Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1862-12-06
Released from the Old Capitol
Prism

The following prisoners were on the 18th
released from the old Capitol prison in
Washington, viz: d. A. Mahoney, editor
ofthe Dubuque (Iowa) Herahi, arrested
August Ia; David Steward, Of Fairfield
Iowa, arrested August II; Judge Andrew
ID, Duff, arrested at Benton, Illinois, on
the l4th of August, whilst on the Bench
Judge John II. Mulkey, arrested with
Judge Duff; and DR.. Marcus l.. Roose, of
Tamaroa, Illinois. They were arrested
on warrant signed by the Secretary of War
but in which no charge was set FORTH
During the whole term of their imprison-
ment they vainly endeavored to learn of
what they were accused--but not only did
the Assistant Judge Advocate General, the
Assistant Secretary of ar and Secretary
Stanton himself deny their very reasonable
request, but actually desired them to make
statements in their own vindication without
a knowledge of their alleged offence
Furthermore, their counsel were not per.
mitted to see the papers in their case and
the accusations against thcm-if such doc.
ument' existed. They were twice taken
before the Judge Advocate for hearing,
but remanded without any light thrown
upon the cause Of their mysterious incar-
ceration, or being heard in their own de-
fence. When, at length they were dischar-
ged 'honorab]y,' as the certificates, signed
by some subordinate officer read, they were
required not only to take the oath of ale-
glance, but also to sWear that they WouLd
not institute or cause TO be Instituted any
suits against any authorities Of tie United
State, or of any loyal State. for Mier ,m-
pr,Sonment. The fact that some parties
in the West had brought suits for false
imprisonment delayed their discharge for
some time, as the Judge Advocate said
nothing could be done until the Secretary
of War was consulted. The result of the
consultation was, apparently, the incorpo.
ration of the above new clause in the oath
When asked to sign this document some
of the prisoners grew very indignant and
refused to take such an oath, but as some
were in failing health, and did not know
how long they might be kept in durance,
finally, by advice Of their counsel, complied
and were released-but are yet ignorant
of the charges upon which they were ar
rested, if any there were. Their treatment
in prison was not bad, they we're obliged
to furnish their ewn provisions and we're
not permitted to hold private converse with
those visiting them-an officer always
being present. Their correspondence was
watched and it was only by strategem that
they could communicate with their friends
at home, as their letters were, after being
read, destroyed, returned or confscated.-
One of the guards was imprisoned for al
lowing the prisoners some trifing liberty,
The lives of the prisoners were constantly
endangered by the carelessness of the guard
in the barracks below, several balls having
come up into the prisoners apartment
discharged from muskets below.
Freemen what say you to such proceed.
ing as these Can it be honest men or
christians will longer associate with such
aparty--a party that thus seeks to destroy
the very life Of q free poyernmnnt.