Belle Boyd, In Camp and Prison, Vol. I - Chapters XI-XIII



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CHAPTER XI.
Arrival at Fortress Monroe - Passage up the James River - Arrival at 
Richmond - "Home again" - Interview with General "Stonewall "Jackson - 
Refugee once more - Review of the Confederate Army under General Lee - I 
receive my Commission - Flying Visit to my Home - Letter from "Stonewall" 
Jackson - My Reception by the People of Knoxville - I hear of the Death of 
General Jackson - Battle of Winchester - At Home once more.

   AT early dawn, the Juanita cast off from her moorings, and late in the 
evening of the same day we dropped anchor at the mouth of the Potomac, 
where we passed 

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that night. Next day, about four a.m., we proceeded on our way up the 
river, arriving at Fortress Monroe late in the evening; and here we were 
boarded by Lieutenant Darling, of General Dix's staff. On each side of us 
lay General McClellan's transports, filled with soldiers; about half a 
mile distant was the "Rip Raps" a fort quite equal to Sumter in strength. 
Notwithstanding our position, which was exposed to the fire of this 
splendid fort, our people indulged their feelings by singing from time to 
time "the songs of the sunny South," and these they interspersed with loud 
cheers for Jeff. Davis.

   At one time a Yankee officer on board one of the transports, irritated 
evidently by these repeated expressions of animosity to his Government, 
hailed us with the words - 

   "Three cheers for the Devil!"

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   "It is only natural you should cheer for the advocate of your cause," 
was the ready retort; "and we will cheer for ours." And so these shouts 
and counter-shouts were kept up until we got under way again, and steamed 
up the muddy waters of the James river.

   As we rounded a bend in the stream we caught sight of the glorious flag 
of our country, the Stars and bars. It was waving in the evening breeze 
from a window in the house of Mr. Aikens.

   Until that well-known and beloved emblem met my eyes again, I had but 
imperfectly realized my freedom. Now it was present and visible in its 
chosen symbol. If our men had cheered before, their shouts, when 
surrounded by the transports and under the guns of the fort, were as 
nothing to those with which they hailed the emblem of "Dixie's" resolution 
to 

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uphold its independence, defend its natural rights, and resist force with 
force.

   At the wharf we were met by Colonel Ould, who held the office of 
Commissioner of Exchange at Richmond. He was attended by his assistant, 
Mr. Watson; and it was under the supervision and by the direction of these 
gentlemen that the exchanged soldiers were marched on shore. I passed that 
night very agreeably under Mr. Aiken's hospitable roof, and enjoyed myself 
thoroughly in his society and that of his family. Next morning Colonel 
Allen sent his carriage and horses from Richmond, to convey me at my ease 
into the city. I decided, without hesitation, to drive to the Ballard 
House, where, in fact, I had been informed rooms were prepared for my 
reception. My route lay close by the encampment of the Richmond Blues; and 
I confess to the mixed feeling of pride 

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and pleasure I derived from the high compliment paid me by them. The 
company was drawn up in review order, and presented arms as I drove by. In 
the evening I was serenaded by the city band: in short, my reception at 
the hands of all classes was flattering in the extreme.

   After a sojourn of ten days at the Ballard House, I removed to Mrs. 
W.'s boarding house in Grace Street, where I enjoyed the delightful 
society of many old and warm friends.

   At the period of which I speak not a few of the notorieties of Richmond 
were assembled at Mrs. W.'s excellent establishment; among others, General 
and Mrs. Joe Johnston, General Wigfall and his family, and Mrs. C., that 
celebrated leader of ton at Washington, equally and justly renowned for 
her wit and charms. Her conversation attracted round her, wherever 

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she appeared, crowds of admiring listeners; and I feel sure that many of 
my American readers will recognise the fair lady to whose name I have, for 
obvious reasons, placed the initial letter only.

   I was engaged one evening in a desultory conversation, when an officer 
who had been one of my fellow-captives in Washington came up to me and 
placed in my hands a note and a small box. Upon opening the latter I found 
that it contained a gold watch and châtelaine, both handsomely enamelled, 
and richly set with diamonds; and upon reading the note I discovered that 
the beautiful and useful ornament was offered to my acceptance "in token 
of the affection and esteem of my fellow-prisoners in the Old Capitol."

   For a few moments I could not find words to thank their delegate, so 
overpowered was I by this striking and unexpected 

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mark of the feelings entertained for me by my countrymen.

   I had been in Richmond but a short time, when my father came to take me 
home. The battle of Antietam had been fought, and Martinsburg was once 
more in the hands of the Confederates.

   The very day after my return home I rode out to the encampment, 
escorted by a friend of my family, in order to pay a visit to General 
Jackson. As I dismounted at the door of his tent, he came out, and, gently 
placing his hands upon my head, assured me of the pleasure he felt at 
seeing me once more well and free. Our interview was of necessity short, 
for the demands upon his valuable time were incessant; but his fervent 
"God bless you, my child," will never be obliterated from my memory, as 
long as Providence shall be pleased to allow it to retain its power.

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   In the course of our conversation the General kindly warned me that, in 
the event of his troops being forced to retreat, it would be expedient 
that I should leave my home again, as the evacuation of Martinsburg by the 
Confederates would, as on former occasions, be rapidly followed by its 
occupation by our enemies, and that it would be unwise and unsafe for me 
to expose myself to the caprice or resentment of the Yankees, and run the 
risk of another imprisonment. He added that he would give me timely notice 
of his movements, by which my plans must be regulated.

