The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-14

today and presented the Secretary Of State by
the Prussan Minister The Prince is highly recommend
cd by the Prussian government, experienced and
capable military officer, who has distinguished himself in
the field in his country. He has rendered his SER
vices to our government, and will probably BIO commits
stoned and detailed upon the staff OF Of our generals
In order that his military experience and skill may
be made available. This tender Of distinguished
military officer Of the Prussian army coming, as he
Does recommended by his government and fortified and
endorsed here by chief Of that Power
Is taken good omen.
A BRITISH MAJOR GENERALS OPINION OF THE FOR
TIFICATIcNs AROUND WASHINGTON.
Yesterday General Mcclellan accompanied in his
inspection Of the grand army before Washington by
distinguished Major General of the British army, who
highly pleased with Notifications and the appearance
Of the troops He expresses the opinion that Washing
ton cannot be takc1.
ARRIVAL OF ESCAPED UNION PRISONERS FROM
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF THEIR EXPERIENCE
WHILE IN TIE HANDS OF THE REBELS, AND THE
MANNER IN WHICH THEY EscAPED, ETC.
The steamer Resolutc Of the Potomac fotlia arrived
this evening at the Navy Yard having board Captain
John r. Hurd, Quartermaster Charles l. Murphy, and
Lieutenant Raynor who had recently escaped from
Richmond. Captain Hurd was attached to the Kentucky
Volunteers, and taken prisoner IN Northwestern
Thirty eighth and Lieutenant Raynor Of the First Ohio
Volunteers Both the latter taken prisoners at
Bull run.
Lieutenant Murphy engaged caring for the wound
ed at Sudleys Church, when detachment of Colonel
Stewards cavalry came up and took the wounded
and those in attendance in custody. They
were treated with great Kindness Lieutenant Cumming
Of the cavalry only eicing from them promise that
they would not attempt 10 escape, and giving them as
that they would be treated as prisoners of war
They left without any guard during the night, few
Of the cavalry occasionally visiting the church to that
there was movement for escape. On Monday night
order came from General Reaurcgard TO have all the
prisoners except the wounded, removed at TO Ma
nassas and though they left two hundred and eighty
wounded uncared for they compelled to leave Three
men, rot surgeons left to give the wounded water
while the remainder including nine surgeons we're taken
Manassas On learning the condition Of things at Sud-
lcy's Church Coone! Preston OF the rebel army regret
ted that order had been and he gave permission
to the whole party to return provided they would take
obligation not to bear against to aid The enc
mics Of the Confederate States This obligation,
however, Mr.. Murphy refused TO take, and he.
with others, sent TO Richmond. He states
that at Manassas parallel earthworks had been
thrown up in every direction far rs the
vision could reach. They well supplied with artil
lery On their way to Richmond the prisoners were
treated with kindness by the officers in charge though
they the subject Of great curiosity to the multitude
on the way. They suffered no insult, except from the
women who eagerly questioned them to their inten
tons, making insulting illusions to the Yankees. Ar
rived at Richmond the prisoners taken to Lggons
tobacco factory, where they still confined. They
were all well the rebel soldiers wcre being
furnished with ABUNDANCE Of food Mr. Murphy until
fortnight before his escape being attendant upon the
mission subsequently Withdrawn, and he remained
close prisoner until he made his escape. LEARNING that
his wife was deep distress his imprisonment he de-
termined effect his escape, and in concert with Eou
tenant Raynor and Captain Hurd devised plan.
They observed that the surgeons permitted TO pass
in and out without obstruction, they being distinguished
by bit of red ribbon and the sontnes changed
every two hours they thought they could pass by the guard
as surgeons provided they could get the badge
Tearing bit of red flannel from Of their shirts, and
puttr it his coat, Lieutenant Raynor passed out
without difficulty, and by previous arrangement he
made purchase Of pocket compass and map Of Viz
gina. Mr. Murphy and Captain Hard passed out on tho
next relief by the means AID met Lieutenant Ray
nor on the Of neghborng street. This
about eight O'Clock on the 9Th instant.
Their purpose in the escape to leave Richmond fol-
lowing northeastcrly direction crossing the RappaLan
mock to reach the Potomac where they expected TO reach
our feet. THIS they successfully accomplished, after
great privaon and suffering, extending through several
days, Of which the following is brief narratve:-
After going half mile beyond the city limits they
struck tho Union turnpike, which they followed out.
Owing the darkness they successfully upon toll
gate guarded with soldiers and breaswork with
vs from which they retrcated aud succeeded in turning
unperceived through nsghboring fields They met
try wagons all of which they avoided. After travelling
fifteen miles they went TO sleep as daylight dawned in
the woods At nine O'Clock in the morning they resumed
their march, keeping in the woods, however, as long
as daylight lasted. Fhey eat during the day their
only food, a sandwich each, which they had
brought with them The second night they crossed the
Chickahominy rivor on amilldam, and continued their
march until daylight when they reached large plana
ton and nearly encountered number Of negroes going
to their work. They succeeded in avoiding ihem and
continued their journey during the day, crossing tho
struced They then built fire in tho woods, and made
good meal of roasted and potatoes both Of which
thcy had secured in feds their During their
whole route the roads not unfrequcnty took them Of
their course, in which they would abandon them,
and guided by their compass would 60 the coun
try until they struck another road which suited their des-
pa;ioa Generally they slept during the day doing.
most Of til IL travelling by night, and of at times
suffering terribly from hunger thirst and insects.