Belle Boyd, In Camp and Prison, Vol. I - Chapters VIII-X



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CHAPTER VIII.
I am Arrested by order of Mr. Stanton, Federal Secretary of War - My Boom 
and Trunks are closely Searched- Yankee disregard for the rights of 
Personal Property - My Departure for Washington - My Escort - I arrive at 
General White's Head-quarters in Winchester.

   IT was on a lovely Wednesday evening that our firm and valued friend 
Lieutenant Preston, my cousin Alice, and myself were standing on the 
balcony, watching the last rays of the setting sun as it sank behind the 
western hills.

   Our conversation turned upon the 

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divided and unhappy state of our country. We recalled the peaceful scenes 
and joyous days of the past, which were so painfully contrasted by the 
present, and we were forced to agree that we had nothing to expect from 
the future but a continuance, if not an augmentation, of our calamities.

   In such gloomy forebodings, and in the interchange of apprehensions and 
regrets, we passed some time, and the twilight was fast deepening into 
gloom when we heard the sound of horses' hoofs; and, straining our eyes 
through the darkness, we discerned a large body of cavalry approaching the 
house.

   I immediately conceived the idea that it was a scouting-party on their 
way to the mountains with the design of surprising Major Harry Gilmore's 
cavalry, and feared that their enterprise would prove 

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successful unless the Confederate officer should leave timely notice of 
his danger. I ran at once to my room and wrote a hasty note, in which I 
communicated my suspicions to Major Gilmore, and warned him to be on his 
guard.

   This note I transmitted in the manner I have described in a previous 
chapter, by my "underground railway." After this feat I retired to bed, 
and slept quietly, undisturbed by any dream or vision of my approaching 
captivity.

   Next morning I rose early, and soon after breakfast I went to the 
cottage door, where I daily spent much of my time, watching the movements 
of the persons who, for various purposes, frequented head-quarters. I had 
not been long at my post when I observed several Yankee soldiers go into 
the coach-house. They immediately proceeded to drag out the carriage, 

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and pull it up at the door of head-quarters, where they put to the horses.

   There was nothing very extraordinary in all this; but in these anxious 
days the minds of all were in a perpetual state of tension, and a slight 
incident was sufficient to cause alarm.

   This may account for the strange feeling that came over me - an 
irrepressible desire to ascertain who was to be the occupant of the 
carriage, which was on the point of starting for a destination of which I 
was ignorant.

   I walked out upon the balcony; and, looking up and down the street, I 
saw that it was thronged with cavalry, the men dismounted, lounging about, 
and conversing with each other, in groups of twos and threes, evidently 
waiting for the expected order to mount.

   While I stood looking at this scene, not 

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without interest and curiosity, one of the servants came to me and said - 

   "Miss Belle, de Provo' wishes to see you in de drawing-room, and dere's 
two oder men wid him."

   I immediately went down-stairs, and, upon entering the room, I found 
the Major, whose face wore an expression of excitement and nervousness. 
There were, as the servant had said, two other men in the room with him: 
one, a tall, fine-looking man, was introduced to me by the name and title 
of Major Sherman, of the 12th Illinois Cavalry; the other was low in 
stature, coarse in appearance, with a mean, vile expression of 
countenance, and a grizzly beard, which, it was evident, had not made the 
acquaintance of water or a comb for weeks at least. His small, restless 
eyes glanced here and there, with an expression of incessant 

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watchfulness and suspicion. All his features were repulsive in the 
extreme, denoting a mixture of cowardice, ferocity, and cunning. In a 
word, his mien was unmistakably that of a finished villain, who was 
capable of perpetrating any act, however atrocious, when stimulated by the 
promise of a reward in money.

   This man was a good type of his order: he was one of Secretary 
Stanton's minions - a detective belonging to, and employed and paid by, 
that honourable branch of Mr. Lincoln's Government, the Secret Service 
Department.

   I had not been in the room more than a few moments when Major McEnnis 
turned to me and said -

   "Miss Boyd, Major Sherman has come to arrest you."

   "Impossible! For what?" I cried.

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   Major Sherman here interposed, and, speaking in a very kind manner, 
assured me that, although the duty he had to perform was painful to his 
feelings, he was, nevertheless, forced to execute the orders of the 
Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton; and, as he finished speaking, the detective 
produced from his pocket the document, which I transcribe as nearly as I 
can recollect: - 

"War Department. 

"SIR, - YOU will proceed immediately to Front Royal, Virginia, and arrest, 
if found there, Miss Belle Boyd, and bring her at once to Washington.

"I am, respectfully, 
"Your obedient Servant, 
"E. M. STANTON." 

   Such was the curt order that made me a prisoner; and, as remonstrance 
would have been idle and resistance vain, nothing was left for me but 
quiet, unconditional obedience.

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   The detective then informed me that it was his duty to examine all my 
luggage.

   To this I could not do otherwise than assent, and only begged that a 
few minutes might be granted, to enable my servant to prepare my room, 
which was in great confusion, and that I might also be permitted to 
retire. I made this request to the detective, for it had not escaped my 
notice that Major Sherman was acting a subordinate part, and was virtually 
at the disposal and under the orders of the former.

   As no answer was returned to my question, I took it for granted I had 
tacit permission to withdraw; but my disgust was great when, turning round 
upon the stairs, I saw my persecutor silently following at my heels.

   I stopped short, and said -

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   "Sir, will not you wait until I see if my room is in a suitable 
condition for you to enter?"

   The reply was characteristic, though not urbane.

   "No, yer don't: I'm agoin' with yer. Yer got some papers yer want to 
get rid on;" and, with these words, he pushed violently past me, and 
hastily entered my room.

   My clothes were first seized, and searched with the utmost scrutiny. My 
dresses were examined closely, and, after being turned inside out, and 
distorted into all sorts of fantastic shapes, were flung in a pile upon 
the floor, much to the horror and amazement of my maid, who had employed a 
great part of the previous night in packing them safely and neatly, and 
who was at a loss to understand the meaning of such treatment, which 
appeared 

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to her, naturally enough, so strange and unseemly.