   Very shortly after the interview I have just noticed the General rode 
into the village and took tea with us, and on the very day after his visit 
I received from him a message to the effect that the troops under his 
command were preparing for a 

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retrograde movement upon Winchester, and that he could spare me an 
ambulance, by aid of which I should be enabled to precede the retreat of 
the army, and thus keep my friends between my enemies and myself.

   I must here explain that, when we had occasion to retire from the 
border, we were forced to look to the army for the means of 
transportation, it being the invariable practice of the Yankees when they 
evacuated any place to take with them every horse and mule, without the 
slightest discrimination between public and private property; and, should 
circumstances compel them to lease any animal behind, it was in these 
instances wantonly destroyed.

   Acting upon General Jackson's advice, I removed to Winchester; and it 
was there and then that I received my commission as Captain and honorary 
Aide-de-camp to "Stonewall" Jackson; and thenceforth I 

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enjoyed the respect paid to an officer by soldiers.

   Upon the occasion of a review of the troops in presence of Lord 
Hartingdon and Colonel Leslie, and again, when General Wilcox's division 
was inspected by Generals Lee and Longstreet, I had the honour to attend 
on horseback, and to be associated with the staff officers of the several 
commanders.

   While General Wade-Hampton held possession of Martinsburg I seized the 
opportunity of paying many visits to my home, and upon one of these 
expeditions I narrowly escaped being again captured.

   The party that accompanied me was a large one; and, upon our arrival at 
Martinsburg, we improvised a dance. We were informed that the Yankees were 
advancing, but we had suffered a similar 

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alarm to disperse us without cause more than once before. We therefore 
easily persuaded ourselves it was only the old cry of "Wolf! wolf!" This 
time, however, the warning voice was a true one; and we were barely off 
when heavy skirmishing commenced at no great distance from us - in fact, 
at the very outskirts of the town. This was the last opportunity I had of 
seeing my mother for nearly a year.

   The Yankees were advancing by way of Culpepper Court-house, and our 
people, leaving the valley, crossed the mountains to intercept them.

   As the small-pox was raging fearfully at Stanton, it was, of course, 
dangerous even to enter that town. Accordingly I, in company with several 
officers' wives, among whom were Mrs. G., Mrs. W., Mrs. F., and others, 
avoided the pestilential spot, and adopted a different route.

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   We were well in advance of the army, but our servants were with our 
baggage, which was transported in the ordnance waggons of General W. s 
division. Passing through Flint Hill - the inhabitants of which gave me a 
cordial reception - I went on to Charlottesville, where I remained some 
time.

   At last, feeling very anxious to rejoin my mother, I determined to 
write to General Jackson and ask his opinion upon the step I so longed to 
take. I was prepared to run almost any risk; but, at the same time, I 
resolved to abide by the General's decision.

   It was pronounced in the following note, which I transcribe verbatim, 
as there is a kind of satisfaction in noting down the words of a truly 
great man, however trivial the subject that may have called them forth: - 

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"Head Quarters, Army of Virginia, 
"Near Culpepper Court-house, 
"January 29th, 1862.

"MY DEAR CHILD, 
   "I received your letter asking my advice regarding your returning to 
your home, which is now in the Federal lines. As you have asked for my 
advice, I can but candidly give it. I think that it is not safe; and 
therefore do not attempt it until it is, for you know the consequences. 
You would doubtless be imprisoned, and possibly might not be released so 
soon again. You had better go to your relatives in Tennessee, and there 
remain until you can go with safety. God bless you.

"Truly your friend, 
"T. J. Jackson." 

   I lost no time in acting upon this sound and friendly advice, and was 
soon "on the road" once more.

   Upon arriving at Knoxville I was received with every mark of kindness 
and hospitality. The second night after my arrival I was serenaded by the 
band, and the people congregated in vast numbers to get a glimpse of the 
"rebel spy;" for I 

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had accepted the sobriquet given me by the Yankees, and I was now known 
throughout North and South by the same cognomen.

   After one or two appropriate airs had been played, the people in the 
street took it into their heads to call for my appearance on the balcony. 
I rather dreaded the publicity that would attend a compliance with their 
wishes, and I begged General J. to be my substitute and thank them in my 
name. But they would not be satisfied without a look at me; so I steadied 
my nerves and stepped forth from the window. Hereupon the shouts were 
redoubled, and I took the opportunity of concocting a pretty speech; but 
it did not please me, and I felt morally convinced I should break down 
were I to attempt anything like an oration. So soon, therefore, as silence 
was restored I addressed my 

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kind-hearted audience in the following words, which contain an allusion to 
an expression once made use of in public by General Joe Johnston: -

   "Like General Joe Johnson, 'I can fight, but I cannot make speeches.' 
But, my good friends, I no less feel and appreciate the kind compliment 
you have paid me this night."

   I confess that I felt relieved when this harangue, brief and plain as 
it was, was over. It was followed by "Dixie's Land" and "Good Night." 
After which national airs the band marched off and the people dispersed.

   Next morning the newspapers gave circumstantial accounts of the whole 
affair, in highly complimentary language, and, instead of being described 
as the "rebel spy," I was designated "the Virginian heroine." I now became 
the guest of my 

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relative, Judge Samuel Boyd; and pleasant indeed was my visit to 
Knoxville. The city at this period was gay and animated beyond 
description. Party succeeded party, ball followed ball, concert came upon 
concert, and I took no thought of time.

   When spring came round I made up my mind to make a tour through the 
South, and then return to Virginia.

