us, on the Tennessee river, and there had sorely defeated the rebels, capturing some of the very same men who had been guarding us a few days before. This was very cheering, and we began to hope that we, too, would soon be captured. The officer of the guard was obviously uneasy. All the time we were in the dungeon, we had been guarded by twenty-six men, with a cap- tain over them. This was certainly enough to keep twenty-two, confined and chained as we were, in our place, but we thought it would be a capital joke should they be captured Avith us ! But it was not their intention to let us fall into Mitchel's hands. An order was sent to the captain in charge to prepare us for moving. He did so ; and soon after, we were in the cars, car- 142 DAEING AND SUFFERING ; OR ried down the same road we came up so rapidly three weeks before. How beautiful all nature appeared ! It was May, and the time we had spent Avithout one glance at the expansive sky or green earth, had not been lost in the material world. The landscape had been robed id a richer verdure, the budding trees had swelled into leafy screens, the sky was of a softer blue, the birds warbled with new melody, and everything seemed to wear its holiday dress. O, the joy ! the gladness ! of being once more under the canopy of heaven, and of looking up to its unfathomable depths, with no envious bars to obstruct our view.- Many a time have I passed the month of May, amidst the most ro- mantic scenery, but never yet did I so deeply feel, that this is indeed a pleasant world, full of beauty and goodness, as on that balmy eveaing, when the rays of the setting sun, glowing from the west, streamed over the grass and wheat- fields on their path, and poured in mellowed, yellow radiance, through our car- window. But even then the glories of earth and sky could not make me forget that I was still chained to my companion, and surrounded by guards with gleaming bayonets. The wild excitement caused by our raid had THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 143 not subsided in the least, and as it became known that we were passing along the road, a mob greeted us at every station. It is not necessary to again describe these mobs, for all are alike, and one description answers for many. They were, as usual, rude, loquacious, and insulting. When we arrived in Atlanta, which was in the morning, there was no jail-room for us ; but before going further, we were obliged to wait for the evening train. When it became known in the city that we were there, a mob instantly collected, and prepared to hang us. They were prevented by our guard, probably on the prin- ciple that a mouse is protected by a kitten — that it may have the pleasure of first playing with it, and afterwards killing it itself. During the progress of the strife between those who wanted to hang us and those who wanted the law to take its course, several persons were se- verely injured. But while the disturbance was in progress, one man succeeded in reaching the car window unnoticed, and handed us a paper, using only the single but magical word — '^ a friend" — and then was lost in the throng. We read the paper by snatches as the attention of the guard was directed to other objects, and found it to contain glorious news — nothing less 144 DARING AND SUFFERING ; OR than the capture of New Orleans hy our jieet! Need I say that, for the time, all thought of private misfortune was lost in the exhilaration of national triumph ? The cause of secession then looked gloomy. I took particular pains to talk with the officer in charge of us, and other intelligent rebels, about their prospects, and found them dis- couraged. Our captain would not let us have any newspapers, or knowingly give us any in- formation ; yet he thought it no harm to talk with us on the great subject of the war, after we had learned the facts from other sources. Frequently, by pretending to know, we could get from him a full idea of things concerning which we were ignorant before. Of this cha- racter was McClellan's advance on Richmond. The captain admitted that he was moving with an overwhelming force, and that they had then but a comparatively small army to resist him. Indeed, everything looked bright for the Union cause, and the only uneasiness that disturbed us was the apprehension that we might not live to witness that bappy triumph which now seemed so near. In the evening we glided on again, and at length arrived at Madison. This is a flourish- ing village, and looked well as we entered it. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 145 There were then some six hundred of our pris- oners confined there, and we indulged the hope that we might be put with them. But we soon learned that the brand of criminality .for our daring adventure still rested on us ; for we were marched past the dilapidated cotton factory where our friends were confined, to the old county jail, which was then entirely unoccupied. It was a gloomy stone building, and had two rooms, but both had doors, and were above ground. Of the upper story I can not speak, as our party was divided, and I was one that was assigned to the lower apartment. The room was very dark, and its heavy stone walls rendered it quite damp. It would have seemed like a wretched place, had it not been for our previous experience in Chattanooga. Besides, we were now further from the influence of General Leadbetter, and only under the control of our captain, who showed us some kindness, though we were still in irons. The citizens of the place were freely admit- ted to see us, and ranged themselves — always in the presence of the guard — along one side of the cell, and talked about all the exciting topics of the day. They pretended to admire us very much, and contrasted our daring expedition with what they were pleased to call the coward- 13 146 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR ice of the Yankees generally, and asked if there were any more like us in the army. Wilson, of Cincinnati; assured them that we were the poorest men in Mitchel's Division, and only sent away because he had no use lor us. This rather astonished them ; but from the way in which Mitchel, with his small and divided force, was controlling Northern Alabama, and much of Eastern Tennessee, as well as defeating them at all points, they were rather inclined to believe it. But among these visitors was one who came not for mere curiosity. He was dressed in rebel uniform, but was instantly recognized by Andrews as a spy in the service of the United States. They had no opportunity for private communication, but our situation was revealed in such a way as not to excite suspicion. His character was made known to us by Andrews, afte^ his departure ; and while we were won- dering at his audacity, and rather inclined to disbelieve the story, the captain of the guard, who had come to bring supper, told us that a most remarkable occurrence had taken place that afternoon. He said that the Provost-Marshal had learned, from some source, that a spy of Lincoln's had been amonp: our visitors, and had at once sent THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 147 a guard to arrest him. The guard found him at the depot, just as the cars were coming in. The stranger was very indignant at his arrest, and told them scornfully that he had papers in his pocket that would prove his character any- where. They were somewhat abashed at this, and released their hold on him, but asked him to produce the papers. He put his hand in his pocket, as though searching for them, and fum- bled about, until he noticed that the train, which was starting, had attained a good rate of speed, and then, just as the last car swung by, he dashed from them, and jumped aboard! There was no telegraph station at Madison, and he escaped. At this the Confederates were very much en- raged, and would permit no more visiting ; but we felt ample consolation in the certainty that our condition would be at once reported to our of&cers, and every effort made for our release. 