   My under-clothing next underwent an ordeal precisely similar to that 
which my upper garments had passed through; and, finally, my desk and 
portfolio were discovered; but here very fortunately my devoted servant 
came to the rescue with the promptitude and courage of a heroine.

   She well knew the value I attached to the contents of my portfolio, and 
made a shrewd guess as to how far they would compromise me with my captor 
and his employers. Acting upon a sudden impulse, she made a swoop upon the 
repository of the greatest part of the evidence that could be adduced 
against me; and, rushing at headlong speed down-stairs, she gained the 
kitchen in time to burn all the papers it contained. But some 

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important papers were, unfortunately, in my writing-desk, and these fell 
into the possession of the detective who also, much to my regret, made 
prize of a handsome pistol, with belt and equipments complete, which had 
been presented to me on the 4th July, by a Federal officer on the staff, 
as a token, he was pleased to say, of his admiration of the spirit I had 
shown in defence of my mother and my home.

   It had always been my hope to have some day an opportunity of begging 
General Stonewall Jackson's acceptance of a present made to me, under very 
trying circumstances, by a gallant and generous enemy; but this could not 
be done. The pistol now occupies a conspicuous place in the War Department 
at Washington, and is entered in the catalogue of spoils in the following 
words: - 

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    "A trophy captured from the celebrated rebel Belle Boyd."

   Not contented with the seizure of my own papers, the emissary of Mr. 
Stanton proceeded to break open the private escritoire of my uncle, who 
was a lawyer, and who had left it in my room for safekeeping during his 
absence from Front Royal.

   The detective, bundling up the law-papers with mine, bade me, in the 
roughest manner, and in the most offensive language, be prepared to start 
within half an hour.

   I asked permission to be indulged with the attendance of my maid; but 
this request was refused, with imprecations, and she was only allowed to 
pack one trunk with apparel absolutely necessary to comfort, if not to 
decency. Brief time was granted for the packing; and, before many 

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minutes, my solitary trunk was strapped to the back of the carriage.

   I then nerved myself, and, walking into the drawing-room, announced, in 
firm, unbroken accents, that I was ready to start.

   I preserved my composure unshaken; although it was a hard trial to me 
to see my grandmother and cousin weeping piteously, and beseeching Major 
Sherman, in the most moving terms, to spare me. Their supplications were 
vain; and the detective, stepping up close to my side, ordered me to get 
into the carriage forthwith.

   Then came the final parting, bitter enough, God knows; for I was being 
dragged from those to whom I was endeared by the associations of my happy 
youth, no less than by the ties of nature, and consigned to the safe-
keeping of a man 

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whose countenance alone would have immediately convicted him of any crime 
of which he might anywhere have been accused.

   My negro maid clasped her arms round my knees, and passionately 
implored permission to attend me. She was torn from me, and I was hurried 
into the carriage without any opportunity of further expostulation on the 
part of myself or my relations.

   The news of my arrest had spread quickly, and the streets were by this 
time filled with soldiers and citizens of the town. As I stepped into the 
carriage, which for aught I knew was my funeral car, I cast a rapid but 
comprehensive glance upon the crowd collected to witness my departure and 
the demeanour I should sustain under such a trial.

   Upon many, nay, most of the faces that 

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met my gaze, sorrow and sympathy were written in unmistakable characters; 
but there were, nevertheless, some looks the expression of which was that 
of exultation and malignant triumph.

   I knew how closely I was watched by friend and foe, and I resolved 
neither to make myself an object of derision to the one, nor of pity to 
the other. Though my heart was throbbing, my eyes were dry; not a muscle 
of my face quivered; no outward sign betrayed the convicting emotions that 
raged within.

   I could not guess what fate was in store for me, but I felt that, if I 
might judge of the clemency of my captors by the bearing of their 
delegate, it would be the part of wisdom to steel my mind against the 
worst that could ensue.

   I was seated in the back of the carriage, and just as we started my 
evil genius 

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mounted the driver's seat. In his hand he clutched a tin case which held 
the papers he had taken from my room, and, as he turned his ugly features 
round from time to time to scrutinize my looks, my imagination pictured 
him to me as the ill omened incarnation of Satan himself. I could not help 
associating him with the idea of Edgar Poe's raven, and asking myself if 
the fancy of the poet was to be realized in my case, and the companionship 
of the bird was to cease only with my life.

   That these were the visions of a disturbed mind I am now quite willing 
to allow; but if my readers will bear in mind that I was young; that I had 
just been torn from my friends; that a long captivity appeared certain, 
and death not improbable; that while either fate was in abeyance I was in 
the custody of a man whose 

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character was clearly adapted to his odious calling, - they will not be 
surprised that during a few hours my reason tottered, and "horrible 
imaginings" got the better of my fortitude.

   My escort consisted of 450 cavalry, the officer in command of whom 
observed all the regular precautions prescribed by military law for a 
march through an enemy's country. In addition to the ordinary advance and 
rear guards, fifty scouts were detached in skirmishing order to protect 
our right from surprise, and an equal number to guard our left; and in 
this order we advanced until about half our march was performed, and we 
reached an eminence which commanded a view of the country for several 
miles round.

   Here, at a dreary spot, the cavalcade was brought to a halt. Field-
glasses and signal whistles were brought into requisition, 

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and many other, to me, mysterious forms were gone through.

   I had not yet shaken off my terrors, and I now resolved to collect my 
thoughts, and devote what I believed to be my last moments to prayer; for 
I could not then penetrate the motives which actuated the, to me, strange 
behaviour of my escort, and I fully and firmly believed I should soon be 
dragged from the carriage and hanged from a bough of the maple-tree the 
leaves of which were rustling over the carriage.

   I afterwards ascertained that it was from fear of a rescue by Ashby's 
cavalry the that the precautions which alarmed me so much were taken; and 
I make no doubt but that gallant Confederate, had he known of my 
situation, would have brought me off, or perished in the attempt.