   I have said so much of the various receptions which I met with at 
different places that I almost fear I shall be accused of egotism rather 
than given credit for gratitude; but it should be borne in mind that the 
period of which I write had its perils and its pleasures, its griefs and 
its joys, exciting enough to justify outbreaks of feeling in a people 
naturally warm-hearted and sensitive. But, whatever criticism I expose 
myself to, I cannot refrain from expressing my warm thanks to that large 
body of 

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my countrymen whose incessant kindness towards me made my progress through 
the Southern States one long ovation. My advent was anticipated by 
telegram at each town through which I passed. Invitations of the most 
hospitable and delicate nature poured in upon me. Offers of assistance and 
assurances of regard and affection were innumerable. I accepted as many 
invitations as my time would permit, and was rejoiced at the opportunities 
I enjoyed of going over the famous and productive cotton plantations of 
Alabama.

   After a long and delightful stay in Montgomery, I made the best of my 
way to Mobile - a city I had always wished to see, and one which existing 
circumstances made doubly interesting to all true Southern hearts.

   Before arriving at the last-named port, a rumour had reached me that 
General 

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Jackson had been wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, but the rumour 
also affirmed that the wound was very trifling - so slight indeed as to be 
of no consequence. Conceive then the shock I experienced when this fatal 
telegram was put into my hand: - 

"Battle House, Mobile, Alabama. 

"MISS BELLE BOYD, 
   "General Jackson now lies in state at the Governor's mansion.

"T. BASSETT FRENCH, 
"A.D.C. to the Governor." 

   And this was all. These few words were the funeral oration of a man, 
who, for a rare combination of the best and the greatest qualities, has 
seldom or never been surpassed.

   It is not for me to trace the career and paint tic virtues of 
"Stonewall," Jackson: that table is reserved for an abler pen; 

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but I may be permitted to record my poignant grief for the loss of him who 
had condescended to be my friend.

   The sorrow of the South is unmitigated and inextinguishable.

   When Nelson fell at the crowning victory of Trafalgar, it was given to 
England to engrave that thrilling epitaph - 

"Hoste devicto requievit," 

   upon the tomb of her darling hero, whom she justly loved and reverenced 
beyond all the great sons that Providence had sent her with so lavish a 
hand.

   Alas! it was not General Jackson's destiny to deliver his country; but 
future ages will not measure his fame by the shortness of his career.

   "The lightning that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven shineth 
unto the other part under heaven." Yet no 

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sooner do men see its brightness than vanishes.

   And such was the glory of Jackson. It had neither dawn nor twilight. It 
rose and set in meridian splendour.

   During the next thirty days - the space of time allotted for the 
outward and visible sign of a soldier's sorrow - I wore a crape band on my 
left arm; then leaving Mobile with a heavy heart, I proceeded to 
Charleston, South Carolina, where I remained one day only. I found time, 
however, to accept an invitation to go on board the two gun-boats which 
lay in the harbour, and from their decks, by the aid of glasses, I could 
make out nearly all the ships of the Yankee blockading squadron.

   In the evening I dined on shore with General Beauregard and several of 
the officers of his staff; and shortly after dinner one of the officers 
kindly presented 

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me with a large supply of fresh fruit, which was part of the cargo of a 
blockade- runner which had just run in safe and sound from Nassau. Besides 
the oranges, pine-apples, and bananas, which were most acceptable, my kind 
friend gave me a very handsome parrot, which I contrived to take home with 
me.

   When I made good my return to Richmond, I learnt, on the best 
authority, that the Confederate troops were making a second advance down 
the valley, their object being the re-capture of Winchester. Being now 
very anxious to, get home, I followed close upon the rear of our army, and 
when the attack upon Winchester commenced I was but four miles distant 
from the scene of action.

   When the artillery on both sides opened fire, the familiar sound 
reminded me of my own adventures on a former battlefield, 

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and I resolved to be at least a spectatress of this. I joined a wounded 
officer, who, though disabled from taking an active part in the fight, 
where, by his crippled condition, he would but have hindered his men, was 
yet able to accompany me some way.

   Accordingly we rode together to an eminence which commanded an 
uninterrupted view of the combat. Here we sat some short time, absorbed in 
the struggle that was going on beneath us.

"The broken billows of the war, 
 And plumed crests of chieftains brave, 
 Floating like foam upon the wave." 

   But this calm feeling was not of long duration. I was mounted upon a 
white horse, which was quite conspicuous to the artillery-men of a Yankee 
battery which had been pushed up to within three-quarters of a mile of the 
spot that we had selected for our 

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watch-tower. A foolish report had been circulated through their army that 
in battle I rode a white horse, and was "invariably at General Jackson's 
side." Acting upon this mistaken idea, the guns of the battery were turned 
upon us.

   By this time the officer of whom I have spoken and myself had been 
joined by several citizens, ladies and gentlemen, who were attracted by 
curiosity and anxiety to witness the fight. They were for the most part 
mounted on emaciated horses and mules which had been overlooked by the 
Yankees when they retired, and they one and all seemed to consider me as 
perfect security for themselves.

   I shall never forget the stampede that was made when a shell came 
suddenly hissing and shrieking in among us. I joined, con amore, in the 
general flight; for I had seen enough of fighting to prefer 

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declining with honour the part of a living target, when exposure, being 
quite useless, becomes an act of madness.

   The battle was not of long duration. The terms were too equal to leave 
the issue long in doubt.

   Milroy's "skedaddle" was even more disgraceful than that of Banks. The 
victorious Confederates, led on by General Lee, pressed hard upon the 
flying Yankees, of whom they killed many, and took more prisoners. The 
pursuit was not abated until the enemy were again in Maryland.

