Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1864-02-13
John Morgan's Narrative of his
ESCAPE.

GSCdpc.
Gen. John Morgan was honored with
an ovation on the 7th, on bis arrival in
Richmond. An interesting account of his
escape from the Ohio penitentiary, and
subsequent adventures, is published in the
Enquirer. After narrating the means
that NJ organ and his six companies re-
sorted to, such as secretly boring through
thick walls for many nights, making a
rope ladder from strips of bed-tick, ETC.,
the account proceeds
After 23 days of unremitting Labor, and
getting through a granite wall of six feet
in thickness, they reached the soil. They
tunneled up for some distance, and light
began to slime. This was the morning
of the Goth day Of November, 1863. The
next night, at 10 O clock was determined
on as the hour at which they would at
tempt their liberty. Each moment that
intervened was filled with dreadful anxiety
and suspense, and each time the guard
entered increased their apprehension.
Nothing remained 10 be done but for the
General and Col. Dick Morgan to change
cells. The hour approached for them to
be locked up. They changed coats, and
each stood at the other cell door with
his back exposed, and pretended to he
engaged in making up their beds. As the
turnkey entered they 'turued III" aud
pulled their doors shut
Six, eight, ten o'clock came. How each
pulse throbbcd as they quietly awaited the
approach Of twelve 1t came--the sen.
tinel passed his round - all we'll. After
waiting few moments to see ii he intend
ed to slip back, the signal was given-all
quietly slipped down into the air cham,
bcr, first stuthing their flannel shirts and
placing them in bed as they were accu5-
toned to lie. As they moved quietly along
through the dark recess to the terminus
where they were to emerge from the esrlh
the General prepared to light u MATCH.
As the lurid glare fell upon their couuten-
ances scene was presented which can
never be forgotten, There were crouch
ing seven brave men, who had resolved to
be free. They were armed with bowie
knives made out OF case knives. Life in
their condition, was scarcely to be desired
and the moment for desperate chance had
arrived.
The inner wall, by the aid Of the rope
ladder was soon scaled, and now the outer
one had to be attempted. Captain Tay-
lor, (who by the way, is nephew OF old
Zach,) being very active man, by the
assistance OF his comredes reached the top
Of the gate, and was enabled to get the
rope over the wall, When the top was
gained they found rope extending all
around, which the general immedia tely
cut, as he suspected it might lead into the
warden's room. This turned out to be
correct. They then entered the sentry
box on the wall and changed their clothes
and let themselves down the wall. Sliding
down the general skinned his hand very
badly, and all were more or less bralsed
Once down they separated, Taylor and
Shelton going one way, Mokersmlth and
Bennett and McGee another, and Gen
Morgan and Captain Hines proceeding i'm.
mediately toward the depot.
The general had by paying SIS in gold
succeeded in obtaining paper which in
formed him of the schedule time of the
different roads. The clock struck one
and he knew by hurrying he could reach
the down train for Cincinnati. lie got
there just as the train was moving Off
He at once looked to see if there were any
soldiers OH board, and spying Unior
officer, he boldly walked up and took ;
seat beside him. He remarked to hin
that "aS the night was damp and chilly
perhaps he would join him III drink. -
He did SO, and the party soon became
very agreeable 10 each other.
The cars in crossing the Scioto have t
pass within short distance of the pen
tentiary. As they passed the officer re
marked, "TAere's the hotel at which Nor
gan and his officers are spending thei
leisure 'Yes,' replied the General, 'an
sincerely hope he will make up his min
to board there during tie balance Of tb
war, for he is great nuisance" Whe
} the train reached Xenia, it wes detsne
by some accident moro than an hour
J Imagine his anxiety, as soldier after sold
| ier would pass through the train, for fea
that when the sentinel passed his round
S t9 o'clock .heiy absence might be disco
] cred.