";" > '' ¦ /.™m ¦ j. ¦- 't/xi v YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift of Mrs* Mary S* Magenau FIVE MONTHS in OR NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF A BULL RUI PRISONER, ^.T ZRJCCHIIMIOIISrXX * A chlel *s aniang yon tafein* notes. An', faith, he Ml prent it." BY CORPORAL W. H. MERRELL, Color Gnard, Co. K., 27th Regiment, N. If. S. V. ROCHESTER, N. tation at the hip. Probably no severer operation is known in surgical practice. The subject was stupified with chloroform, and the sponge was constantly held to his nostrils ; but his shrieks and groans were unintermitting, and agonizing in the extreme. Du ring the operation, a rebel soldier employed in the hospital stood at his head, assisting to hold him down. His sense of the pro prieties of the occasion could not tolerate the cries of the wretch ed victim, and he rudely told him to "stop his noise," and "shut his mouth." Not finding himself obeyed, the brutal fellow with great rudeness clasped, or rather struck, both of his palms over the Captain's face, and held them firmly there till discovered by one of the students, who then ordered him from the room. The operation was finally performed, the limb being disjointed at the hip. Three hours afterward the sufferer was relieved by death. One other case of a totally different character may be noted. Upon one occasion a young man was borne into the hospital who represented that he had seven bullets in his body. His sufferings had excited much sympathy at Manassas, and upon removal he had to be carried to the cars on a litter. His groans drew tears of pity from even the Confederate guards, and every one who ap proached him expressed the opinion that it was the most, shock ing case that had appeared. He was handled with exceeding carefulness in being conveyed to the hospital, and immediately placed upon a cot, not, however, without extorting some of the most agonizing utterances to which I ever listened. Dr. Peachy soon approached him and inquired as to the nature of his wounds. " Seven bullets," was the laconic response. "But where are they?" continued the Doctor. "One of them went in my ear, and I feel it in my head," was the reply, "but you can't find it, and there's no use of trying." As to the locality of the other wounds, he professed ignorance, with the exception of one, which he said had shattered his foot. The foot was examined, and the heel of it was found to be slight ly contused. Finally, the sufferer confessed that this was the ex tent of his injuries. He said he had feared that unless dreadfully wounded he would be roughly treated, if not put to death, and had accordingly determined to resort to a Yankee trick. It was highly successful. He was immediately christened " Seven Bul lets," and is known by no other title among his prison associates to this day. CHAPTEE IV. Among the prisoners taken at Bull Eun was Capt. Eicketts, of Eickett's Battery, Eegular. Army. , He was severely wounded, and was removed with others to the General Hospital, where he was placed with the commissioned officers, in an apartment on the , second floor. I introduce his name in this connection for the pur pose of testifying to 'the devoted heroism of his affectionate wife, who, having heard of his misfortune, immediately proceeded from New York to Washington, and, unattended, made her way to the .enemy's lines, and surrendered herself a prisoner, with the re quest that she might be permitted to attend her husband. Her application was granted, but while journeying from Manassas to Eichmond, she was grossly insulted by the rebel soldiery, and encountered many formidable obstacles to the success of her mis sion. Her indomitable perseverance was, however, at length re warded, and she obtained admission to the hospital, where she re mained several months. Once there, her kindly attentions were not restricted to her husband, or to the officers' apartment, but1 in a little while she was known to all the inmates, and her cheering smiles and womanly sympathy were like gleams of sunshine upon every heart. When I was removed from the hospital she was still there, faithfully administering to the wants of the suffering , and encouraging the desponding to hope for better days. There are none among the prisoners who can recall the name of Mrs. Fanny Eicketts without feelings of the deepest gratitude and brotherly affection. Several of Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves were among the wounded, and I observed that they were regarded by the Confederate sol diers with a feeling of aversion which they were at no pains to conceal. One of their (the Zouaves') number was>a young Vir ginian named Brown, who had long resided in New York. Short ly after his arrival at the hospital he was visited by his father, who is a resident of Eichmond. The interview was not charac terized by any display of tenderness on either side, but was one of those scenes, rather, which are best calculated to illustrate the implacable hatred with which the rebels regard all who have not proved faithless to the General Government. The father was a stubborn rebel and the son a patriot soldier. The scene may be better imagined than described. After exhausting every argu ment and expostulation upon the unrelenting boy, the old man disowned, and declared that he would disinherit him. To this the young soldier replied that his only hope was that he might recover 22 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. from his wounds, get back to the Union army, and fight again for the Stars and Stripes ! And thus they separated. The gallant soldier was among the released prisoners of the 3d of January, and upon placing his foot upon the Federal steamer was the very first to propose "three cheers for the Stars and Stripes." I regret to add that he is not yet fully recovered from his wounds, and was at last accounts confined in the military hospital at Baltimore. I had been three weeks in the Eichmond hospital when a large number of the patients were transferred to one of the tobacco warehouses, and their places refilled by Confederate soldiers, who were suffering from measles, typhoid fever, and, other diseases. They had been sent from the hospital at Manassas. No pains were taken to separate this class of patients from the Federal wounded, and it is not a little strange that these diseases, known to be infectious, were not communicated to other inmates. This new fellowship was not particularly inviting, and the woun ded generally reserved their sympathies for mutual exchange — assisting one another so far as practicable, and enjoying their little luxuries in common. By degrees, however, the new companion ship ripened into familiar intercourse, and then came political dis cussions, which at times provoked considerable ill-feeling on both sides. All were uncompromising in their opinions, and the de bates frequently terminated in the most emphatic and war-like declarations. At such times the excitement usually found vent in fist-shaking, and other threatening gestures, but upon one occa sion, a prisoner gravely proposed that an equal number should be chosen from each side, of all that were able to walk, and who should go into the hospital yard and settle their contentions by a fair fight ! The rebels would not, however, accede to this propo sition, and thenceforth the Federalists regarded the question of our relative manhood and bravery as practically settled. The fact of the matter was, (and I say it not in a boastful spir it,) that the rebels only desired to be let alone ! It was the head and tail of their every argument. "Why do you come here to subjugate us ? — Let us alone. We want peace — let us alone! We have done nothing — let us alone!" One of their number approached me — and he is the type of a very numerous class — and asked me with all candor if I knew what the South was fighting for? I told him what every soldier in the army of the Union knows. He was of the opinion that they were acting solely in self-defence ; that the North, or Lincoln, had deliberately commenced the war with a view to subjugate the South, desolate their homes, liberate their slaves, insult their women — and all this chiefly that we might enrich ourselves, and gratify a feeling of wanton malice against our " Southern breth ren !" And these opinions, religiously cherished, he assured me DISTINGUISHED VISIT0ES. 23 were largely shared by the Confederate army. Yet with all their gullibility they have a latent suspicion of the open-eyed conspir acy of which they were made the victims ; and it was easy to per ceive that there were many among them who had " no stomach for the fight." They had been literally impressed into the service of the Eebel Government and awaited, only a favorable opportunity to desert. I could give numerous instances in point, but select a single one as a matter of local interest. I was accosted one day by a pri vate (rebel) soldier, who came to the hospital as a visitor. He inquired my place of residence, etc., and upon learning it informed me that he was from Utica, N. Y., and had been employed as clerk for Owen Gaffney, Esq., (now of Eochester.) He mentioned the names' of many persons whom I knew, and finally informed me that although a soldier in the rebel army, he was there because he could not help himself, and was seeking an opportunity to escape. Speaking of visitors, there were others worthy of notice, and among them the dapper Vice President of the bogus Confederacy, Mr. Alexander Stevens. There were a number of Georgians con fined in the hospital, and Mr. Stevens had called to inquire after their welfare. He is a foppish little fellow, with long, straight hair and a beardless face, wears his hat at an acute angle, sports a switch cane and a Byron collar, and might be mistaken, at first glance, for a broken down theatre actor. I think he would prob ably turn the scale of 125 pounds, if he bore down very hard. He is of a reserved demeanor, quiet, unpretending and agreeable in conversation, and while talking with the prisoners seemed to studiously avoid any remark that could be supposed to injure their feelings. He visited us quite often. We were also "honored" with a call from the editor of the Eichmond Dispatch, who came in disguise, and regaled the pris oners with plug tobacco and cigars, professed the deepest sympa thy, and was exceedingly inquisitive. The day following he spread before his readers an account of his observations at the hospital, wherein he took occasion to denounce us in the most unsparing terms. Tray, Blanche and Sweetheart joined in this demoniac yowl, and for a brief season little else was advocated by the Eich mond press than a proposition to remove the "lazy Yankees" to the coal mines as soon as their wounds were healed, and compel them to work for their living. The editor of the Dispatch subse quently renewed his visit, and was recognized. The boys, how ever, professed to regard him as a stranger, but improved the opportunity toantroduce the said editor as a topic of discussion, and berated him to their satisfaction. Believing himself unknown he bore it without remonstrance, but did not remain long, and we never "looked upon his like again." 24 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. We had visitors of every class. I was leaning upon the bal cony one day, when an elderly lady approached me, saying that she desired to pass into the ward where the Confederate patients were confined, but she did not want to see any of the "horrid Yankees." I had understood that the popular superstition re specting Federal soldiers, savored of horns and claws ; but not calculating the effect of a sudden avowal, I remarked, in win ning accents and with the pleasantest distortion of countenance of which my facial muscles were 'susceptible, that I was a "beast of Ephesus" myself! The disclosure seemed to take effect in the lady's stomach, for after a tragic and momentary collapse which threatened to snap the spinal column, she wildly flung up her arms, exclaiming " O-yah-ugh ! " and vanished. On every Sunday the outskirts of the prison were thronged with visitors, who had come upon a staring expedition, and seemed amply repaid if they obtained a glimpse of the Yankees. Bar- num's Museum would have passed for a side-show, in comparison with the hospital attractions. Upon one occasion I was standing at the window with a companion, when we were accosted by a savage-looking fellow under a planter's hat, and very genteely dressed, who asked me if I had had enough of Bull Run. I re plied by inquiring if he was there. No — he was not. "I sup posed not," said I, "for any one who would insult a prisoner is too cowardly to go where there is any danger." I regretted the observation, for it was no sooner uttered than the prancing fire-eater emitted the most sulphurous volley of oaths that I had heard on the " sacred soil." Fuming and snorting with wrath he paced backward and forward, his glittering eye " In a fine frenzy rolling," till having collected himself for a second attack, he exclaimed, " Well, you belong to the Confederates now — you are in our power." My companion asked him if he belonged to the Confederates ? "Yes," he rejoined with emphasis, "I do!" " Well, what does your master ask for you ? " said the former. This was a sad blow to the " chivalric" Southerner, who was of a suspiciously dark complexion, and certainly could not be classed among " poor white trash." To add to his discomfiture, the by standers laughed as heartily as the "Yankees." The only re source of our rabid friend was to cast out another volley of oaths but before he could do justice to his subject, he was walked off by the guard. CHAPTEE V. The scarcity of lint, or plaster, was the most serious want ex perienced by the hospital surgeons, and at one period the supply was entirely cut off, and our wounds were for a time left undress ed. "Tell your master, Lincoln, to raise the blockade, and then we will provide for you," was the frequent remark of the surgeons. " As it is, we haven't enough for our own wounded, and they must be served first." Cotton was substituted, and that article being a " drug" in the medical cabinet, it in point of quantity sub served the desired purpose. On the 11th of September I was transferred from the general hospital to Prison No. 1 — a tobacco warehouse, situate on the bank of the James river.* There were some half dozen tobacco facto ries appropriated to similar purposes, but my observations were necessarily restricted to the one in which I enjoyed a "personal interest." It is a lofty brick building, three stories in height, its interior dimensions being seventy feet in length by twenty-six in width. The second and third floors were occupied by private sol diers, (captured at Bull Eun,) and the lower floor by the commis sioned officers and a number of civilians, among whom were our late lamented fellow-citizen, Calvin Huson, Jr., Esq., and the fion. Alfred Ely. The windows of the third story commanded an excellent view of the city and its environs, but from the lower floor little was to be seen, beyond the street boundaries. I was placed in the depart ment occupied by the privates. It was in a most crowded state, as may be inferred from the fact that at no time were there less than one hundred and thirty, and often as many as one hundred and fifty occupants. There were no artificial conveniences for either eating or sleeping. At night the prisoners stretched themselves upon the bare floor, uncovered; and at meal time — if the irregu lar and melancholy farce of eating may be thus interpreted — they sat upon the floor, ranging against the walls, and (in primitive style) devoured whatever they could obtain. A more gloomy and revolting spectacle can hardly present itself to the imagination, than was afforded by these filthy quarters. Let the reader picture a hundred haggard faces and emaciated forms — some with hair and beard of three months growth — so mis erably clothed, in general, as scarcely to subserve the purposes of decency ; and many limping about with pain from healed wounds; *See engraving. 