   After a long pause the word "Forward" 

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was given, and our march was resumed at a walk.

   In due course we gained the outskirts of Winchester, and were met by 
the remainder of the regiment by which I was escorted. The whole, 
amounting to 550 sabres, some in front, some in rear of the carriage, 
marched in solemn procession down the main street of the town; and I 
believe the citizens, who rushed to the windows and doors, at first 
supposed that the carriage which conveyed my small but living person was 
the funeral car of a general officer bearing the warrior to his place of 
interment.

   It was about six o'clock in the evening when I was brought to General 
White's head-quarters, which were fixed about a quarter of a mile beyond 
the town.

   I was immediately ordered to alight, 

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and without a minute's delay I was ushered into his presence.

   He received me with a graceful bow, and bade me welcome with marked 
courtesy.

   I returned his salutation with as much ease as I could assume, and 
asked what he intended doing with me.

   "To-morrow," replied he, "I shall send you on to the commanding officer 
at Martinsburg. He can best inform you what is to be done with you. You 
will rest here after your journey, for the night."

   "But surely," I interceded, "you will at least allow me to remain with 
my friends in the village until the morning?"

   "No, no," he rejoined, rather pettishly; "I cannot consent to that. It 
would take a whole regiment to guard you; for, 

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though the rebel cavalry should not enter the town to attempt your rescue, 
I make no doubt that the citizens themselves would try it."

   "But surely," I then pleaded, "you do not mean that I am to sleep here, 
defenceless and alone in a tent, at the mercy of your brigade? I never yet 
slept in a tent when I was present with our army, and how can I endure 
such a penance in the camp of my enemies?"

   "My own tent," replied the General, with a low bow, "has been properly 
prepared for the reception of a lady. Whenever you wish to retire you can 
follow your inclinations; and you may rest assured you shall sleep in 
perfect security."

   Supper was then brought in; and it did not escape my notice that the 
table was decorated with a dazzling display of rich 

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silver plate, which I more than suspected had formerly been the property 
of some of our dear old Virginian families; and the thought that the 
rightful owners were at that moment miserable outcasts, probably in want 
of the bread my Federal lords despised, effectually destroyed any appetite 
my sufferings might have left me.

   I said not a word until supper was finished; then, rising quietly from 
my camp-stool, I begged permission to retire to the tent which I had been 
informed was to be my dormitory.

   The General rang a small bell, which was quickly answered by an 
"intelligent contraband," bearing two very massive silver candlesticks, 
which, like the spoons and forks, were doubtless the spoils of my native 
province, probably once the property of an intimate friend.

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   "Show this lady to the tent that has been prepared for her reception;" 
and these words with the accompaniment of a bow, were all I had in 
exchange for the prayers and blessings I had been accustomed to carry with 
me to my bed.

   No sooner had I entered the tent than the negro left me to sleep or to 
my own reflections.

   For some time I listened to the tramp of the sentries as they paced to 
and fro outside; then I tried to distract my thoughts and forget my grief 
in attempting to guess how many Yankee soldiers were told off to guard a 
single Confederate girl. But all would not do: for the time being I was 
conquered in body and spirit; my burden seemed heavier than I could bear. 
I sat down upon my camp-stool, and pressed my 

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hands upon my aching brow, and before long the fatigue and anxiety I had 
undergone stood me in stead, and I fell asleep.



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CHAPTER IX.
A false Alarm - Arrival at Martinsburg - My Mother and Family visit me - 
Departure for Washington - My Reception at the Dépôt - The "Old Capitol" - 
My Prison Room - My Treatment - Interview with the Chief of Detectives - 
Offers of Liberty - My Reply - A Pleasing Reminiscence of my Captivity.

   ABOUT half-past three the following morning I was suddenly aroused from 
my comfortless slumbers by the beating of the long roll, and by the 
reports of several muskets fired in quick succession. Officers half 
dressed sprang to arms, rushed to their horses, and rode off to the 
outposts. Meanwhile, 

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I had lighted my candle, my heart beating high with hope; for I persuaded 
myself that the alarm was caused by an attempt on the part of the 
Confederates to effect my rescue. I sat down anxiously awaiting the 
result, when one of the officers, who was rushing to the front, stopped 
opposite my tent and shouted, or rather roared out -

   "Put out that light: it is some signal to the rebels. Do you hear me?"

   I of course obeyed the mandate, and a few minutes afterwards I heard 
the retreat beat; upon which one of the sentries explained the meaning of 
what had happened, and how it came to pass that the camp had been thrown 
into such a state of confusion. It appeared that an obtuse cow had strayed 
from a neighbouring field, and, not understanding the challenge of the 
sentry, had disregarded the order to 

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halt, although twice repeated. Hereupon the sentry, who could not make out 
the outline of the cow in the darkness, fired, and the other sentries on 
his right and left, taking the hint, fired also, though at what they aimed 
it would be difficult to say. However, fire they did at random, as is the 
custom of undisciplined troops everywhere, and thus all my hopes of a 
rescue were extinguished by a cow.

   Dawn was hardly breaking when I was ordered to get ready once more, as 
I was to be taken directly to Martinsburg.

   My preparations were soon made, and with two hundred for my escort I 
set forward. At eight o'clock we came to a halt at a small farm-house 
standing by the road-side. Here breakfast had been prepared, and I was 
informed the refreshment was at my disposal. No sooner was my appetite 
satisfied - a consummation 

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which was easy and rapid - than we resumed our journey to Martinsburg, at 
which bourne I arrived about one in the afternoon, tired and exhausted 
with the fatigue and anxiety I had undergone.

   Major Sherman, compassionating my forlorn condition, very kindly stayed 
behind the cavalcade and prevailed upon his wife to accompany me to the 
camp, which was pitched at a short distance on the north side of the town.