148 BAKING AND SUFFERING; OR CHAPTEK IX. Return to Chattanooga— Caution of Rebels — Unchain Our- selves—Mock Trials— The Judge— Singing— One Kind- ness — Projected Escape — Loitering Comrades — A Gleam of Hope — Sad Parting — Knoxville — Prison Inmates — Brownlow — Awful Cruelty — Andrews Condemned to Death — Escapes with WoUam — Fearful Perils— Swim- ming the River — Hiding on an Island — Found by Chil- dren — Yields to His Fate — Horrible Death— Wollam's Stratagem— On the River — Passes a Gun Boat — Final Capture. We remained only three days in Madison, when the rebel general, becoming convinced that Mitchel was not then going to advance on Chattanooga, ordered us back to that place. Again we were compelled to run the gauntlet of insulting and jeering mobs that had annoyed our course down the road. We traveled in rude box-cars, that were wet and filthy, and the jour- ney was rendered still more uncomfortable by the idea of going back to our old quarters in the wretched prison at Chattanooga. However, by the time we arrived there, our captain, who had never been a very warm se- cessionist, and, therefore, had no very hard THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 149 feelings towards us, had become quite friendly. He DOW proved this by interceding in our behalf, and procuring us permission to remain in the upper room. This was the same size as the lower one, but it had three windows instead of two, and these were larger, and obscured by only one row of bars. But the poor Tennessee Union men had to go below. It was amusing to see the exaggerated caution with which they guarded us. Even when we were below, where scarcely any man could have got out without assistance, they never raised the trap door unprotected by a strong guard. Now, when we were in the upper room, their vigi- lance was still further increased. They would bring a guard into the jailor's room, through which ours was entered, and there array them with leveled bayonets, into two lines across the door. At the same time, the stairway was guarded, and another guard always surrounded the jail outside of the wall. And even the old jailor would fret, and predict that evil would result from showing the Yankees so much in- dulgence. All this time we were chained, and as the authorities were thus slow in relieving us of what we believed to be an unnecessary incum- brance, we set our wits to work to free cur- ia* 150 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR selves. One of the party had managed to secrete a small knife while they were searching him, and with this made rude keys from the bones of the meat given us, and in a short time opened every lock. We could not, of course, appear in pub- lic in our new liberty, or more effectual means of fastening would probably have been devised. To avoid detection, we kept some one always on the watch. Then, when any person was heard approaching our room, a signal was given, and a quick rattling of chains accompanied the ad- justment and re-locking of our bands. When the door opened, we would be chained all right, and as soon as it closed we would be free again. We continued this deception during our stay in this prison, and were never detected. While here, we relieved the tedious time that hung heavily on our hands by mock trials. We would charge one of the company with some offence, generally a trifling breach of our prison rules, and proceed to trial. Campbell, whose immense personal strength better enabled him to inflict the punishment that would be awarded, usually officiated as judge, until at last he got the name of Judge firmly fixed on him. These trials produced much sport. We had ample time for it, and the opposing coun- sel would make very long and learned speechca. THE GPwEAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 151 So interesting were these arguments, and so eloquent our appeals, that no one of the audi- tors was ever known to leave the house while they were in progress! The witnesses, too, were very slippery, and it was sometimes quite difficult to reconcile their testimony. There were always some nullificrs present who would attempt to resist the enforcement of the laws, and the infliction of the penalties adjudged ; but in these cases the personal weight of the judge decided the matter. This resistance would give rise to new arrests and trials, and thus the work became interminable. Another and more refined enjoyment was singing. There were several good singers in the party, and, by practicing together, they soon acquired great proficiency. Most of the songs were of a tender and melancholy cast ; such as the " Carrier Dove," " Do They Miss Me at Home," "Nettie More," '' Twenty Years Ago," &c. Our time for singing was when twilight began to fall. Then in the gathering darkness the voice of song would ring out, as glad and free as if it was not strained through prison bars. The guards liked very much to hear us sing, and frequently citizens of the town would gather round outside to listen to the caged Yankees. 152 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR There is one man in the Confederacy whom I must praise. Amid the worthless and boastful aristocrats who have monopolized for them- selves the name of " chivalry," I found oyie gen- tleman. This was Colonel Claiborne, at that time Provost-Marshal of Chattanooga. When he first visited us, he said boldly that it was a shame to keep men in such a condition, and tried in vain to get permission from General Lead better, to remove our irons ; he then ordered us to be brought into the yard to breathe the fresh air every afternoon. This was an inexpressible relief, for it was now in- tensely hot in oair room ; and simply to be in the open air a short time was a luxury above all price. This he did on his own responsibil- ity, and some weeks afterward was dismissed from his post on account of his humanity to us! While here, the idea of escape frequently pre- sented itself. It is true that our guards out- numbered us, and always used the cautions I have described above ; but the very fear this argued would have been our best help. We often discussed the subject among ourselves. All were anxious to go but Eoss and Wilson, who thought the proposition premature, as they, relying on what the officers in charge of us said, believed that there was some hope of our THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 153 exchange. But others of us were impatient to make one bold effort for our own deliverance. Two plans were proposed The first, which I suggested, was to have all our irons off when the guards came up to feed us, and then, as the door opened, to make a simultaneous rush on the leveled bayonets outside, wrest the arms from their owners and pour down stairs on the guard below. As soon as we had secured the arms of the remainder, we could leave the pri- son-yard in a solid body, and pass on double- quick to the ferry-boat, which lay on our side of the river, not far distant. Once over the river, and thus armed, we would have been com- paratively safe. The other plan, which we finally agreed to adopt, was proposed by Andrews. It was, that some one should secrete himself under the bed in the jailor's room, when we were coming up from our breathing in the yard, and remain there till all was quiet at night ; then come out and noiselessly unlock the door ; after this, we could rush down, seize the guard, and proceed, as in the first plan. There were two of our party who failed to reach the place of rendezvous in time to be with us on the train. One was from the Twenty- first, the other from the Second Ohio Regiment. 