Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-04

told them they must do It St their own risk. If
they failed, heavy irons and close confinement for
the bal2ncs Of the war would be their lot. But
they possessed brave hearts and were confident of
Eucsess. They supplied themselves with bread and
water, scandle, matches, &c On their arrival st
Boston the men were marched ashore in companies,
as their names were called. Immediately before
the name of the Washington Grays was called
Psrvin and Willis left their company, descended
from the deck, and found their way into the extra
themselves, and in little while they built up a
wall Of coal around them so that any person enter
ing the room would not discover them Their
late companions in arms were gone, and they were
now alone in the dark, unwhoesone coal-bank of
an enemy's steamer, not knowing what day or
an hour might bring forth. In this condition they
remained for day, or probably day and night
when large number of sailors were brought
aboard the steamer to be shipped to New York.
On the LIST of November the vessel left Boston,
and landed her load at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In
the hustle and confusion consequent upon their en-
bsrkation, cur heroes thought they might leave
their place Of coneesment and make their escape
They gained the deck, and went unobserved on
shore with the crowd Of sailors. But they soon
saw that their time for escape had rot yet come
All around the Navy Yard were stationed sentnels
whom IL would be impOssiSle,t to pass. They there
fore resolved to return to the steamer and await
yet longer. They now concealed themselves in the
private apartment Of the boat, and remained thus
for two days, when finally, as If providendally, in
one OF her trips the steamer ran foul of sehOOn
as in the river, and was reported so much damaged
rs to cause her to make for Jersey City with all
possible speed. Great excitement was produced
among her passengers, and everything and every
body were in the utmost confusion.
A most favorable opportunity now for the pris-
oners to escape, and they took advantage of it.
They left their hiding place again, and soon as
the Jersey City landing was reached, they rushed
ashore. They then tosk passage on ferry boSt for
New York. In this great city they found friend
who took them in and kindly cared for them. He
advised what they should do, and furnished them
with money 10 complete their plans. They took
passage to Baltimore as Union ssilOrs-anti4S South
ern sseeshers of the deepest dye. In the noble
Monumental City they had not far to 60 before
meeting with friends of the South and her defend~
ers. Clothes given to them, and they are aided
in getting employment on a wood schooner bound
for aome point on the lower Maryland shore. For
sixteen days they worked like beavers, and by their
unusual industrious habits and good behavior they
gained the unbounded confidence Of the Captain
His every wish was law, and every act was done
with pleasure; but the proud Captain was soon to
be deprived of his prizes.
1t was the night for Psrvin TO keep watch and
the Captain had retired, and Willis had pretended
| to do so. But hands were as busy as eyes. Sails
for the small boat attached to the schooner were
made and fitted. The proper hour had come the
sgn was given and the two men set forth upon the
dark waters 1t WAS all q venture with them, for
they knew not whether they might land, among
friends or enemies. After long hours Of suspense
aad weary travel, they landed on the Virgins side
Of the Potomac, below Aqua Greek. Here they
were taken in custody and sent to Gems
eral Holmes headquarters, where they were Joy
fully recognized by old acquaintance from North
| Carolina. They were furnished with free passes
| over the railroads home.
Is not this q strange and romantic tale. reader
But it is nevertheless true, and puts fiction to the
biush.