26 *IVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. and then some faint conception may be obtained of the wretched condition of these Union prisoners. I have still in my possession a note which I received from one of my comrades (an inmate of this prison), while I was still in the hospital. It reads as follows : Tobacco Warehouse, August 25, 1861. Dear Merrell : Have you got or can you get us a shirt or two and a pair of drawers ? I am almost entirely naked. The shirt I have on, I have worn for three weeks. It was very much torn when I put it on, and now it is all in ribbons. My woolen shirt, drawers and a pair of stockings are all somewhere in the hospital. I don't suppose you can find them, but if you possibly can, do send at least a shirt, if no more. If you can't, heaven only knows what will become of me. I am very much in need of a towel, also. My wound is getting along well — indeed, I am getting stronger. There are quite a number of our regiment here, but none from our company. Please give my kindest regards to Sister Rose, and tell her I most heartily wish myself back under her care. J. P. S. — If you can get a piece of corn bread, send that along, too. Wc don't see any of that article in these parts. The condition above described was characteristic of a large portion of the prisoners ; yet there were many whose privations were even worse. The prison discipline was as follows : Between eight and nine we received our morning ration, which consisted of bread (half baked), beef and water. The individual allow ance was in quantity about one-half what a well man would natu rally require. Our second and only other ration was received between four and five in the afternoon, and consisted of bread and soup — (the beef dispensed in the morning being taken from the "slops" of the day previous.) This was the standard bill of fare. The prisoners, sick and well, were compelled to accept it or — go without. A few of our number had blankets, and some of these were sold to the guard, and the avails appropriated to the purchase of edibles which could not be otherwise procured. The "poetasters" of Prison No. 2 could not resist the impulse to immortalize our "Prison Bill of Fare," and a concentrated effort at versification resulted in the following production, the authorship of which I believe is claimed by Sergeant Solomon Wood, of the 27th Regiment. I extract the more significant portions : First, at the sink having performed ablution, The problem, "what s for breakfast?" need3 solution. Like others not in Euclid, oft 'tis found To tax researches that are most profound. At length 'tis solved, when on his sapient head A colored gemman brings a loaf of bread, — Not common loaves, as in the shop you'll find, Such large affairs must suit the vulgar mind. Our friends take care our better tastes to meet, So send us loaves that are unique and neat ; FE1S0N SILL OF EAEE. H Our longing eyes upon the batoh we fix, Then quickly eat our rations, — ounces six; So justly are our appetites defined, These loaves are not the largest of' their kind; To season them withal, our friends allow Three ounces of some lately butchered cow; How long ago we say not, but the smell Would indicate it rather hard to tell ; The doubt, however, is not worth discussing, Such things create unnecessary fussing ; Besides, it would be wrong to heed such stuff, Bub it with salt, it then goes well enough. Thus, you perceive, all works have been at fault, To doubt the potency of Richmond salt ; It sweetens and removes a doubtful flavor. We once, indeed, had coffee, but we fear Our friends have found the article too dear; So now, we eat our sumptuous breakfast dry, Por, even they use coffee made from rye ; Some time we Yankees may the secret steal, And make pure Java from bad Indian meal ; At all their little failings we must wink, And so ad libitum foul water drink ; Such is our morning meal; now, "what's for dinnerT" Asks some insatiate half-starved sinner, As;if the bounty of our christian friends Was not enough to answer nature's ends. The fellow craves till problem number two Calls the attention of a hungry crew That in a corner squat in deep reflection, Like cabinet ministers on home protection ; With busy hands, at length, their pates they scratch, As if their brains a dinner there could hatch ; 'Twould seem, they had with one consent resolved To scratch until the problem had been solved. Others, again, beguile the weary hours With quiet game of cribbage, or all-fours ; — Wrapt in a cloud of smoke from morn till noon, They don't expect a dinner from the moon. The sick lie on the floor as mute as mice, Poor devils, thankful for a little rice ; While lame and lazy, seeming ill at ease, Are laying plans their hunger to appease. Some fellows who are lucky, having money, Though Yankees think the medium rather funny, With bogus bills of small denominations, Contrive to add a little to their rations ; And eat at noon without a guilty blush, A pint of Indian meal, made into mush ; Another brings to view his precious store : A bone, that he had picked too well before ; This, (our pants inform us we are thinner,) Makes the sum total of our prison dinner. I now shall place in order proper, The dainty itemj of our prison supper ; 28 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. At five o'clock, and sometimes half-past five, A humming- sound is heard throughout the hive ; The boarders think their supper rather late, And beat the deil's tattoo upon their plates ; Some get impatient, and the rest they choke In stifling clouds of vile tobacco smoke ; Por, be it known, a hogshead found up stairs Affords the boys a chance to " put on airs." So those to whom the habit is quite new, Can smoke a pipe, or take a lucious chew ; But as the boarders throng around the door, Our colored gemman enters as before, With graceful dignity, his load removes, While some thin wretch his tardiness reproves. Meanwhile, another of the sable race, Whose comic grin o'erspreads his ebon face, Upon his neighbor's heels had followed close, And in his hands a curious looking dose, But something floating meets the boarders' view, It must be, yes it is, an Irish stew ; Just then the eyes of hungry sinners gleam, Extended nostrils scent the fragrant stream, The grinning darkey on his fingers blows, His scalded hands to impatient boarders shows, Then leaves his steaming buckets on the floor, And with another grin he shuts the door. Now, anxious to inspect the savory mess, The hungry boarders round the buckets press, But, short and tall, their open mouths they droop, Their Irish stew is regulation soup ; Their happiness is changed to speechless grief, .The water, this, in which they boiled their beef; Some friendly hand to make it somewhat thicker, Had dropped a cracker in the tasteless liquor ; Of this, each boarder shares a standard gill, Is quite enough, and warranted to kill. To test its strength on us is their intention, All the ingredients I dare not mention. We crumble in our ounces, six, of bread, Swallow the physic, and then go to bed ; This, be it known, is on hard boards, The best the prison discipline affords ; Shades of the epicures of ancient Rome, Whose deeds are writ in many an ancient tome, Ye- mighty men whose gastronomic feats Were sung in ballads in Rome's ancient streets, Whose wondrous deeds by Plato have been noted, And crests by modern epicures been quoted, Hold fast your laurels, for in Richmond Prison, E'en at this day, your rivals have arisen ; Who, though they cannot boast a second course, Have called from morn until their throats were hoarse; Insatiate men, whose inwards nought can fill, Not even tubs of stuff called wholesome swill ; Who crammed their stomachs with suspicious beef, Would taint the fingers of a starving thief;" EEBEL ATROCITIES. 29 Whose hungry eyes, most starting from their sockets, Proclaiming they are starving men, with empty pockets; Who eat with gusto the Confederate swill That would a famished jackal surely kill; Assembled round Secession's filthy tub, Hyena-like, their eyes devour their grub; Nor can they have it in their hands too soon, But bolt it, dog-like, without fork or spoon, — Then, with a rag, moustaches must they wipe ; Such rare perfection in the mystic art Might cause the souls of richer men to start. The famous soger may safely bood it, That he and all his tribe have got to hood it, And open shops where science is unknown, In some plaee bordering on the frigid zone. And tell the epicure, he may find there His fame was lost by this, our Bill of Pare ! Some of the prison guards not unusually displayed their author ity in the commission of the most gratuitous and unprovoked outrages. The notorious Lieut. Todd was singularly vicious and brutal in his treatment of the prisoners, and seldom entered the room without grossly insulting some of the inmates. He inva riably appeared with a drawn sword in his hand, and his voice and manner, as he addressed the prisoners, always indicated a desire to commit some cruel wrong. Upon one occasion, with the flat edge of his weapon, he severely struck in the face an invalid soldier, who had not obeyed the order to fall-in for roll-call, with sufficient alacrity ! At another time, one of the guard, in the presence and with the sanction of Todd, struck a prisoner upon the head with the butt-end of a musket. It is not to be wondered at that this ferocious and vindictive monster should be regarded with feelings of the deepest horror and detestation, and it was with the highest satisfaction that we learned he was to be super seded for his tyrannical conduct. What " benefits " we realized from a change of administration, will appear in the course of the narrative. I believe that some of the prisoners attribute to Todd the crime of shooting some of our comrades ; or, at least, believe that the shooting was done by his orders. To give the d — 1 his due, I must admit there was no satisfactory evidence of this ; and con clude that such acts were voluntary upon the part of the senti nels. Whenever approaching the window, we were threateningly warned by the guard below, to stand back, etc.; but the curi osity of some of our poor fellows, hungering and thirsting for a glimpse of the outer world, sometimes overcame their apprehen sion of danger, and they suffered according. The first victim of these Sepoy atrocities was private M. C. Beck, of the 79th Eegiment. He was instantly killed by a 80 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. musket ball, fired by one of the guard, while he (Beck) was in the act of hanging up his blanket, on the inside of the window, to dry. Shortly after this occurrence, private E. Gleason, of the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, was likewise shot while looking from the window. His murderer (the guard) is said to have remarked, as he leveled his musket, " See me take that d — d Zouave in the eye !" The ball entered his forehead, and he fell instantly dead. Four men of our number were, seriously wounded in this man ner, and one, private C. W. Tibbetts, instantly killed, under circumstances which were peculiarly flagrant and indefensible. The prisoners were occasionally permitted to visit, in couples, an out-house in the prison yard, and as Tibbetts and a companion were going thither, with the consent of the guard, a sentinel on the opposite side deliberately raised his piece and fired at them. The ball passed through the breast of Tibbetts, killing him in stantly, and wounding his companion in the arm. These atrocities passed unnoticed by the Eichmond press, save in a single instance, the case of private Gleason, which elicited from the Dispatch the following mysterious falsification : "Sudden Death. — A Yankee prisoner named Gleason, a member of the Eleventh New York Regiment, died very suddenly yesterday at the Confederate States Prison No. 1 ; cause, concussion of the brain, brought on by violent expectoration." The indignation of the prisoners at these skulking and cowardly assassinations, could find no adequate expression ; yet as the bleeding forms of their murdered comrades were one after another borne from their presence to the "negro burying ground," they felt that a day of Eetribution, however long deferred, would be found in the book of the future. The successor of Todd was a Switzer named Wurtz, a vulgar, swaggering fellow, " Pull of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard," and immensely inflated with the dignity of his position. The odor of his presence led to the suspicion that he had but a limited appreciation of the water privileges outside, or else improved them in homeopathic doses. His jargon was excessively amusing, and whenever the prisoners affected to misunderstand, he was thrown into a spasmodic rage. I have spoken of the inferior quality and quantity of our food, but under the administration of Wurtz, we sometimes got nothing but bread and water. The escapes from the prison were numer ous. Not less than one hundred in all, succeeded in getting away, but I believe all but eight were recaptured. Whenever an escape was discovered, Wurtz entered the prison in a towering passion, and with a series of frantic gestures commanded the SERGEANT WURTZ, 31 prisoners to fall in for roll-call. The fugitive, of course, did not respond. The keeper then demanded to know the circumstances attending his escape, but the prisoners refused to answer any of his queries. " Tell me," he said, " or you shall never be so sorry in your life. I shall keep you tree tays on pred and wasser." " Oh, ho !" shouted a dozen voices, " Three cheers for Wurtz. He will keep us three days on bread and butter !" "No, no, you tarn villians. I say pred and wasser — wasser, not busser !" And Wurtz was as good as his word. CHAPTEE VI. At one extremity of the room on the second floor, was a small enclosure which had formerly been used as an office, and in which the proprietors of the manufactory had stored a quantity of to bacco, and a barrel of sweetened rum used for flavoring the same. The door of this mystic chamber had been nailed up, but sundry reconnoisances thereabout had established the fact above noted. A saw was accordingly manufactured from an old case-knife, and with this rough implement an entrance was effected and the con tents of the room " confiscated" for the benefit of loyal citizens. I am confident that some of the prisoners appropriated a sufficient quantity of "Old Virginia Twist" to meet their necessities for many months; and as to the " sweetened rum," it is not to be wondered at that after such long abstinence, there should have been an excess of "rapture" at this unexpected — discovery. Sergeant Wurts was not long in ascertaining that the " tam Yankees," as he invariably termed them, were in unusual "spirits," and upon detecting their burglary and depredations, he fell into a paroxysm of rage, and demanded the names of the ring leaders. His investigation was unsuccessful, . and, as usual, he determined to punish all. In this instance the sentence was quite severe, " Three days on bread and water, and then to be sent to New Orleans." This threat was fulfilled to the letter. After the bread and water diet, 250 of our number, (there were about 300 in all in the first and second stories.) were shipped to the Crescent City. Their places were soon refilled from the general hospital, and by prisoners more recently taken in Western Virginia. Sergeant Wurtz seemed not unconscious that these acts of petty tyranny might one day " return to plague the inventor," and upon one occasion he went below, to the officers' quarters, and unbo somed himself in the following fashion : " Vat you tink dem Yankees do, if dey get me prisoner, up Nort— eh ? " 32 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. He was assured they would not hurt him, on any account. "Oh!" said he, (I omit his profanity,) "I know besser. Dey will kill me sure ! But I shall take care dey vill no catch me— but if dey do (shrugging his shoulders) I am certain dey will kill me so quick— so quick, I tell you— dat I shall know notting about it —ugh!" And that was the only opinion ever expressed by the valorous Sergeant, in which the prisoners seemed heartily to concur. The two hundred and fifty who were to be sent to New Orleans ; were composed of those who had not been wounded, together with such as had recovered from their injuries. Among these were private Conway, of Eochester, and Orderly Sergeant Joslyn, of Brockport, both of the 13th Eegiment. Large crowds had assem bled about the prison in anticipation of their departure, and as the prisoners were drawn up in line to be marched to the depot, every spectator must have been impressed by the fact that, not withstanding their destitute condition — most of them being coat- less, and many of them hatless and shoeless — they were a far su perior class of men, both in point of physical vigor and intelli gence, to the poor wretches who formed their escort. This fact was conceded even by Confederate officers, who seemed to regard their private soldiers generally, with a feeling of loathing and con tempt. Why ? Because, in a word, they were (as a class) the ignorant and degraded creatures known as the " poor whites of the South" — a people so contaminated by the moral filth of sla very as to have become the supple tools and implements of an un scrupulous oligarchy. It was a gloomy day to all of us — yet less so than it would have been but for this refreshing contrast. The parting salute of our unfortunate comrades before evacuating the prison, was "three cheers for the Stars and Stripes," and