154 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR They were suspected, and to save themselves, were compelled to join a rebel battery, which they did, representing themselves as brothers from Kentucky. In the battle at Bridgeport, in which the secessionists were so badly panic- stricken, the one from the Twenty-first found an opportunity to escape to General Mitchel. This caused suspicion to rest on bis supposed brother, who was arrested, brought to Chatta- nooga, and confined in the dungeon while we were there. We recognized him, and talked, though very cautiously, about his adventures. He asked us not to divulge the fact that he was one of us — an unnecessary request. He re- mained there for some time, and was finally released, and put into the battery again, from which, by a wonderful series of adventures, he succeeded in making good his escape to our lines. At this time there was a great talk of ex- change. A son of General Mitchel's had been captured ; but he also held a considerable num- ber of prisoners, and it was believed that an exchange would be effected. A lieutenant, whom Mitchel had released on parole, for the purpose of seeing Kirby Smith, at that time commanding the department of East Tennessee, and obtaining his consent to an exchange, visited us. His THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 155 story raised the most sanguine hopes. The Confederate officers, however, said that it would be first necessary to have a trial, and prove that we were really United States soldiers, and then we, too, would be embraced in the ex- change. Andrews, some time before, wanted to send a flag of truce through the lines to get from our officers a statement of our true cha- racter ; but they refused permission, saying that they could believe our own story on the subject without going to so much trouble. The prospect of an exchange served to defer our attempted escape, but at last we resolved to wait no longer. The very day we came to this conclusion, an order was given to send twelve to Knoxville for trial — a mere formal one as the commander of the guard and the marshal told us — to clearly prove that we were an au- thorized military expedition, and not mere citi- zen adventurers. George D. Wilson was in the yard when the order came. He was permitted to be down there, because he was very sick. The officer of the guard handed him the order, asking him to select twelve to go, as no names were mentioned. He did so, selecting all his own regiment (Second Ohio) first, and after- ward his special friends from the other regi- ments, because he thought it would be a favor 156 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR to them — that they would probably be first ex- changed. This unexpected order induced us to abandon our cherished scheme of escape, which, in all probability, judging from the re- sult of a subsequent attempt, under far more unfavorable circumstances, would have been completely successfuL As we twelve, who were to go to Knoxville, prepared for our departure, we felt a shade of gloom fall over our spirits. Our little band, who had for nearly two months been compan- ions in dangers and privations, such as few men ever experienced, was now to be divided, and we knew not where we should unite again ; for in spite of their fair words, the fad remained that we were in the power of that enemy who has deluged our land in blood. With Andrews, the parting was peculiarly affecting ; we had been accustomed to look up to him in all emergencies. He was our leader, and was the particular mark for the vengeance of the foe. Officers, in bidding us hope, spoke no words of comfort to him. He bore this like a hero, as he was, and continued to hope agaiust hope. But now, after we had sung our songs together for the last time, and come to bid him farewell, we were moved even to tears. I will never forget his last words, as he silently THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 157 pressed our hands, and with a tear in his blue eye, and alow, sweet voice, that thrilled through my inmost being, said : " Boys, if I never see you here again, try to meet me on the other side of Jordan." It was our last earthly meeting. Colonel Claiborne accompanied us to the cars, where we found we were to be escorted by a detachment of Morgan's celebrated guerillas. Claiborne gave orders for our humane treat- ment, saying : " They are men, like other men, and gentlemen too, and I want them treated as such." When he left, I felt we had parted from a friend, rebel as he was. Claiborne's parting charge procured us cour- tesy from our guard. Indeed, they were a much better class of men than the great mass of the Southern army. Several of them told us that they had enlisted with Morgan only to make money, and were getting it fast. All were well dressed in citizens' clothes, and had the language and manners of gentlemen. They had another motive in treating us kindly. A large number of their own band were now in the hands of the government, and were equally liable with ourselves, under every rule of right, to be treated as criminals ; for they had not only dressed in citizens' clothes, but had even as- U 158 sumed our •aniform wherever it was their in- terest to do so. They were indignant to see ua in irons, and said they would not be afraid to guard us with our limbs free, but did not, of course, dare to remove our fastenings. We had been started as usual, without any rations, on the calculation that we should fast till we reached our destination, which would be in about twenty-four hours. But our guerilla friends would not permit this. They bought pies, and literally feasted us, saying that their money was plenty, and when it was gone they could easily get more from our men. AYe hoped that we might have Morgan's men for our escort in all future migrations. "We arrived in Knoxville shortly after noon, and marched through the hot, dusty streets, directly to the old jail. This is now a historical edifice. It will forever remain associated with the extreme sufferings of the loyal East Tennes- seeans, during the progress of the great rebel- lion. The building itself is a noble one, and resem- bles some old baronial hall. It is of a peculiar style of architecture — solid, square and massive, with lofty projecting towers and sharp angles — altogether presenting an imposing appearance. It was used as a military prison, and was filled THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 159 from top to bottom with ragged, dirty-looking prisoners. Some were Union men, and others were deserters from their own rebel ranks. These constituted the lower class of prisoners, and were permitted to range over most of the building, which was completely encircled out- side by a strong guard. The higher class, or those who were charged with more desperate offences, were shut up in cages. There were five of these. Two of them were at once cleared for our reception. The smaller one was about seven feet by nine, and four of us were put into it. The larger, in which the remainder of the party were placed, was perhaps ten by twelve. The latter was the cage in which Parson Brownlow had been con- fined, and we felt honored by being in the same cell that this noble champion of the Union had once occupied. While in this cage, we read an article in a copy of the Knoxville Register, stating that Brownlow was in the North, humbugging the Yankees by telling them that he had been kept in an iron cage, and fired at by his guards, when everybody in that vicinity knew that the whole thing was a falsity. Even while we read this, we looked at the shot-marks which were still visible on the cage, and which the 160 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR guards and prisoners assured us had been made in the way Brownlow stated. This may serve as a specimen of the manner in which Southern papers are accustomed to deal with facts. It was in the latter part of May when we arrived in Knoxville, and outside^ the weather was intensely warm, but inside, from the enor- mous masses of stone and iron around, it was quite cool. Indeed the nights, which are al- ways cool, even in midsummer, in the warmest parts of the South, were here very cold, and as we had no beds or blankets, but had to lie on the partly iron floor, we suffered greatly. Here we formed the acquaintance of a few Tennesseeans, who continued with us during the remainder of our sojourn in Dixie. One of the most remarkable of their number was named Pierce. He was some sixty years old, and had received a stroke with a gun-barrel, right down his forehead, which, even after healing, had left a gash more than an inch deep. From this he was denominated, " Gun-barrel," '^ Forked head/' &c. He was at the same time very reli- gious and very profane. His voice would first be heard singing hymns, and next cursing the Confederacy in no measured terms. He was, however, a very clever man, and almost adored the name of a Union soldier. THE GREAT BAILROAD ADVENTURE. 