Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-08-16
THE GALLANT ZARvONA

The Charleston Courier of-Monday says:
We are frequently asked what has been done BY the
Government at Richmond for the release oil the gallant
Colonel Zarvona The accounts given by returned
priyateersmen of the nhuman treatment he receives IN
his confinement, have excited the warmest sympathies
Of our people. One who was for long time, in con-
slant secret intercourse with him, says that he Is
shut I'D in a CELL into which light and air is admitted
only through inch auger hole. Shortly after his ar
rest he carried correspondence, IN clphers, with
lady by the Of Mrs. Norris, Of Baltimore. This
espondence being detected the lady arrested
and Zaryona placed in solitary confinement. He
only permitted at intervals TO leave his cell for few
moments under strong guard. His friends, however,
managed to keep up communication with him, and
planned mode Of escape. They had life preserver
made for the purpose, and dark night, having COM
pleted some needfu arrangements, he made his exit
| and attempted TO escape by swimming the river. A
very heavy blow sprung up, rendering his efforts i'm
possible After stemmlng the current for about half
hour he was taken by his pursuers, who had put of in
a boat after him. He placed in the same cell, and
orders given that he should not be permitted to leave
under any preteXt
Notwithstanding the vigilance Of his guard his friends
still continued to hold communication with him, fur
nishing writing materials and keeping him advised Of
the current news and events of the day. The guard
becoming of this intercourse transferred him to
another cell, while of their number, dressed in
Zarvonas Clothes lay in wait in the former to detect
the party who had far baled their efforts at disco
very Their ruse succeeded, and they arrested Mr..
| Henry A. Rowan, young man OF this city, who was
caught while giving his usual signal Of desire to COM
municate with Zaryona. The guard then boarded up
the window of Zarvonas CELL leaving as already re-
ported, only inch auger hole for air and light His
food was restricted TO hard bread and small allowance
of beef and pork None of his friends or relatives
we're permitted visit him, and our informant states
that his brutal keepers even refused to allow him the
decacies sent by his friends.
| The last communication from the unfortunate prl-
soner was received by Mr.. Rowan before the latter
was arrested. This addressed to President DAVIS
on small strip of card paper, and published in the
Courier Of Saturday. When our informant last saw
| Col. Zarvona he had become very reduced from his
close confinement and consequent sickness.
The Federals claimed that he not prisoner Of
war; but disloyal citizen of Maryland, and guilty Of
treason to the United States. Al the time OF his
rest however, be produced his commission officer
of the Confederate States navy This they took from
him, saying that should not shield him, and that be
should suffer the consequences of his treason. There
can be no doubt they would have put their threat into
execution long ago. but for the timely warning given
by our Government Of its determination to apply the
/ Ter tdlons.
The Federals evidently will be 10th 10 give up Ear
yona as they fear him His gallant feat IN the capture
of the st. Nicholas, which for him the highest
admiration OF the Confederacy exasperateo our enc
miles, and they WILL doubtless, resort to every arthce
and pretext avoid his release under the provisions OF
/ the late cartel
We trust that our Government will take care that no
fraud shall be practiced in this case, and that we shall
soon have the pleasure to TO the public the
gratifying news Of Colonel Zaryonas arrival among
| his friends in Richmond.