the very walls and rafters of the old warehouse seemed to throb and quaver with the rever berations. A moment afterward they were marching below, and as they passed the prison windows, with the firm and elastic tread of veteran soldiers, every form was proudly erect, and many a beaming glance was cast backward to the prison windows, as happy voices shouted a last "Good-bye, Yankees! We're bound for- Dixie!" They seemed every one determined that the enemy should. have no occasion for exultation, and the citizens of Eich mond must have looked with unaffected astonishment upon these manifestations of a loyal spirit, which no act of " Confederate" tyranny could either check or conquer. , I may mention that among the prisoners sent to New Orleans was Sergeant Steward, of the 14th Brooklyn. He was a North erner by. birth, (a citizen of Hopedale, Mass.,) but had lived in Eichmond, where he was employed as an agent for the SlOat.Sew- AN TNHAFPY SEO.UEL. 33 ing Machine Company, and during his residence there he had formed a matrimonial engagement with a young lady of genteel and respectable parentage. Upon the commencement of hostili ties, however, he returned to the North, and enlisted under the old flag. He was captured at Bull Eun and imprisoned, as above noticed. By some means his betrothed learned of his misfortune, and being unable to obtain admittance to the prison, she daily ap peared on the opposite side of the street, walking to and fro, and communicating with her lover by signs, as he stood near the window. On the day when the prisoners were sent away she was early at her post, and carried in her hands a small parcel which she ev idently designed to present to him ; buff she was not permitted to approach or speak with him, and she joined the throng which fol lowed the prisoners, weeping bitterly. Subsequently, we fre quently saw her promenading in her accustomed place, opposite the prison, gazing wistfully at the window at which her lover was wont to appear, as though a melancholy consolation were to be derived from a picture ever present to her imagination. The prisoners were all affected by these mournful evidences of her womanly devotion, and the subject was seldom referred to except with expressions of the deepest sympathy for the unfortunate couple. " Had they never loved sae kindly, Had they never loved sae blindly, Never met nor never parted, They had ne'er been broken-hearted." The name of the young lady is Sarah Swards. I should have withheld its publication, but for the fact that a brother of Ser geant Steward has written to me since my return, certifying to the truth of my originaLnarrative of this occurrence, and giving the lady's name. This letter was inadvertently published, and hence there is no longer any occasion for the suppression of any of these facts. Chaplain Mines, of the 2d Maine1 Eegiment, was among the prisoners taken at Bull Eun, and was an inmate of the officers' quarters. He was permitted to visit the second floor for a short time every Sabbath, for the purpose of conducting public worship, and upon one occasion, in concluding the services, he gave out the National Hymn "America" — " My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of Liberty, Of thee I sing." It was sung by all of the prisoners, and with great feeling. Hard ly had the services concluded, when the patriotic Chaplain Was 34 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM, informed by the Confederate officers that they were not to be in sulted by such demonstrations, and as a penalty for his misbehavior, he would not thereafter be aUowed to pass from the officers' quar ters to the second floor. We were thus deprived for a long time' of the Chaplain's kindly ministrations ; but this proceeding, so far from suppressing the obnoxious demonstrations, rather tended to aggravate the same, for on the succeeding Sundays, afternoon, the boys sang not only "America," but the "Star Spangled Banner," and then con cluded the "services" with three ringing cheers for the Stars and Stripes. On one occasion Lieut. Emac, a West Point graduate, (one of the officers in charge of the post,) entered the room with his drawn sword, and demanded the nam'e of the prisoner who " started the singing;" whereupon a young man instantly stepped out and modestly remarked that he believed he was the man. Emac was not a little disconcerted at this proceeding, and retorted by seve ral insulting expressions, calling him a Yankee coward, etc. To this the prisoner coolly responded that if Emacwould lay down his weapons and "step out," he (the speaker,) would show him which was the best man of the two ! The Lieutenant answered by saying that "if it was not for the name of the thing — of striking an unarmed man, and a prisoner — he would cut him down." This chivalric fellow was familiarly known as " Bowie Knife," an appellation derived from the fact that on a former occasion, he gravely asserted that he was in the battle of Bull Eun, and there killed one Brigadier General, two commissioned officers and three privates — all with a bowie knife. He flattered himself that he was a terror to the Yankees, but the above anecdote aptly illus trates the estimation in which he was held by "unarmed prison- CHAPTER VTI. The circumstances attending the capture of Chaplain Mines, an Episcopal minister (previously referred to), were somewhat pe culiar. Upon entering the field he took his place in the ranks as a private soldier, and fought till the wounded and dying required his clerical attentions. He was taken prisoner while thus engaged, near Falls Church. His valise, containing his surplice, service books, family daguerreotypes and private wardrobe, was taken from him, and shortly after his removal to. Eichmond a "brother" clergyman paid him a visit of condolence in the prison, and had the effrontery to confess that the articles which Mr. Miaea had t A FEBIL0US ADVENTURE. 35 lost, had been presented to him (the visitor), as his share of the trophies of the day. Mr. Mines solicited, and ,of course ex pected, a restitution of this ecclesiastical plunder, but his rever end brother bluntly declined to disgorge, remarking, that as a prisoner Mr. M. should be treated with all due circumspection; and adding that if he (the Southern Chaplain) should meet with a similar misfortune, he hoped he would receive an equal degree of consideration at the hands of the Federals. Mr. Mines replied that the Federal Government did not make war on Confederate Chaplains, and if by/ chance he (the visitor) should be taken prisoner, he would be released with a fitting apo logy for the act. He farther stated that/if he was himself re leased before the termination of the war, he had determined to rejoin his regiment as a commissioned officer, and thenceforth make fighting the rule instead of the exception. I am happy to state that he has been released, and is now, I trust, in a position which he is so well qualified to fill. There was so little to relieve the monotony of prison life in the quarters of the private soldiers, that it was often a satisfaction to learn that our guard had devised some new annoyance as a pen alty for wrong-doing. Escapes, as I have before stated, were not unfrequent, and were generally effected in broad day. The Confederate soldiers so often passed through the prison, that, with a change of guard, it was not difficult for a prisoner to counterfeit the dress and manner of a native, and pass the guard with impu nity. It needed only a suit of gray and a slouched hat, and sun dry exchanges among the prisoners completed the rig. Upon one occasion, while looking from the window to Hospital No. 2, which stood opposite our prison, I heard my name shouted, and glancing in the direction of the sound, I discovered my old comrade, Billy Hanlon. He was lying upon a cot near a win dow, and was shaking at me, laughingly, the stump of his ampu tated leg. I was so. thrilled by the unexpected discovery, that without reflecting upon the probable consequences of the act, I brushed by the Confederate guard, passed through the prison yard, entered the hospital, and soon found my way to the cot of my crippled comrade. After a short interview I returned in safety, and then learned that had not the guard supposed I was a Confederate soldier I would have been instantly shot down while passing from prison to hospital. Eight of the prisoners escaped at one time, hilt they were all captured and brought back after a short interval. It was customary to handcuff the returned fugitives, but this method of restricting their liberty was without the desired effect ; for as soon as the janitor's back was turned, the shacldes were unlocked by a key which Bonje ingenious Yankee had manufactured from his beef-bone ! 36 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM.* Nothing in the world of art or mechanism is considered beyond the " craft" of a Yankee who is in possession of a jack-knife and a bunch of shingles, but I doubt whether, in case we had obtained shingles instead of bones, as the chief part of our rations, they could have been used to a more ingenious, purpose. After the bones were well picked, their value was greatly enhanced, and they not unfrequently became "bones of contention" among the prisoners when the " stock" ran low. There were few indeed who did not soon acquire the art of manufacturing, with knife and file, articles of ornament or utility, such as finger-rings, crosses, shields, dice, tooth-picks, dominoes, shirt-studs, sleeve'- buttons, eagles, forks, spoons, and darning needles ! Hence, al though very few of the prisoners were habitually profane, it was not unusual to find one darning his stockings, while another was d— > — ing his corns. The trinkets were in great demand by the Confederate officers, and afforded a considerable revenue to the more industrious. Many a poor fellow has earned a palatable ra tion by the disposal of some choice sample of his cunning handi craft ; and as we were denied the solace of books, these innocent employments sufficed in a great measure to lessen the tedium of a protracted imprisonment. The diversions of the prisoners sometimes took the form of theatrical representations. I was informed that among the in mates of Prison No. 2, (which! like Hospital No. 2, was adjacent to our own,) there were several professional actors, who, with the assistance of innumerable "supes," managed to render their per formances highly successful. The audience were of course upon a dead level,, but the programme invariably required that "front seats" should be reserved for cripples. The drama of Rob Roy was on one occasion presented to an "overflowing house." The Confederate officers who had consented to patronize the drama^ were admitted at the rate of fifty cents per head. Few deadheads could pass the doorkeeper. The first part of the exhibition, Rob Eoy, was highly applauded; but the after-piece, in which the author had embodied a scene at Bull Run, had a very depress ing effect. The scene referred to illustrated the capture of a "Live Yankee" by ten Confederate soldiers, armed to the teeth with sharp sticks, and bristling with pasteboard bowies. Unfor tunately for the success of the representation, the author had ma liciously introduced some passages reflecting upon the - gallantry of the Confederates. The result may be imagined. Our Con federate "patrons" Stood not upon the order of their going, ut went at once, and ever after refused to lend, their encouragement to the revival of even the "legitimate drama." / CHAPTER VIII. Shortly after my removal from the hospital to the prison, I was permitted through the agency of Messrs. Ely and Huson, to visit the officers' quarters during the day, but at night was re quired to return to the second floor. This peculiar privilege was allowed me till, at the request of the commissioned officers gener ally, my name was transferred to their own list, and I thenceforth became a permanent occupant of the lower room. There were between sixty and seventy in this department of the prison, ranking from Colonel to Lieutenant — the only civilians being Messrs. Ely and Huson of Rochester, Mr. Flagler of Vir- gina, and Mr. Taylor of Ohio. The public generally are familiar with the circumstances attending the capture of Messrs. Ely and Huson of Rochester. Mr. Flagler resided in the neighborhood of Bull Run (i. e., the battlefield), and he was arrested for har boring Mr. Huson. He was a kindhearted,- christian gentleman; but respecting his political opinions this deponent sayeth not, for obvious reasons. Mr. Taylor was a citizen of Ohio, but was a property-holder in Virginia, and went thither in July to look after his estates. With a view to combine pleasure with business, he unfortunately ran out to take an observation while the battle of Bull Run was progressing, and was seized by the Confederates as an "alien enemy." He is a staunch Unionist, and during his captivity made no effort to repress his loyal sentiments. Among the more distinguished officers confined in the prison when I arrived, were Colonels Corcoran and De Villiers and Ma jor Porter. Subsequently Colonels Lee and Cogswell, Major Re vere,, and sonvs twenty Captains and Lieutenants were added to our number from Leesburg. During the first two or three months of their imprisonment, the officers enjoyed few conveniences superior to those of the pri vates ; but after receiving remittances from the North, a consid erable improvement was effected in this regard. Tables wef e erected, cots and blankets procured, and knives and forks were added to the facilities for eating. They clubbed together in messes, and lived chiefly at their own expense. Privates were employed for the culinary work, and everything, with the excep tion of the meat (which was prepared in the yard), was cooked over the gas-burners. The prison was furnished with one cylin der coal-stove, which answered only for heating purposes. 38* FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. Messrs. Ely, Corcoran and three other officers, messed together, and Mr. Huson with the "Highland mess," which was composed of officers of the 79th. My own grateful acknowledgements for a similar favor are due(to Lieuts. Parke, Booth, Hart, Kittridge, and Hancock. The meals were regularly serVed, three times per day, and in general the food was palatable, and though including few luxuries, was quite expensive. The standard bill «f fare consisted of beef-steak and bread, (which was furnished by the Confederacy,) coffee, adulterated with corn, at $1,25 per pound; sweet potatoes, $1,50 per bushel. Our sugar cost 50c. per pound. Some of the messes obtained butter, which (if I remember cor rectly) cost seventy-five or eighty cents per pound ; hams 25 and 30 cents. Eggs were scarce at 5 cents apiece; nutmegs, for an occasional pudding, ten cents each ; whisky, on physician's "pre scription," fifty cents a pint; common molasses, twenty- five cents per quart. There was a great scarcity- of provisions in Richmond, aud " Lincoln's blockade" was denounced by the rebels in unmeas ured terms. Salt sold from $18 to $26 per sack; boots, from $20 to $26 per pair; shoes, $7 to $15 ditto; clothing was fabu lously high, and very little to be obtained at any price. Confed erate uniform coats sold at $50 each;/ and complete suits were regarded cheap at $100. In the way of trimmings, yellow braid was substituted for gold lace, as there was none of the latter in market. Ordinary note paper cost two cents per sheet, and buff envelopes ditto. In short, ruinous prices were demanded for everything but cotton, and that was disgustingly plenty ! The origin of the Richmond Prison Association was a meeting of the officers to devise plans for their mutual comfort. It re sulted in the election of a President and Secretary and the or ganization of a society under the above title, whose regular meet ings were held weekly. Hon. Alfred Ely was the presiding offi cer, and Mr. Edwin Taylor the Secretary. The first order of business was the election of candidates, who were formally intro duced in a speeeh from the "page," (Lieut. Hart,) and were afterwards requested to respond, which they usually did by re counting the manner of their capture, etc. The "test qtfeltion" was then put — "What did you come dowri here for?" and then the fun commenced in earnest, j , The following song, composed by the "page," (Lieut. Hart,) was sung in the prison every evening, to the tune of "Poor Pil grim;" Come, fellow prisoners, let's join in song; Our stay in this prison, it won't be long. Chorus— Roll on, roll on, sweet moments roll on, And let the poor prisoner go home, go home. A FEISON DOGGEBEL. 