, 1864-12-23

The Davenport Ga.ehe, Of the 21st, gives the
following details Of the sale Of rebel hgent
in that city, effected by two Federal soldiers
from Rock Island:
The visitors were clad in genuine butternut
uniform. They reached Mr.. Prettyman's
house between The hours Of 10 and II o'clock
p. m., and after making peculiar noise at
the door, and rapping, were answered by Mr..
Pfettyman, in person, at the window. He
Inquired who was there: Vas told, "a friend
from Rock Island" Mr. 2. soon appeared
at the open door, sa1s coat, sans vest, sans
neither Ea.msats-in a word, in his mig gght
shirt. aWho are you,'' liz Inquired. '!Es.
capped prisoners from Rock Island" A short
colloquy was followed By an invitation into
subjected his visitors to q rigorous exaialna~
tion, and talked Of the prison and its inmates
with great familiarity. He inquired after nu-
merons rebel prisoners by name said he had
sent several packages to prisoners, some by
the underground mod had lost one, sent by a
P.'s house. An hour Or more of this conver-
sation convinced Mr.. P. of the reliability Of
his visitors, and he retired to bed about mid
night; 81, ing he WAS satisfied they were rebel
prisoners. The ladies, sister and daughter,
who had previously entered the, room, then
freely. They offered their visitors bed, but
this WIS declined, one Of them declaring he
would never close IN eye In Davenport
wouldn't be Baft.. the ladies concurred in
the prudential reasons assigned, 80 all agreed
to SIT up, and conversation was continued.
The ladies' were 6olfcltous about the treat
ment Of rebels on the Island, and asked who
raher. Then arrangements for efecting es-
cape were discussed route, &c. having been
talked orer, and Canada advised as the goal
to be sought, BY, Mr; ?. Pants were pro-
duccd, but Miss 1. did not deem them suita-
bic to expose to Yankee gazo. Others we're
moments. When their toi1ettes were nearly
completed, one Of the ladies thought that
naMe might be left On the inner wAistbund Of
the pants, and thus lead to detection; exami-
nation satisfied her that all Was right. Objee-
tions were made to Confederate buttons on a
coat worn h one Of The visitors. These we're
cut of. Other clothing was given
tics, &C.; then . comb; then crackers, Sc,
just before starting, the elder Of the ladies'
suggesting these would stay their stomachs
until breakfast could be had The servant
girl was out-had stayed a"ay all highland
q departure before her return home was
deemed advisable. Instructions were giycn
as to journey to and course to be pursued ut
Chicago. They were to be careful not to
make themselves known at Chicago, but were
directed how md where to find friends md
assistance: After their arrival in the home Of
the poor, God-'orsaken, mau.desptsed land OF
refugees, they were to inform their new found
friends and sympathizers Of their welfare by
directing letters to: say Mr. John Brown, care
Of 4. II. Prettyman. Miss Anna gave each
$50 in cash before theyEleft, obtained, as the
visitors understood, from her own purse. and
not frrm Mr. P. Mr.. P. gaye directions how
to purchase tickets at the depot for Chicago,
which he said would be $50 each. In led ted
Ing the way towards the buck Of the house,
Miss A vent first with nnr vtsif0r: the other
more lucky and much -to-be-enyied rcb,, fol-
lowed with Miss E. When in the hall, this
lady said to her protegr: +" Dear friend, tnke
care of yourself; don't let the Yanks get hold
Of you again." And this friendly counsel WIS
accompanied by "a hearty good -byo-and a
kissI Our informant VOWS that this was the
best part of the whole joke! They went out
at the back door at about GtS O'Clock a. m.,
Mr. Pfettyman following short distance to
be sure they did not lose the road to the de-
pot. There they bought tickets for Rock
Island, and not for Chicago.