SUCCESSFUL ESCAPE.
The Second Plan of Escape--Under the Jail--Egress--Among the
Guards--In the Swamp--Travelling on the Underground Railroad--The
Fare--Green Corn eaten Raw--Blackberries and Stagnant Water--The
Bloodhounds--Tantalizing Dreams--The Pickets--The Cows--Become
Sick--Fons Beatus--Find Friends--Union Friend No. Two--The night in
the Barn--Death of Newman by Scalding--Union Friend No. Three--Bound
for the Union Lines--Rebel Soldiers--Black Ox--Pied Ox--Reach
Headquarters in Safety--Emotions on again beholding the Old
Flag--Kindness while Sick--Meeting with his Family--Richard Malone
again--The Serenade--Leave Dixie--Northward bound.
After the sermon was concluded, the preparations for my escape were
commenced. The building used for our prison was built with the front
toward the east. The doors were at the eastern and western extremities,
which were the gable ends, one door being in each end. There were also two
windows at each end, the door being between them. The doors and
window-sashes had been removed, to allow the guards stationed in front an
unobstructed view of the interior. At night the apartment was lighted, and
a guard patrolled the floor; it was, therefore, nearly impossible for a
person to escape the observation of the guards, either within or without
the jail. In the North, the houses are usually built with a cellar
underneath; at the South, such a thing is very rare, the houses being
built upon the ground, or upon piles. Our prison was built upon piles, the
floor being elevated about eighteen inches above the ground. The boards
were nailed upon the building perpendicularly, and in some cases did not
quite reach to the ground. Small openings were thus left between the floor
and the ground, through which a person could crawl underneath the
building. Around each door was an enclosure, formed by stakes surmounted
with poles, in the shape of a parallelogram, whose dimensions were about
ten by sixteen feet. In each of these enclosures four guards were
stationed, one of them being seated in the doorway. The rear enclosure was
used for cooking purposes; and into both enclosures we were permitted to
go at pleasure during all hours of the day, and as late at night as ten
o'clock. Only three prisoners were allowed to be in an enclosure at one
time.
M---- had discovered a hole by the side of the steps within the front
enclosure, by which I could get under the building. I felt unwilling to
make such an attempt, as the aperture was in the immediate vicinity of the
guards. M---- stated that four others would aid me, though at considerable
risk on their part. "I'll take the risk," was the individual response of
all present. M---- selected three, who with himself assumed the perilous
task, in which discovery would have cost them their lives. M----, who had
devised the plan of escape, now instructed us in the respective parts we
were to perform. All promised implicit obedience. At half-past nine, three
prisoners and myself were to go into the enclosure. They would stand up
and converse with the guards, whilst I sat upon the ground by the hole, to
wait for an opportunity to crawl under the building unobserved. This
opportunity we expected to occur at ten o'clock, when the relief-guard
came on duty. The duty of one prisoner was to remain inside and engage the
attention of the guard who sat in the doorway, while the other three would
go into the enclosure, and entertain the other guards, according to the
previously devised plan. At half-past nine o'clock, we placed ourselves in
the designated positions. I readily removed my chain, coiled it up, and
laid it by the side of a little stump. The moon shone with great
brilliancy, revealing the tents which surrounded us on every side.
Officers and soldiers passed hurriedly to and fro. We were in the midst of
the noise and confusion of a great encampment, as there were in and around
Tupelo some fifteen thousand soldiers. Mingled sounds of mirth and
contention proceeded from the surrounding tents. My prisoner friends were
engaged in a fierce argument with the guards as to the comparative merits
of Tennessee and Mississippi troops. This was done to divert their
attention, and I observed with pleasure that they were meeting with
success. I reflected that a few more moments would decide my fate. If
detected, my life must end ignominiously and on the gallows. In the
morning, my anklets would be securely welded. I would also be handcuffed
and chained to a post. Then all hope must end, and soon my corpse would be
borne into the presence of her whose tears were flowing, and who refused
to be comforted because of my ominous absence.
The order for the relief-guard now came loud and clear. I heard their
hurried tramp, and saw their glittering bayonets in the bright moonlight.
The set time, the appointed moment, big with my fate, had arrived. I
offered an ejaculatory prayer to Him who sits upon the throne of heaven
for protection at this critical moment. The guard stood within ten feet of
me, with their eyes constantly upon me. Just as they were turning to
receive the advancing relief-guard, I crawled backward under the building,
and disappeared from their view. The relief-guard went on duty, and those
relieved retired. The prisoners were ordered into the house, and as the
new guards did not know that four were in the enclosure, I was not
missed.
[Illustration: "Just as they were turning to receive the relief-guard, I
crawled backward under the building, and disappeared from view." Page
172.]