   My father, whose health had been broken by the sevre hardships of the 
campaign, was at home on leave; and I had the double pleasure of being 
welcomed by both my parents to poor Martinsburg.



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CHAPTER XII.
Invasion of Pennsylvania - Panic in the Northern States - General Lee 
issues an Order respecting private property - Battle of Gettysburg - The 
Retreat of Lee's Army - How I occupied my time with other Ladies - I 
receive a call from Major Goff - Am held a Prisoner in my own Home - Again 
come to Washington a Prisoner - New Quarters - The Carroll Prison - How 
Ladies and Gentlemen were treated who recognized us in passing the 
Carroll - The "Old Familiar Sound" once more - The Bayonet - Our Mail 
Communication is again established.

   ELATED by their continued successes, the Confederates, under General 
Lee, marched on into Pennsylvania. A panic seized the 

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people of the North; for they knew of the depredations that they had been 
committing in the South, and of course could not expect much mercy from 
the invading army. General Lee, however, issued an order to the officers 
under him not to allow their men to burn, pillage, or destroy any 
property; if they did, they were to be punished.

   Though the hearts of the sympathizers with the South beat high with 
hope, for rumour said that Baltimore and Washington were to be attacked, 
their hopes were blighted. The battle of Gettysburg was fought. And, oh ! 
how many of those brave and noble fellows went forward proudly to the 
front, eager to avenge the wrongs the South had suffered, who had left the 
beautiful shores of Virginia to defend their native soil, found a 
soldier's grave! Or, perchance, they were not even 

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buried, their bodies lying upon the battlefield where they fell, with no 
covering save the blue canopy of heaven, their bones left to bleach in the 
sunlight, or gleaming ghastly white in the moon's pale beams.

   Martinsburg soon became one vast hospital; for, as fast as they could 
be brought to the rear, the Confederate wounded of the great battle were 
sent back southward. There was no established hospital in my native 
village, it being too near the border; so that the churches and many of 
the public buildings were obliged to be used temporarily for that purpose. 
My time was constantly occupied in attending to the poor soldiers with 
whom our home was filled. Mrs. Judge McM., of Georgia, who had come to 
seek the dead body of her son, having heard of his untimely end, was also 
staying at my mother's.

   Upon the retreat of the Southern army, 

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after the battle of Gettysburg, they marched through Martinsburg, leaving 
the border again in the possession of the Confederate cavalry under 
General B., as General Wade- Hampton had been severely wounded.

   I had been from home so long, and my mother and father were so anxious 
that I should remain with them, that I hoped, by keeping quiet, to be 
allowed to do so. My mother was taken very ill just as the Confederates 
evacuated the town, it being found that they could no longer retain it in 
their possession, and for a short time all was quiet.

   My little baby-sister was but three days old when, as I sat in my 
mother's room, I heard the servants exclaim, "Oh, here comes de Yankees 
trou' de town!" I went to the window, and, looking out, saw that a whole 
brigade had halted in front of my home. In a short time two officers 
approached the door, and one of them rang 

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the bell. My father, who had gone to meet them, sent me word that Major 
Goff and Lieutenant -- wished to see me. I descended to the drawing-room 
and was introduced to them, when the Major said -

   "Miss Boyd, General Kelly commanded me to call and see if you really 
had remained at home, such a report having reached head-quarters; but he 
did not credit it, so I have come to ascertain the truth."

   To this I answered - 

   "Major Goff, what is there so peculiarly strange in my remaining in my 
own home with my parents?" feigning perfect ignorance as I spoke that 
there was any danger to be apprehended from my so doing. He replied -

   "But do you not think it rather dangerous? Are you then really not 
afraid of being arrested?"

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   "Oh no! for I don't know why they should do so. I am no criminal!"

   "Yes, true," said he; "but you are a rebel, and will do more harm to 
our cause than half the men could do."

   "But there are other rebels besides myself."

   "Yes," he answered; "but then not so dangerous as yourself."

   After a few moments' longer conversation he withdrew, bidding us "Good 
morning" as he left.

   For some days we saw nothing of him, and began to hope that I should 
not be further annoyed. But, alas! my hopes were doomed to disappointment; 
for scarce four days had passed by before an order was issued for my 
arrest. My mother was very ill when they came to take me, and, fearing 
that if I were removed it might prove fatal to her in her 

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delicate state of health, my father begged that they would let me stay at 
home, at least until she became convalescent. We hoped thus to gain time, 
and, through private influence, to procure my release from the department 
at Washington. To be just, although an avowed enemy of the Federal cause, 
I will state that they obligingly complied with this request, and placed 
me on parole, but at the same time stationed guards around the house; 
watching me so strictly that I was not even allowed to go out upon the 
front balcony.

   It was amusing to hear the orders given to the sentries; for instance, 
"that they must not let me come near them, for I might give them 
chloroform, or send a dagger through their hearts."

   This was in July; and, between my mother's illness, the warm weather, 
and my being a prisoner, I scarcely knew what 

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to do. Without the necessary pass no one was allowed to go in or come out 
of our house. On one occasion, desiring to take a walk, I got a special 
permit from the commanding officer, which read as follows: - 

   "Miss Belle Boyd has permission to walk out for half an hour, at 5 
o'clock this p.m., giving her word of honour that she will use nothing 
which she may see or hear to the disadvantage of the U.S. troops."

   I had gone only a few blocks from home when I was arrested and sent 
back, with a guard on each side of me, their muskets loaded. In about an 
hour's time I received a note from the head-quarters of the general, 
informing me, that, although on parole, "I was not allowed to promenade 
freely in Martinsburg." Vexatious and insulting to my feelings as this 
was, my troubles were not at an end.

