The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1862-02-15

Mr.. Edward Taylor's Prison Experience.
We have had the pleasure of conversation
with Mr.. Edward Taylor, Of this city, just ar
rived from Richmond, Va, where he was in
prison for six months, the only crime alleged
against him being that he was . Union man.
He was not a prisoner of war for he was not .
belligerent, but seems to have been detained
through wantonness and that he might be pun
ished for being Virginian by birth and
Union man in principle. Our readers will re-
member that he was taken after the battle Of
Bull Run.
We are grati6ed to learn from Mr. Taylor,
that the prisoners have not 90 far as his obser-
walton extended, been treated with cruelty
He says the rebels did Is well by their prison.
ers % they could, and in his judgment the
prisoners have some times Jared better than
the Confederate soldiers. He says, 'sthe poor
devils did ~ well for US a. they could" The
most brutal wretch encountered was Lieuten.
ant Todd, half brother Of Mrs. Lincoln, who
delights in tormenting the yankees" aud 10
avulgar, cowardly, cruel scoundrsl, One Of
the gross insults given Mr.. Taylor was by Col.
Terry, who was killed ON Green River. Terry
was informed that Mr.. Taylor was prisoner
Of war from Ohio, and turning wrsthfully up.
on him cursed him - from that 'sAbolition
hole, and told him he ought TO be imprisoned
for life for coming from such . place. The
rebel othcers and the secessionists generally,
met by Mr.. Taylor, were almost Invariably i'm
polite in insisting upon talking politics The
question everlastingly put was what did the
North mean by going South to fight. The se-
eeah never seemed to consider that they had
made the fighting They talked ell the time of
Abolitionists invading their sacred soil.
Though persons whom Mr.. Taylor had Z
right to expect would hasten to his relief in
prison, coldly neglected him, or excited pre-
JUDGE against him, others, upon whom he had
no claims, save the common one Of humanity,
were kind and generous towards him. There
are among the Richmond ladies, those who are
much interested in the prisoners, and who, bv
deeds Of considerste charity, have done much
to amsliorate the hardships Of their condition.
MIR. Taylor relates several touching instances Of
their bensvolence
There il no donbt, Mr.. Taylor says Of the
existence Of feeling in favor Of the Union in
Richmond. He has positive knowledge Of the
fact, and gives it ~ his opinion, that there are
thonsands there who would rejoice to Gee the
old nag floating over the State Capitol.
Recently feeling Of deep uneasiness and
dependency had appeared among the rebels.
They were sorely troubled about the Burnside
expedition, not knowing where il was 10 strike.
he news Of the defeat of Zollicof{er caused Z
feeling Of dismay. Mr. Taylor noticed the
officer in charge Of the prisoners appeared
very gloomy one morning, asked him il there
Was any news, and added some inquiry as to
wnen the prisoners would probably be exchsng
ed. The ofacer said moodily, s.By Gil
pect you will all 60 home soen.' s.Why sop,
asked Mr.. Taylor.
because, said the officer. 1--WE have cot q
hi Of . whipping out west" and proceeded
to state the facts Of the defeat and death Of
Zollicoffer very frankly.
The rebels are not doing much in the way of
small arms with the machinery
stolen from Harper's Ferry. They cannot pro.
cure good material and have few capable work.
men. Salt in suficIsnt quantities TO cure meat
cannot % procured, and much apprehension il
leit ON tnas subject. The rebel army il badly
clotasd ana NOT uniformed atall. Mr.. Taylor
saw ous one company Of Confederate soldiers
ven unnotmea. They have pretty much used
and have wonderful miscellany Of bed OMIT
md blaaksts. The rsbsls are Impressed thst
McCieuan's policy means mischief 10 them. ana
eegard hin With intenss hatred. They believe
q = sloMs but they fear he 10 sure.
ekoee@DA Of alarm n felt on the subject
= " retion Of the term Of enlistment Of
ne twelve months troops. The most extraord.
NAY exsrtions are being made to retain the
nens and thus fAT the success Of their orsani.
ang has been faS from aatterins. The sscesh
10 not attempt to disguise the fact that there +
geye Misunderstanding between Je6. Dayia
ND hsaureGAsd. Davis has received. after Be
: inaaguratsd President on the 22d Of febsusry
9 eake command Of ~ array Of he Potomac
: psrseA' [QinslanAa Commercial.
H Duknnse ssoA 49, I. A-a