I was now under the prison, but there were guards on every side, and the
jail was in the midst of a camp, so that I was still in great danger of
detection. I saw, through the crevices in the floor, the guard who
patrolled the prison. I heard the murmurings and mutterings of the
prisoners, as he occasionally trod upon them in his carelessness. I could
hear, though not distinctly, the conversation of the prisoners. One of my
assistants was detailing to his companions their success in getting me off
unnoticed. The prisoners slept but little that night, owing to their
anxiety for my safety, and I frequently heard my name mentioned, and hopes
for my safety expressed. I occasionally fell into uneasy slumbers, but the
fleas and other vermin were so annoying, that my sleep refreshed me but
little. I could distinctly hear the new guard conversing, and among other
topics, one remarked that he had forgotten the countersign; the other
replied that it was _Braxton_. Well, said the former, I thought it was
Bragg, or Braxton, or something like that. Knowing the countersign
emboldened me, as I could, if halted, give it, and pass on. I soon crawled
to the north side of the prison, and found that there were three apertures
sufficiently large to admit of my egress. Upon reaching the first one, I
found a number of guards, some sitting and some lying so close to it, that
I dared not make the attempt at that point.
Crawling to the second, I remained till there was comparative quiet; but
at the instant I was about to pass out, a soldier, who was lying with his
face toward me, commenced to cough, and continued to do so, at intervals,
for more than an hour. Finding it unadvisable to run the risk of detection
at this point, I made my way, with considerable difficulty, to the third
and last aperture, near the rear of the building, and not very distant
from the rear-guards. I remained at this aperture till I heard one guard
say to another that it was three o'clock, and that they must soon go on
duty. I felt confident that then was my time, or never, as morning would
find me under the house, and I would be re-arrested in that situation.
Committing myself into the hands of God, and asking him to keep me from
detection, and grant me a safe escape, I arose from under the building,
passed by two sleeping guards, who were lying within three or four feet of
the prison. As it was my first essay at walking without chains, I reeled,
as if under the influence of strong drink, striking my foot against the
head of one of those sleeping guards, who, awaking, turned over, and
uttering some exclamation of disapprobation, took no further notice of me,
doubtless mistaking me for one of his companions. After proceeding a few
steps, I sat down upon the ground among some of the guards. I took out my
knife, and whistling, to appear as unconcerned as possible, commenced
whittling a stump, around which they were collected--some sitting, some
standing, and others reclining. I readily passed for one of them, as I was
wearing a colored shirt, which resembled that worn by the guards. I soon,
however, arose, and wound my way among the various groups, endeavouring
to reach the corn-field, to which I had made my first escape. After
passing the guards off duty, a sentinel arose a short distance in front of
me, evidently with the intention of halting me, if I advanced farther.
Stopping a few minutes, to avoid suspicion, I changed my direction,
bearing southwest, and after a time, got into the woods. Kneeling down, I
returned God thanks for thus crowning my efforts with success, and prayed
for his continuous protection, and that he would choose out my path, that
I might escape detection, and rejoin my family and friends in safety.
I now pursued my journey rapidly in a southwest direction, choosing that
which led directly from my home, for two reasons. The cavalry and
bloodhounds would not be so likely to follow in that direction, and after
listening, while in prison, to the drum-beat morning and evening, in the
various surrounding camps, I noticed that it had ceased in the southwest
for several mornings; hence I supposed that the camp in that direction had
been broken up, and that, in taking that route, I could more readily get
beyond the rebel pickets, and then I could change my course, and bear
northward, and reach the Federal lines at some point on the Memphis and
Charleston railroad. I hastened on till the sun arose, having passed
through woods and corn-fields, studiously avoiding all roads, when, as I
was rapidly travelling along a narrow path, I met a negro. The suddenness
of our meeting alarmed both. I, in a peremptory tone, addressed him, in
quick succession, the following interrogatories:
"Where are you going? To whom do you belong? Where have you been? Have you
a pass?"
"I belong," said the boy, trembling, "to Mr. ----. I have been to wife's
house; am gwine back home, but I haint got nary pass."
"I suppose it is all right with you?"
"Oh, yes, master! it's all right wid me."
Concluding that it was not all right "wid" myself, I hurried on, soon
leaving the path, and turning into a dense woods. Travelling on till
about one P. M., I came to an open country, so extensive that I could not
go round it, neither could I, in daylight, travel through it with safety.
I sought out a place to hide, and finding a ditch which bisected a
corn-field, I concealed myself in that. During the day, negroes and whites
passed near, without discovering me. Becoming hungry, I ate a small piece
of the bread which one of my fellow-prisoners had given me, but it made me
quite sick. On my former escape, I had, just before leaving the house,
traded pants with a fellow-prisoner, without his knowledge or consent. On
my return, he refused to trade back. My reason for trading was, to get a
dark pair, as mine were so light-coloured, I feared the guards would
discover me more readily. Their owner had been accustomed to use tobacco,
and the bread had become tinctured with it. Tobacco being very offensive
to me, its presence on my bread caused me to lose it.
