North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-12-07

Y .
nothing OF the Dutch Gap Canal,
Thoughts Suggested in Fort Mifiin.
WHILE CONFINED AS CITIZEN PRISONER, OR
THE Goth DAY cF CONFINEMENT.
| On the morning of the above named day, it
was announced at the entrance Of our cell
that the day of our dcliverance was drawing
near. With what thrill Of joy 1t was re-
ceyed like shock of electricity it ran
through the crowd. Countenances that
looked wan and pale, with anguish depicted
in every feature, now frightened up, and
were cheerful like the storm-to ossed mariner,
during the long, dreary night, watching with
anxious eye the first ray of light that radi-
ates the oriental sky that he may direct his
STERN. tossed vessel to haven of repose. So
in this dreary cell, during this long night Of
confinement, what earnest loDgings The
very depths OF our inInost soul would swell
| up and grasp at the first glimmer or ray of
light that afforded the faiDtest hope of deliv-
erance. No pen can descrlbs our feelings !;
none but those who have been similarly stu
ated can appreciate the delightful sensation
produced when tho welcome news greeted
our ears. Loved ones at home, all the ten
der associations, all the ties Of consangunity;
in fact all that makes Efe worth living for ;
and that had so much 10 do in keeping up
mylsprits. loomed up and, among the oh
IF CH on bo star
of my affections, was the pleasing thought
of again soon seeing my dear, old mother,
whose tottering frame and feeble step warm
ed me thlt her departure WAS near at hand.
That look of despair, cast upon me, with al
the depths OF mothers love, when dragged
from her presence by the military, never will
be effaced as long as reason asserts her
throne, and the livid imploring lolk of my
/ companion, as she sprang from her bed, half
clad, exclaming "Oh you will not take him
what has he done - How vividly all this
has rushed through my mind, while in this
dark and lonely cell and then, again, my
innocent children, who were wrapt in the
deep slumher o. carlo twilight. How my
imagination has pictured their anguish, when
they awoke and, in lbcir childish simplicity
woud;inquire for papa Snatched away with
out even the privilege of parting kiss, now,
when the time has come when it is reported
by the officers that Will again soon be re-
leased and permitted to see and enjoy loved
ones at home, my feelings almost overcome
me. | will think, perhaps, it is Only dream
that the mind as we'll as the body from con-
finement has lost its vitality then the words
will repeat themselves, not to be msunder
stood "Men, you are all soon TO be released
But how uncertain are all human calculations
Two weeks have elapsed, and still here.
aave often thought of the words o ( an an
cient writer, and now ain convinced of their
truthfulness, that "Nations lose more morally
in times of war, than materially" The pro
family and obscenity that have como under
my observation during my military confne
ment, exceed anything | can portray on pa
per. Coupled with the above named vices.
there seems to be an almost universal prone
ness to drunkenness of course, honorable
exceptions, There are men whose moral
ira ming and character resist the temptati on
but they are very scarce.
Oar treatment was inhuman. When first.
taken and incarcerated in this cell, not a
stool or bench to rest our weary limbs on !;
not cup or knife, Or fork, or plate and
these few indispensable articles were purchas-
ed at exhorbtant prices,ed attend with vexa-
tious delay. Forty-four of US in one cell,
without even separate place to attend TO
the calls Of nature, it is no wonder that one
Of our number was soon iai3 in his last rest
ing place, and many others prostrated BY
disease.
My dear broIher, when I look back over
the scene, and knowing my own sensitive
uess, marvel that my health is as good as it
is. God be praised for the same, together
with the warm sym pathy of kind friends at
home, coupled with an inward assurance tha
have conscience devoid of offence. G ood
bye, brother, for the present; hoping soon 10
meet you in more pleasant place than this,
remain your affectionate brother,
JAMES McHENRY
Fort Mlfflin, Pa. Nov l, 1864.