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   Nearly a month passed away, during which period I was kept in a state 
of anxious suspense as to what would eventually be my fate. At last, one 
day, when we were all hoping that I should soon be at liberty to do and 
act as I pleased, Major Walker, the Provost-Marshal, called, with a 
detective, and informed me that I must get ready to go to Washington City; 
that the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, had so ordered it; and that I was 
to take my departure from home at eleven a.m. the next day.

   There was no hope of escape for me, as the house was vigilantly guarded 
by the sentries. My poor mother, but just recovered from her grave 
illness, became seriously worse at the bare idea of my being again thrown 
into prison. My father, who was always so good and kind to me, determined 
that I should not go unaccompanied, 

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trusting myself to the tender mercies of a detective. So, next day, when 
the time came for us to leave, I was attended by my fond parent; and, 
after bidding a tearful adieu to my poor mother, brothers, and sisters, 
who wept bitterly, we started once more for Washington City.

   I shall pass over my dreary journey of one hundred miles. There was 
little of interest to commend it to the attention of my readers; for they 
can readily imagine the sad, tearful girl, and the father vainly 
attempting to comfort her.

   When I arrived in Washington, tired and worn, I was immediately taken, 
not to my former quarters, but to the Carroll Prison. This large 
unpretending brick building, situate near the Old Capitol, was formerly 
used as a hotel, under the name of Carroll Place, and belonged to a Mr. 

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Duff Green, a resident in the city. But, since my first taste of prison 
life, it had been converted into a receptacle for rebels, prisoners of 
state, hostages, blockade- runners, smugglers, desperadoes, spies, 
criminals under sentence of death, and, lastly, a large number of Federal 
officers convicted of defrauding the Government. Many of these last were 
army-contractors and quarter-masters, of whom I shall merely observe that 
they seemed to care very little about their ultimate fate, and evidently 
enjoyed the, to them, preposterous notion, suggested in the journals of 
the day, that Mr. Lincoln was Napoleonic in his idea of punishing them for 
their misdeeds.

   At the guarded gates of this Yankee Bastile, I bade adieu to my father; 
and, once more, iron bars shut me off from the outer world and from all 
that is dear in this 

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life. I was conducted to what was termed the "room for distinguished 
guests" - the best room which this place boasts, except some offices 
attached to the building. In this apartment had been held, though not for 
a long period of time, Miss Antonia F., Nannie T., with her aged mother, 
and many other ladies belonging to our best families in the South. Again 
my monotonous prison routine began. It seemed to me that the world would 
never go round on its axis; for the days and nights were interminably 
long, and many, many, were the hours that I spent gazing forth through the 
bars of my grated windows with an apathetic listlessness. Yet there were 
times when I wished that my soul were but free to soar away from those who 
held me captive.

   Friends who chanced to pass the Carroll would frequently stop and nod 
in kindly 

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recognition of some familiar face at the windows; unconscious that, in so 
doing, they violated prison regulations. When noticed by the sentries, 
these good Samaritans were immediately "halted;" and, if riding or 
driving, were often made to dismount by the officious and impudent 
corporal of the guard, and forced to enter the bureau of the prison - 
there to remain until such time as it should please their tormentors to 
let them depart. Can it be doubted that many went away with the 
unalterable opinion, that a sterner despotism than existed in the United 
States was nowhere to be found? Defenceless women were not permitted to 
pass unscathed, because a drunken and brutal set, vested with a "little 
brief authority," saw fit to vent their spleen upon the weak.

   A few days after my arrival at the 

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prison I heard the "old familiar sound" of a grating instrument against 
the wall, apparently coming from the room adjoining, mine. Whilst engaged 
in watching to see the exact portion of the wall whence it came, I 
observed the plaster give way, and next instant the point of a knife-blade 
was perceptible. I immediately set to work on my side, and soon, to my 
unspeakable joy, had formed a hole enough for the passing of tightly-
rolled notes.

   Ascertaining my unfortunate neighbours to be, beyond a doubt, 
"sympathizers," I was greatly relieved; for our prison was not without its 
system of espionage to trap the incautious. These neighbours were Messrs. 
Brookes, Warren, Stuart, and Williams; and from them I learnt that they 
had been here for nine months, having been captured whilst attempting to 
get South and join the Southern army.

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   But soon, alas! this little paper correspondence, that enlivened, 
whilst it lasted, a portion of my heavy time, was put a stop to by Mr. 
Lockwood, the officer of the keys, whose duty it was to secure our rooms, 
and who was always prying about when not otherwise engaged. Although it 
was well concealed on both sides, our impromptu post-office could not 
escape his Yankee cunning; and he at once had the gentlemen removed into 
the room beyond, and the mural disturbance closed up with plaster.

   Several days subsequently I learned that I was to have a companion in a 
Miss Ida P., arrested on the charge of being a rebel mail-carrier. I was 
allowed to speak with and visit her as soon as she arrived, and she was 
placed in the room that had been occupied by the above-mentioned gentlemen.

   Now, between her room and that to 

Page 268

which the gentlemen had been removed, there was a door. This the workmen 
nailed up, and then boarded over; but I watched very attentively which 
plank was placed over the key-hole, and pointed it out to the new-comer. 
We then held a council of war as to the best way of getting the board off 
the key-hole. We tried several times, but our combined efforts produced no 
effect upon the stoutly-nailed wood-work; and, having neither hatchet nor 
hammer, we were about to give it up, when I suddenly bethought me of the 
sentry outside. "Oh!" I said, "I will manage it!" and, going to the door, 
I bribed the sentinel with some oranges and apples, and, after talking to 
him for some time, asked him to "lend me his bayonet?" Pausing an instant, 
he finally unfixed it from his gun, then, with the whispered injunction of 
"Be quick, miss!" handed it to me. I 

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ran into the room with it, and, whilst Miss Ida watched, I endeavoured to 
wrench off the obstinate board.