The day passed away, and the night came. The stars came out in silent
glory, one by one. Fixing my eye upon the pole-star, the underground
railroad travellers' guide, I set out, bearing a little to the west of
north. I soon reached the thick woods, and found it very difficult to make
rapid progress, in consequence of the dense under-growth and obscure
light. The bushes would strike me in the eyes, and often the top of a
fallen tree would cause me to make quite a circuit. Soon, however, the
moon arose in her brightness--the old silver moon. But her light I found
to be far less brilliant than that of the sun, and her rays were much
obscured by the dense foliage overhead; hence my progress was necessarily
slow, laboured, and toilsome. I slept but little during the day, in
consequence of the proximity of those who might be bitter foes, and also
the unpleasant position I occupied, as the ditch in which I had concealed
myself was muddy, and proved an uncomfortable bed. I therefore became
weary, my limbs stiff from travel and from the pressure of the heavy iron
bands. Sleep overpowered me, and I laid down in the leaves, and slept till
the cold awoke me, which, judging from the moon's descent, must have been
an hour and a half. The nights in Mississippi are invariably cool, however
hot the days may be. Arising from my uneasy slumber, I pressed on. My
thirst, which for some time had been increasing, now became absolutely
unendurable. I knew not where to obtain water, not daring to go near a
well, through fear of being arrested. At length I heard some suckling pigs
and their dam, at a short distance from me, in the woods. There seemed to
be no alternative. I must either perish, or obtain some fluid to slake my
raging thirst; so I resolved to catch a little pig, cut its throat, and
drink the blood. I searched for my knife, but I had lost it. I was,
therefore, reluctantly compelled to abandon my design on the suckling's
life. As I went forward, the sow and her brood started up alarmed, and in
their flight, plunged into water. I immediately followed, and found a
mud-hole. Removing the green scum, I drank deep of the stagnant pool. My
thirst was only partially quenched by this draught, and soon returned. As
day dawned, I found some sassafras leaves, which I chewed, to allay the
pangs of hunger; but they formed a paste which I could not swallow.
I soon after came to an old field, where I obtained an abundant supply of
blackberries, which not only served to check the gnawings of hunger, but
also to allay my intolerable thirst. I reflected that this day was the
holy Sabbath, but it brought neither rest to my weary frame, nor composure
to my agitated and excited mind. Like Salathiel, the Wandering Jew, the
word _March!_ was ringing in my ears. Onward! was my motto; Liberty or
death! my watchword. About ten o'clock I came to an open country, and
sought out a ditch, in which to conceal myself. Here I fell into a
troubled sleep. I saw, in dreams, tables groaning under the weight of the
most delicious viands, and brooks of crystal waters, bubbling and
sparkling as they rushed onward in their meandering course; but when I
attempted to grasp them, they served me as they did Tantalus, of olden
time, by vanishing into thin air, or receding beyond my reach. While lying
here, I was now and then aroused by the trampling of horses grazing in
the field, which I feared might be bringing on my pursuers. And once the
voices of men, mingled with the sounds of horses' feet upon a little
bridge, some twenty feet distant, induced me to look out from my
hiding-place, and lo! two cavalry-men--perhaps hunting for my life!--rode
along.
When the sun had reached the zenith, I was again startled by voices, which
approached nearer and nearer my place of concealment, till at length the
cause was discovered. Several children, both black and white, had come
from a farm-house, about a quarter of a mile distant, to gather
blackberries along the margin of the ditch. They soon discovered me, and
seemed somewhat startled and alarmed at my appearance. I soon saw them
gazing down upon me, in my moist bed, with evident amazement and alarm.
Pallid, haggard, unshaven, and covered with mud, I must have presented a
frightful picture.
As soon as the children passed me, fearing the report they would carry
home, I arose from my lair, and hurried on, though I had to pass in sight
of several houses. After travelling three or four miles through an open
champaign country, I came to a dense woods, bordering a stream which had
ceased running, in consequence of the great drought that had, for a long
time, prevailed throughout this section of Mississippi. The creek had been
a large one, and in the deep holes, some water still remained, though
warm, and covered with a heavy scum, and mingled with the spawn of frogs.
I drank it, however, from sheer necessity, tepid and unhealthy as it was.
It did not allay my thirst, but created a nausea, which was very
unpleasant.
About four o'clock P. M., I was startled by the baying of bloodhounds
behind me, and apparently on my track. Before escaping from jail, I had
been advised by the prisoners to obtain some onions, as these, rubbed on
the soles of my boots, would destroy the scent. They could only be
procured, however, by a visit to some garden-patch, and I feared to go so
near a house. I had left no clothes in prison from which the hounds could
obtain the scent in order to find my track, and my starting in a
southwest direction was an additional precaution against bloodhounds.
