Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-12-30
Statement Of COngFessmRn Eiy-asHis Cap
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Statement Of Congressman kiy-@aAhla CaP-
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From Mr. Ely's story Of bis capture at
Bulls Run and bis Subsequent captivity in
Richmond, we extract as follows;
When the retreat of troops began at Bull
Run he was going forward toward the Stone
Bridge to learn the particulars Of the fight,
when he was surrounded by company Of
rebel infantry under Captain Mullins. That
officer treated him with much respect, and
veyed him at once TO Col. Cash, who was
much excited, and threatened 10 shoot him.
he was, however, marched on 10 Manassas,
seven miles from where he Was captured,
through road dark with dust. He suffered
greatly for water, of which he obtained none
until he reached Manassas, at 9 P. NJ.
There he was placed in large field with
hundreds Of prisoners, many Of whom were
wounded and dying. He describes the scene
as sickening in the extreme. When about
to lie down on the grass (which was wet, for
it was raining heavily, he was summoned to
Gen. Beauregard's headquarters. There he
found that officer in company with Jefferson
Davis, W. Porcher Miles, Extra Billy Smith,
and some twenty officers of the Confederate
arny.
Miles spoke to him in a cool manner. He
said he was sorry to find member Of the
Federal Congress urging on the soldiers in
their efforts to subdue the South, and direct
ed him to quarters in an old barn, where be
found so many of the Union officers that it
was difficult to secure place TO lie down
Fresh water was given him, and despite the
comfortless shed, he slept soundly.
The rain poured down in torrents all night,
and the camps about Manassas were almost
inundated. In the morning the prisoners
were entertained by Besuregard's negro
servant who had much to say of the bravery
Of his master and the incidents of the battle
At 9 o'clock, with the other prisoners, Mr.
Ely was marched from the barn to the carE
for Richmond. At noon, while in the cars
they were supplied with bread and ham. II
was four O'Clock before the train started.
All day the ambulances had been bringing
in wounded Rebel and Union soldiers. Some
$50 prisoners were on the train, and with the
wounded of both armies, brought the mum
Der of passengers up to 1900. So heavy
was the train and so frequent the delays tha
two and half days were occupied in reach
ing Richmond.
Jefferson Davis accompanied the train
part of the day, when he was sent forward
by express. At all the stations the people
turned out in great numbers to see the Yam
kee prisoners, and were often insolent anC
only kept from violence by the officers il
charge.
The prisoners were in great apprehension
Of rough handling at Richmond, but by gooC
management the citizens of that place wert
misled as to the hour of the arrival Of tht
train, which was at hslfpast nine in th'
evening.
The privates were sent on in advance, t
the tobacco factory, / } miles distant. Forty
four officers and Mr.. Ely followed and Wert
thrown into the same room, all huddled to
pether in confusion, and slept upon the Hoor
No beds or bedding were provided. All th'
furniture now in that prison has been pur
chased by the prisoners.
For some days the food was served II
cauldrons placed in the center of the room
and dishes, knives, and forks, were not tC
be had.