The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1862-01-02

teresting Statement of His Captivity
Severe Treatment OF Union Prisoners.
Barbarities of the Rebels.---How the
Prisoners Pass Their Time.
Washington, Friday, Dee. 81, 1861.
The Hon. Alfred Ely arrived here this
evening, and took rooms at Willard's Ho
tel. where be received tho congratulations
of great number Of political friends
He is 10 good health and spirits, and will
remain here for several days.
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 Capt.
Mullins. That officer treated him with
much respect. and conveyed him at once
to Col. Cash, who was much excited, aud
threatened 10 shoot him. He was, how
ever, marched ou to Manassas, seven
miles from where he was captured
through road dark with dust. He suf
fered greatly for water, of which he OBJ
tanned none until he reached Manassas,
at 9 p. m.
There he was placed in large field
With hundreds Of prisoners, u any of whom
were wounded and dying lie describes
the sceno a. sickeping in the extreme
When about to lie down on the grass
(which was wet, for it was raining heavi
llg) he was oned to Gen. Besure
CARDS headquarters. There be found
that officer in company with Jefferson
Davis, w. Porcher Miles, Extra Billy
Smith, and some twenty officers of the
Confederate army.
Miles spoke to hin in cool NJ amer
He said he was sorry to fad a menter
Of the Federal Congress urging on The
soldiers in their efforts to subdue the
South, and directed him to quarters in al
old barn. where be found 30 macy of the
Union officers that it was difficult to Sc
cure place to lie down. Fresh watei
was given him, and deepito the comfort
less shed, be slept souodly.
The rain poured ia torrents all night
and the camps about Manassas were al
most inundated. 10 the mordiDg The
prisoners were entertained. By Beaare
CARDS negro servant. Who had much to
say of the bravery Of bis master and the
incidents CT the battle.
At o'clock Mr. MeClusk7, formerly Pos.
master of the House OF Representatives,
With " hon Mr.. E = was acquainted, wait
ed upon him witb Col Bate and the Rev
Joseph Gross, of the Confederate array
wto subseque ntly wrote ridiculous go
count of the Interview for Tennessee pa
per, which was reprinted in New York
At 9 o'clock, with the other prisoners
Mr.. Ely was marched from the barn tc
the cars for Rich mond. At poou. while
in the cars, they we're supplied with bread
and ham. 1t vas 4 o'clock before to,
train started.
All day the ambulances had beer
bringing 10 wounded Rebel and Unior
soldiers Some $50 pri.ouers were on ,bt
train, and with the wounded of both ar
mics, brought the uumber Of passenger
up to 500. So heavy vas the train anc
SO frequent the delays that p days wer,
occupied in reaching Rich u ond.
jefferson Davis acco npanied the trair
part of the dag, when he va sent for.
ward by express. At all the station, tn,
people turned out in great bun bers to see
the Yankee prisoners, aud were often 10
solent, and only kept from violence BY Tho
officers iD charge.
The prisoners we're in great apprehen
sion of rough handling at Rich NC ond, hu
by good management the citizens of thai
place were misled as to the hour of the
arrival Of the train, which vas at 81 il
the evening.
The privates we're sent on in adFance
to the tobacco factory, ! mile. distant
Forty four officers and Mr.. Ely folloRed
and we're thrown into the same room, all
buddled together in confusion. and sic,
upon the floor. No beds or bedding were
provided. All the furniture now in that
prison has been purchased by the prison
ers.
For some days the food vas served in
cauldrons placed in the center Of the
room, and dishes, knives, and forks were
not TO be had.
The first day one of the sentinels out
side the building sent a ball from hi-
nusket through window and into a raf-
ter Of the main room. 1t was aimed at
a prisoner who cbanccd to look out -
Seven we're at various times shot for Is
ing such liberty. This cruel practice wa.
objected to by leading citizens, aud sub.
sequently stopped.
Mr.. Ely speaks in terms Of high praise
OF the treatment extended him by the
people of Richmond. Thousands focked
to see him, and be received many pre-
seDts, one Of which-a writing de,k from
young lady-he brings with him
Scarcely day passed that boquets we're
not sent bio. One day be wss given
three good dinners. The books given
bin from time to time, but which be az
obliged to leave behind, would make a
very respectable library.
Of the draaing ballots for hostages to
Offset the pirates in Philadelphia and
New York, Mr.. Ely states that it was
only by consent of his fellow prisoners