Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-05-08
A FOREIGN OFFpcER,s EXPERIENCE
m DIXIE,

Baron Rudolph Wardener an Austrian Off
Ger, who was visiting some friends in the Feder-
al army at Fairfax Court. House, when the rebels
made a raid upon that place, was captured by
them and taken to Richmond. Here he was
thrust into the Libby prison in company with
Union prisoners. He made several attempts to
be released by means Of the Austrian Consul,
the Rebel Secretary Of War, ect. He was fin
ally taken TO the Court House, where he ex-
rebel cause. He refused, and was promised
that he should be soon released. After five days
he was again brought before the Court, when the
following conversation ensued
The Baron was then again brought before
the Judge, this time at the Provost Marshal's Of
fee.
"Baron, said the Judge, "you leave to- morrow;
only sign this parol.
The parol was TO the effect that Baron Ward
ener was to swear not to bear arms against the
Southern Confederncy, nor to give any informa-
tion or aid to the enemies Of the South.
"Sir," said the Baron, "this parol is different
from all other parols. / do not think you have
the right to require il Of me-"
"Now," said the Judge, Eve sec that our sus-
picions were well based. You are no gentleman,
"How can you judge me by the present eventsi
You cannnot bind me for my future life by this
parol." h.lI
"If you don't sign this parol you must be all
led with the Yankees and you alone will be re-
sponsiblc for the consequences"
"Sir," said the Baron, "if sign this parol, ]
will do it in the same way man who has
revolver pointed athis head, gives up his mon
ey."
"Oh, nc" said the judge, 'you are perfectly
free about that; you can do as you please"
"Well, | should like to know what my posi-:
tion will be if l do sign this Will you exchange
me as a Federal officer?''
"Oh, no; you are no officer, and we cannot trea
you as such"
"Well, treat me as private, and exchange me
as SUCH"
"No, no; you are no private"
"Then, IL l ans citizen, exchange me as such.
"No, no; you are no citizen"
| ed dit, must be somebody"
an tell you" said the Judge, "who you are
| you are man who has lost the protection OF hi
Government because you came to one Of III,
| States Of the Southern Confederacy as an ennis
s1ry to incite insurrection among slaves, and W.
willbring you under the law enacted by tb'
proclamation of Jefferson Davis on the 18th o
january, and before the civil authorities fo
trial"
"Now," said the baron, II see how free a mar
l am. / really believe yOu could hang me /
you wanted. But my Government, hope will
dosomething sor me; and if Austria is not a strong
naval power she possesses at least another pow.
er in this world-ihat is public opinion. How
much you strain yourselves to gain that opinion
is seen by the manner in which Slidell aud Ma.
son humble themselves before European Gov.
1 ernments."
The Judge sprang up. looking as fierce as .
wild boar, and shaking his fist at Baron Ward
ener, exclaimed. "Sir you are more YankeC
than all the rest put together; and about yot
claiming the protection Of your Government,
tell you the Confederate States Of America has
never recognized your Government"
Il know it, sir; but this is the sad condition r
which other Governments are placed. But LEI
me have few hours for consideration, and
will make up my mind whether to sign this par
ol or not"
The Judge, after some hesitation, granted thi.
request, and gave Baron Wardener the parting
advice to go back to his country and to have
nothing 10 do with the Yankees, who are lo
of murderous robbers devastating the beautifu
4 South, and committing all sorts Of outrages.-
i "Avoid them" said he, afor your own good"
After having advised with the Oldest anc
most experienced officers, among the Fedora
prisoners, Baron Wardener finally concluded t
take the parol, as there was no other way of get
ting away from the loathsome and disgusting
prison. re 'aa
j The Baron thus describes the horrible condt
ion of Libby prison, and his opinions of the pros
pect of the rebel cause.
At4 o'clock in the morning he took leave o
the officers who had been confined with him
sick and disgusted with the treatment received
and yet sorry to leave the poor officers compan
ions of his misfortunes.
There were about two hundred and fifty Fed
eral officers confined in n garret under the roo
the Libby prison. All the windows were bro
, ken, and consequently the cold, particularly a
night, was intense, for there were no covering,
except few ragged blankets filled with vermiu
The prisoners were obliged to sleep on the foo
somewhat in the same manner as negroes Of
board of SLAYER, and with the scanty covering
and the cold, piercing air, it was almost imposs
, ible to sleep during the night. The ration
7 were miserable bread and neat--ofen disgust
ing to say of dead mules Everything had I
: be cooked on two small stoves in the room, an
by the officers themselves, who were never a.
e lowed to leave the room for any purpose what
socver, and the whole treatment was such
!, would cast dshonor on any government pretenc
r ing to represent civilized country.
When looking out of window once, stor
was thrown at Baron Wardener by a sentine
: with the admonition that next time he would q
! a ball through his head. Captain Turner, Coz
federate officer in chargeof prisoners, treats tho
e under his charge IN the most contemplate wa
g taking pleasure in giving them all the reins
e torments that Southren could only devise
y Sometimes he would take prisoners through Il
room and taking pleasure in exhibiting the mi
a cries of his prisoners-a pompous and bOmba
tic man, intensely proud Of the acknowledges
given TO him by the Richmond papers for Il
# manner in which he discharges his duties ar
i treats those whom the chances of war ha'
thrown in his hands.
IS Finally Baron Wardencr says that his trea
ment while prisoner at Richmond has convil
: ced him Of the utter absnrdity Of the ideas e,
: isting concerning the chivalrc character Of Il
: SOutherners Never did he dream that humi
n beings could be treated in such despicab
\, and contemplate way as exhibited by the trea
! ment of Federal officers, prisoners Of war
Richmond; and never did he see so brutal trai
n as those exhibited by the men representing Il
7 South add it's institutions at Richmond. A 3
7 journ there of six weeks has convinced him,
: use his own words that the Southern fabric ia
lie, based upon lies; and after having heard the
\ speak Of themselves and their boasted instit
. tions, he has returned to the North, filed wi
/. even more sympathy and just appreciation
7 the noble cause in which we are engaged tn
4 he could have done before visiting Richmond
i a prisoner OF war.
A Southern item,
! | ~. = 49,. ~