Their baying soon became alarmingly distinct. Having heard them almost
every night for years, as they hunted down the fugitive slave, I could not
mistake the fearful import of their howling. I could devise no plan for
breaking the trail. Dan Boone, when pursued by Indians, succeeded in
baffling the hounds by catching at some overhanging branches, and swinging
himself forward. Negroes often destroy the scent by carrying matches, and
setting the leaves on fire. One negro of whom I heard, ran along the brink
of a precipice, and dug a recess back from the narrow path. Crawling into
it, he remained till the hounds reached that point, when he thrust them
from the path. They fell and were dashed to pieces on the jagged rocks
below.
None of these plans were practicable to me, and I supposed death imminent,
either from being torn to pieces by the hounds, or by being shot by the
cavalry, who were following them. Climbing a tree, I resolved to await
the arrival of the cavalry, and having determined to die rather than be
taken back again to Tupelo, I would refuse to obey any summons to descend.
O, how I wished for my navy repeater, that I might sell my life as dearly
as possible! that I might make some secessionist bite the dust ere I was
slain! I often thought of the couplet in the old song--
"The hounds are baying on my track,
Christian, will you send me back?"
A feeling of strong sympathy arose in my bosom for the poor African, who,
in his endeavour to escape from the Iron Furnace of Southern slavery,
often encountered the bloodhounds, and was torn to pieces by them. "A
fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind."
I had remained but a short time in the tree, when I ascertained that the
hounds were bearing eastward, and they soon passed at a distance. They
were on the track of some other poor fugitive, and I rejoiced again in the
hope of safety. Coming to a corn-field, I plucked two ears of corn, and
ate them raw, having no matches wherewith to kindle a fire, which, indeed,
would have increased my peril, as the smoke might advertise my presence to
bitter and unrelenting foes.
Toward night I lay down in the woods, and fell asleep. Visions of
abundance, both to eat and drink, haunted me, and every unusual sound
would startle me. A fly peculiar to the South, whose buzz sounded like the
voice of an old man, often awoke me with the fear that my enemies were
near. As soon as Ursa Minor appeared, I took up my line of march. The
night was very dark, and I became somewhat bewildered. At length I reached
a crossroads, and as I was emerging from the wood, I saw two pickets a few
yards from me. Stooping down, I crawled on my hands and knees back into
the woods. As I retired, I heard one picket say to the other, "Who is
that?"
He replied, "It is the lieutenant of the guard."
"What does he want?" said the first.
"He is slipping round to see if we are asleep."
After I got a safe distance in the bushes, I lay down and slept till the
moon arose. To the surprise of my bewildered brain, it seemed to rise in
the west. Taking my course, I hastened on, sometimes through woods,
sometimes through cornfields, and sometimes through swamps. Coming to a
large pasture, in which a number of cows were grazing, I tried to obtain
some milk, but none of them would allow me to approach near enough to
effect my purpose. My face was not of the right colour, and my costume
belonged to a sex that never milked them. I travelled until day-break,
when I concealed myself in a thicket of cane, and had scarcely fallen
asleep when I heard the sound of the reveille, in a camp close at hand.
Arising, I hurriedly beat a retreat, and travelled several hours before I
dared take any rest. I at length lay down amid the branches of a fallen
tree, and slept. Visions of home and friends flitted before me. Voices
sweet and kind greeted me on all sides. The bitter taunts of cruel
officers no longer assailed my ears. The loved ones at home were present,
and the joys of the past were renewed. But, alas! the falling of a limb
dissipated all my fancied pleasures. The reality returned, and I was still
a fugitive escaping for life, and in the midst of a hostile country.
To-day my mock trial would have taken place, and I fancied the
disappointment of Woodruff, who had stated that to his knowledge I was a
spy, and to-day would have sworn it. And Barnes, the mail-robber,
recommended for promotion because of his heroism in re-arresting me, how
sad he must feel, that the bird had flown, and that he would not have the
pleasure of witnessing my execution. I thanked God and took courage.
Though faint and weary, I was still hopeful and trusting, often repeating,
"'Tis God has led me safe thus far,
And he will bring me home."
On this (Monday) night, I travelled steadily, crossing swamps,
corn-fields, woods, and pastures. I came to only one cotton-field during
the night. I passed through several wheat-fields, where the wheat had been
harvested; I pulled a handful from a shock, and rubbed out some of the
grain, but it was so bitter I could not eat it. I suspected every bush a
secessionist, though I felt much more secure at night than in daylight. I
avoided roads as much as possible, travelling on none except to cross
them, which was done with great rapidity. The rising sun still found me
pressing onward, and thirst and hunger were now consuming me. To satisfy
hunger, I had recourse to the corn-field; but I could find no water. I
would gladly have drank any kind of beverage, however filthy, so that my
thirst might be allayed. About nine o'clock, when I had almost despaired
of getting water at all, I came to a copious fountain in a gorge of the
hills, and from its appearance, I seemed to be the discoverer. Around it
there was no trace of human foot, nor hoof of cattle. On beholding it, I
wept with joy. I remained by it about four hours, quaffing its cool and
crystal waters, the first running water I had tasted since leaving
prison. I also bathed my body and washed my clothes, drying them in the
sun, and endeavoured to rid them of vermin, in which I only partially
succeeded. I named this fountain _Fons Beatus_, and left it with sincere
sorrow.