161 Here it was that we first became acquainted with Captain Fry. He was confined in a cage in another room. We could not get to see him, but could entrust little notes, written on the margin of newspapers, to the more faithful of the outside prisoners, and were always sure of a reply. There was one man in the same room with me, but in another cage, in whom I became especially interested. He was between seventy and eighty years old, and was awaiting sentence of death. Before his ^rest he had been a Union man, and, of course, a marked object of suspicion to his secession neighbors. A band of these came one night for the purpose of rob- bing him. He CDdeavored to prevent them, when they attacked him, drawing revolvers and bowie-knives. They fired several shots, and pursued him. He dodged around old bar- rels and other pieces of furniture in the out- house where the assault was made, for some time, until finally he managed to seize a pitch- fork and plunge it into the foremost of his foes ; then breaking away, he escaped for the time. The robber whom he wounded afterwards died, and the Confederate government arrested the old man, and confined him in the cage on a charge of murder 1 I neyer h§ard the result of 14* 162 DARING AND SUFFERING ; OR it, but have no doubt that he has long since been hung. We obtained quite a number of papers while here, and were much pleased to learn of the con- tinued progress of our arms, particularly in the West. The taking of Fort Pillow, the evacua- tion of Memphis and Corinth, with the destruc- tion of the rebel flotilla on the Mississippi, all came out in one paper; and the editor com- plained that he had been restrained from pub- lishing this by the government for more than two weeks after the intelligence arrived. One day we received news that sent the blood coursing through our veins in swifter flow. It was that Andrews and one other of our ipartj had escaped from CJiatianooga! Here, to preserve the unity of the story, I will give a history of the events that took place at Chattanooga subsequent to our departure. No unusual event occurred until a week after we had left. Then, one day, an officer entered the yard, where our boys were enjoying the shade of the prison, in the cool of the after- noon, and carelessly handed to Andrews his death-warrant! It was a terrible shock, but was borne bravely. He communicated the startling intelligence to our comrades as soon as they again assembled in their room. At THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 163 once they resolved to carry into immediate execution the long-projected plan of escape, on which now depended their leader's only chance of life. He was separated from them, and put down into the dungeon. But this did not interfere with their plans, for with the same knife which was so serviceable in making keys, a hole was cut above the bolts of the trap-door, allowing it to be raised. This done, which was late at night, they drew Andrews up by blankets, and then went to work cutting another hole through the ceiling. While they were performing the most noisy part of this operation, they dead- ened the sound by singing. The jailor after- ward remarked that he might have known there was something the matter by their sing- ing so mournfully. When all their preparations were completed, the gray tint of dawn was just beginning to rise in the east. There was no time to lose. An- drews quickly mounted aloft. A rope was formed of some twisted blankets, and the next moment he was swinging outside of the wall. But in passing through the hole he loosened some bricks which fell to the ground, and thus gave the alarm. The accident caused him to 164: DAKING AND SUFFERING; OR drop his boots, which he afterward sorely needed. The guard was instantly aroused, but An- drews dropped to the ground, darted to the fence, and was over before he could be pre- vented. John Wollam followed, and even while suspended in the air by the blankets, was fired upon. Fortunately, the hands of the guards were too unsteady to inflict any injury, and he, too, succeeded in getting out of the yard in safety. Now the excitement became intense. All Chattanooga was roused, and the whole force started in pursuit of the flying fugitives. The officers hurried to the prison and roundly bera- ted our boys because they did not give the alarm when their comrades were escaping ! Col- onel Claiborne, the Marshal, who had shown us some humanity, was summarily dismissed from his office for that cause alone ! And the press came out in the most violent language, denounc- ing the officers in charge, and particularly General Leadbetter, for their false philanthropy in not having us chained to the floor in such a manner as to make escape impossible. Our flying comrades had separated as soon as they left the prison. It was now daylight, and they could not continue their flight without THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 165 the most imminent danger of discovery. An- drews went only a few hundred yards from town, and there secreted himself in a tree, in plain view of the railroad. He remained all day in this uncomfortable position, and saw the trains running under his feet, and heard his pursuers speculating as to what course he could have taken. The search was most thorough; but, fortunately, his umbrageous shelter was secure. At night he came down and swam the river, but lost most of his clothing in the passage ; he then journeyed on nearly naked. In the morn- ing, just at the break of day, he crossed a small open field on his way to a tree, in which he in- tended to take shelter, as he had done the day before ; but, unfortunately, he was observed. Immediately pursuit was made, but he dashed through the woods, and regained the river, much lower down than he had crossed the evening before. Here he swam a narrow chan- nel, and reached a small island, where, for a time, he secreted himself among some drift- wood at the upper end of the island. A party with bloodhounds now came over from the mainland in search of him. He was soon observed, but broke away from them, and ran around the lower end of the island, wading 166 BAKING AND SUFFERING; OR in the shallow water, and in this way threw the hounds off his track ; then he plunged into a dense thicket, with which the island was cov- ered, and again ascended a tree. There, for a long time, he remained securely concealed, while his pursuers searched the whole island, being frequently under the very tree whose high foliage effectually screened him from the sight of dogs and men. At last they abandoned the search, in despair, concluding that he had, by some means, left the island, and slowly took their departure to the shore to concert new plans of search. Two little boys, who came along merely for curiosity, were all that still lin- gered behind. At length, in their childish prattle, one of them said he saw a great bunch on a tree. The other looked — shifted his position — looked again, and exclaimed that it was a man ! This alarmed them both, and they called aloud, an- nouncing the discovery to their friends on shore. The latter instantly returned, and An- drews, seeing himself observed, dropped from the tree, ran to the lower end of the island, took a small log, with a limb for a paddle, and shoved into the stream, hoping to reach the op- posite shore before he could be overtaken. But there was another party with a skiff, lower THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 167 down the river, who saw him, and rowed out to nieet him. Thus enclosed, there was no hope, and he surrendered. He was in a most wretched condition, having eaten nothing since he left the jail. His feet were all cut and bleeding from running over the sharp stones, and his back and shoulders were parched and blistered from exposure, un- protected, to the rays of the sun. He said he felt so miserable that the thought of the certain death, to which he then resigned himself, had no further terror for him. He was brought back to Chattanooga, where a blacksmith welded a pair of heavy clevises on his ankles, and connected them with a chain only about eighteen inches in length. He had then but few more days to live, and his confine- ment was most rigid. They prepared a scaf- fold for him at Chattanooga, but the indications of an advance by Mitchel, induced them to change the death scene to Atlanta. All the way down to that place he was taunted with his approaching doom by the mobs who surrounded every station. Our eight comrades accompa- nied him to Atlanta, but parted as soon as they arrived — they going to prison, and he to the place of execution. He was compelled to walk, all ironed as he was, and the clanking of his 168 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR cliains no doubt made sweet music in the