   I was forthwith conducted to the tent of the commanding officer. My 
head was now almost bursting with pain; and I implored him to have me 
taken to my home, which was close by in a suburb of the village, there to 
rest and refresh myself for a few hours, as I understood I was to start 
for Washington at two o'clock next morning. I make no doubt my petition 
would have been granted had not the detective here 

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interposed and informed the Federal Colonel that Mr. Secretary Stanton 
would probably take exception to such an indulgence, which would give me 
an opportunity of holding communication with persons inimical to the 
United States Government.

   After putting this "spoke in my wheel," so to speak, my amiable 
custodian went himself to my home and ransacked all my father's private 
papers, under pretence of hunting for "communications" from myself to my 
mother. Fortunately, however, he found none, and his unwelcome visit was 
not crowned with the success he had anticipated.

   To return to myself.

   I was sitting on the camp-stool in my tent, gazing listlessly about me, 
when my attention was suddenly attracted to a carriage which was driving 
into the encampment. 

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It stopped, and a lady rapidly alighted. She was dressed in deep mourning; 
a thick veil entirely concealed her face, but I recognized her at once, in 
spite of her disguise.

   The feverish intelligence which accompanies danger and suffering was 
superadded to that natural instinct which, though no one can explain, all 
have experienced, and I felt, for I could not see, that the visitor was my 
mother.

   I sprang from my seat, and rushed into her arms with a cry of joy I had 
no power to repress.

   "My poor, dear child!" she said, or rather gasped, and then sank 
fainting at my feet.

   They carried her into the tent, and the first use she made of restored 
consciousness was to implore the Colonel, in the most moving terms, to 
allow her to carry me 

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home. She begged him to trust the evidence of his own senses, and to read 
in my haggard looks the bodily prostration to which I was reduced, no less 
than the mental anguish which was consuming me; and in very truth the iron 
had entered into my soul, and my sufferings were almost greater than I 
could bear.

   The Colonel politely but firmly refused to grant my mother's prayer; 
and I am willing to believe that in this refusal he was actuated by a 
stern sense of duty, for his feelings so far prevailed as to induce him to 
authorize my removal to Raemer's Hotel, which is contiguous to the station 
from which the trains for Washington start. No sooner had I, a young girl 
weak and ill, accompanied by my mother and Mrs. Sherman, set foot in the 
hotel, than the building was girdled by a cordon of sentries, twenty-seven 
in number, in addition to 

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whom three were posted in the passage leading to my room, and one more was 
stationed just outside my door; and then, with these material guarantees 
for my security and good behaviour, my little sister, my brothers, and my 
mother were allowed to visit me.

   It had been arranged that the detective who arrested me should be my 
escort as far as Washington; but I no loathed the sight of this man, that 
I sent for Colonel Holt, and implored him to substitute for the odious 
reptile any one of his officers who could be spared, and upon whom he 
could rely for my safe conduct.

   Colonel Holt kindly granted my request, and detailed Lieutenant Steele, 
of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, for "escort duty."

   As the time for my arrival approached my feelings overpowered my self-
control, and, for once, I yielded to a passionate 

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burst of grief. Nor was I without an excuse for my weakness. My nearest 
and dearest were lamenting around me, and within a few minutes I was to be 
torn from their arms and consigned to the doubtful mercies of strangers 
and enemies. My strength, too, failed me; and, just as the fatal moment 
drew near, I sank down in a stupor from which I was suddenly and painfully 
awakened by the ominous screech of the railway engine. I nerved myself by 
a vigorous effort, and within a few seconds I found myself seated in the 
train. I say found myself, for I have never been able distinctly to recall 
how I reached the station - whether I walked or was carried I know not. I 
was soon, however, conscious that Lieutenant Steele was by my side, and 
that Washington was my destination. I felt grateful for the presence of an 
officer to whom I might reasonably 

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look for protection, and the reflection that, come what would, I had 
escaped the clutches of the detective roused my drooping spirits.

   Alas! this infatuation was soon dispelled, for, upon looking about me, 
I was horrified to see my "evil genius" occupying the left seat of the 
carriage.

   The image of Edgar Poe's raven arose in my mind, and my disturbed 
imagination whispered that I was doomed to the perpetual companionship of 
an incarnate fiend.

   It afterwards transpired that this able minion of Mr. Stanton had 
telegraphed to the chief of detectives at Washington to meet us at the 
depot.(*)

   Mr. Steele, who had no idea I was to be thrown into prison, observed 
that upon our arrival at Washington I should go to 

(* In America a railway terminus is called a depot.)

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Willard's Hotel, and after a short rest proceed to the office of the 
Secretary-at-War. This plan, however, was by no means in accordance with 
the programme drawn up by the detective. He was one of Mr. Stanton's 
chosen and trusted agents. He doubtless well knew what was in store for 
me, and he did not scruple to presume upon his position, and use very 
sharp words to Lieutenant Steele.

   It was about nine o'clock in the evening when we arrived at Washington; 
but, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, a very large concourse of 
people had assembled in and about the dépôt, in order to catch a glimpse 
of the "wonderful rebel;" for the news of my arrest had preceded my 
arrival.

   As I stepped upon the platform the chief of the detectives, another 
kindred spirit of Mr. Stanton's, seized me roughly by 

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the arm, and in a gruff voice shouted out - 

   "Come on: I'll attend to you."

   He was then proceeding to push me through the crowd, when Lieutenant 
Steele, thrusting himself forward, protested vehemently against such 
usage, and declared that I should not be treated in so barbarous a manner; 
that I was a lady, and that my character and position should be respected.

   The torrent of abuse that was poured upon him for thus endeavouring to 
take my part was conveyed in words too horrible to bear repetition; and at 
that moment I would gladly have lain down and died, for the thought 
flashed across my mind - 

   "My God! if this is the beginning, what will the end be?"

   Amongst the crowd I had many sympathizers; 

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but they dared not interfere. At Washington might was indeed right; and I 
will venture to say that the arbitrary exercise of power by the United 
States Government has cast into the shade all that we read of the Spanish 
Inquisition, and all that we hear of Russian domination in Poland. A word 
of encouragement, nay, a whisper of condolence, would have been sufficient 
to introduce an imprudent friend to that receptacle which was awaiting 
me - a prison cell.