39 Our friends at home have made a demand, To have returned this patriot band. (Chorus and repeat-) The public press they are bound to obey, Por from the people they receive their pay. (Chorus and repeat.) Congressman Ely is first on the list; He'll soon be there, our friends to assist. (Chorus and repeat.) And give to his mind its widest range, To "spread himself" on the theme of exchange. (Chorus and repeat.) This is the way I long have sought, And mourned because I found it not. (Chorus and repeat.) If you get there before I do, Look out for me, for I'm coming too. (Chorus and repeat.) Por now that the thing has got a start, They have concluded to send old Hart. Roll on, roll on, sweet moments roll on, And let the poor prisoner go home, go home. The enchanting effect with which this mellifluous and affecting production was rendered by the united voices of the Association, usually attracted a large crowd of citizens to the prison windows ; and it was the general conviction of the inmates that the nation had lost a brilliant poet in winning a gallant soldier. The sessions of the society were highly entertaining and its records are worthy of preservation. Mr. Ely, I understand, has in his possession a report of the proceedings taken by himself, including sketches of the speeches, &c, which he proposes soon to publish, in connection with his own experiences of prison life. I need not dwell upon the incidents of our prison life, many of which, however, I think would bear repetition. I shall relate but a single one in this connection, as an illustration of the prov erb that truth is stranger than fiction. I have before stated that some of the private soldiers, from the upper rooms, were employed in the officers' quarters, a service which they gladly accepted as affording superior rations. Among these was Corporal M n of New York, a young man of weal thy parentage, of attractive manners, good intellectual endow ments, and withal "handsome as Apollo." At the request of some of the officers he was occasionally per mitted to visit the lower floor, and upon one occasion was allowed 40 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. to leave the prison on parole, for the purpose of purchasing sup* plies. While thus passing through one of the main thorough fares, M n was accosted by a little girl, who presented him with a boquet, at the same time pointing to a young lady on the opposite side of the street, as the donor. The Corporal acknowl edged the gift by a polite bow, and proceeded upon his mission. The lady, apparently fascinated, followed him at a distance, to the prison, and as he entered it, reciprocated his salute, and leisurely walked away. For some inexplicable cause tho Corporal was not again per mitted to go out, and a negro, — I should have mentioned that quite a number (officers' servants) were in the prison — was des patched in his stead. The negro had not proceeded far, when he was met by the young lady referred to, and the sequel to their in terview was developed in a package with which he returned to the officers' quarters, and delivered to Corporal M n. It was found on examination to contain a new suit of clothes, and upon one garment was pinned a small card, neatly inscribed with 1116 name of his benefactress — "Only this, and nothing more." Corporal M n instantly addressed himself to the task of epistolary composition, in which he gracefully acknowledged the receipt of the gift, and expressed his heartfelt thanks. This was delivered by the negro on the day following, and he returned with a package containing a number v of pocket-handkerchiefs, socks and shirts ! As in the first instance, the only communication which- accom panied the gift was the donor's card. The Corporal again ac knowledged his obligations by a polite note, which was duly de livered through the same medium. Thenceforth the Corporal was in daily receipt of the choicest dainties, and a regular epistolatory correspondence was carried on until the day of his release, which occurred on the 3d of Jan uary. A matrimonial- engagement had been made during the in terval, with the understanding that the parties would meet in Bal timore on the 1st of March next. I have omitted to state that the Corporal had been s,ent back to his old quarters, but having ascertained that his fair inamorata daily promenaded within view of the officers' quarters, he ob tained employment below as cook, and was thereafter unfailingly at his post to reciprocate the loving smiles of his betrothed. She had sent him her daguerreotype, which he frequently exhib ited to me. It was a lovely image, and one that would have re quired no "collateral" inducement to carry captive the most frigid or lethargic fancy. I learned that she was of a wealthy A FASTING SCENE. 41 family, and of as "good blood" as was to be found among the F. F. V.'s, and her letters, I was assured, evinced that she was no less intelligent than refined. When the glad tidings of our release came, the name of Corpo ral M— — n was found in the list. This intelligence was quickly conveyed to his yearning admirer, and he expected' once more to see or communicate with her before leaving Richmond. We saw nothing of her, however, as we marched through the streets of Richmond, though the Corporal's longing vision was strained at every animate object. But when a halt was ordered, a fine carriage, driven by a negro, suddenly made its appearance, and stopped at a short distance from our ranks. A lady descended — there was a brief, but ear nest colloquy among the Confederate officers of our guard — and the next moment the enraptured twain (Corporal M n and his romantic affianced) stood face to face ! A few words, the first they had ever exchanged in person, were hurriedly spoken, in sub dued, yet melting tones ; the engagement was sacredly renewed — their faces Were for a moment lighted, as with a flame — there was a fervent, thrilling pressure of their hands, and they separated ! A circumstance is connected with the daguerreotype, above referred to, which deserves a passing notice. Before it left the prison, the picture was taken from the case, and a small slip of paper, closely written, and addressed to Gen. McClellan, was de posited therein, and the daguerreotype then replaced. On reach ing Washington the paper was safely delivere&to the commander- in-chief, a meeting of the Cabinet was called, and the day follow ing there was a leak stopped — a mysterious leak, from high official circles, and which had inestimably benefited the rebels for many months. "CHAPTER IX. The question of "exchange" was naturally uppermost in the mind of every prisoner, and was at intervals an untiring theme of discussion. One had but to lisp the word, and a crowd of his associates was instantly gathered about him, canvassing the subject with as muct interest and energy as though it were newly broached, and extracting fresh encouragement from- every sage or emphatic observation predicting a speedy release. It was our first impression that we would be detained but for a few days ; that the Federal Government only needed to be ap prised of our situation, and our numbers, to proffer the requisite exchanges from the prisoners in its own custody. This opinion at length yielded to the belief that another advance was contem plated, and that our own destiny depended, in a great measure, 42 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. upon the result of a second battle. A new apprehension here- presented itself, for it was openly threatened by the rebels that, in the event of their defeat at Manassas, the Union prisoners would be assassinated by the Confederate soldiers in Richmond . I confess that I had less fear of the Eichmondites than of a reckless, infuriated and retreating army. It will be borne in mind .that certain of the Eichmond press were particularly hostile to the prisoners. When it was rumored that Colonel Brown of Fort Pickens meditated an attack upon the, navy-yard at Pensacola, several of the more influential of the Southern journals earnestly advocated the policy of filling the navy-yard with Unjon prisoners; arguing that Brown would then be compelled either to sacrifice his own friends or to altogether withhold an attack. But harrassed by such reports, we still remained in Richmond, and as the weary days and weeks were added to our confinement, without affording the slightest prospect of a release, the most hopeful became disheartened. The official indifference mani fested at Washington toward us seemed unaccountable. We could not understand why the Government was unwilling even to meliorate the condition of men who had fought honorably in its defence, and had thus not only become prisoners, but were known to be actually suffering from the want of food and clothing. Yet notwithstanding these discouragements, I believe that at no period would any member of the Richmond Prison Assbciation have consented to receive his disehargerat the sacrifice of a single prin ciple involving the national honor. And these reflections lead me to the narration of the most painful chapter of my prison experi ence — viz : , the illness and death of Calvin Huson, Jr. Mr. Huson was at the time of his capture in feeble health. The fatigues of the day had so nearly exhausted his physical powers that he was obliged to seek temporary rest and shelter at the farm house of Mr. Flagler, near Centerville. Had he been aware, as he afterward informed me, that it was a place of danger; he would have pushed forward at any cost, and could have easily effected his escape. He was taken prisoner on the morning of Tuesday, the 23d of July, the second day following the battle, and was instantly conveyed to Manassas, and after a few. days de: tention, to Richmond, where he was' placed in Prison No. 1. When I first saw him, seven weeks after his capture, he had very perceptibly changed. He had lost that healthful glow of counte nance and the "judicial plumpness" of figure, which I had form erly observed, and his habitual expression was one of settled melancholy. It was plain to perceive that he was suffering from Berious ill health, and though endeavoring to appear easy, pleasant me. hwson's illness. 43 and unconcerned, in his social intercourse, this was evidently accomplished with much effort. During my first conversation with him, he adverted with a feeling of deep anxiety to the probable distress of his family at his unexpected misfortune, and to the unsettled state of his private business affairs. He looked forward to his examination, how ever, with the utmost confidence, feeling satisfied that he would not be unduly detained by the rebel government a moment after he had been afforded a hearing. But in this he was sadly mis taken, and it was, perhaps, owing to the unchangeable conviction of his mind that he was soon to receive his discharge, that he was so overwhelmed by the announcement to the contrary. His examination took place before C. S. Commissioner at Eich mond on the 18th of September, as I find by reference to my Diary. He was then quite ill, though not confined to his bed. The decision of the Commissioner, which was for several days withheld, was announced to Mr. Huson by Gen. Winder, and was .briefly to the effect that he would be held as a prisoner of war. Though this was a severe blow to Mr. Huson, he bore it with unaffected dignity and resignation. About the 28th of September his health began rapidly to de cline, and from that time forward he was constantly confined to his bed. His disease was pronounced to be typhoid fever. Dr. E. G. Higginbotham was his physician, and was unremitting in professional attentions, but evidently— and as Mr. Huson himself assured me — "the Doctor did not understand his case." All in the officers' quarters deeply sympathised with him, and would have made any sacrifice in their power for his restoration. Mr. Ely was likewise kindly attentive, and subsequently ob tained his removal to the residence of Mrs. John Van Lew. Had this transfer been effected at an earlier date, the unfortunate man would have been spared much needless suffering. The incessant noise and confusion upon the second floor was a source of con stant disquiet to the patient, and rendered it impossible for him to sleep; yet»Mr. Ely's request for his removal was disregarded until within five days of his death. Prior to this I was frequently at the bedside of the sufferer, and watched with him three consecutive nights. He conversed a great deal, and to that end expressed a wish that he might constantly have a companion, saying that he wanted " to talk to some one, or to have some one talk to him." His mind usually reverted to his home; and often dwelt upon topics of public interest in Eoch ester. In reviewing his own official career as District Attorney, he adverted freely to the more important trials — the Ira Stout case, etc. Alluding to another important trial, and one which created a remarkable sensation at the time, he spoke of it as the most 44 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. earnestly contested case in which he ever participated, and con fessed to the deep mortification he. had experienced at his defeat. He said that'his convictions of the guilt of the party had under gone .no change. Another significant remark may with propriety be quoted here. Respecting the hardships of close confinement to one who had for merly enjoyed the taost perfect freedom and active habits of life, he felt that in his position as District Attorney he had not appre ciated the feelings of the criminals whom he had convicted, when arraigned to receive their sentences ; and he felt that were he ever again to occupy the position of prosecuting attorney — though, if convinced of the guilt of the accused, it would be his duty to labor for his conviction — he would nevertheless recommend him to the mercy of the court. It was his consolation to kriow that he had never striven to convict a prisoner whom he believed 'to be inno cent of the charge. On the other hand, he assured me, that in cases of this character, where he had become fully convinced of the guiltlessness of the accused, he had adjourned the case, con sulted with the defendant's attorney, and given him the advanta ges of his own discoveries: Mr. Huson early confessed to an apprehension that he would not recover. He said there was something in the atmosphere of Rebeldom that poisoned his whole being. At a later period, and when quite low, he expressed the opinion that if he could but once mdre reach his home, or even once more stand under the flag of the United States, he would become a well man. Mr. Huson conversed much upon the subject of religion, and I believe that he died in the Christian faith. I frequently approached his couch, under the supposition that he was asleep, and found him to be engaged in earnest and heartfelt prayer. During the latter part of his illness his mind frequently wandered, and he expressed to me a fear that should he recover his health, his mental faculties would remain impaired. In his lucid intervals he was always tranquil, for he had fortified himself against the worst event, and seemed only to grieve for his family. And thus by degrees — "He faded, and so calm, so meek, So softly worn, so sweetly weak, So tearless, yet so tender, kind, And grieved for those he left behind. ******* , "A little talk of better days, A little, our own hopes to raise ; Yet not a word of murmur, not A groan o'er his untimely lot." I cannot forbear mentioning here, to the everlasting disgrace and infamy of Capt. Gibbs, the (Confederate) officer of the post, DEATH AND BTJBIAL OV ME. HTTSON. 