ears of these human bloodhounds. He displayed great firmness when led to the place of execution, and mounted the scaffold without a tremor. When swung off, the rope by which he was suspended, stretched so that his feet came to the ground, but, nothing discon- certed, these wretches dug the earth away from under him and completed the murder ! Thus died a good and brave man, at the early age of thirty-three, by the hands of rebels, for the crime of loving and trying to serve his country ! He was engaged to be married to a young lady of his own adopted State the same month in which he suffered death on the scaffold ! It is now time to return to Wollam, whom we left outside of the jail-fence, trying to get away from Chattanooga. He ran down to the river side, and seeing no way of crossing himself, hit on the brilliant ruse of making them believe that he was across. To this end he threw oft' his coat and vest, dropping them on the bank of the river, and then, after walking a few rods in the water to elude the hounds, quietly slipped back, and hid in a dense thicket of canes and rushes. He heard his pursuers on the bank above him, and all around, talking of their various plans. At THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 169 last they found the clothes, and at once conclu- ded that he had taken to the river. Then they took the bloodhounds over to the other side, and searched for the place of his exit from the water. The dogs could not iind that, as might be expected, and then, after a due time spent in consultation, they concluded that he was drowned, and departing much comforted, search- ed no more for him. After spending a day of most anxious sus- pense, the approach of night gave him an opportunity of leaving his hiding-place. He now cautiously made his way down the river on the Chattanooga side. At length he found a canoe, in which he rowed at niglit, and when morning came, he would sink it, and hide in the bushes ; then in the evening raise it, and again pursue his way. Twice he passed the extem- pore gun-boat Mitchel had made, but feared it was some secession craft, and therefore crept cautiously by in the shadow of the shore, with- out being discovered. At last he thought he was beyond the danger of probable capture, and v/ent boldly forward in the day time. This was a fatal mistake. A band of cavalry, who were camped almost within our lines, saw him, and procuring a boat, came out to meet him. He was unable to escape, and thus the 15 170 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR poor fellow was captured on the very brink of safety. He at first tried to persuade them that he was a Confederate, but, unfortunately, a Lieutenant Edwards, who had assisted in cap- turing him the first time, happened to be present, and at once recognized him. He was soon after taken to Atlanta, where the rest of the party then were. THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 171 CHAPTER X. Sorrow for Andrews— Prepare for Trial — Charges and Specifications — Plan of Defence — Incidents of Trial — Encouragement — Not Allowed to Hear Pleading — Law- yers' Plea — Seven Tried — Mitcliel Dissolves the Court — Tied Again — A Saucy Reply — Advantage of Sick- ness — Fry Deceived — Revolting Inhumanity — Fry's Cap- ture — Starve to Atlanta — Taunts of the Mob — Atlanta Prison — A Kind Jailor. We, who were at Knoxville, read of tTie re- capture of Andrews with the most poignant regret, though we knew not yet that he had received the sentence of death. Of Wollam we heard nothing. We were well supplied with papers here, as there were plenty of Union people who minis- tered to our wants. One day we received a paper containing an account of the execution of Andrews. It was awful news to us. We had been engaged, just before, in all kinds of games and story-telling, for we were always merry, and never suffered ourselves to indulge in gloomy forebodings. But when this news came, all noise and merriment were hushed, and we passed a whole day in the most heartfelt mourning. 172 DARING AND SUFFERING I OR We all loved our leader, and would willingly have engaged in the most desperate enterprise to save his life ; but, alas ! he was gone, and there was no chance even for that vengeance for which our souls thirsted. Before we had been long at Knoxville, we were notified to prepare for trial. We requested that we should all be tried at once, as our cases were precisely alike. When this was not granted, we next asked that one might be tried, imd his sentence be the sentence of the whole party. But this too, was refused, with the reply that they knew their own business best. We were forced to accept this decision, though we could not imagine why it was that they should thus insist on trying but one at a time. The only reason that I can yet conjecture for this proceeding is, that it would have looked too absurd to arraign twenty-one, or even twelve men, all in a body, and from one bri- gade, as spies. They allowed us the privilege of counsel, and we employed two good Union men. Colo- nels Baxter and Temple, who volunteered their services. We were each to pay them one hun- dred and fifty dollars, and as fast as we were tried, to give our notes for that amount. The charges and specifications of William THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 173 Campbell were first handed in. He was a citizen, but claimed to be a soldier, and we endorsed his position. The charge against all who were brought to trial was for " lurking in and around Confederate camps as spies, for the purpose of obtaining information." Not a word was said of taking the cars, or of any- thing we really did do. Our. plan of defence has been partly indi- cated before. It was to tell just who we were, and what we had done, with the exceptions of the pranks we had played on the rebel citizens coming down, and to claim that we were United States soldiers, detailed on a military expedi- tion without our consent, and therefore entitled to the protection accorded to regular prisoners of war. This was put into words, and read on the trial as the acknowledgement of the party while pleading ^' not guilty " to the charge. The only evidence they had was of the men who pursued us on the train, and also of those who afterward arrested us ; but of course none of these knew anything of our lurking around the camps. George D. Wilson related a ludicrous incident that occurred when he was on trial, and which fitly illustrates the desire they had to convict us. It was of a young lieutenant belonging to 15* 174 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR the court-martial, who requested to be sworn, saying that he could tell of at least one place we had passed the Confederate guards. On his request being complied with, he testified that we crossed their picket-line at the ferry, on the evening of our first arrival at Chattanooga. Immediately the president of the court arose, and said that he commanded the guard that day, and no guard was -placed at the ferry. The whole court was instantly in a roar of laughter, and the confusion of our would-be convictor may be better imagined than described. Our lawyers were delighted with the course we took, and said that it had deranged all the plans of the prosecution, and that they had not a particle of evidence against us ; that if we were convicted now, it would be through mere prejudice and perjury on the part of the court. As the trial of difierent ones proceeded, we had still greater encouragement from the court itself. Members called on us, and told us to keep in good heart, as there was no evidence before them to convict any one. This cheered us somewhat, but there was still one thing which I did not like, and which looked as if something was wrong. The court would not let our boys be present to hear the pleading of counsel on either side, though they urgently THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 175 requested it. They could neither hear what our lawyers had to say for them, nor what the Judge Advocate urged against them. This seemed still stranger, because Andrews had not been debarred this privilege. But they used our soldiers with even less show of justice than had been accorded to him. After three or four had been tried, one of our lawyers visited the prison, and read to us the plea which he said he had read to the court. It