   I was thrust into a carriage; and the order, "Drive to the Old
Capitol," was promptly given; but, before it could be obeyed, Lieutenant 
Steele, who had been very unceremoniously dismissed from further 
attendance upon me, stepped up and politely begged permission to wait upon 
me to prison. To a gruff refusal he firmly rejoined - 

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   "I am determined to see her out of your hands, at least."

   The carriage was driven at a rapid pace, and we soon came within sight 
of my future home - a vast brick building, like all prisons, sombre, 
chilling, and repulsive.

   Its dull, damp walls look out upon the street: its wnarrow indows are 
further darkened by heavy iron stanchions, through which the miserable 
inmates may soothe their captivity by gazing upon those who are still 
free, but whose freedom hangs but by a slender thread.

   Such is the calm retreat provided by a free and enlightened community 
for those of its citizens who have the audacity to express their 
disapproval of the policy adopted by the government of the hour.

   In the days of old France the victims of royal indignation were seized 
under 

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cover of night, and buried with secrecy and despatch in the impenetrable 
recesses of the Bastille; the most jealous care, the most unceasing 
vigilance, was observed, in order that the mystery of their doom should 
never be elucidated; the lettre de cachet, which was the implement of 
their destruction, was in its very nature a proof that such acts of 
violence and injustice were a source of fear and shame even to the despot 
who committed them.

   Many a dark deed has been perpetrated within the old walls of the Tower 
of London; its stones have more than once been stained with the blood of 
the innocent; but here, again, tortures and death were studiously 
concealed, and, when detected, amply avenged.

   The autocrat of Russia does not exhibit to the world the instruments 
with which he chastises his naughty children; the 

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clank of Siberian chains is not heard in any other quarter of the globe.

   It has been reserved for the Government of the United States of 
America, the Apostles of Liberty, the tender-hearted emancipators, who 
shudder at the bare idea of the African's wrongs, to cast into a dungeon 
in open day, without accusation or form of trial, any one of their fellow-
countrymen and countrywomen whom they may suspect of disaffection to the 
clique which retains them in power and office.

   One of the greatest authors, ancient or modern, when speaking of our 
forefathers, said - 

   "They left their native land in search of freedom, and found it in a 
desert."

   Could "Nominis Umbra," wrapped in his old veil of mystery, revisit our 
world, he would be appalled to find how completely 

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the men of this generation have parted with that freedom without receiving 
so much as a mess of pottage in exchange for their glorious birthright.

   To return to my narrative.

   Upon my arrival at the prison I was ushered into a small office. A 
clerk, who was writing at a desk, looked up for a moment and informed me 
the superintendent would attend to my business immediately. The words were 
hardly uttered when Mr. Wood entered the room, and I was aware of the 
presence of a man of middle height, powerfully built, with brown hair, 
fair complexion, and keen, bluish-gray eyes.

   Mr. Wood prides himself, I believe, upon his plebeian extraction; but I 
can safely aver that beneath his rough exterior there beats a warm and 
generous heart.

   "And so this is the celebrated rebel 

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spy," said he. "I am very glad to see you, and will endeavour to make you 
as comfortable as possible; so whatever you wish for, ask for it and you 
shall have it. I am glad I have so distinguished a personage for my guest. 
Come, let me show you to your room."

   We traversed the hall, ascended a flight of stairs, and found ourselves 
in a short, narrow passage, up and down which a sentry paced, and into 
which several doors opened. One of these doors, No. 6, was thrown open; 
and behold my prison cell!

   Mr. Wood, after repeating his injunction to me to ask for whatever I 
might wish, and with the promise that he would send me a servant, and that 
I should not be locked in as long as I "behaved myself," withdrew, and 
left me to my reflections.

   At the moment I did not quite understand the meaning, of the last 
indulgence, 

Page 199

but within a few minutes I was given a copy of the rules and relations of 
the prison, which set forth that if I held any communication whatever with 
the other prisoners, I should be punished by having my door locked.

   There was nothing remarkable in the shape or size of my apartment, 
except that two very large windows took up nearly the whole of one side of 
the wall.

   Upon taking, an inventory of my effects, I found them to be as 
follows: - A washing-stand, a looking-glass, an iron bedstead, a table, 
and some chairs.

   From the windows I had a view of part of Pennsylvania Avenue, and far 
away in the country the residence of General Floyd, ex-United States 
Secretary of War, where I had formerly passed many happy hours.

   At first I could not help indulging in reminiscences of my last visit 
to Washington 

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and contrasting it with my present forlorn condition; but, rousing myself 
from my reverie, I bethought myself of the indulgence promised me, and 
asked for a rocking-chair and a fire; not that I require the latter, for 
the room was already very warm, but I fancied a bright blaze would make it 
look more cheerful.

   My trunk, after being subjected to a thorough scrutiny, was sent up to 
me, and, having plenty of time at my disposal, I unpacked it leisurely.

   Upon each floor of the prison were posted sentries within sight and 
call of each other. The sentry before my door was No. 6, and when I had 
occasion for my servant I had to request him to summon the corporal of the 
guard. My attendant was an "intelligent contraband," who was extremely 
useful to me during my enforced residence in the Old Capitol.

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   I had not unpacked my trunk when dinner was served; and here I shall do 
plain justice by transcribing the bill of fare; and it will be allowed I 
can claim no commiseration on the plea of bread-and-water diet, though 
such had been ordered for me by Mr. Stanton: - 

BILL OF FARE.
Soup - 
Beef Steak - 
Chicken - 
Boiled Corn - 
Tomatoes - 
Irish Stew - 
Potatoes - 
Bread and Butter - 
Cantelopes- 
Peaches - 
Pears - 
Grapes.

   This, with but little variety, constituted my dinner every day until 
released.

   At eight o'clock Mr. Wood came to my room, accompanied by the chief of 
the detectives, who desired an interview with me on the part of the 
Secretary at War.

