The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-12-03
NARRATIVE OF MR. IT. G. FERRELL.

We have already alluded to the return home of
Mr. Ferrell, of the released prisoners from the
dominions of Abraham /. Dir Terrell was one of
the youngest members of the Washington Light
Infantry Volunteers, Capt. James Conner, from
this city, attached to Hampton's Legion. He
was taken prisoner at the battle of Manassas, hav
ing become separated from his company while
marching through thicket. The first knowledge
that he received Of his being in the hands of the
enemy, was finding himself in the midst of
Maine regiment, who at once began to strip him
of whatevsp Valuables he had about his person.
They first cleaned out his pocket book, containing
about $40 in bills, and some small silver change.
Hearing that the Fire Zouaves had vowed partic-
ular vengeance on the Hampton Legion, after his
first surprise, he took from his hat the brass let
tiers, "I L., S. Q. W." indicative of his member
ship in the Legion, and secreted them in his
uniform. These also stolen from him. 1t
proved afterwards, however, a fortunate circum-
stance, the Zouaves failing to identify and mstak-
ing the young South Carolinian for member of
their own regiment, whose uniform was some
what similar to that of the Hampto Legion
In company with another prisoner, he was plac-
ed in charge of guard Of six, who marched him
all ght thro ugh drenching rain, at the double
quick to Washington, where they arrived Monday
morning, about five o'clock Being taken to
Gen. Mansfeld's hea dquarters that officer
mcnccd questioning him as to the bravery and
gallantry displayed by the grand army during the
fight. Our young friend informed him that it
could only be appreciated by those who had seen
the very good time made, particularly by the
Zouaves, for their former station near the great
capital. Gen. Mansfield then ordered the prison.
to be confined in the old Capitol, where there
were already from eli ghty to one hundred kept in
C lose quarters, and who had been taken OH vari-
previous occasions. Here they we're divided
off into squads Of from ten to twelve in small rooms
with scarcely space enough to walk for exercise.
The only food furnished by the Government was
hard pilot bread and water. Their friends, now
ever, allowed to visit them occasionally,
and number Of Southern ladies in Washington
supplied them with Injuries, furnished them with
new aud comfortable clothing, gave them books
and papers, and expressed III -ir sympathies in eve
ry possible way.
This continued, however, but short time. The
Government became suspicious, the most strin-
gent measures were adopted, and all intercourse
with the prisoners, except by the guard, prohibit
ed Several boxes of clothing and other articles,
sent afterwards, taken from the prisoners and
appropriated to the use of their own troops.
Occasionally they would get a newspaper by
paying exorbitant price to the guard. Even
those who were in the habit of recognizing the
prisoners by wave of their handkerchiefs before
in custody. Their windows overlooked magnif-
ce 1t lawn, around which the President and Mrs
Lincoln rode nearly every day. The prisoners at
such times bockaded the windows to get a sight
of him who regarded the chief cause of the
war. Like criminal, however, conscious of his
guilt, Abraham refused to show the light of his
countenance to them, and never looked up. The
soldiers acted differently. When off duty, they
would frequently gather in crowds opposite the
4 L j L
vent their abuse in throwing stones, shooting
at the windows, calling the prisoners traitors,
rebels &c declaring that the American flag should
yet wave over them.
a grand review Of the army in and around
Washington was made by Mcclellan the Saturday
previous to the release of the prisoners. The pro-
cession commenced moving at halfpast ten in the
morning, the last of the troops passed the Capt.
to grounds about half-past three o'clock in the
afternoon. The force was estimated by the pris-
oners at about 100000, with 800 pieces Of artie-
ry. Most of the troops marched very badly, and
several of the Cavalry tumbled out of their sad
des Of which died the next day. Upon the
arrival Of Lincoln salute was fred bursting one
Of the pieces and killing two men.
In speaking Of the Leasburg battle they admit
the loss of 500 men taken prisoners, and from
300 to 400 killed in battle, but attribute the
suit to the mismanagement and cowardice of their
officers.
The prisoners released were taken from Wash
ington to Fort McE1enry, Baltimore by night, SO
as to avoid much possible all expression of
sympathy by the secessionists. They were kept
at Fort McHenry until the next evening, when
they were placed on board the steamer Washing
ton for Craney Island. During their stay at the
fort they saw Gel. Thomas walking about the
yard, but not permitted to converse with him.
His guard informed them that COL Thomas
amused himself, however, by setting up pins and
having grand battle between the Confederate and
Unionsts, in which the former were always GER
tain to come off victorious. AS the prisoners were
leaving Baltimore a number of their friends gath
cred around the boat, cheering for JEFF. Davis
and the Southern Confederaey. These prisoners
have been released upon their parole, not to fight
unless regularly exchanged Charleston Courier.
SALr.-We are happy to be able to announce
from good authority that in few days there will
be salt enough manufactured near Morehead City
to supply any demand that is likely to be made
We are assured that gentlemen of ability and
energy have taken the matter in hand and
will be able, in few days to turn out two hundred
bushels per day, which they intend to sell on
living terms. So those who have hogs up fatter-
ing need not turn them out for fear of not being
able to salt them, but instead thereof, may put up
twice as many more.-Neicbern Progress.
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No CoTToN FROM EGYPT FOR THE YANKEES
Late Northern advices assert that the English
gamers contain distressing accounts of the damaue