was an able paper. I still remember its principal features. He contended that our being dressed in citizens' clothes was nothing more than what the Confederate government had expressly authorized, and that it was done by all the guerillas in the service of the Con- federacy, whenever it was for their interest. And he cited the instance of General Morgan having dressed his men in Federal uniform, and passed them off as belonging to the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, by which means he suc- ceeded in reaching a railroad and damaging it. Also that our government had captured some of these very men, and treated them as prison- ers of war. This instance was mentioned to show that our being dressed in citizens' clothes did not take from us the right to be treated as United States soldiers. The plea went on 176 furtlier to state that we had told the object of our expedition ; that it was a purely military one, for the destruction of communications, and as such, entirely lawful according to the rules of war. What reply the Judge Advocate made to this, we never had the means of ascertaining. The trials proceeded rapidly. One man was taken out each day, and in about an hour re- turned. The table in the court room was cov- ered with bottles, newspapers, and novels, and the court passed its time daring trial in discuss- ing these. This was very well if the trial was, as they said, a mere matter of formality ; but if it was a trial in earnest, on which depended issues of life or death, it was most heartless conduct. At last the number of seven was reached, and they would probably have proceeded in trying others, had not General Mitchel, who was continually troubling them, now advanced, and shelled Chattanooga from the opposite side of the Tennessee river. This at once broke up the court-martial, and sent the officers in hot haste to their regiments to resist his progress. Soon after, General Morgan advanced through Cumberland Gap, and threatened Knoxville, which also rendered it necessary to remove us. They came in with ropes and began to tie us. V THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 177 We did not at first understand this, and some supposed we were to be taken out for execution ; but we soon became convinced that it was only a change of place. They arranged us for trans- portation by first binding our hands together ; then, fixing our arms securely in the loops of long ropes, tied them firmly to our sides, after which we were coupled two and two. Kopes were used in fastening us instead of irons as before, because they had borrowed the latter for some Union prisoners, who had just been sent to Richmond ; therefore we had to be con- tent with a most liberal allowance of cotton rope. While they were thus arranging our manacles, I had a most amusing passage-at- words with the adjutant who was superintend- ing the operation. I said to him as politely as I could : "I suppose, sir, our destination is not known ?" " It is not known to you at any rate, sir," was the gruff rejoinder. This was noticed by the whole party, and I felt rather beaten ; but a moment later came my chance for revenge. He turned again to me, and said, in a dictatorial manner : Who was it that run your engine through ?" 178 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR I bowed and returned in the blandest tone, " That is not known to you at any rate, Sir" All around roared with laughter, and the adjutant, reddening to the eyes, turned away, muttering that he believed I was the engineer myself ! When everything was in readiness, we bade an adieu to the capital of down-trodden East Tennessee. Oh ! what bitter memories cluster around that old gloomy building. It has been, one of the principal instruments in crushing the life and loyalty out of the hearts of a brave, but unfortunate people. May the day soon come when the suffering of East Tennessee will be richly repaid on the heads of its guilty au- thors ! While we remained here, our fare was of the most scanty character. We received it only twice a day, and then in homeopathic doses. We continually suffered with hunger while we were well. I, myself, became quite sick during our imprisonment here, and continued so for most of the summer. Several others were in the same condition. This was rather an advan- tage, for when sick we did not so much mind the scantiness of our diet. A number of Tennesseeans were removed with us. Among them was Captain Fry and THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 179 Mr. Pierce. In conversation with the former, T learned the full particulars of his history, some incidents of which I had heard before leaving our camp. Pie had raised a company of his neighbors, and running the gauntlet of guarded roads, succeeded in reaching our army in Ken- tucky. Here he was elected captain, and re- mained for some time. After a while, the gene- ral in command wished him to go into Tennes- see, and there destroy the bridges on the Virginia and Tennessee Eailroad ; then to raise the loyal citizens of that vicinity, and hold the country till our forces could arrive. He refused to go, until assured of support from McClellan himself, who was at that time (the fall of 1861) in command of the whole United States army, and who promised that a column should ad- vance as soon as Fry succeeded. With this assurance, he departed on his perilous mission. He aroused the Union men in both Virginia and Tennessee, burned the bridges, and thus for a time destroyed the most important rebel line of communication ; and, with a force of fifteen hundred men, held the entire country embraced in his operations, and even seriously threatened Knoxville itself. Now was the time for our forces to have struck the decisive blow, and not only have redeemed East Tennessee 180 from its chains, but also severed the rebellion in halves ! It was perfectly practicable. A large body lay near Camp Dick Robinson, with only a trifling force in front to impede its pro- gress. But in the meantime, McClellan had chaiiged his plans, and without warning Fry, left him and his brave companions to their fate. The struggle was a brief one ; the secessionists, thus left to themselves, concentrated an over- whelming force against him. Several skirmishes were fought, and finally the Union force was compelled to disperse. Some of them suc- ceeded in reaching our lines in Kentucky. Others were caught, and several of these were hung without a trial ! Such were some of the murders that first rendered General Leadbetter notorious ! One of these cases is almost too horrible for belief I would hesitate to record it, were I not assured of its truth by the testimony of eye- witnesses separated by hundreds of miles. It was of a man named named Whan, who, on being arrested, acknowledged that he helped to burn the bridges, but refused to describe his companions. For this, he was put into a barrel driven full of small, sharp-pointed nails, and rolled down a steep hill — then taken out, all bleeding, and hung ! This was on Saturday THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 181 and lie, witli his companions, was allowed to hang till Monday night, when some of his friends, at the risk of their own lives, came and took them down I Should we compromise with such fiends in human shape, and purchase their fellowship again, or give them the puishment that injured humanity demands? Fry passed the whole winter in the wild mountains with which Tennessee abounds, and in the spring he again gathered his neighbors together, a regiment strong, and tried to reach the Union lines. Kear the border, he was attacked by a superior rebel force, and after a severe contest, his band was dispersed, himself wounded and taken prisoner. This was on the 5th of March, and he remained in solitary con- finement until he joined us on the 13th of June. He was an uneducated man, but possessed of great natural ability, and the most undaunted courage, with a heart as tender and sympa- thetic as a child's. We took no rations along, and were obliged to starve through, as we now had no guerillas along to buy us pies. On the way, the populace taunted us with Andrews' death, and charitably hoped that we might soon meet the same fate. But some of the officers talked with us in a friendly spirit, assuring us that we would not 16 182 DAEING AND SUFFERING: OR be hurt. This