Three o'clock, P. M., arrived, and I felt bewildered. I knew not where I
was. I might be near friends, I might be near bloodthirsty foes. I could
scarcely walk. My iron bands had become very irksome. I felt that I was
becoming childish. I could tell all my bones. I tried to pray, but could
only utter, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Still I felt thankful
that it was so well with me as it was.
At that very hour, had I not escaped, I should have been either on the
scaffold at Tupelo, or suspended between heaven and earth, surrounded by
an insulting and jeering army. This reflection made me thankful to God,
even though I should die in the swamps. The sky became overcast, and I
found it impossible to distinguish north from south. I therefore concealed
myself and slept. It was night when I awoke, and the clouds still covered
the sky threateningly, concealing my guiding star, and rendering it
impossible for me to proceed. Thus, when I wished most to go forward, my
progress was arrested, and my distressing suspense prolonged. During the
whole night I was asleep and awake alternately, but could not at any time
discern either moon or stars. Once, while sleeping behind a fallen tree by
the roadside, a horseman passed by. His dog, a large and ferocious-looking
animal, came running along by the side of the tree where I was lying. When
he reached me, I raised up suddenly and brandishing a club menacingly, the
alarmed and howling dog incontinently and ingloriously fled, leaving me
master of the field.
On Wednesday morning the sun was still obscured until nine o'clock. I was
then sick. There was a ringing in my ears, and I was affected with
vertigo, a dimness of vision and faintness, which rendered me absolutely
unfit for travel. It required an hour to walk a quarter of a mile. I found
a good supply of blackberries, which very much refreshed me. Before me
was a hill, the top of which I reached after two hours' laborious ascent.
I despaired of getting much further. I thought I must perish in the Iron
Furnace of secession, which was heated very hot for me. Feeling confident
that I must be near Tippah county, and knowing that there were many Union
men in that county, I resolved to call at the first house on my route. If
I remained where I was, I must perish, as I could go no further, and if I
met with a Union family, I should be saved; if with "a secesh," I might
possibly impose upon their credulity, and get refreshment without being
arrested. They might, however, cause my arrest. It was a dilemma such as I
hope never to be placed in again. About an hour before sunset I came to a
house, and remained near it for some time. At length I saw a negro girl
come to the door. Knowing that where there were negroes, in nine cases out
of ten there were secessionists near, I left the house as quickly as my
enfeebled condition would permit. Going to another house, I remained near
it till I was satisfied there were no negroes held by that family. I then
went boldly up, knocked, gained admittance, and asked for some water,
which was given me. The lady of the house, scrutinizing me closely, asked
me if I were from Tupelo. I replied in the affirmative. She then inquired
my name. I gave her my Christian name, John Hill, suppressing the surname.
Her husband was sitting near, a man of Herculean frame; and as the wife's
inquisitiveness was beginning to alarm me, I turned to him and said: "My
friend, you are a man of great physical powers, and at this time you ought
to be in the army. The Yankees are overrunning all our country, and the
service of every man is needed." His wife replied that he was not in the
army, nor would he go into it, unless he was forced to go. They had been
told that the cavalry would be after him in a few days, to take him as a
conscript; but she considered the conscript law, base and tyrannical.
Overjoyed at the utterance of such sentiments as these, I then revealed my
true character. I told them that I had recently made my escape from
Tupelo, where I was doomed to execution on the gallows, and that I was
now flying from prison and from death. I then exhibited the iron bands
upon my ankles. Both promised all the aid in their power. The lady at once
proposed to prepare supper, but I was too near the point of starvation to
await the slow process of cooking. She therefore turned down the
tablecloth, which covered the fragments remaining from dinner, and
disclosed some corn bread and Irish potatoes. Though I never liked corn
bread, I must confess I thought that was the sweetest morsel I had ever
tasted.
After eating a little, however, I became very sick, and was compelled to
desist. It was so long since I had partaken of any substantial food, that
my stomach now could not bear it. The lady soon prepared supper,
consisting of broiled chicken, and other delicacies. The fowl was quite
small, and I ate nearly the whole of it, much to the chagrin of a little
daughter of mine host, whom I heard complaining to her mother, afterward,
in an adjoining room, saying, "Ma, all I got of that chicken was a little
piece of the wing," and "aint that gentleman a hoss to eat?" with other
remarks by no means complimentary to my voracious appetite.