   But, at this critical conjuncture, the prison superintendent, Mr. Wood, 
came rushing up the stairway; and I only had time to thrust the bayonet 
under the camp bedstead when he entered the room. I was frightened, I will 
admit; for in a few minutes the sentries would be relieved, and of course 
the soldier would have to account for the loss of his bayonet. We wanted 
to free him from complicity in the affair; and woman's wit came to my 
assistance, as it had often done before.

   I proposed that, my room being larger than Miss Ida's, we should go in 
there and sit down. Fortunately to this the superintendent agreed. After 
remaining for a short time, I said, "Oh! Miss Ida, I have forgotten my 
pocket-handkerchief!" and, 

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running hastily into her room, I seized the bayonet, wrenched off the 
board, and returned the weapon to the scared sentinel.

   Little did Mr. Wood imagine the part I had just played, as he sat 
glaring around him with his cat-like eyes, and boasting that "there warn't 
anything going on in that prison that he didn't know of." For several days 
after this Miss Ida and I whiled away our time by writing and receiving 
notes.

   Miss P., however, did not remain here long, for, having given her 
parole that she would do nothing more against the Yankee Government, she 
was released.



Page 271

CHAPTER XIII.
A very Romantic Way of Corresponding - The Prison Authorities for once are 
at a loss - My Confederate Flags - They wave over Washington in spite of 
Yankee assertions to the contrary - I become very ill - Mr. Stanton in an 
unfavourable light once more - My Prisoner of Front Royal in her true 
Character - Sentence of Court-martial is announced to me - A Relapse of my 
former Illness - I am banished - The cry of "Murder" raised round the 
Corner - Incidents in my Prison Life.

   ONE evening, about nine o'clock, while seated at my window, I was 
singing "Take me back to my own sunny South," when quite a crowd of people 
collected on the 

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opposite side of the street, listening. After I had ceased, they passed 
on; and I could not help heaving a sigh as I watched their retreating 
figures. What would I not have given for liberty? Rising from my chair, I 
approached the gas, lowered it, then resumed my seat, and, leaning my head 
against the bars, sank into deep thought.

   I was soon startled from this reverie by hearing something whiz by my 
head into the room and strike the wall beyond. At the moment I was 
alarmed; for my first impression was that some hireling of the Yankee 
Government, following the plan of Spanish countries, had endeavoured to 
put an end to my life. I almost screamed with terror; and it was some 
minutes before I regained sufficient self-command to turn on the gas, so 
that, if possible, I might discover what missile had entered the room.

Page 273

   Glancing curiously round, I saw, to my astonishment, that it was an 
arrow which had struck the wall opposite my window; and fastened to this 
arrow was a letter! I immediately tore it open, and found that it 
contained the following words: -

   "Poor girl! you have the deepest sympathy of all the best community in 
Washington City, and there are many who would lay down their lives for 
you, but they are powerless to act or aid you at present. You have many 
very warm friends; and we daily watch the journals to see if there is any 
news of you. If you will listen attentively to the instructions that I 
give you, you will be able to correspond with and hear from your friends 
outside.

   "On Thursdays and Saturdays, in the evening, just after twilight, I 
will come into the square opposite the prison. When you hear some one 
whistling, 'Twas within a mile of Edinbro town,' if alone and all is safe, 
lower the gas as a signal and leave the window. I will then shoot an arrow 
into your room, as I have done this evening, with a letter attached. Do 
not be alarmed, as I am a good shot.

   "The manner in which you will reply to these messages will be in this 
way: Procure a large india-rubber 

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ball; open it, and place your communication within it, written on foreign 
paper; then sew it together. On Tuesdays I shall come, and you will know 
of my presence by the same signal. Then throw the ball, with as much force 
as you can exert, across the street into the square, and trust to me, I 
will get it.

   "Do not be afraid. I am really your friend.
   "C. H."

   For a long time I was in doubt as to the propriety or safety of 
replying to this note; for I naturally reasoned that it was some Yankee 
who was seeking to gain evidence against me. But prudence at last yielded 
to my womanly delight at this really romantic way of corresponding with an 
unknown who vowed he was my friend; and I decided on replying.

   It was an easy thing for me to procure an india-rubber ball without 
subjecting myself to the least suspicion; and by this means I commenced a 
correspondence which I lead no reason to regret; for, 

Page 275

whoever the mysterious personage may have been, he was, without doubt, 
honourable and sincere in his professions of sympathy.

   Through him I became possessed of much valuable information regarding 
the movements of the Federals; and in this unique style of correspondence 
I have again and again received small Confederate flags, made by the 
ladies of Washington City, within which I was only too proud and happy to 
adorn my chamber.

   Little did the sentries below know of the mischief that was brewing 
above their heads; and where and how I had been enabled to obtain 
Confederate flags was a subject of much wonderment in the prison. It is 
almost needless to remark that I took care to keep the secret, though I 
must acknowledge that there was rashness in displaying the tiny Southern 
banners, and 

Page 276

danger of subjecting myself to insult from the brutes who guarded me. But 
I could not resist the temptation!