produced some impression, and taken in connection with what had been told us by members of the court-martial, and others at Knoxville, made us quite hopeful. When we neared the Atlanta city jail, which was to be our abode for many weary months, a crowd gathered as usual, and a man who called himself mayor of the city began to insult Cap- tain Fry, telling him that he knew him to be a rascal in his own country, and that he hoped soon to have the pleasure of hanging him. Then turning to us, he boasted that he had put the rope around Andrews' neck, and was wait- ing and anxious to do the same for us ! Tliis prison was smaller than that at Knox- ville, but was still a large edifice. The lower story was occupied by the jailor and his family. The upper contained four rooms, of which we, with Captain Fry, occupied one. The Ten- nesseeans were put into another, just across the entry from us. Our comrades, who had been left at Chattanooga, were in another ; and the last one, which was on the same side as ours, was frequently occupied by negroes who had been in search of the North Star. For some time here, our rations were com- paratively good and abundant. But after awhile, the task of feeding us was taken from THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 183 tte jailor, who had at first assumed it, and then our fare became worse than it ever had been be- fore. The jailor himself was a kind man, and rather of Union sentiments. He showed us all the favor in his power, and, indeed, became so much suspected, that an odious old man named Thoer was hired to watch him. The constant vigilance of this antiquated scoundrel, with the superintendence of the officers of the guard, who were always at hand, prevented the jailor from befriending us as much as his heart dictated. Here we remained for a week in quietness and hope, thinking the Avorst of our trials were past. Little did we foresee how fearful a storm was soon to burst over us. 184 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR CHAPTBE XI. Cavalry Approach — Seven Removed from the Room — Sus- pense — Sentence of Death — Heart-rending Separation — Death and the Future — Not Prepared — Inhuman Haste — The Tragedy — Speech on the Scaffold — Breaking Ropes — Enemies Affected — Gloom of Survivors — Prayer. One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching. This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a com- mon thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets ; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison. What could this mean? A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stair- way, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place. They paused at our door, threw it open, called the names of our seven companions, and took them out to the room opposite, putting the Tennesseeans in with us. One of our boys, named Robinson, was sick of a fever, and had to be raised to his feet, and supported out of the room. With throbbing hearts we asked one another THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 185 the meaning of these strange proceedings. Some supposed they were to receive their ac- quittal ; others, still more sanguine, believed they were taken out of the room to be paroled, preparatory to an exchange. I was sick, too, but rose to my feet, oppressed with a nameless fear. A half crazy Kentuck- ian, who was with the Tennesseeans, came to me and wanted to play a game of cards. I struck the greasy pack out of his hands, and bade him leave me. A moment after, the door opened, and George D. Wilson entered, his step firm and his form erect, but his countenance pale as death. Some one asked a solution of the dreadful mystery, in a whisper, for his face silenced every one. *' We are to be executed immediately" was the awful reply, whispered with thrilling distinctness. The others came in all tied, ready for the scaf- fold. Then came the farewells— farewells with no hope of meeting again in this world ! It was a moment that seemed an age of measure- less sorrow. Our comrades were brave ; they were soldiers, and had often looked death in the face on the battle-field. They were ready, if need be, to die for their country ; but to die on the scaffold 16* 186 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR — to die as murderers die — seemed almost too hard for human nature to bear. Then, too, the prospect of a future world, into which they were thus to be hurled without a moment's preparation, was black and appalling. Most of them had been careless, and had no hope beyond the grave. Wilson was a pro- fessed infidel, and many a time had argued the truth of the Christian religion with me for a half day at a time ; but in this awful hour he said to me: " Pittenger, I believe you are right, now ! Oh I try to be better prepared when you come to die than I am." Then, laying his hand on my head with a muttered " God bless you," we parted. Shadrack was profane and reckless, but good- hearted and merry. Now, turning to us with a voice, the forced calmness of which was more affecting than a wail of agony, he said : '' Boys, I am not prepared to meet Jesus." When asked by some of us in tears to think of heaven, he answered, still in tones of thrill- ing calmness, " I'll try ! I'll try ! But I know I am not prepared." Slavens, who was a man of immense strength and iron resolution, turned to his friend Buft'um, THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 187 and could only articulate, "Wife — children — tell" — when utterance failed. Scott was married only three days before he came to the army, and the thought of his young and sorrowing wife nearly drove him to despair. He could only clasp his hands in silent agony. Ross was the firmest of all. His eyes beamed with unnatural light, and there was not a tre- mor in his voice as he said, " Tell them at home, if any of you escape, that I died for my country, and did not regret it." All this transpired in a moment, and even then the Marshal and other officers standing by him in the door, exclaimed : " Hurry up there ! come on ! we can't wait I In this manner my poor comrades were hur- ried off. Robinson, who was too sick to walk, was dragged away with them. They asked leave to bid farewell to our other boys, who were confined in the adjoining room, but it was sternly refused ! Thus we parted. We saw the death cart containing our comrades drive off, surrounded by cavalry. In about an hour it came back emidty. The tragedy was complete ! Later in the evening, the Provost-Marshal came to the prison, and, in reply to our ques- 188 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR tions, informed ns that our friends '' Had met their fate as brave men should die everywhere." The next day we obtained from the guards, who were always willing to talk with us in the absence of the officers, full particulars of the seven-fold murder. When our companions were mounted on the scaffold, Wilson asked permission to say a few words, which was granted — probably in the hope of hearing some confession which would justify them in the murder they were about to commit. But this was not his intention. It was a strange stand — a dying speech to a desperate audience, and under the most terrible circum- stances. But he was equal to the occasion. Unterri- fied by the near approach of death, he spoke his mind freely. He told them that " they were all in the wrong ; that he had no hard feelings toward the Southern people for what they were about to do, because they had been duped by their leaders, and induced by them to engage in the work of rebellion. He also said, that though he was condemned as a spy, yet he was none, and they well knew it. He was only a soldier in the performance of the duty he had been detailed to do; that he did not regret to die for his country, but only regretted the manner of his THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 189 death. He concluded bj saying that they would yet live to regret the part they had taken in this rebellion, and would see the time when the old Union would be restored, and the flag of our country wave over the very ground occupied by his scaffold." This made a deep impression on them'nds of those who listened, and I often afterward heard it spoken of in terms of the highest admiration. "When he ceased, the signal was given, and the traps fell I* Five only remained dangling in the air ; for two of the seven, Campbell and Slavens, being very heavy men, broke the ropes, and fell to the ground insensible. In a short time they * A refugee from the State of Georgia, now in this city, who witnessed the execution, but, from peculiar circum- stances, does not make his name public, corroborates this statement, and adds, that these brave men were surrounded bj three or four hundred guerillas and partisan rangers, as they called themselves, who disputed for the honor of being the executioners. The matter was settled by the party taking a vote, when twelve were selected as the favored ones. The rebel soldiers who perpetrated this outrageous murder, spent the rest of the day in spreeing and jollification, many of them writing to their friends at home an account of the pleasure they felt in assisting in the hanging of *' seven blue-bellies," as they termed the Union soldiers. — Note from a Pamphlet entitled " Ohio Boys in Dixie,^^ published in New York in April, 1863. 