   I begged this worthy to be seated - a request he immediately complied 
with; and he then delivered the following graceful exhortation, which I 
transcribe verbatim: - 

Page 202

   "Ain't you pretty tired of your prison a'ready? I've come to get you to 
make a free confession now of what you've did agin our cause; and, as 
we've got plenty of proof agin you, you might as well acknowledge at once."

   "Sir," I replied, "I do not understand you; and furthermore, I have 
nothing to say. When you have informed me on what grounds I have been 
arrested and given me a copy of the charges preferred against me, I will 
mare my statement; but I shall not now commit myself." Thereupon the oath 
of allegiance was proffered, and I was harangued at some length upon the 
enormity of my offense, and given to understand the cause of the South was 
hopeless.

   "Say, now, won't you take the oath of allegiance? Remember Mr. Stanton 
will hear of all this. He sent me here."

Page 203

   To this peroration I replied -

   "Tell Mr. Stanton from me, I hope that when I commence the oath of 
allegiance to the United States Government, my tongue may cleave to the 
roof of my mouth, and that, if ever I sign one line that will show to the 
world that I owe the United States Government the slightest allegiance, I 
hope my arm may fall paralysed at my side."

   This speech of mine he immediately took down in his note-book, and 
growing very angry at my determination, he called out - 

   "Well, if this is your resolution, you'll have to lay here and die; and 
serve you right."

   "Sir," I retorted, "if it is a crime to love the South, its cause and 
its President, then I am a criminal. I am in your power. Do with me as you 
please. But I fear you not. I would rather lie down in 

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this prison and die than leave it owing allegiance to such a government as 
yours. Now leave the room; for so thoroughly am I disgusted with your 
conduct towards me that I cannot endure your presence longer."

   Scarcely had I finished my defiance, which I confess was spoken in a 
loud tone of voice, when cheers and cries of "Bravo!" reached my ears. 
Until that moment I was not aware that the rooms on the floor with my own 
were occupied; for, having kept my door shut all day, I had had no means 
of noticing what was passing around me.

   My door, however, had been left open during my interview with the 
detective, consequently my neighbours, whom I afterwards ascertained to be 
Confederate officers and Englishmen, had overheard our whole conversation, 
and hailed with applause the 

Page 205

firmness with which I had rejected Mr. Stanton's overtures of liberty, 
conditional as they were upon my renunciation of the Confederacy and on my 
allegiance to the Federal Government. And now Mr. Wood, taking pity upon 
me, withdrew the detective, saying - 

   "Come, we had better go: the lady is tired."

   Within a few minutes of their departure, I heard a low, significant 
cough, and, as I turned in the direction from whence it proceeded, 
something small and white fell at my feet. I picked it up and found that 
it was a minute nut-shell basket, upon which were painted miniature 
Confederate flags. Round it was wrapped a small piece of paper, upon which 
were traced a few words expressive of sympathy with my misfortunes. I 
afterwards found out that the author of this short communication was 

Page 206

an Englishman; and I can assure him that his kindness was like a ray of 
light from heaven breaking into the cell of a condemned prisoner. I wrote 
a hasty reply, and, watching my opportunity, threw it to him. I then lay 
down on my bed in a tranquil - I had almost said a happy - frame of mind; 
and I closed my first day in a dungeon by repeating to myself more than 
once - 

"Stone walls do not a prison make, 
 Nor iron bars a cage: 
 A free and quiet mind can take 
 These for a hermitage." 



Page 207

CHAPTER X.
My First Night in Prison - The Secret Telegraph - An Incident in 
connection with President Jefferson Davis's Portrait - I am punished for 
my Indiscretion - I am permitted to walk in the Prison Yard, where I meet 
with a Relation - I am informed I am to be exchanged - Departure from 
Washington.

MY FIRST NIGHT IN PRISON.

   THE first night in a convent forms the subject of a melancholy, but 
beautiful picture. My first night in a prison must be painted in dark 
colours, unrelieved by the radiance that plays upon the features of the 
sleeping devotee, who has of her own 

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free will cast aside the world, exulting in the belief that the voluntary 
sacrifice of youth, love, and all the ties of nature will be more than 
recompensed by an immortality of bliss.

   Her dreams are of paradise: enthusiasm comes to the aid of religion, 
and gives her a foretaste of eternity.

"Her soul is gone before her dust to heaven." 

   Prophets, angels, and saints people her silent cell; a vision of glory 
streams in through her narrow window; and the first night in the convent 
is the night of ecstasy.

   I said, at the conclusion of my last chapter, that I was comforted by 
the spontaneous proof of sympathy given by my unknown correspondent; but 
my situation was too painful to admit of real, lasting consolation. The 
medicine administered was at best but a momentary stimulant; the reaction 
soon 

Page 209

set in; and, as my fatigue gained ground, the sense of my miserable 
condition prevailed against my bodily energies.

   I rose from my bed and walked to the window. The moon was shining 
brightly. How I longed that it were in my power to spring through the iron 
bars that caught and scattered her beams around the room!

   The city was asleep, but to my disordered imagination its sleep 
appeared feverish and perturbed. Far away the open country, visible in the 
clear night, looked the express image of peace and repose.

   "God made the country, and man made the towns," I thought, as I 
contrasted the close atmosphere of my city prison with the clear air of 
the fields beyond.

   What would I not have given to exchange the sound of the sentry's 
measured tread for the wild shriek of the owl and the drowsy flight of the 
bat!

Page 210

   The room which was appropriated to me had formerly been the committee-
room of the old Hall of Congress, and had been repeatedly tenanted by 
Clay, Webster, Calhoun, and other statesmen of their age and mark.