45 that on the day of Mr. Huson's removal to the house of Mrs. Van Lew, he was required to sign a parol of honor not to attempt an escape. Though suffering from extreme exhaustion, unable to sit up in bed, and regarded by all his fellow prisoners as a dying man, he was yet compelled by the rebel officer to execute this parol. In order to do this, two of his fellow prisoners assisted to raise him up, and the paper was duly subscribed. It was happily the last "duty" which Mr. Huson was required to perform. The sufferer was very kindly cared for in the family of Mrs. Van Lew, and Dr. Higginbotham was, as usual, faithful and un tiring in his professional attentions. But deprived of the society of his familiar friends, and practically cut off from the sympathies which had buoyed him up during his prison confinement, the sufferer rapidly declined ; and on the morning of the 14th of Oc tober, Mr. Ely received a brief note from Mrs. Van Lew, announ cing that his friend was at the point of death. Mr. Ely repaired as speedily as possible to the house, but 'before his arrival Mr. Huson had expired. Thetfuneral was attended from the house of Mrs. Van Lew, by the Rev. Dr. Mines, officiating clergyman, and Mr. Ely. The re mains had, by order of Mr. Ely, been placed in a metallic burial case, and were interred in the Protestant Cemetery, near the Gen eral Hospital. The only letter addressed to Mr. Huson, which ever reached Richmond, was delivered to Mr. Ely on the day following Mr. Huson's decease. Soon after his death, a special meeting of the Prison Associa tion was held, and suitable notice taken of the event. Addresses were made by Messrs. Ely, Flagler of Va, Mines of Maine, Church of Ehode Island, Taylor of Ohio, and others. The Masonic Fra ternity, of which Mr. Huson was a member, was represented in the persons of several prisoners. I present the resolutions which they adopted : P. A. M. Whereas, The members of the fraternity of Pree and Accepted Ma sons, who are prisoners of war in the city of Richmond, Virginia, have heard with deep regret of the death of Calvin Huson, Jr., Esq., a Royal Areh Mason of distinguished standing in the city of Rochester, N. Y., and late our fellow prisoner : Therefore, Resolved, That we convey to the wife and family of the deceased, our sincere sympathy in their bereavement ; feeling that, as they have lost the devoted husband and father, so we mourn one who was an able man, a warm-hearted brother, and an ornament to our Order. Resolved, That it is our duty to send our testimony to the brethren who were connected with the Lodge and Chapter of our deceased bro ther, 'as to our appreciation of his noble qualities of head and heart. Resolved, That -the Rev. Bro. Mines be requested to transmit these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and to our brethren at home 46 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. with the request that they be published, as a testimony on our part of the high esteem in which brother Huson was held. Comp. JOHN P. MINES, \ ra«,V™/,« Grand Chaplain of G. L. of Maine, / (jnalrman- Comp. M. A. Paeke, Excelsior Chapter No. 12, Michigan, Sec'y. . Richmond, Va., Oct. 19th, 1861. The Brethren P. A. M. convened on the 19th of October, were the following, viz : Comp. Rev. John P. Mines, Chaplain 2d' Maine. " Lieut. M. A. Parke, 1st Michigan., " Capt. William Manson, 79th N. Y. S. M. " Lieut. Thomas B. Glover-, 4th Maine, Broth. Lieut. Robert Campbell, 79th N. Y. S. M. " Samuel Irwin, 2d N. Y. S. M. " Assistant Sergeant William B. Pletcher, 6th Indiana. Richmond, Nov. 5th, 1861. I The loss of Mr. Huson was unfeignedly mourned by all of the prisoners, for as a community in misfortune they had fitly appre ciated the companionship of one whose high personal worth com mended him to the sincere affection of every member. " Eternal spirit of the chainless mind, . Brightest in prison, Liberty, thou art ! ' Por there thy habitation _is the heart — The heart, which love of thee alone can bind ; And when thy sons to prisons are consigned, ********* Their country conquers with their martyrdom, And Freedom's fame finds wings on every wind ! " CHAPTEE X. No menagerie was ever regarded with more general interest and curiosity in a country village, than were the Union prisoners in the tobaoco warehouses of Eichmond. They were the standard attraction of people of both sexes, all ages, and every variety of shade. On Sundays, more especially, the citizens turned out in squads, and from morning till night, the street was blockaded with eager spectators. The windows of our prison were low, and though grated, a fair glimpse could be obtained of the inmates without tip-toe exertion. The prevailing expression of the crowd was one of intense satisfaction, but there was an occasional glance of sympathy from some of their number that secretly spoke volumes in our behalf. Some of the Union officers wonld insist upon "stirring up the animals," that we might "make sport for the Philistines." Mr. Ely was designated as the" elephant," but as he had lost his trunk at Bull Bun, he had no disposition to appear on exhibition before the deriding savages, notwithstanding frequent bids among the chiv- HON. ALFKED ELY. 47 t alric gentry: "Where's the Little Man with the Rig Head? I reckon I'd like to see him, and I'll give you ten dollars if you'll show him up!" The prison exchequer was low, but Mr. Ely entertained too mild an appreciation of Confederate currency to yield to the temptations which beset him. One of the Union officers who had a taste for penciling, favored us with an illustration of the scene attending Mr. Ely's capture, as described by himself. The unfortunate M. C. appeared in the foreground, surrounded by numerous "masked batteries," which were belching all manner of leaden and fiery missiles, and to his evident discomfiture and alarm. In the background of the picture appeared the form of a "solitary horseman," bristling with wrath and bowies, and holding in one hand a monstrous revolver. He was in the act of demanding from the Congressman a surrender of his freedom or his life, and as discretion is the better part of valor, Mr. Ely diligently complied. Mr. Ely received many visitors of distinction, including the redoubted Wigfall, Porcher Miles, Marshall and Breckinridge of Kentucky, Bishop Doane of South Carolina, and the celebrated Paul Morphy of New Orleans. The visit of the chess champion of the world might have been susceptible of an ironical interpre tation, in view of our splendid opportunities at the prison window cross-bars. Mr. Breckinridge, I believe, expressed much sym pathy for Mr. Ely, and engaged to use his best influence for his release. About the time Mason and Slidell were captured, Mr. Ely be came quite uneasy. It was understood a member of the Federal Congress proposed to confine these distinguished conspirators in dungeons, as hostages for^Golonel Corcoran and others, and Mr. Ely naturally feared that in case this was done he would himself be compelled to accept of a similar compliment to his personal distinction. He accordingly dispatched "Confederate Commissary Warner to " President" Davis, with a request to ascertain what he (Mr. Davis) thought his (Mr. Ely's) "chances" were. The Commissary fulfilled his mission, and returned with his tidings. He was met by Mr. Ely with a spring of joyful anticipation. "Well," said the messenger, "I called upon the President as you requested and asked him what he thought your chances were." "Yes— yes!" exclaimed the M. C, impatiently, "and what, did Mr. Davis reply?" "Why — why — his reply was, 'Well, Mr. Commissary, do you mean in this world or the next?' " Mr. Ely winced slightly under a retort so uncourteous and so unexpected, but soon recovered his equanimity under the reflec tion, probably, that he might one day reciprocate the bogus Pres ident's politeness, either "in this world or the next" — provided, 48 t EIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. of course, that Jeff, should in due season arrive at the stool of repentance. *A pleasant episode one day occurred pending an interesting discussion among the prisoners on the subject of exchange. Mr. Ely was citing some unquestioned authority in relation to "what constitutes a belligerent ?" when he suddenly espied among his outside listeners the dilapidated visage of a depreciated darkey, peering in at the windows. The .speaker instantly dismissed the case in hand, and proceeded to "knock down" the chattel to the highest bidder. The purchaser, I believe, was Lieutenant Hart, at the round sum of $1,400. I seriously doubt whether the negro would have brought fourteen cents upon any block outside of the prison jurisdiction, a fitting commentary upon the financial ability and tact of a Northern member of Congress, who had been exposed < but a few weeks to the slavery and secession virus. There were many Southerners who cherished a vindictive hatred of the Federal Congressman and would, had they possessed the power, have sacrificed his life as unhesitatingly as they secured his person. In illustration of this fact I may state that on one occasion he very narrowly escaped the penalty at which I .have hinted, and which would have settled the question of " exchange," so far as he was personally concerned, beyond controversy. The circumstances of the affair may be briefly stated. Dr. Higgdnbotham had called upon Mr. Ely with the request' that he would visit a wounded prisoner in the adjacent hospital. The patient had expressed a wish to see him, and Mr. Ely accordingly complied. As they left the officers' quarters, and were proceed ing quietly in the direction of the hospital, they were observed by a Southerner of the class to which I have referred. As he recognized the Congressman, he exclaimed, " There goes that abolitionist, Ely! I'll kill him, by !" and drawing a revolver he started on a rapid walk in pursuit. Fortunately for Mr. Ely, however, the threat of the fire-eater had been overheard by Capt. Gibbs, the rebel officer of the post, and he sprang after and overtook the would-be assassin before he had reached the Other party. He immediately placed him under arrest, and led him away. Mr. Ely was happily unconscious of the peril in which he had been placed, and did not learn of it until three days afterward. . I have previously remarked that, escapes from the prison were frequent, but the fugitives were almost invariably captured and brought, back and subsequently sent further south. In view, therefore, of the uncertainties attending this proceed ing, many hesitated to attempt it, but in one instance a plan of escape was devised, which had it been carried out* I think would have resulted successfully. Mr. Ely had offered to pay the sum THE EEBEL BANK AND TILE. 49 Of $5,000 to any one who would "put him through" in safety, and this proposition had been accepted by Dr. Griswold. The latter, enjoyed a standing parol, arid was not long in search ing out the right man for the undertaking. The person thus selected was an experienced engineer, who had been for many years employed on the James Eiver and knew its every crook and inlet, and every forest upon its banks. It was determined to adopt this route, and it was thought that the voyage could be so timed that the party would travel only during the night and by day could find safe refuge in the forests. A suitable boat was accordingly procured, ample provisions were laid in store, the oars were muffled and all things were in readiness for the expe dition, which was to start on the night following the . completion of these arrangements. The party was to consist of four, but on the day preceding the night on which they were to leave the prison, Dr. Griswold was arrested aid sent to New Orleans, where he soon after died, and the project was abandoned. CHAPTER XL Many requests have been made to me that I should give some description of the personnel, discipline and general character of the rebel forces, so far as they came under my observation. My opportunities for such inspection were exceedingly limited, but I found occasion for the following impressions. Regiments of Confederate soldiers frequently marched by the prison, destined for the field, and others were encamped about the city. The flower of the Southern army appeared to be in their cavalry forces,' "who were generally fine looking men, well mounted, graceful and spirited riders, and exceedingly well equipped. I was informed that they were chiefly representatives of the more wealthy families of the South. They were severally armed with carbine, revolvers, bowie-knife and saber. The infantry, as a class, appeared to be less refined — in short, ignorant, unmannerly and brutal. Their prevailing physical characteristics indicated superior stature, sallowness of cpmplex- ion, wiriness of frame, and a striking tendency to stoop-shoulders! They were poorly clad, and seemed to have an astonishing disre gard of personal cleanliness. I seldom noticed any two mem bers of a single company who were dressed alike. This was often a subject of remark among the Union prisoners, some of whom facetiously offered a standing premium for a discovery to the contrary. We had frequent opportunities of measuring their proficiency in drill and general tactics as compared with that of our own soldiers. Few seemed to understand their company 4 50 FIVE MONTHS IN BEBELDOtf. positions ; the maneuvering was generally awkward in the ex treme, and they marched with a slouching swagger which afforded lively recollections of a "general training" in the rural districts of New York. Their habits indicated excessive indolence, and a love of tobacco and whisky that was all absorbing. Their arms in general con sisted of the old U. S. flint lock musket, ("Floyd pattern,") and double-barreled shot-guns. In fact, all sorts of blunderbusses seemed to have' been called into requisition. While thus presenting facts derived from. my own observation, I do not by any means assume that they are characteristic of the entire Southern army, but I think most of my comrades will bear me out in the assertion that some of the " military parades" which we witnessed in the rebel capital, quite partook of the nature of a raree show, the component parts of which were burlesque "Fu- sileers" and fantastic "Bologna Guards." The demeanor of the rebel soldiers towards the prisoners, as they marched by our quarters, was often insulting in the extreme. We were frequently attracted to the windows by such shouts as " Good bye, Yankees ; we'll soon send you more company !" etc. There were occasional retorts from the prisoners, and some 'observations respecting the possibility of their own (the rebels') defeat and capture, and these remarks* in turn, never failed to elicit from the enemy an eruption of slang, and specimen oaths. Indeed, the habit of profane swearing seemed positively indige nous to the "sacred soil," and was an intellectual pastime to which few of the natives were not addicted beyond the hope of reclama tion. The unexpected sight of a live Yankee, was often provo cative of the most wicked blasphemy imaginable. Sickness prevailed in the Southern army to an alarming extent, and I was credibly informed that almost every unoccupied build ing in Richmond had been converted into a hospital, and filled with invalid soldiers from Manassas. To such a strait was the " Confederacy" reduced for prison accommodations for even their own men; (held to answer charges of insubordination, etc.,) that they were frequently confined in the. Union officers' quarters. Col. Adler of the "Wise Legion" was there for a time, an inmate of Prison No.. 1. He &ad been arrested upon a charge of refusing to execute an order for retreat from the erratic and "invincible" Wise, and had been sentenced by the irascible General to be shot. The Colonel attempted to avoid the disgraceful penalty by cutting his own throat with his sword. The wound did not prove fatal, and he was conveyed to Prison No. 1. His case excited the sympathy of the Union offi- A VIRGINIA QUAKER. 