St. Mary's gazette., 1863-11-19
LETTER FROM A MARYLAND PRI-
SONER IN RICHMOND.
LIBBY Prison, RICHMOND. Nov. 3.

LIBBY PRIsox, RICHMOND. Nov. 3.
IT, the Editor Of the CMhlic Mirror:
Sir-Supposing that le,rr from this
quarter might be interesting 10 your rea-
ders as we'll as gratifying to our friends at
hume. take the privilege of requesting
place for this in your columns. / write
through sense of duty aud gratitude to
the Catholic clergy of this diocese. as well
as in the hope that this vince from the
tombs' may awaken our Government tn
u sense of what is due to those who have
fought and are suffering in its cause.
There are now more than nine hundred
officers confined in this prison. ta6 Of them
are from the 9th, z from the 9Th. and 8
from the 9lh Maryland regimcnis,) and
while .e have no reason to complain OF our
treatment. yet our situation il irksome In
the extreue, confined as some have been
for nearly five months, deprived Of fresh
air, exercise. aud 90 many necessaries Of
lite to which We were accustomed, but new
would consider as the greatest of Injuries
Among those nccessaries, and the one
most valued by Catholics. namely. the per-
Torrance Of our religious duties as we'll as
assisting at divine service. we have had an
opportunity of enjoying both through the
Christian charity sid kindness Of heart of
the Right Rev. John McGill. Bishop Of
Richmond Feeling the need of religious
service. General Neal Dow. Colonel di
Cesuola. Ga Catholic aud many other OIL
GERS, united in requesting his assistance for
that purpose. He kindly consented, and
having obtained the permission Of the Con-
federate authorities. sent the Rev. Mr.. Nc
Mullen to hear the confessions aud prepare
those who desired to receive the Blessed
Sacrament. The next day the same gen.
slcnan offered up the Sacrifice of the Mass,
10 the presence Of NIL the prisoners; at its
conclusion We were addressed by the Right
Rev. Bishop in sermon of rare power anG
eloqucnce.
1t is unnecessary for me to praise the
clcarncss and ability of one SO justly cele-
bratcd in the religious world as this gifted
preiatc; it is sufficient to say tina. he wa.
listened TO with the most respectful atten.
ton. After the service large number q
the officers we're introduced 20 him by Col.
onel di Cesnola, aud We had again occasion
to admire bis amiable character; he con.
versed in the most kind manner with each
of us. Since that he has addressed u.
twice; and has. if il we're possible. increas
ed our respect and admiration for him.
Among the melancholy incidents varyine
our n.onotonous life was the death of Cap
tain j. =. Gleason. He was attended II
his last moments by the Rev. AR. McMul
len. aud died as q Christian should, CON
tent and submissive to the will Of 6od.--
His remains are deposited in the vault o
the Catholic cemetery. awaiting tranship
m-nt to Baltimore. if
| If you publish this testimonial You vii
do grea. favor to myself and fellow pri
soners, in enabling Us TO show our appre
citation of q GOOD Shepherd, }" and per
haps aid 10 Graduating that bigptry whicl
prevails North and South. You will nd.
to the obligation By sending rs soane eopie
Of the publication.
(! Very respectfully, .s
your obedient servant,
JoHx CARRoLL.
!. Captain 9th Maryland Volunteers.