   On several occasions I fastened one of these ensigns to a broom-stick, 
in lieu of a flag-staff, and then suspended it outside the window, after 
which I retired to the back part of the room, out of sight of the 
sentinel. In a short time this would attract his attention - for, when on 
watch, the sentinels generally were gazing heavenwards, the only time, I 
really believe, that such was the case - and he would roar out at the top 
of his voice some such command as -

   "Take in that -- flag, or I'll blow your -- brains out!"

   Of course I paid no attention to this, for I was out of danger, when 
the command would generally be followed up by the report of a musket; and 
I have often heard the thud of the minié-ball as it struck the 

Page 277

ceiling or wall of my room. Before the sentinel had time to re-load his 
piece, I would go to the window and look out, seemingly as unconscious as 
though nothing had occurred to disturb my equanimity.

   Just after this episode of the "arrow-headed" correspondence - a green 
spot in my memory, to which I revert with pleasure - I was taken 
dangerously ill with typhoid fever. Can this be wondered at, when I inform 
my readers that the room in which I was confined was low and fearfully 
warm, and that the air was fetid and rank with the fumes of an ill-
ventilated Bastile?

   In this same room Miss McDonough died (as will be seen by referring to 
my husband's journal). The poor child was under the treatment of Doctor 
F., the surgeon of the prison - the same who attended me for some time, 
but under whose awkward treatment I grew daily, nay, hourly, worse. 

Page 278

Nor did I begin to recover until I met with the kind attendance of a 
Confederate surgeon, who was a prisoner, like myself, but in the Old 
Capitol; and it is to him that I feel indebted for my final recovery.

   Years may roll by, but my sufferings in that prison, both mental and 
physical, can never be obliterated from my memory; and to attempt to 
describe them would be utterly impossible. There I was, far from home and 
friends - no soft hand to smooth my fevered brow, no gentle woman near me, 
save a humble negress who nursed me through my illness as though she had 
been my own "black mammee." Relations and friends, who had heard of my 
attack of fever, as well as my immediate family, endeavoured, time and 
again, to gain access to me; but they were referred, by his own orders, to 
Secretary Stanton, who, when application was made to him for me to be 

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removed from the prison during my illness at least, would remark, "No; she 
is a -- rebel; let her die there!"

   At the expiration of three weeks, passed under the treatment of my new 
physician, I was pronounced convalescent; and at the end of the fourth I 
was able once more to walk about.

   It was at this period of my imprisonment that, one day, Captain Mix, of 
whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter, came into my room and said -

   "A most beautiful woman has arrived here today, and is in the room at 
the further end of the passage below you."

   At the time I took no notice of the remark, and had almost forgotten 
the incident, when, one morning, whilst walking in the passage, I saw our 
new inmate. Judge of my astonishment on recognising in her my prisoner of 
Front Royal, who 

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had requited my kindness to her when there by informing the general that I 
was a bitter enemy of the Yankees. She proved to be alas! that I should 
have to write aught derogatory to one of my own sex - not what she had 
represented herself, the wife of a soldier, but a camp-follower known as 
"Miss Annie Jones." She was said to have been insane; but how far this 
report is to be credited I know not.

   Shortly after she was placed here another arrival, a Frenchwoman, came 
in, who was charged with having sold her despatches to the Confederate 
States authorities, enacting the "spy" for both sides. Neither of these 
women possessed that priceless jewel of womanhood - reputation. Yet it was 
with such that I was immured, though, thank Heaven! I was not thrown into 
immediate contact with them.

   My trial by court-martial had meanwhile 

Page 281

been progressing, under the fostering tenderness of the Judge-Advocate, L. 
C. Turner - as thoroughly unscrupulous a partisan as the United States 
Government possesses in its service.

   One day Captain Mix came into the passage, and said to Miss Annie 
Jones, "Prepare yourself to go to the Lunatic Asylum to-morrow, as it is 
the Secretary of War's orders." She immediately commenced screaming 
hysterically, and rushed towards the spot where I was standing. I turned 
to leave, when he added, "Oh, you need not put on airs by getting out of 
the way, for you've got to go to Fitchburg Gaol during the war. You have 
been sentenced to hard labour there."

   Miss Jones's screams, coupled with this intelligence, completely 
unnerved me, and I fell fainting on the floor, whence I was conveyed to my 
room, only to suffer a 

Page 282

relapse of the fever from which I had just recovered.

   My father, who was in Martinsburg when he heard of my sentence and 
second illness, immediately came on to Washington, and, after untiring 
exertions in my behalf, succeeded in having the sentence commuted. What 
that commutation was he did not then know. It was "banishment to the 
South - never to return north again during the war."

   Among the gentlemen who were retained as prisoners at the Carroll was 
Mr. Smithson, formerly one of the wealthiest bankers in Washington City. 
He was charged by the Yankees with holding correspondence with friends 
residing in the South, was arrested by the authorities, tried by court-
martial, found guilty, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the 
Penitentiary at hard labour. All his property was 

Page 283

confiscated, and his refined and delicate wife, with two little children, 
who had been reared in the lap of luxury, were obliged to see their 
residence taken from them and made into quarters for the Yankee officers. 
They were compelled to retire to a garret, with scarcely any of the 
necessaries of life whereon to support themselves.

   Before leaving for the South, one of the imprisoned Confederate 
officers, Colonel --, gave me letters of introduction to the Vice-
President, the Honourable Alexander Stephens, and to the Honourable 
Bowling Baker, Chief Auditor of the Southern Treasury Department. In both 
of these letters he spoke of my untiring devotion to the Confederacy, of 
the zeal that I had shown to serve my country at all times, and of my 
kindness, as far as lay in my power, to my fellow-prisoners. 