51 cers, who felt that he was a better officer and a hetter man than Wise, and was indeed "The noblest Roman of them all;" and accordingly the officers treated him with much courtesy and consideration. But these fraternal manifestations were exceed ingly ill-timed. The intimacy being observed by the Confederate authorities, Col. Adler was removed to the Richmond jail, prob ably on account of a suspicion that he might divulge something of importance to the "enemy." . The Union officers were thus de prived of a clever associate, and one who eventually might have become a hopeful convert. Among the "alien enemies" who were sent to the- officers' quarters was an elderly Quaker, familiarly known as Father Pan- cost. He was a Virginian, and one of the few residing in the infected districts, who had had the hardihood to freely express his loyal sentiments in the midst pf almost universal defection. The charge upon which he was arrested was of rather a novel charac ter. He was the owner of a pet pigeon, which upon one occasion he was detected in conveying from his barn to his house. The "Confederate" inference was that it was no other than ar carrier pigeon, which was regularly employed in transmitting treasonable messages to Washington ! Hence the arrest and incarceration of Mr. Pancost. What became of his pigeon I am unable to state. Father Pancost was a good natured, amiable gentleman, whose "thees" and "thous" imparted a pleasant charm to his conversa tion and rendered him at all times an agreeable companion. Among his many sterling virtues he possessed but a single weak ness, but it was a weakness in which there was strength, and under the circumstances, quite excusable. Approaching me one day, shortly after his arrival, he inquired — "Friend, does thee know whether.I.can obtain any whisky from the keepers of this prison?" I informed him that if he was ill, and could procure a whisky- prescription from one of the surgeons, it was not unlikely that he could obtain the liquor. " But does thee think, friend, that I can obtain two quarts of whisky?" I considered it rather doubtful, on the strength of a single pre scription, but suggested that if he was frequently sick and could obtain as frequent prescriptions, he might in due course of time procure quantum suff. This ended our conversation. The day following I discovered Father Pancost standing at the head of his cot — or in the place where his cot ought to be, for in truth he had none— and eleva ting to his lips a quart bottle. After an apparently generous 52 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. potation he replaced it in his satchel, which hung against the wall, and walked away. It is' perhaps due to 'myself to say that this proceeding was observed by other prisoners, and as soon as the old gentleman had gone to another part of the room some person or persons to Father Pancost unknown, slyly abstracted the bottle, clandestinely extracted its contents, refilled it with water, and returned it to its original place. In the course of his promenade, Father Pancost encountered Mr. Ely, and after a brief interchange of sentiment, informed him of his acquisition, and invited the M. 0. to test its qualities — ap invitation which the latter did not. consider it expedient to de cline. The bottle was once more taken from the satchel, and Mr- Ely proceeded to uncork, the Quaker meantime expatiating upon the superior merit of the distillation. The luxury of glasses being quite unknown, the Congressman inverted the bottle in primitive style, and for some time held it to his lips, staring at his companion with an expression of mingled jesentmeht and sur prise, as being puzzled to determine whether he was the Victim of an accident or a " sell." The scene was decidedly comic, and Mr. Ely was brought to a realizing sense of his predicament by the smothered cachinnations of the lookers-on. Recovering his self-possession, and smacking his lips with apparent relish, he politely resigned the bottle and expeditiously retired. Father Pancost was not insensible to the singularity of this behavior, but it was fully explained as soon as he made a requi sition upon his own account. Glancing around the room and assuring himself that he was unobserved, he- gravely (not to say soberly) replaced the bottle in his satchel, and rejoined his asso ciates with an expression of perfect unconcern. The sequel to this amusing occurrence was reserved for the evening. The fellow lodger of Father Pancost, or rather the prisoner who slept nearest him, was Lieut. Hooper, of Philadel phia, a gentleman who had maintained the character of being an uncompromising Teetotaller. He had scarcely retired for the night when he was confronted by the stern and reproachful visage of the defrauded Quaker, who with perfect deliberation and in the severest accents delivered himself of the following homily. "Friend, if thee took my bottle from my satchel and then drank my whisky, thee didst very bad; but if thee drank the whisky and then filled the bottle with water, thee didst very d — d — decidedly bad!" And Father Pancost turned away without waiting for any res ponse "D that I never drink !* - him !" paid Hooper, the next morning, "he len&w* FEDEEAL FEISONEES. 53 i A less pleasant ami acceptable companion tlian, either Colonel Adler or Father Gleason was forced upon us by the Confederates in the person of Lieutenant Charles Van Gilson, a deserter from the Sickles Brigade. He had voluntarily entered the iines of the rebel army, and given himself up with the declaration that he would no longer fight for the Yankees, *nd had come over to tender his service? to the Confederate Government. The mili tary authorities distrusted these assertions, , and suspecting that he was a spy, sent him to Richmond for temporary confinement, and he was placed in the officers' quarters, in Prison No. 1. Sup-, posing himself to be in the presence of Confederate officers, he repeated in"substanee his former declarations. The effect of this disclosure must have been anything but a pleasant surprise to the renegade. So highly exasperated were the officers, upon hearing •his story, that he was immediately surrounded and seized: — and a" rope called for. I have no doubt whatever that if ¦ a rope could have been conveniently procured, the deserter would have as speedily met the fate he so richly merited. He however called loudly upon the guard, who , entered and took him away. He was then sent to a prison occupied by private soldiers. By some chance they had been informed of the character of their uninvi ted guest, and scarcely five minutes had elapsed from the time of his entry, when he was assaulted by some of the prisoners, who bruised and kicked him, and were engaged in dragging him about the floor when he was again rescued by the guard. Of this fact I was assured by a Confederate officer. Van Gilson afterwards received a commission in the rebel army, and was sent to Ken tucky. I read a notice of his promotion in the Eichmond Dis patch. CHAPTEE XLI. The Richmond, papers frequently boasted of accessions to their army from the Union prisoners. To what extent these declara tions were true, I am unable to say, but the following list was prepared by a Union prisoner, who was for a time employed upon the prison records iu Richmond : William Clark,.. private, Company K, Third New Jersey Vol unteers. William Roach, private, Company D, Second Artillery, United States Army. Michael Kelly, private, Company D, Second Artillery, United States Army. Charles Tracy, Corporal, Company G, First Regiment, Sickles' Brigade. Si FIVE MONTHS, IN EEBELDOM. Charles Van Gilson, Second Lieutenant, First Regiment, Sickles' Brigade. ' W. Sherry, private, Company B, Twenty-sixth New York Volunteers. L. Briggs, private, Company B, Twenty-sixth New York Vol unteers. J. A. Tompkins, Second United States Cavalry. T. B. Remington, Thirtieth New York Volunteers. Ernest Hale, (Commodore's Clerk,) United States steamer Pawnee. (This is the individual who decamped with( the signal books, while Commodore Dupont's fleet rendezvoused at Hampton Roads.) Wm. Hooper, private, Company K, Thirty-eighth New York Volunteers. • Barron Von Flaxhousen, Lieutenant, Company H, Forty-fifth New York Volunteers. , Eobert McFarlans, Corporal, Company D, First United States- Artillery. A. F. Saulsbury, private, Fourth Regiment, Maine. M. F. Sidlinger, Corporal, Company H, Fourth Regiment, Maine. Francis Tapoy, private, Company D, First United States Ar tillery. ( Mathias Spoo, musician, Fifth Wisconsin. J. Tompkins, Lieutenant, Company A, Second Cavalry, United States Army. Respecting the facilities for mail delivery to the prisoners, I feel constrained to record a fact which was highly creditable to the sympathetic feelings of the Union officers, and correspond-. ingly to the discredit of the Confederate authorities. At one period, some three hundred letters, addressed to the Union pris oners, had accumulated at the post office, and were withheld from their owners nearly a fortnight. As soon as the Union officers were made aware of the fact, they inquired into the cause, and were informed that the post office authorities declined to deliver them until the postage was paid, and as they believed that but few of the privates had any pecuniary means, they had determined to withhold them. Upon this explanation, the Union officers directed that the letters .should be delivered forthwith, and they would pay the postage, which amounted to some $2o. TheConr federate authorities invariably exacted seven cents per letter on delivery at the prison, notwithstanding that the five cents Con federate postage had been pre paid by the writers in an enclosure to Gen. Wool. While upon this subject I may state that the receipt of letters addressed to prisoners who had died from the effects of their TOO LATE. 55 wounds, or from disease, was no uncommon occurrence. Such letters were usually delivered to the acquaintances or comrades of the deceased, and they in return notified their friends of the facts. I remember upon one occasion having heard read a letter ad dressed by a wife to her husband, a Philadelphian and an officer! He was one of the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff and she had heard • of his capture but not of his subsequent decease. In this letter she congratulated him upon his safety, urging upon him to keep up his spirits, and encouraging him in the hope of speedy resto ration to home and friends. Alas ! the returning mail conveyed to her the terrible tidings of his death. Upon the day of this occurrence the wife of Adjutant Harvey, of the lamented Colonel Baker's Regiment, arrived in Richmond from Philadelphia. She came to the officers' quarters with joyful anticipation, and inquired for her husband. He was not there. " Not there ? Strange ! " She called for Lieut. Hooper, whom she knew, and in a few moments he presented himself. They ex changed but a single glance, and her countenance fell — the worst was known ! She had come there with a positive conviction that her husband was alive and well. He was known to have been unwounded in the battle, and was so reported by some who had made their escape. But here ended the mystery. The Adjutant had plunged into the Potomac and was endeavoring to swim across, when he was pierced by a rebel bullet, and with scores of others, his lifeless body was carried away by the stream. Lieut. Hooper had been an eye-witness to the occurrence. No words can depict the anguish which this reluctant story drew from the broken-hearted wife. Yet she was but one among scores to whom the intelligence of the death of a beloved husband, a son, or a brother, was imparted, under circumstances perhaps as acutely distressing and insupportable. Being deprived of frequent and regular communication with friends in the Northern States, we were compelled to rely upon the Richmond press for all political intelligence. Papers were usually brought to the prison every morning, and were purchased by the officers of the guard and handed to the prisoners at a cost of five cents per copy. Sometimes the papers, like the rations, were stinted or cut off, for misbehavior. The Richmond Dispatch was most in request on account of its peculiar bitter and vindictive course towards the prisoners and the "Yankee Government." It thus at times afforded us considerable amusement. It was a somewhat remarkable circumstance that the rebel newspaper re ports of every engagement, gave evidence that the brilliant and successful fighting was all on their own side. The Yankees inva riably "ran in Bull Run style," and the stereotyped commentary was in effect that running was the only thing at which " Yankees could not be beat.' 56 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. It was surprising to us to learn what frightful sacrifices of life were incurred by the Federals, and how astonishingly small was the mortuary record. of the Confederates. It was seldom that any body was "hurt" on the rebel side. We did hear of an unusu ally severe loss having occurred to a small body of troops in West ern Virginia, under Floyd, who were attacked by a largely supe rior force of Yankees, numbering at least ten to one. Two or three of the rebels were actually killed, and some five or six others slightly wounded. But. the Yankees were terribly cut up, and retreated with heavy loss. Although victorious, (continued the report,) Floyd had deemed it a "military necessity" to fall back; but the fact that he neglected to take some of his military stores, tents, etc., was not till sometime afterwards divulged, and it is not improbable that a large proportion of the Confederate army are still in blissful, ignorance of that circumstance. I remember once reading in the Dispatch, a report of a "slight skirmish" at Drainsville. The Confederates, as usual, were at tacked by overwhelming numbers, but nobly stood their ground, and caused an incalculable number of Yankees to "bite the dust." Then, as usual, the Confederates "fell back to abetter position," to await another attack. It is needless to say that Such transpa rent falsehoods could not impose upon the " Yankee " prisoners, but they were devoured with avidity and full credulity by the rebel soldiers ; or at ieast, by such of them as could read. The latter remark is in no sense ironical. Our guards were often composed of men who could not read, and of men who con fessed to me that a large proportion of the Confederate soldiers were afflicted with the same intellectual infirmity. There was, therefore, no striking absurdity in the publication of such reports, which, however greatly exaggerated at first hands, evidently lost nothing by repetition among the pitiably ignorant and vulgar. CHAPTER XIIL The Confederate Shinplaster Currency had its origin in the necessity to which the business community was reduced for " making change." Union men and speculators had bpught up all of the Federal coin, and it became indispensable that something of a representative value, in denominations suited to small busi ness transactions, should be issued as a substitute. The rebel Congress was thus constrained to offer a shinplaster system, and the way was virtually opened to individuals as well as corporations. As. a consequence, Richmond was soon flooded with a coarsely executed and worthless scrip, in denominations varying from five cents to one dollar. The formula of these shinplasters, as nearly EEBEL CUEEENCV. 57 as I can recollect, was about as follows. 1 should, perhaps, apol ogise for not having preserved so notable a curiosity, but the fact was that m__ private exchequer, was so astonshingly low at the time of my departure from Richmond that, even were I so dispo sed, I could not have negotiated the most "vulgar fraction." Here is a sample shinplaster : *************************************I PIVE CENTS. PIVE CENTS. | ^i Oh demand I promise to pay the Bearer the ^ Jj sum of Pive Cents, in Sailed Say or Groceries ; % 3 or in Specie, whep presented in sums of Five £ J Dollars, six months after a Treaty of Peace with i* | the United States. | « [Date.] (Signed.) Jomr Doe. » This description of article was in unlimited supply, and when not positively known to be worthless, answered the desired pur pose, in relieving the specie "rampage." , The officers, mostly, were in occasional receipt of remittances from the North, in gold, but in making their purchases, were re quired to accept of the inevitable shinplaster in change. I may appropriately state in this connection, that among the prisoners was a member of the Brooklyn 14th, and who was for merly employed by the Union Bank Note Engraving Company. He was a. superior engraver, and received frequent personal ap plications from Richmond bankers to furnish bank note engrav ings, or plates. One individual offered him fifteen dollars per day for four days' time, the period requisite for accomplishing the work proposed, and also to secure his release at the expiration of that time. The engraver, however, declined the offer, and shortly after wards made his escape from the prison. I did not learn whether he was recaptured. Many offers of a similar character were made by manufacturers in Richmond to various mechanics in the prison, viz : shoemakers, carpenters, moulders. The most tempting prices were offered, including good "board, clothes, etc., totether with a promise to send them North in a few weeks — but these applications, so far as I am informed, were invariably unsuccessful. Notwithstanding the privations to which they had been subjected, and the apparent indifference of the Federal Government, and the painful uncer tainty which hung over the future, the prisoners were unwilling to purchase any personal advantage at the sacrfice of their loyalty and honor. The Presidential election in the "Confederacy" took place on tho 7th of November. It was a day of remarkable quiet. No 08 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. popular demonstrations occurred — there were neither speeches nor hurrahs during the day, nor bonfires nor pyrotechnics at night. Mr. Davis was duly eleeted, and retained his place as Chief Magistrate of the "young and vigorous Confederacy." On ihe 10th of November Gen. Winder entered the prison, called the commissioned officers- together, and read the following order, as addressed to himself: C. S. A. Was Department, \ Richmond, Nov., 1861. J Sir : — You are hereby instructed to choose by lot, from among the prisoners of war of highest rank, one who is to be confined in a cell appropriated to convicted felons, and who is to be treated in all respects as if such convict, and to be held for execution in the same manner as may be adopted by the enemy, for the execution of the prisoner of war Smith, recently condemned to death in Philadelphia. You will also select thirteen other prisoners of war, the highest in rankof those captured by our forces, to be confined in cells reserved for prisoners accused of infamous crimes, and shall treat them as such so long as the enemy shall continue to treat .the like number of prisoners of war