   A thousand strange fancies filled my brain, and nearly drove me mad. 
The phantoms of the past rose up before me, and I fancied I could hear the 
voices of the departed orators as they declaimed against the abuses and 
errors of the day, and gave their powerful aid to the cause of general 
liberty. They never dreamed that the very walls which re-echoed the 
eloquence of freedom would ere long confine the victims of an oligarchy. 
Theirs was the bright day - ours is the dark morrow, of which the evil is 
more than sufficient. Those great men - for great they unquestionably 
were - lacked not the gift of prophecy, for they did not 

Page 211

fail to discern the little cloud, then no bigger than a man's hand, which 
was gathering in the horizon - that dark speck which was so soon to 
generate a tempest far blacker than that from which the chariot of Ahab 
made haste to escape.

   Throughout that long dreary night I stood at the window watching, 
thinking, and praying. It seemed to me that morning would never come.

"Methought that streak of dawning grey 
 Would never dapple into day, 
 So heavily it rolled away 
 Before the eastern flame." 

   But the morning came at last - the herald let me hope, from a brighter 
world of another morrow to us. No sooner did the first faint light find 
its way through the windows, than I threw myself again upon my bed, and 
almost immediately sank into a deep sleep.

Page 212

   It was about nine o'clock, I believe, when I was aroused by a loud 
knocking at my door.

   "What is it?" I cried, springing up.

   "The officer calling the roll, to ascertain that no one has escaped."

   "You do not expect me to get through these iron bars, do you?"

   "No, indeed," was the chuckling rejoinder; and immediately afterwards I 
heard the officer's retreating footsteps as he passed on in the execution 
of his duty.

   Soon after the servant who had been assigned to me came to make 
preparations for breakfast; and, as my morning meal was no less ample and 
choice than my dinner of the preceding evening, I will not detain my 
readers with a second prison bill of fare.

   It was but a few minutes after breakfast 

Page 213

when the sentry directly outside my door was relieved.

   I listened attentively to catch the orders given to the relief. They 
were - 

   "You will not allow this lady to come outside her door or talk to any 
of those fellows in the room opposite; and if she wants anything call the 
corporal of the guard. Now don't let these - - rebels skear yer."

   There was no more information to be gained for the moment; so I sat 
down and amused myself with the morning papers, which had been brought to 
me with my breakfast.

   They all contained an account of my capture, and a summary of my 
career. The subject-matter was, of course, personally interesting, 
although in every instance my motives were misconstrued, and my character 
was aspersed. I must, however, 

Page 214

admit that many of the most bitter calumnnies then published of me were 
contradicted not many days afterwards in the very same journals which had 
originally circulated them.

   There was a narrow space behind the prison which was reserved for the 
prisoners' exercise - an indulgence they were granted at stated hours. On 
their way to their playground most of them had to pass my door, and in the 
procession I recognised, on the second day of my imprisonment, several of 
my old friends and acquaintances who had formerly belonged to the army of 
Virginia.

   The tedious day wore on, and a shudder passed over me as I recalled the 
hideous thoughts which had banished sleep throughout the previous night.

   Late in the evening, when my servant came with my tea, she told me that 
many 

Page 215

prisoners had been brought in during the day, and that two of the newly 
arrived captives had been consigned to the room adjoining mine.

   By this time it had become known throughout the length and breadth of 
the prison-house that I was no other than that persecuted young lady 
"Belle Boyd."

   Acting upon this knowledge, my neighbours, who were the friends of 
happier days, devised a scheme by means of which they were enabled to make 
themselves known to me.

   At about eleven o'clock I sat down and opened my Bible. I selected a 
chapter the promises contained in which are peculiarly consoling to the 
captive; but I had not read more than two or three verses when my 
attention was distracted by a knock against the wall. I listened with 
attention, and presently felt sure that the next 

Page 216

sound which reached my ears was that made by a knife scooping out the 
plaster of the wall.

   Within a few minutes the point of a long case-knife was visible; and I 
was not slow to co-operate with those pioneers of free communication - the 
inmates of the next room.

   I made use of the knife that remained on my supper-tray; and before 
long the two knives had conjointly made an aperture large enough to admit 
of the transmission of notes rolled tight and of the circumference of a 
man's forefinger. The clandestine correspondence that was thus carried on 
was, on either side of the wall, a source of much pleasure, and served to 
beguile many a tedious hour.

   In the room immediately above mine, and in which Mrs. Greenhow had been 
incarcerated and suffered so much for five 

Page 217

long weary months, were confined some gentlemen of Fredericsburg. They had 
contrived to loosen a plank in the floor, and to make an aperture through 
which the occupant of the room beneath them might receive and return 
letters.

   Whenever I desired to communicate with the prisoners whose rooms were 
on the opposite side of the passage, I adopted the expedient of wrapping 
my note round a marble, which I rolled across, taking care that the 
sentry's back was turned when my missive was started on its voyage of 
discovery.

   I have described how I established a post between my room and the room 
on my right; the same system was applied, with equal success, to the one 
on the left, which was then the abode of Major Fitzhugh, of Stuart's 
staff, and Major Morse, of Ewell's. This room, which joined with many 
others, 

Page 218

became a medium of communication with all; and we were soon enabled to 
transmit intelligence to each other throughout the prison.

   It was on the fourth morning of my imprisomnent, as I was watching from 
my door the prisoners going down to breakfast, that a little Frenchman 
handed me unobserved a half-length portrait of Jefferson Davis. This I 
forthwith hung up in my room over the mantelpiece, with this inscription 
below it - 

   "Three cheers for Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy!"

   One of the prison officials, Lieutenant Holmes, passing by my door, 
caught sight of the hostile President's likeness, and the words with which 
I had decorated it. Rushing like a madman into my room, he tore it down 
with many violent oaths. "For this," 

Page 219

he said, "you shall be locked in;" and he was as good as his word, for he 
turned the key in the door as he left the room.

   My offense was severely punished. I was kept a close prisoner; and so 
little air was stirring in the sultry month of July that I grew very ill 
and faint, and at times I really thought I should have died from the 
oppressive heat of the room; and this misery I had to endure for several 
weeks. At last Mr. Wood paid me a visit, and, observing how pale and ill I 
had become under such rigorous treatment, took pity upon me, and gave 
orders that my door should be once more left open. Soon after I was 
granted the further indulgence of half an hour's walk daily in that 
portion of the prison yard which had been assigned to ladies for exercise.