After supper, mine host endeavoured to remove the heavy iron bands by
which my ankles were clasped. This was accomplished after considerable
labour. I asked him to retain the bands till called for, which he promised
to do. The good lady furnished me with water and a suit of her husband's
clothes. After performing a thorough ablution, I donned the suit, and felt
completely metamorphosed, and was thoroughly disguised, as my new suit had
been made for a man of vastly larger physical proportions. I spent the
night with my new friends, during which a heavy thunder-storm passed over.
Had I been out in the drenching rain in my wretched condition, I must
surely have perished. In the morning my host informed me of a Union man
who knew the country in the direction of Rienzi, the point which I now
determined to reach. This gentleman lived half a mile distant, and my host
accompanied me to a thicket near his house, where I concealed myself till
he brought Mr. ---- to me. Said my friend No. 2, "I am not familiar with
the route to Rienzi, but will go with you to friend No. 3, who I am
positive is well acquainted with the road. He can take you through the
woods, so as to avoid the Confederate cavalry. As I undertake this at the
risk of my life, we must wait till night. I would gladly have you come to
my house, but I fear that it might transpire through my children that I
had helped you to escape. I have a large family, and most of 'em is gals,
and you know gals will talk. You can stay in my barn till I come for you.
I will carry you provisions during the day, and to-night we will go to my
friend's."
About three o'clock in the morning, he came with two horses, one of which
he mounted, and I the other. The horse I rode was a blooded animal, and to
use my friend's expression, could run like a streak of lightning. I
provided myself with a good whip, resolving, in case of danger, to put my
horse to his utmost speed. A short time after daylight, we reached friend
No. 3, who promised to conduct me to Rienzi. While at his house, I learned
that a Unionist, Mr. N----, had been killed under circumstances of the
greatest cruelty. His sentiments had become known to the rebels. He was
arrested by their cavalry, and refusing to take the oath, they resolved to
put him to death on the spot. He had a large family of small children,
who, together with his wife, begged that his life might be spared. He
himself had no favours to ask of the secessionists. Among his foes, the
only point of dispute was, as to the mode of his death. Some favoured
shooting, some hanging; but the prevailing majority were in favour of
scalding him to death. And there, in the presence of his weeping and
helpless family, these fiends in human form _deliberately heated water,
with which they scalded to death their chained and defenceless victim_.
Thus perished a patriot of whom the State was not worthy. The corpse was
then suspended from a tree, with a label on the breast, stating that
whoever cut him down and buried him, should suffer the same fate. My
companions cut down the corpse by night, and buried it in the forest. May
God reward them!
My friend No. 3 thought that it would be best to travel in daylight. He
could follow by-paths, and avoid the rebel cavalry. We started about eight
o'clock on Friday morning, and met with no incident worth narrating until
we reached a mill; here we fell in with some six or seven rebel soldiers,
who had been out on sick furlough, and were returning. They scanned us
closely, and inquired whence we came, and whither bound. My friend
specified a neighbourhood from which he affirmed we came, and stated that
we were hunting stray oxen, asking whether they had seen a black ox and a
pied ox in their travels. They replied in the negative; and in turn asked
him who I was. He replied that I was his wife's brother, who had come from
Alabama about three months ago. They said I looked like "death on a pale
hoss," and wished to know what was the matter with me--if I were
consumptive. My friend replied that I had had the chills for several
months; and as there was no quinine in the country, it was impossible to
stop them.
During this inquisition, I was ready at any moment to put spur to my
horse, and run a race for life, had any attempt been made to arrest me, or
if I had been recognised by any of the soldiers. We were, however,
permitted to pass on, not without some suspicious glances. We at length
reached a point ten miles from Rienzi. My guide now insisted on returning.
It would be morning ere he reached home, and if met by cavalry, he must
invent some plausible excuse for having a led horse. Nor did he dare
return by the same route. Knowing the country, I permitted him to return.
I then set out on foot, and at length reached the Federal pickets, three
miles from Rienzi, where a horse was furnished me; and about ten o'clock I
reached the head-quarters of Colonel Misner in Rienzi. When I gazed upon
the star-spangled banner, beneath whose ample folds there was safety and
protection--when I saw around me the Union hosts--I shed tears of joy, and
from the depths of my heart returned thanks to Almighty God, who had
given me my life at my request, preserving me, amid dangers seen and
unseen, till I now was safe amid hosts of friends.
Colonel Misner requested me to report all that would be of service to
General Rosecrans, which I did, he copying my report as I gave it. I
reported, so far as I was informed, the probable number of troops in and
around Tupelo, the topography of the country, the probable designs of the
rebels, the number of troops sent to Richmond under Beauregard, &c. The
Colonel requested me to go with him to head-quarters in the morning; but
at the hour specified I was sick, and my physician, Dr. Holley, of the
Thirty-sixth Illinois, thought it would not be advisable for me to go,
even in an ambulance. My report, however, was carried up to General
Rosecrans.