captured by them in New York, as pirates. As these measures are intended to repress the infamous attempt now made by the enemy to commit judicial murder on the prisoners of war, you will execute them strictly, as the best mode calculated to prevent the commission of so heinous a crime. > Your obedient servant, J. P. Benjamin, Acting Sec'y of War. To Brig. General John Winder, Richmond, Va. The reading of this order was listened to in silence, but with deep sensation. At its conclusion, Gen. Winder remarked that he regretted very much the unpleasant duty devolving upon him, but had no option in the matter. The names of six Colonels were placed in a can, and Mr. Ely was required (much to his own reluctance) to draw from them. The first name drawn was that of Colonel Corcoran, 69th Regiment N. Y. S. M., who was the hostage chosen to answer for Smith. Mr. Ely was very much affected when the name of his friend and messmate was drawn by his own hand. In choosing thirteen, from the highest rank, to be held to ans wer for a like number of prisoners of war captured by the enemy at sea, there being only ten field officers, it was necessary to draw by lot three Captains. During the drawing, the most profound silence prevailed, and great anxiety was exhibited on the part of the officers whose names were in the can. When completed, the list stood, Colonels Corcoran, Lee, Cogswell, Wilcox, Woodruff and Wood; Lieut. Colonels Mowman and Neff ; Majors Potter, Revere and Vodges ; Captains Rockwood, Bowman and Kaffer. These unfortunate men had greatly endeared themselves to their fellow prisoners, and the, deepest sympathy was expressed for Casting lots. £9 them. Col. Corcoran had previously been removed. His rela tions with Mr. Ely had been of the most intimate character, and the latter most keenly regretted his own involuntary share in the proceeding. It was a day of unusuahgloom to those who were left behind, but there was a confident expression that the Federal Government would immediately take measures for the relief of those held as hostages. I find upon reference to my diary that the 15th of November was observed as a day of fasting and prayer in tho " Confeder acy." There were religious services in all of the Richmond churches, but I doubt whether it was considered expedient to require any unusual "fast" among the soldiers. In respect of "preying," it had also been practiced to an undue extent upon the resources of all who were identified with the cause of the Union. On the 21st of November, twenty v officers and one hundred and twenty- five privates were sent to Tuscaloosa; and on the 26th three hundred and fifty 'additional privates, including George Rosenberg and Henry Blackman of Rochester, were despatched to the same place. These deductions left only about twenty-five •prisoners upon the upper floors of Prison No. 1. Christmas was commemorated in the officers' quarters by a substantial banquet, at their own expense, and the best that could be procured. The guard upon that occasion got rather mellow from frequent and excessive libations, and in the evening he was readily induced to go out after liquor, and permit one of the officers to stand guard in his place. Some of the prisoners im proved this opportunity to leave the prison and stroll about the city, and the day following they were placed in irons as a penalty. I had improved the occasion during the day, to slip by the guard, but after walking a short time about the streets, perceived myself watched by Commissary Warner and thought proper to return without due loss of time. On the 20th of December, Mr. Faulkner called upon Mr. Ely, and soon after Gen.' Winder entered with an order for Mr. Ely's release. During his conversation with the officers, Mr. Faulkner expressed his mortification at the general ill-treatment of the Union prisoners, and promised to exert himself in procuring a change for the better. He confessed that the rebel prisoners at Fort Lafayette and elsewhere had nothing to complain of in respect of fare or clothing. Mr. Ely was naturally overjoyed at his release, but remained in Richmond till the night of the 24th. He frequently visited the prison during the interval, and on the 24th made an affecting farewell speech to his old companions, in which he engaged to use his utmost efforts on reaching Washing- ' ton to secure their release. I believe that he has faithfully and 60 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. diligently labored to that end since he returned to Washington, and bids fair to accomplish the desired result. About the 1st of January, the officer who called the roll selected a number of names, for the purpose, as we apprehended, of being sent South. It soon transpired, however, that the pris oners whose names were thus selected were of two hundred and forty who were to be exchanged. My own name had been omit ted from the list, but Lieuts. Parke andi Booth kindly interested themselves in my behalf, and greatly to my satisfaction the "mistake" was rectified in time. Subsequently Lieut. Booth offered me the sum of $300 if I would permit him to answer to my name, and clandestinely go in my place. Lieut. Hancock said to me that he had been eight months in the Federal service, and had drawn no portion of his salary, and that if I would con sent to his substitution, in the manner before suggested, he would assign to me his entire claim upon the Federal Government. It is needless to say that I declined these generous offers, and I seri ously doubt whether any prisoner, officer or private, would have resigned his chances for an > immediate release, for the most tempting recompense imaginable. At 5J o'clock A. M. on the 3d of January the released prison ers marched to the river landing, and embarked on the rebel steamboat Northampton, and proceeded down the James River. At 4 P. M. we met the steamer George' Washington, near New port News, and amid the most enthusiastic shouts, cheers, and other demonstrations of rejoicing, were transferred to her decks, where for the first time since the memorable 21st of July we found ourselves beneath the folds of the Stabs and Strifes. CHAPTER XIV. [With the concluding chapter of this narrative it was thought proper to insert a few letters written subsequent to the release of prisoners, which occurred on the 3d of January, together with an account of the arrival of prisoners belonging in Rochester. The articles are severally taken from the Evening. Express. — Ed.] ARRIVAL IN BALTIMORE. Baltimore, January 4th, 1862. Dear Express: — I hasten to inform you that I am free. I assure you that to-day is a happy one, not only to. myself, ;but to some two hundred and fifty other unfortunates. You may imagine our joy when we received our release and were informed that we would be sent North immediately. Nearly six long, weary months have we spent in prison, subjected to many insults from the mis erable tyrants who had charge of us. No pen can describe the miserable life we have spent in that rebel city of Richmond. SELEASED. 61 Thank God, we are at last here ; but there are hundreds of our noble suffering comrades still incarcerated within gloomy South ern walls. I shall remain in Washington for a few days to plead for them. God grant that these poor fellows may > soon be re stored to the land of the free. We left Richmond Tuesday morning at six o'clock in the rebel steamer Northampton. At 4 o'clock P. M. the Federal steamer George Washington met us, and received us with cheers and stirring strains of music It is impossible to describe the scene of joy manifested at that time. As soon as our boat came in sight the Yankee Band struck up "Home, sweet home." When this dear old 'tune reached our ears, and our eyes rested upon the gOod old flag, which we had not seen for more than five months, we 6S)uld not restrain our feelings ; some danced, others sang, and such a scene of delight I never before witnessed. Many tears of joy were shed when we looked up to that noble old flag. For my own part, I felt like kissing it ! We were kindly and cordially received by 'our own officers, and were soon on our way to Fortress Monroe, which place we reached at six o'clock the same evening. We were received with great rejoicing at every place we stopped, and were received by the citizens with unlim ited hospitality. We were escorted to a large building which the fair ladies of Baltimore had elevated, and where we were fur nished with a sumptuous repast. It is hardly necessary to say that we did ample justice to the collation, after five months of fasting. We expect to leave for Washington this afternoon. A large crowd of visitors have been in and about the building all day, and the boys have had a happy time since they arrived on Northern soil. The Union sentiment is very strong in this city, in fact the good people of Baltimore are all alive with enthusi asm, and ready for the worst. It will be some weeks yet before any of the released prisoners are fit for duty. All are enervated by long confinement and feel the cold very severely. More anon. W. H. M. Baltimore, January 7th, 1862. Dear Express: — We are still detained in this city awaiting orders from Washington. The War Department has not yet decided what disposition to make of us. It is rumored that we are to be mustered out of service and turned over to the Gover nors of our respective States. I hope there is no foundation for this rumor, as such- action would place us in_ other regiments, which would be very unpleasant to many, and is inexpedient. I hope the Administration will continue to send prisoners for ward, to be exchanged, until all of our poor, suffering volunteers afe released! I am glad that there is so good a prospect of such a policy being carried out. Thereis a strong feeling in this city 62 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. on the subject. The Confederate authorities will not fail to recip rocate, as they are very anxious to get rid of Yankees, for they are a very expensive and troublesome burthen to them. The meat bill, alone, for the prisoners in Richmond amounts to over $9,000 a month. I wish I could have sent you some of their editorials on this subject. They had all they could do to getmen enough to guard us. I will give you some interesting items in this respect when I return. It would be a good idea to get our poor fellows home, and form them into regiments by themselves, and give them the right of the line in the next great battle. If they would not make the rebels bite the dust, it would be because they could out-run them. The boys have several small accounts to settle with the Southern (bogus) Confederacy and a few deaths to avenge. It would have been better by far for our enemies to have sent us home as soon as we were able to leave the hospital. They were very kind to us there and we all felt like praising them for their attention. But this mode of treatment soon changed, and they went to the opposite extreme, and became as brutal as they had been kind. I was told by one of the officers that they did in tend to heal our wounds, load us with obligations and then send us home to tell our Northern friends how noble and kind the Southerners were. But this policy was abandoned. No pen can describe the true condition of our brave soldiers confined in rebel prisons. Their sufferings have.been, and are great. God be with them. I will give you a full account of our condition and treat ment before many days. I am too happy, at present, to write. The idea of being fre§, and once more standing under the dear old flag, is enough to make us all rejoice, after having spent so many weary months in prison, and looking at the hybrid rag which they cail their banner of freedom. I have a secesh flag with me, presented by the daughter of the rebel Major Lee. I feel a lasting, if not a tender regard for it, I assure you. I learn that the citizens of Philadelphia expect a visit from the prisoners and are making preparations to receive them. W. H. M. THE RECEPTION BV SLOCUM'S BRIGADE. Camp Franklin, Jan. 13, 1862. Friend B.: — On Saturday last the prisoners arrived from Richmond. For a day or two previous all was bustle in camp, making preparations for their reception. The streets weje fes tooned with evergreens, and wreaths containing the letter of each company in the center. A triumphal arch was erected on the extreme left of the street, between the officers' and companies' quarters. On the left of the arch, within a wreath, was the num ber of the Regiment, (27,) and in the center the following : EECEFTION IN CAMP. 63 WELCOME, COMRADES 1 YOTJR WOUNDS BLEED AFRESH IN OUR HEARTS. At three o'clock, Saturday afternoon, the whole Regiment turned out and, preceded by Scott's Band, and accompanied by General Slocum and staff, proceeded down the Alexandria Road about three-quarters of a mile, where they halted' and formed in open order, facing inward. Gen. Slocum and staff, together with the Regimental officers, then advanced to receive the prisoners, and escort them through the ranks. The command of the prison ers was given to your Richmond correspondent, Corporal Merrell, and when they started, a scene of excitement ensued which baffles description. The cheering could be heard for miles. It did not end here, for it was taken up by the several Regiments encamped near us, and continued long after the arrival of our comrades in camp. Scott's Band played the "Bold Soger Boy," and the band of another Regiment struck up a piece entitled " Bully for You!" The men look as though they had seen " hard times in Old Vir ginia," although some of them appear quite stout. But it is not healthy flesh. It is what physicians call " lazy bloat," induced by protracted confinement. Corporal Merrell looks well, but is very pale. His left arm is nearly powerless. I understand that he has been offered a commission, and that he will accept it. If such be the case, he will be heartily welcomed as an officer of the 27th. He has proved himself a brave soldier, and is possessed, I think, of qualifications which should entitle him to a command. But he is willing to undergo the same suffering again, "for the sake of" (as he expressed himself to me) "the good old flag." Clague carries the ball he received in the left side. He says it does not trouble him any. He is undaunted by the fearful ordeal through which he has passed ; so far from it, indeed, that he had some hesitancy about accepting the thirty days' furlough. He says.it is his intention to rejoin the regiment as soon as his fur lough expires. Of the other prisoners I have .not much knowledge. They were all highly gratified at the reception given them by their old companions-in-arms, who were equally rejoiced at the opportunity of once more beholding them alive and well. * * * * DUNCAN B. BROWN. RETURN OP RICHMOND PRISONERS— AN IMPROMTU DEMONSTRATION. Messrs. Merrell, Clague and Kavanaugh, late of Richmond, arrived in Rochester last evening, .