190 recovered, and asked for a drink of water, wliicli was given them. Then they requested an hour to pray before entering the future world which lay so near and dark before them. This last petition was indignantly refused, and as soon as the ropes could be adjusted, they were com- pelled to re-ascend the scaffold, and were again turned off ! The whole proceeding, from beginning to end, was marked by the most revolting haste. They seemed to wish, by thus affording no time to prepare for death, to murder soul and body both. Even the worst criminals in our country are allowed some weeks to ask for God's mercy, before they are thrust into his presence ; but our poor boys, whose only crime was loving and trying to serve their country, were not allowed one moment ! Could the barbarity of fiends go further ? That afternoon was one of deepest gloom for those who remained. We knew not how soon we might be compelled to follow in the same path, and drink the same bitter cup our comrades drank. Once during the trial we had offered to accept the award of the court in one of the cases as the sentence of all, since we could not see the slightest reason for leaving some and taking others. At that time, however, we THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 191 believed that all would be acquitted. Now every hope had vanished. But even without the addition of fear for our- selves, the parting from our loved friends, whose voices were still ringing in our ears, while they themselves had passed beyond the gates of death into the unknown land of shadows, was enough to rend the stoutest heart. There were tears then from eyes that shrank before no danger. But I could not shed a tear. A cloud of burning heat rushed to my head that seemed to scorch through every vein. For hours I scarcely knew where I was, or the loss I had sustained. Every glance around the room, which revealed the vacant places of our friends, would bring our sorrow freshly on us again. Thus the afternoon passed away in grief too deep for words. Slowly and silently the mo- ments wore on, and no one ventured to whisper of hope. At last some voice suggested that we should seek relief in prayer. The very idea seemed to convey consolation, and was eagerly accepted. Soon we knelt around the bare walls of our strange sanctuary, and with bleeding hearts drew near the throne of God. Captain Fry- first led us, and mingled sobs with strong sup- plications. Then each followed in his turn, with 192 DARING AND SUFFEEING ; OR but one or two exceptions, and even these were kneeling with the rest. As the twilight deep- ened, our devotional exercises grew more so- lemn. In the lonely shadow of coming night, with eternity thus open tangibly before us, and standing on its very brink, we prayed with a fervor that those who dwell in safety can scarcely conceive. We besought our Father only that we might be prepared for the fate that was inevitable, and that as he had led us through great trials, he would be our Comforter, and sustain us still. Who will say that such prayer was not effectual ! It was heard in hea- ven. Even there, in that prison, surrounded by an armed guard, amid the gloom of coming danger, the peace of God, like a dove bearing the olive branch, descended into every broken and believing heart. It was a holy hour, and if the angels above ever bend from their bright mansions to comfort human sorrow, I do be- lieve that they were then hovering near. From that hour I date the birth of an immortal hope, and I believe that many of my companions also, on looking back, will realize that they passed from death to life in that dreary prison- room ! THE GREAT RAILROAD ADVENTURE. 193 CHAPTER XII. Religions Experience — Conti-abaud Assistance — Intelli- gence of Negroes — Love of Freedom — WoUam's Recap- ture — A Friendly Preacher — Obtain Books — Disgusting Diet— Plays— Debates— Reading Hours — Envy the Birds — Dreams of Home— Telegraphing — Friends from oui Army — Hope Deferred — Union Society — Difficulties of Tobacco-chewers — Precious Books. From this time forward, we had religious exercises each morning and evening, and they were a blessed consolation to us — sustaining our hearts when every earthly avenue of hope had closed. Frequently we startled the guards who were around us, by the hymns we sang, for now the character of our songs was changed, and our thoughts and aspirations began to point upward. It is a delicate matter to speak of one's own religious experience, but in the hope of doing good, I will venture. At first my hopes were not bright. For days and weeks an im- penetrable cloud seemed to rest over me, and to vail heaven from my view ; sometimes for a moment it would give way, and show light and peace beyond, then close up, thick, and dark, and lowering, as ever. But at last the day 17 194 DARING AND SUFFERING; OR gradually arose, and I was enabled to rejoice in hopes the world can neither give nor take away. But these were long and weary days. Our room was of greater size than that in Chatta- nooga, and had larger windows, yet the heat was fearfully oppressive. Our other boys were put in the room with us, which made fifteen in all. One of them, named Wood, was very sick. He had been prostrated with the fever for nearly a month, and at this time his life was despaired of. This was not thought to be any great mis- fortune to him by the others, who administered consolation in a style worthy of the best of Job's friends. They reasoned, '^ Now, if you get well, you will only be hung. You had better try to die yourself, and thus you will outwit them." Wood, however, did not relish the counsel, and getting contrary, he recovered, "just for spite," as he often declared. He yet lives to laugh over the advice that his despairing associates gave him. We had friends in the waiters of the prison, though their faces were black. They assisted us by every means in their power. It was not long till they found that there was nothing we desired so much as to read the news ; and they taxed their ingenuity to gratify us. They would wait till the jailor or some of the guard THE GKEAT KAILKOAD ADVENTURE. 195 had finished reading a paper, and laid it down, and then slyly purloin it. When meal time came, it would be put into the bottom of the pan in which our food was brought, and thus handed in to us. The paper had to be returned in the same way, to avoid suspicion.* The guards and officers would talk with us, and always finding us possessed of a knowledge of the events of the war, at least as far as the Southern papers gave it, came at last to think we had an instinctive idea of news — something like what the bee has of geometrical forms! They never suspected the negroes, though for several months it was only through their instru- mentality that we could obtain any definite information of what was going on in the world without. Having found the negroes thus intelligent and useful, hir beyoud what I had supposed possible, I questioned them about other matters. They were better informed than I had given them credit for, and knew enough to disbelieve all "^ In one of these papers I noticed a description of two Fed<( .^^^^. c. xQ^> ^^. » ' ^ - \J^ s '^ * / ^^^ ^O O 6,/ V ^ %.# ^ ^^'\ '. .^^ ^/^. ,00, ^0 ^. A-*- . ';<■ ■e, ,.<;'^ ■' ^ ^-^ . -- / » (, ^ "^ \^ ■^ I .<^ o 0^ ,^-^- " r . '>: "\ V ^ .0' v^> s^ V ^/, 'Cv I ■ ^ 'V