Through proper treatment I recovered in a few days, so as to be able to go
into Jacinto, the nearest point in the Federal lines to my family. I
called on General Jefferson C. Davis, who was in command of that post. The
General had heard of my arrest, and expressed gratification at my safe
return. I informed him of my desire to get my family within the lines. The
General immediately proffered me all the cavalry at his command, and
ordered them to prepare for the expedition. I thankfully accepted his kind
offer, but after reflection concluded to send a messenger first, with a
letter to my wife; if he were not intercepted, I knew that she would come
in as soon as possible. The order to the cavalry was countermanded until
this plan would be tried. The messenger was not intercepted, and on the
next day I had the pleasure of beholding my wife and child, whose faces, a
short time before, I had given up all hope of ever beholding on earth.
While here, I called on my friend, Lieutenant Richard Malone, who resides
in Jacinto. On inquiring at his house for him, he heard my voice, and ran
out to the gate to meet me. Grasping my hand, he could not for some time
control his emotions so as to speak.
Malone gave me his history since we had parted at the outer wall of the
prison. He reached the corn-field at the point designated, and anxiously
awaited my arrival until near daylight, when he was compelled to seek
safety in flight. We had agreed to meet in the corn-field at a place where
there was a garment suspended upon the fence. We think there must have
been two garments suspended at different points, and hence our mistake. We
could not signal loud in consequence of the nearness of the pickets, and
therefore did not meet. Soon after daylight, Malone found himself in the
midst of a cavalry company which had encamped there during the night; they
were making preparations for departure, and the majority of them were
gathering blackberries. Joining them, he passed as a citizen, and when he
reached the rear of the company, he gathered some sticks in his arms, and
started towards a small cabin at a short distance, as if it were his
residence. Before reaching it, he made a detour to the right, and passed
into the dense woods. On the next day, about ten o'clock, A. M., he
reached an open champaign country, through which it would have been
dangerous to travel. To the west, about three hundred yards distant, was a
dense woods, which he hoped to reach without detection. While travelling
down a road for this purpose, four cavalrymen who were in pursuit dashed
towards him, and ordered him to return with them to Tupelo. Malone
replied, that as it was useless to resist, he must submit. He asked for
some water; they had none in their canteens, but went to a house in the
distance to obtain some. Malone was ordered to march before them, which he
was compelled to do, though famishing from hunger and thirst. On reaching
the house, they all went to the well and drew a bucket of water. There
being no dipper, Malone remarked that he would go into the house and get
one. One of the guards followed, and stationed himself at the door with
his gun. Malone went into the house, and immediately passed out at the
back door. The garden gate being open, he passed into the garden, when he
commenced running. Two women in the house noticed his running, and
clapping their hands exclaimed, "Your Yankee's gone! Your Yankee's gone!"
The guards immediately followed, ordering him to halt, and firing at him
with their revolvers. Malone quickly reached a corn-field, and soon after
a swamp, whence he made good his escape, and after various vicissitudes
reached his family in Jacinto, where I now found him.
I returned to Rienzi with my family, resolved to leave for the North. My
wife, before leaving her father's, learned, through a letter sent by a
rebel officer to his wife, that all the guards who were on duty during the
night I escaped from prison, were placed under close arrest, and were
still in the dungeon at the time of his writing. There were eleven guards
on each relief, and three reliefs during the night; there were, therefore,
thirty-three guards placed under arrest because of my escape.
On the night previous to our departure from Rienzi, we were honoured with
a serenade, through the politeness of General Granger, of the cavalry, and
Colonel Bryner, of the Forty-seventh Illinois Regiment. Being called on
for a speech, I thus responded:
GENTLEMEN--I return you sincere thanks for the honour intended myself
and family. In the language of the last tune played by your band, I
truly feel at "home again," and it fills my soul with joy to meet my
friends once more. What a vast difference a few miles makes! Tupelo is
about forty miles south of Rienzi, on an air-line. There I was
regarded as a base ingrate, as a despicable traitor, as an enemy to
the country, chained as a felon, doomed to die, and before the
execution of the sentence, subjected to every species of insult and
contumely. Here I meet with the kindest expressions of sympathy from
officers of all ranks, from the subaltern to the general, and there is
not a private soldier who has heard my tale of woe, who does not
manifest a kindly sympathy.
I hope that you will soon pass south of Tupelo; but in your march to
the Gulf, may you fare better than I did in my journey to this place.