(January 17th.) A large crowd were in waiting at the Depot, on the arrival of the train from Elmira, and several fire companies were drawn up in line to 64 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. receive them. The, appearance of the " prisoners," as they are still called, was greeted with resounding cheers, and after the enthusiasm of welcome had in some measure subsided, they were formally escorted to the residence of Corporal Merrell on New Main street — the procession greatly augmenting its number en route. ' On reaching their destination the prisoners entered the house, where many friends were in waiting ; but they- were quickly brought out again by three rousing cheers from the crowd, on behalf of whom Mr. G. C. Pease delivered a brief and appropriate address of welcome to the soldiers, referring to the gallantry which had characterized their behavior at Bull Run, commending the heroic fortitude which they had manifested under protracted im prisonment at Richmond, and, finally, congratulating them upon their restoration to home and friends. Corporal Merrell modestly acknowledged the compliment of a p'opular reception, disclaiming any personal merit, beyond that which should be accorded to every faithful soldier in the Union army, but testifying to the bravery of his comrades, and the Regi ment to which they are attached, (the 27th.) He alluded feel ingly to the sufferings they had experienced during their impris onment, at the hands of their, heartless and cruel captors, and hinted at the determination of the prisoners generally to rejoin the army, after a brief season of repose. At the conclusion of his remarks three cheers were given, and then "three cheers and a tiger." The company then fell in line, and escorted private John T. Clague to his residence on Clinton street, where brief speeehes were again exchanged, and the com pany returned to their engine house. The effect of a long imprisonment is quite visible in the pale faces of the prisoners, and the enervation resulting from bodily inaction. Private Kavanagh will leave to-day for Detroit, where his parents reside. The gallant John Clague,. who was obituairized by his Sabbath School, and resolved under the "sacred soil" of Virginia with all due solemnity, exhibits the honorable scars of wound's from which he has not yet fully recovered, but is none the less anxious to resume his place in the ranks. Kelly, Sturmer, Jewett, Cornell, each and every one of the brave fellows released from Southern bondage, are not only wil ling but fully determined, we are assured, to re-enter tbA«Union army, not only" to fight for the Union, but to avenge thewieked cruelties inflicted upon themselves and comrades. _ Corporal Merrell has a thirty days' furlough which he accepted in lieu of a discharge tendered him at Washington. He has not fully recovered from the effect of his wound, being still unable to use his left arm with freedom. ROCHESTER CALORIC PRINTING OFFICE. BENTON & ANDREWS, PUBLISHERS OF LAW BLANKS, Over 29 Buffalo Street, - - Eochester, N. Y. P ' Having taken the second story of the building occupied by us, and refitted our ofB,ce, adding to our facilities for Plain and Ornamental Printing, 'we feel confident of giving good satisfaction to all who favor us with their patronage. Our facilities for printing Letter-Heads, Cards, Etc., are Unsurpassed. We have recently made arrangements with P. H. Marshall, the well-known To remove his Bindery into the building with us, by which our facil ities for getting up RECORD BOOKS, FOR COUNTY OFFICERS, CHECK BOOKS, DRAFT BOOKS, iBni-A-nsris: books foe B.A.3sris:s3 etc., are greatly increased. By attention to business, we intend to deserve a share of patronage. We rely upon the superiority of our work, instead of political organ izations, for the favor of the public. •^ Bemember the place, No. 29 BUFFALO STREET, Nearly opposite the Arcade. &wa™: } sBocniaBsvm &« ^ 5 OOUMPAUGH'S SHIRT & COLLAR MANUFACTORY, Ho. 10 Main Street Bridge, Rochester, N. Y. Directions for self-measurement sent by mail and so easy that one can measure him self, and I can insure a perfect fit. Send for directions and get some good Shirts. F. Y. §. Prench Yoke Shirts are only made at Ocumpaugh's Furnishing Store. iy MEN'S FURNISHING GOODS! of all kinds. You can always rely on getting Fashionable and durable goods and in ad vance of other Houses, as my arrangements are such with Importers that all the Novelties and necessaries of Men'sNewGoods can be had as soon as brought out in New York or Boston. E. OCIXMPATJGH, 10 Main St. Bridge, Eochester. ROCHESTER, IV. Y.s INTo. ±2 TVtain Street ( Bridge ). JJEA1LEK. IN EMBROLDERIES, LACES, HOSIER-5T, GLOVES, Sc_. OUR ASSORTMENT 01? JU Sec- PATTERN HATS, LADIES' STAYS AND HOOF SKIRTS, POE STYLE, MAKE AND P E I C E S , are particularly worthy the attention of Milliners and dealers in general. Coa. Manufacturer and Wholesale and Retail Dealer in all kinds of KitSc OYSTERS, JELLIES, AC, Wo. HI Main Street Bridge, I&ocliiester, 5T.*ST. A large supply of Pancy Candies, Gum Drops. &c, constantly on hand. Parties, Pic-Nics and Pairs supplied. Pyramids, Jellies, Pastry, Plain and Ornamented Cakes, Bonbons and every article in' the Con fectionery line at the lowest prices. E@-The Ladies' Ice Cream Sanson connected with this Establishment is the largest and best in the city. OAEPETINGS, FLOOR OIL CLOTHS, Also, Manufacturers of all kinds of $Ratta»8*8, jBiltoma n& jtoriwj ^uh. ^OUR STOCK IS The Most Extensive to be found in any One House IN THE STATE, AND AT UNIFORM LOW PRICES! Carpet Ware Rooms, 35 State Streets EOCHBSTBE, 3XT. "ST. February 20, 1862. %mmm ® FURNITURE-CHEAPER THAN EVER !! GREATEST BARGAINS"EVER OFFERED IN THIS MARKET. Having just received a large and beau tiful assortment of WILLOW WARE, of every description, I now offer it at low prices, to suit the times. I would also re mind the public, that I have on hand the finest and best assortment of CABINET FUBNITOBE ever offered in this market, of the most approved styles and patterns, from the richest Brocatel to the commonest Kitch en article. And also, the most approved styles of ENAMELED CHAMBEB SETS, Ornamented in French colors, by the best artists'in the State. Also, MATTRESSES of every descrip tion ; together with any article that can be found in any first-class Purnituie Warehouse. The undersigned will also guarantee not to be undersold by any house in the State. im&~ Be sure and give me a call, at the Old Stand, 73 State Street, Rochester, N. Y.-^S •»¦**. HAYDOS. €3-. -W*. ^^tTIEaEtifit" PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, 14 State Street, Gould's Building, Rochester. ¦ *-* - Mr. G W. Squiers, a Daguerreotypist and Photographer of sixteen years' experience, formerly of New York, and who, during the last seven years has been employed as principal operator in several of the most prominent Picture Galleries in Eochester, would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally that he has recently pur chased THE WELL-KNOWN WHITNEY ROOMS, Which are Second to no other in this Section of the Country. PHOTOGRAPHS, or -A.3sr"3r hesibed size, In Oil or Water Colors, IHRTIIPIS, PLUM PHOTOGRAPHS, AMBROTYPES, ETC. ETC Particular attention will also be given to Cfljnpg i'agttJtmatgpt* and §Mtartypt*, TO ANY DESIRED SIZE, EITHER UPON PAPER OR CANVASS, And Coloeing the same, At Prices that will Defy Competition! Mr. Squiebs has the latest improved apparatus, and all desired facil ities for the successful prosecution of the business. Also, has for sale, at greatly reduced prices, a large assortment of GILT AID B0SEW00D FBAMES, OF XJlIFIFIEJTRIEIDsrT SIZES. We have examined Mr. Squiers' specimens, and for beauty of finish and aife-like appearance, think they cannot be equaled in this city ADAMS & DABNEY, Publishers. Remember the Location, No. 14 G-ould's Block. C. W. SQUIERS. E. S. ETTENHEXMER & do., IMPOETEES AND DEALEES IN WATCHES & JEWELRY, 53 BUFFALO ST., (OPPOSITE EAGLE HOTEL,) ROCHESTER, 3KT . Y ., Keep a full supply constantly on hand, sell lower and are as reliable as any House in Western New York. fl@*Try them. LIVE NEWSPAPER. Publication Office, Corner of Exchange Place and Mill Street. TWO "' iBl&.'ili'X"'' ZEZDITibzCTS, Containing all the latest War News, Telegraphic Reports, $-c., up to the hours of publication, and a greater variety of ~%7Vei±? Correspond.en.ce THA.N A.NY OTHER. JOUKNAL IN" THE NORTH, CORPORAL WM. H. MERRELL Was a Correspondent of the Express from the camp; and while a prisoner in Eichmond, was the only regular Eichmond correspondent of any Northern Journal. His interesting and thrilling Narrative, was originally published in its columns. The Express has able correspondents on the Burnside and Port Eoyal Expeditions, on G-en. Butler's Expedition in the Gulf of Mexico, in Kentucky and Kansas, besides a host of correspondents in the Grand Army of the Potomac. The Express is, emphatically, "THE SOLDIERS' PAPER," And the paper for their friends at home, who wish to find late and reli able news from the Seat of War. TEEMS : — Daily, by mail, Pour Dollars per Tear, or Three Months for One Dollar. Weekly, One Dollar per year, invariably in advance. Address C. D. TRACY & Co., Eochester, N. Y. Book and Job Printing of all kinds is executed with neatness and despatch, under the superintendence of one of the most accomplished Foremen in the United. States. Many of the handsomest Pamphlets and Jobs executed in this vicinity during the past year bear the Ex press imprint. Orders for Bills, Cards, Circulars, or anything in this line are requested from our friends and the. public generally. V.O WHOLESALE A-DSTID EETAIL. *~* To those visiting our city to purchase CLOTHS, CLOAKS, WOOLEN GOODS, SILKS, I1IU1I1I GOODS AND YANKEE NOTIONS, Wholesale or Eetail, we would advise a call and inspection at BBIR & STERN'S, 10 STATE STREET, - - ROCHESTER, N. Y. is-purc :e3: ^ is» jes -mT YOUR GROCERIES E. E. CHAMBERLIN'S, where you can find Sfe %t%\ $mn Mil ^hth, 3m FOR THE ^ PRICE. FINE COFFEES, SUG-AJEtS, CIGARS, FRUITS', &C. And all Goods usually found in a Pibst-Class Grocery House, And at Prices as Low as the Lowest! CJA.LL -A-DKTID be convinced. Goods delivered to the E. E. Stations, PEEE OP CHAEGE and nil GOODS WAEEANTED AS EEPEESENTED. ' E. E. CHA1BERLI1V, 3 Baker's Block, Buffalo Street, Opposite Eochester City Savings Bank, EOCHESTEE, N Y N. B.-CASH PAID FOR COUNTRY PRODUCE. ^ve**/^\ /^V6M|* Enim anm Cukes Cataeeh, and thus Prevents Consumption. »•¦» ¦ — — THE MAGICAL EFFECT OF A SINGLE PACKAGE mil umn im That it possesses intrinsic merits for all Catarrhal Affections of the Put up exclusively by L. D. FLEMING & CO., Price, $1. Rochester, N. Y. FOR ALL Diseases Peculiar to Females, STAHDS UNRIVALLED. IT CURES Fluor Albus, Bearing Down, all Suppressions, Ulcerations, Floodings, Sohirrus, Change of Life Troubles, Etc. Put up exclusively by L. D. FLEMING & CO., Price, $1. Rochester, N. T. The above is a Facsimile of Packages, either of which is sufficient for about a month's treat ment, and will be sent by mail for $1 and 12 red stamps. Circulars sent free of charge to all who order them. Address, L. D. FLEMING, M. D., Rochester; JT. T. SHERWOOD'S MAGNETIC REMEDIES, m a neoatitb state, ok Compound Chloride of Gold, tor ! CHHON1G P1SEASES, Of tho ClUB Hypertrophy, Including all Ihe (oimi of TUBERCULA or SCROFULA.. TS ¦#* magnetised remedies are a specific for those chronto diseases or the urgnni and limbs; which are INVARIABLY DISTINGUISHED by FAIN, {more ir leas severe, in proportion to the Intensity of the disease,) produced by pressure on the ganglions of the spina] nerves, in the tuter-Tertebral spaces alone each side of the spme — no matter what name may have been jutn to the m afculy by physicians, nomologists, or other medica) writers. These established remediea are of my own manufacture and always iccom- pamed by my new medical treatise, entitled "The Motive' Power of the Human ISOFills in tho System, with the Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Diseases ;" and tho u boxen are labeKed with tho devices in pages ». OB 8, and 38, flg. 14, repre- _ „„„qt,' ii„, seating the magnetised diea of iron or oteel, and of the middle section of a JrAICE O UOilOJW. tubercle, to protect myself and tho public against the frauds of impostors. H. H. SHERWOOD, H.D. August 31, 1643. 32o Broadway, N. T. *• Vollcmnn and Bidder haTO fonnd by the aid of the microscope that the sympathetic nerves in reality originate In the ganglia ; buinotonly the ganglia of the sympathetic. cord, but Chow also on Ihe POSTERIOR BRANCHES OF THE SPINAL NERVES." — London Lancet, June 34, 1843. A fact I discover ed, many years since, by the Magnetic Symptoms in tr.bercnlar dine sue. H, U.S. P. S. These remedies are forwarded by express, or by Mall, lo any Post OSes _. the Union, free of postage. After a trial of over forty years, these Remedies have proved themselves superior to all other known means of care, for Tuberculous Consumption, Liven' Complaints, and indeed the whole ranee of Tuberculous Disease*, for which they stand Alone and Unrivalled. They have long been used with great bucivss hy many eminent Physicians in a private way. The above is a for. .imilP of a vackaae which will last a patient about 5 months for treatment. For Circulars. Remits otLj particulars, address, * I* D. FLUMIUG, M. D., RochesUr, N. Y. Jiemeates.oT aujr y (Successor to the late Dr. H. H. Shertvqoj,,) ESTABLISHMENT MITCHELL. WM. L. MARKELL * BRO. Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in MITCHELL'S GENUINE PERFUMERY, FLAVOBING EXTRACTS, &c. 69 State Street, - - Rochester, N. Y. MITCHELL'S G-OODS Ire the Best and Most Reliable in the Wurld. BE SI7RB -A.3STID BUY ME BUT THE GENUINE. Owing to the universally acknowledged superiority of all' G-oods issued by this House, many worthless imitations and counterfeits are to be found in the market. All Articles Emanating from this Establishment are PREPARE© BY THE IM VENTOR, D. MITCHELL, EACH PACKAGE BEARING HIS WRITTEN SIGNATURE. AND THEY, ONLY, ARE GENUINE. ' Orders- to this House will be promptly attended to. We keep constantly on hand an elegant assortment of WEDDING AND VISITING CARDS, AN-D ENVELOPES, Which will be engraved and stamped to order, in the latest styles, with your own initials. Also, a choice stock of PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS, ELEGANTLY BOUND, GOLD PlENS, All sizes and finest qualities, for Ladies and Gents. Best quality and greatest variety. BOOKS, Miscellaneous, Religious, Classical and Theological. SCHOOL BOOKS, Of every description. BACKGAMMON BOARDS, All sizes add styles ; also, Chess and Chequer men. f A1IJLI AM) PULPIT BIBUKS. A large and elegant assortment. ALSO, THE DEPOSITORY OF THE American Sunday School Union, IS AT 40 BUFFALO STREET, ROCHESTER, N. Y. Where may be found, all kinds of Sunday School Books, Papers, Cards, Hymns, Mrps, Class Books, &c. &c, at New York and Phila delphia prices, thus saving postage or freight to the purchaser. 3S-IXTSIC BOOKS, ALL ZKHSTIDS, Including the Diapason, Jubilee, Asaph, Glive Branch, New Lute of Zion, &c. &c. MAGAZINES AND PERIODICALS. We pledge ourselves to sell any of our goods as low as they can bo bought at any establishment west of New Tork. ADAMS & DABNEY, 40 Buffalo Street (0 < inXh QZ< h H(02 O OuX H Mb zozuX h THE BEST, THE CHEAPEST, AlrflsT POPULAR^ THE PAPER FOR THE TIMES! MOORE'S RURAL. NEW-YORKER, widely known: as the most Valuable and Popular Journal in its Sphere— a3 the Best and Cheapest combined Agricultural, Horticultural, Literary and Family Newspaper on the Continent — entered upon its Thirteenth Year and Volume in January, 1862. It has long surpassed all rivals in Variety and Usefulness of Contents, and of late is, more thau ever before; THE FAVORITE HOME WEEKLY I This is proved by its immense and rapidly-increasing circulation through out the Free States, Canadas, Ac, and among all intelligent classes in both, Town and Country. In addition to a great amount of Practical, Iustructij(k|j and Entertaining Reading upon Agriculture, Horticulture. Domestic Econoihy,, , Science, Art, Education, ka., with a variety of Engravings, Music, Tales,i\ Poetry, &c, &c, it contains a complete and carefully-prepared WEEKLY SUMMAEY OF THE LATEST WAR ftEWS, So that every reader may be fully advised of the Events of the War /9r the Union. The Rural ardently labors for the preservation and perpetuity of the American Union, as the great meansof securing the permanent pros perity of the People and Country. Though standing aloof from party poli tics, it is always and firmly for The Union, the Constitution, and the Laws.. Hence it ii, and will continue to be, Jf PATRIOTIC, PROGRESSIVE AND TIMELY. The earnest advocate of Right and contemner of Wrong, its Practical i Departments are instructive and valuable, and its Uterary and News pages j Interesting and Entertaining, while the 'Moral Tone of the whole paper is I unexceptionable — the constant aim being to promote the Pecuniary Interest, j Moral and IntcllecivM Culture, and consequent Home Welfare of the tens' of i thousands of Families visited. It is, in fact, the j BEST RURAL AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER f In America, as both Press and People attest. Its Editors, with Hundreds of \ Contributors and Correspondents, labor to render The Rcral an able and I reliable exponent of Industry, Skill, Progress, Improvement, and whatever ! tends to Elevate the Masses and Benefit the Country — a paper eminently X. , adapted to the Wants of the People and Times. Its Market Reports are f 2$. invaluable— and- not given in a slow monthly, but in a Labge and Beau-tI Up! tipul Weekly ! "s __ 0 2 PI O 0 c< m ¦ -•¦] ¦o mi 0,1 ulpim l< STYLE, FORM, TERMS, &o. Volume XIII, for 1862, will maintain the enviable reputation the Rural New-Yorker has acquired for both Contents and Appearance. It will be published in Superior Style— with New Type, good white Pap®-, and many fine Illustrations. Its form will continue the R;ime.a3 now— Double Quarto— with an Index, Title Page, Ac., at the close of year, complete for binding. TERMS, Always in Advance— $2 a year; 3 copies for $5; 6 for $10: 10 for $15 i 15 for $21 ; 20 for $25— with a free copy for every cluh of six or more. ^SrNow.is the Time to Subscribe and form Clubs. Efficient Local Agents wanted in all places reached by the United Stateaand Canada mails-, to whom liberal' inducements are offered— Good PayforMing Good. Srfeci. men Numbers, Show-Bills, &a., sent free to all disposed to benefit their neighbors and community by introducing the paper to more' general'notice «nd supports Address D. t>. T. MOORE, Rochester, N. Y. ¦¦•J elml 31 GT "PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT* „^j YALE UNIVERSITY 1002 002508811b '¦>XX