The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1865-01-04
Letter from Daniel McHsnry.
HA~RsIsBURG, Dec. 29th, 1864.
Hon. c. r ~BrcKALEw,

udo uON ICdCucQ NOu Auci0lOIO i u VII
TO you sgain. My trial has again come 10
a close. have heard noIhing yet as TO the
result: only rumors. | have had a very
tedious time /: [ was arrested in the morn>
ing OF 3lst. Of August !; was aroused from
my slumbers Just at the break of day by
rapping at the front door of my house.
Dressed myself; went down stairs and
opened the door +; perceived my house was
surrounded by armed soldiers. They came
in and searched my dwelling from cellar 10
garnet, in search. for arms as they said but
finding none, as never owned any. Then,
ard said, "you can consider yourself a Pris.
oner." asked TO have time 10 eat my
breakfast, and my wife insisted upon their
giving me time for that purpose, but it was
not granted. / was taken with others up
10 Benton, four miles above where | live,
and put in Benton Church with a large par
~ from the neighborhood. In the course
of about an hour Col. Stewart made his
appearance and look The pulpit. After con-
siderable whispering, winking and signi6-
cant grimsces, fory-hve of Us were selected
out and pat under strong guard, and ordered
q march. I'll not attempt 10 depicture 10
you with what difficulty that forced march
of sixteen miles TO Bloomsburg was accom-
plished by some of The old men who had
had nothing TO eat from the evening before.
vas forced past my home not allowed 10
go in 10 get a change ,of clothes. My wife
followed me with some cakes and a few
articles of clothing. Was forced past par
ents, sisters and brothers VINO stood by the
way-side not allowed 10 take them by the
hand and bid them farewell. Their ex-
pressious were full OF feeling which came
rom The heart, and their eyes were f lied 10
( OVERLOOKING. II caused tears TO course tree
ly down the bronzed cheeks OF the guards
beside me. 1t was very trying, though
did not allow my feelings 10 overcome me.
The outrage made me indignant or | should
have been completely overcome as my be-
ing is entwined with my Friends. We
were hurried TO Bloomsbury; got there
about 8 P. NJ /; stopped but a short time and
were put on the cars, not knowing our des-
t%ination. Were brought on to Harrisburg +;
stopped but a few moments ; were not al
loved 10 get anything 10 eat started off
again we knew not whittier; arrived at
Philadelphia sabout 8 A. NJ. and were
marched 10 5lh and Cottonwood and put
in barracks. At IL O'Clock we had some
ralions furnished US being the first in 40
honrs. Those of Us who were not too
much exhausted partook with a keen relish.
Started from the barracks about P. VI ;
put on board The RayboId and forwarded TO
Fort Mif1in. There we were marched up
in front of The Colonefs quarters and de-
tanned there something near an hour in the
scorching sun. Sir, it was a pitiable sigh;
10 see The exhausted appearance of the men,
particularly The old and intirm as there
were several such amongst US. There was
a cell cleared in The meantime in the Bomb
proof for our reception. IL was In a very
filthy condition., full c: vermin. | have
not space TO give you a description OF the
place in which We were confined. Ii never
was intended for and is entirely unfit TO
hold men for any length OF time. Its loca-
lion and construction will break down The
strongest constitution in a short time as the
emaciaied condition of the Columbia county
prisoners fully v~erifies. The suffering en-
dured whilst confined in that filthy place,
beggars description. Fortunately for me, |
was not confined there as long as soma
others. ! was brought TO Harrisburg about
three months ago for trial; and Gas you are
aware) my condition here has been more
toIerable. The worst feature of my con-
fnemenl here has been the miserably filthy
and corrupt society | have been compelled
10 endure. Their vulgariIy and profanity |
cannot portray. The confusion al this
wiring renders i; almost impossible 10
write. The anxiety of mind has been great,
being on trial SO long, and | was aware of
the effort they were making TO convict me.
never stunned an investi CATION, bat de-
sired il. All | asked was a fair trial, but
was so closely confined that | had but little
chance 10 prepare for defence. Being so
far from home rendered it very difficult 10
have the facts in the case fully developed
and had it moi have been for The persever-
ing and energetic action of my Dear Friends
at Home III my behalf ] could cot have
made much of a defence. As for proceed
ings of trial, | refer you to documents in
possession OF H. Alricks Esq. of Harrisburg
] would like 10 have gone back in my case
to the commencement of the rebellion and
come up to the present time, but was no
allowed 20 60 back of March 1863.
Ia conclusion ; | never violated any law,
civil or military, to the best of my knowl-
edge. If | ever did it was an error of the
head and not of the heart. | have been
taught from my earliest boyhood, by kind
and religious parents. to observe the laws