Green corn eaten raw, berries, and stagnant water, would soon cause
you to present the emaciated appearance that I do. On your route, call
upon the secession sympathizers, and compel them to furnish you with
better and more substantial food. My horse I left at Tupelo. He is a
valuable animal. The rebel General Hardee, in the true spirit of
secession, appropriated--that is, stole--him. However, I did not call
to demand him when I left. Being in haste, I did not choose to spare
the time, and leaving in the night, I did not wish to disturb the
slumbers of the Tupelonians. He is a bright bay. If you meet with him,
you may have him for nothing. I would much prefer that he serve the
Federal army.
If you take General Jordan prisoner, send me word, and I will furnish
you with the iron bands that he put on me, by which you may secure him
till he meets the just award of his crimes, which would be death, for
destroying the lives of so many Union men.
I hope that you may soon plant the stars and stripes on the shores of
the Gulf of Mexico, and play the "Star-spangled Banner" within
hearing of its vertiginous billows, after having conquered every foe
to the permanence of the glorious Union. I close with the sentiment of
the immortal Jackson, which I wish you to bear constantly in mind, in
your victorious progress--"The Federal Union--it must and shall be
preserved!" Relying upon the God of battles, rest assured that the
right cause will triumph, and that after having secured the great
object of your warfare, the preservation of the Union, your children
and your children's children will rise up and call you blessed,
rejoicing in the enjoyment of a free, united, and happy country.
Wishing you abundant success, I beg leave to retire.
On Saturday, the 2d of August, 1862, we left Rienzi, _en route_ for the
North, in company with William H. Hubbard, Esq., and family, who were also
refugees. From the moment I reached the Federal lines I experienced
nothing but kindness. I could not mention all who are deserving of thanks
from myself and family. I am under special obligations to Generals Nelson,
Rosecrans, Granger, Davis, and Asboth; also to Colonel Bryner and
Lieutenant Colonel Thrush, of the Forty-seventh Illinois, and Surgeon
Lucas, of same regiment, and to Dr. Holley, of the Thirty-sixth Illinois
Volunteers; to Josiah King, Esq., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Dr.
McCook, of Steubenville, Ohio; also Mrs. Ann Wheelwright, of Newburyport,
Massachusetts, whose kind letter will ever be remembered, and whose
"material aid" entitles her to lasting gratitude; and to Rev. George
Potts, D. D., of New York; and Mr. William E. Dubois, of Philadelphia;
Rev. Dr. Sprole, Newburgh, New York; Rev. N. Hewitt, D. D., Bridgeport,
Connecticut; and Rev. F. N. Ewing, Chicago, Illinois; Rev. J. M. Krebs, D.
D., New York; Rev. A. D. Smith, D. D., New York; and Rev. F. Reck
Harbaugh, Philadelphia, and many others.
Before closing this chapter I would mention the following incident:
On Wednesday evening, November 19th, I addressed the citizens of
Philadelphia at the Sixth Presbyterian Church, (Rev. F. Reck Harbaugh's.)
A report of this address found its way into the city papers. Two days
afterwards, while in conversation with Mr. Martien, at his book-store, two
soldiers entered, one of whom approached, and thus addressed me:
"Do you know me, sir?"
I replied: "Your face is familiar, but I do not remember your name. It is
my misfortune not to be able to remember proper names."
"I read the report of your address in the newspaper, and through the aid
of my comrade, I have succeeded in finding you. We have met before, at
Tupelo."
At the mention of Tupelo, I immediately recognised in the speaker the man
who, after labouring with the others in sundering my chain, engaged the
guard, who sat in the doorway, in conversation, while I watched an
opportunity to disappear under the prison. Grasping him warmly by the
hand, I said: "I now recognise you. You are Mr. Howell Trogdon, of
Missouri, late my fellow-prisoner in Tupelo. How and when did you succeed
in leaving that prison?"
"Being a Federal prisoner, I was removed from Tupelo to Mobile, and there
parolled on the 26th of August last."
"When was I missed after my escape, and how did the officers act when they
learned that I was gone?"
"You were missed at roll-call, the next morning, and in a short time, many
officers came into the prison. They were greatly enraged at this, your
second flight. The prisoners were closely questioned as to their
complicity in your escape, but they denied all knowledge of the matter.
Soon all the prison-guards on duty during the night, thirty-three in
number, were brought into the prison in chains. The cavalry was ordered
out in search of you, and directed to shoot you down wherever found. The
mode of your escape was not discovered, and the officers were of the
opinion that you had bribed the guards. _From that time, the officers
became more cruel than ever, and in two weeks, thirty-two of our
fellow-prisoners were taken out and shot!_ We never learned whether you
had succeeded in escaping to the Union lines. We feared that you were
overtaken and shot, or that you perished in the swamps from hunger,
thirst, and fatigue. I hope soon to see McHatten, Speer, De Grummond, and
Soper, who are also parolled, and they will rejoice to learn that you
still live. During the night of your escape, we slept but little, through
fear that _our chaplain_ might be shot by the guards, and I assure you
many fervent prayers ascended to Heaven for your safety."