Page 284

The Colonel further commended me to his friends' "kind care and 
protection." These letters were, of course, contraband; and I intended, if 
I possibly could do so, to smuggle them through to Richmond.

   It was agreed that I should leave for Fortress Monroe on the 1st day of 
December, 1863. My father was still in Washington, residing with his 
niece; but he was so ill that he could not visit me previous to my 
departure.

   One evening, whilst I was looking out of my room door, a significant 
cough attracted my attention, and, glancing in the direction whence it 
proceeded - the sentry's back being turned - I perceived a note, tightly 
rolled up, thrown towards me. I picked it up quickly, and, reading it, 
found that it was from Mr. K., of Virginia, begging me to aid himself and 
two friends to escape, and also asking for money to 

Page 285

advance their object. I wrote, in reply, that I would do all that lay in 
my power, and, unobserved, I handed him forty dollars. By means of my 
india-rubber ball I arranged everything, and the night when the attempt 
should be made was fixed.

   Above Mr. K.'s room was a garret occupied by his two friends, who 
intended to escape with him; and it was so contrived that he should get 
into the garret with the others whilst returning from supper.

   At one time I was afraid that this attempt would be frustrated, for the 
sentry, observing Mr. K. upon the garret staircase, commanded him to 
"Halt!" adding, "You don't belong there; so come down." Standing in the 
doorway of my chamber at the time, I quickly retorted, "Sentry, have you 
been so long here and don't know where the prisoners are quartered? Let 
him pass on to his room." Taking the 

Page 286

hint, Mr. K. declared that he "knew what he was about," which it was very 
evident he did; and the sentinel, thinking that he had made a mistake, 
allowed him to proceed up-stairs.

   This part of the scheme being satisfactorily carried out, I wrote a 
note to the superintendent, informing him that I was desirous of seeing 
him for a few minutes. He accordingly came, and I managed to detain him by 
conversing upon various topics. Suddenly, from round the corner of the 
prison that faced on the street, arose a startling cry of "Murder! 
murder!" I know that my heart beat violently, but I kept the composure of 
my face as well as I was able; for this sudden cry was the commencement of 
a ruse de guerre which, if it should succeed, would liberate my friends 
from thraldom.

   Mr. Wood had, at the first cry of 

Page 287

"Murder!" rushed to one of the windows and flung it open to see what was 
the matter; and some soldiers, who were lounging outside, waiting for 
their turn of sentry duty, ran hurriedly to the spot from which the cries 
proceeded. Meanwhile, those in the room above were not idle. Removing in 
haste a portion of the roof, they scrambled out upon the eaves, descended 
by means of a lightning-conductor into the street below, and made off, 
sheltered by the darkness.

   Of course the next morning, when the roll was called, and the prisoners 
were mustered, Mr. K. and his companions were found to be missing. It was 
strongly suspected that I had connived at their escape, and knew more than 
I pretended about the affair; but, as they could not prove anything 
against me, I was not punished. I subsequently heard, to my 

Page 288

great joy, that the fugitives had arrived safely in Richmond.

   Shortly after my recovery from the severe illness which had prostrated 
me, I wrote to General Martindale (commandant at that time of the forces 
in and around Washington), asking him to grant me the privilege of walking 
for a while each day in the Capitol Square. This square lies in front of 
the Carroll; and I thought that a change, however slight, from the close 
confinement of my room would greatly strengthen me. To my letter I 
received a gracious answer, with permission to promenade in the square, on 
condition that I gave a written promise that, on my word of honour as a 
lady, I would hold communication with no one, either by word of mouth or 
by letter.

   I was glad to do anything to get once more a breath of pure air that 
did not 

Page 289

come to me through prison bars. So I signed the promise; and every 
evening, when I felt so inclined, I was permitted to walk for half an 
hour, from five until half-past, in the square, followed by a corporal and 
guard with loaded muskets.

   Even this limited enjoyment was not of long duration; for, when it 
became known in Washington City, through the public Journals, that I 
walked in the square, Southern sympathizers - and their name was legion - 
both ladies and gentlemen, would congregate to see me; and often, when I 
passed, would they give utterance to pitying expressions on my account.

   Intelligence of this eventually reached the ears of the authorities, 
through various channels, and ultimately led to an order from Mr. Stanton 
revoking the parole that had been granted. Thus my promenade 

Page 290

became one of the things of the past, to which I often reverted with 
regret.

   On one occasion a party of young girls, in passing me, dropped a square 
piece of Bristol board that had a Confederate battle-flag and my name 
worked upon it in worsted. The corporal detected the movement, and, before 
I could gain possession of this treasonable gift, picked it up himself. He 
commanded the whole group to "halt" immediately; and, had it not been for 
my earnest entreaties and supplications on their behalf, he would have 
arrested the entire party, who, terrified beyond measure at the turn 
affairs had assumed, added their appeals for mercy to mine. The corporal 
happening to possess that commodity, a heart, was merciful, and dismissed 
them with a slight reprimand.

   Promising to say nothing that would implicate him should the flag ever 
be 

Page 291

discovered upon me, I succeeded in procuring it from my guardian by a 
bribe of five dollars; and I wore it concealed long after I had left 
Washington for the South.

   Had I been a queen, or a reigning princess, my every movement could not 
have been more faithfully chronicled at this period of my imprisonment. My 
health was bulletined for the gratification of the public; and if I walked 
or was indisposed, it was announced after the most approved fashion by the 
newspapers. Thus, from the force of circumstances, and not through any 
desire of my own, I became a celebrity.

END OF VOL. I. 

WILLIAM STEVENS, PRINTER, 37, BELL YARD, TEMPLE BAR.