   One day, whilst standing in the doorway, 

Page 220

my attention was attracted to an old gentleman almost bent double with 
age; his long white hair hung down to his shoulders, whilst his beard, 
grey with the heavy touch of old Father Time's fingers, reached nearly to 
his waist.

   A feeling of pity took possession of my soul, and I could not but help 
thinking as I gazed upon him, "Poor old man! what an unfit place for you; 
even I, the delicate girl, can better stand the hardships of this dreary, 
comfortless place than you." And what was his crime? This - he was 
designated a traitor to the Northern Government because he firmly believed 
that the Constitution as it was should remain unaltered. I afterwards 
learnt that he was Mr. Mahony, the editor of the Dubugue (Iowa) Crescent, 
and who, when released, published a look, "The Prisoner of State" which 
was, however, 

Page 221

suppressed by the Secretary of War, Stanton.

   The rules of the prison, of course, interdicted all intercourse between 
the prisoners, but, alas! I was on one occasion taken so completely by 
surprise as to obey my first impulse and commit a flagrant breach of 
orders.

   I was walking up and down my "seven feet by nine" promenade, when I 
suddenly recognized one of my cousins, John Stephenson, a young officer in 
Mosby's cavalry. So glad was I to see him that I never thought of 
consequences, but rushed up to exchange a few words with him. The charged 
bayonet of the sentry soon checked my impetuosity, and I was summarily 
sent back to my room, although "playtime" had not expired. My unfortunate 
cousin was at once removed to the guardroom.

Page 222

   It was late one evening, and I was sitting reading at my open door, 
when Mr. Wood came down the stairs exclaiming -

   "All you rebels get ready; you are going to 'Dixie' to-morrow, and Miss 
Belle is going with you."

   At this joyful news all the prisoners within hearing of the tidings of 
their approaching liberation joined in three hearty cheers. For my part, I 
actually screamed for joy, so suddenly had my return to freedom been 
announced.

   The next day all the prisoners whose turn for exchange had come were 
drawn up in line in the prison yard.

   Soldiers were stationed from the door of the prison half-way across the 
street, which was thronged by a dense crowd, brought together by curiosity 
to witness the departure of the rebel prisoners.

   Two hundred captives, inclusive of the 

Page 223

officers and myself, were then passed beyond the prison walls, and formed 
in line on the opposite side of the street.

   I stepped into an open carriage, followed by Major Fitzhugh, who had 
been "told off" to convey me to Richmond.

   I carried concealed about me two gold sabre-knots, one of which was 
intended for General Jackson, the other for General Joe Johnston.

   As we drove off the Confederate prisoners cheered us loudly; their 
acclamations were taken up by the crowd, so that the whole street and 
square resounded with applause. When we arrived at the wharf, we were sent 
on board the steamer Juanita, which lay at her moorings all that night.

   I shall conclude this chapter with two or three prison reminiscences, 
which will, I hope, give my reader some idea of the ménage of the "Old 
Capitol."

Page 224

   On one occasion my servant had just brought me a loaf of sugar, when it 
occurred to me that the Confederate officers in the opposite room across 
the passage were in want of this very luxury. Accordingly I asked the 
sentry's permission to pass it over to them, and received from him an 
unequivocal consent in these plain words - "I have no objection."

   This, I thought, was sufficient; and it will hardly be believed that, 
while I was in the very act of placing the sugar in the hand of one of the 
officers, the sentry struck my left hand with the butt-end of his musket, 
and with such violence was the blow delivered that my thumb was actually 
broken. The attack was so unexpected, and the pain so excruciating, that I 
could not refrain from bursting into tears.

   As soon as I could master my feelings, I demanded of the sentry that he 
should 

Page 225

summon the corporal of the guard; and, upon his refusing my just demand, I 
stepped forward with the intention of exercising my undoubted right in 
propriâ personâ.

   But my tyrant was now infuriated; he charged bayonets, and actually 
pinned me to the wall by my dress, his weapon inflicting a flesh-wound on 
my arm.

   At this moment, fortunately for me, the corporal of the guard came 
rushing up the stairs to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. The 
sentry was taken off his post, and, unless I am grievously mistaken, a 
short confinement in the guard-room was considered sufficient punishment 
for such outrageous conduct.

   Not long after this adventure, my aunt called to see me. Permission was 
given to me to pass down-stairs for the purpose of 

Page 226

an interview with my relation, and I was proceeding on my way, when one of 
the sentries, with a volley of oaths, commanded me to "halt."

   "But I have permission to go down and see my relation."

   "Go back, or I'll break every bone in your body;" and a bayonet was 
presented to my breast.

   I produced the certificate which authorized me to pass him; and I 
think, from his manner, he would have relented in his intentions towards 
me, and returned to a sense of his own duty, but he was encouraged in his 
mutinous behaviour by the cheers of a roomful of Federal deserters, who 
called upon him to bayonet me. In this predicament I was saved by Major 
Moore, of the Confederate States army, and the timely arrival of Captain 
Higgins and Lieutenant Holmes, two prison 

Page 227

authorities, who secured me from further molestation.

   This man's crime, which was neither more nor less than open mutiny, was 
visited by a slight reprimand. This leniency was perhaps intended for a 
personal compliment to me. If so, let me assure the Yankee officers, I 
duly appreciate both its force and delicacy.

   Mr. Wood, the superintendent, will, I am sure, forgive me for relating 
one characteristic anecdote of him.

   It was Sunday morning when he came stalking down the passage into which 
my room opened, proclaiming in the tones and with the gestures of a town-
crier -

   "All you who want to hear the Word of God preached according to 'Jeff. 
Davis' go down into the yard; and all you who want to hear it preached 
according to 'Abe Lincoln' go into No. 16."

Page 228

   This was the way in which he separated the goats from the sheep. I need 
not say which party was considered the goats within the walls of the Old 
Capitol.