The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-02-25
Ninth Independent Course

This lecture was given last evening at City
Hall by A. d. Richardson, a former war cor
respondent of the New York Tribune. The
hall was very full and made brilliant show.
Hundreds of patriotic hearts beat in the pro-
cenium, and the body of the hall was crowded
with men and women who were full of rejoic-
ing at the glorious news that is coming over
the wires every morning and evening. Shaw's
Quartette struck up a patriotic song, which
found hearty response in every bosom.
The lecturer was introduced by NJ. A.
Blanchard, Esq. After referring in eloquent
terms to our recent vctorins, the fall of Charles
ton and the raising of the old Flag over Sum-
ter, Mr.. Richardson chose for the theme of his
lecture his travels in rebeldom, his prison life
for many months, and his final escape from
rebel thraldom. His description of the scenes
he had witnessed in Dixie, of his experience
as prisoner and the general aspect of affairs
among the rebels, was very interesting, and
gained the undivided attention of the audience.
The account Of his capture and the scenes in
the river at midnight, was thrilling. 1t was
fearful night. but he suffered no hurt amidst
the rebel batteries and a few minutes more
would have placed them beyond range, but
suddenly there came an explosion, the engine
of their tug stopped, sharp, ragged yell was
heard from the batteries A shot had explod-
ed the boiler, the hay was set on fire, and the
tug was cut in the middle. He jumped into
the water, saw a ball coming towards him af-
Ter he had mounted bale of hay, but it stop
ped before reaching him. He was soon taken
off and placed in Vicksburg jail.
In V cksbnrg he was not very badly treated.
Afterwards he was taken to Richmond and
placed in Libby prison. Some time after an
old negro came up to his prison room and be-
gan to dance. Tho old darkey showed him a
paper announcing the fact that Grant had
taken Vicksburg and that was the cause
of the negro's rejoicing. After his removal to
Castle Thunder, he received money, and it
came to him in butter. Once more he was re-
moved andimprisoned at Salisbury, N. G.. The
fare here was hard indeed. He was forbidden
to purchase any food and compelled to live on
prison rations, which consisted OF corn bread
made one-third of cob, and meat which gave
out bad smell. Many of the prisoners were
without food for forty eight hours, and daily
there were those who had no food for twenty
four hours. ya
About one third of the prisoners at Salisbury
lived in holes in the ground. The scenes wit
messed at this prison are truly appalling. Dur
ing all his Imprisonment and while making his
escape, he always found true friends in the ne
groes. We have not time to give any thug
like full report, of this lecture, for he spoke
some hour and half and gave graphic ac-
count of all his trials, travels and sufferings
until he came within the Federal lines.
Mr.. Richardson tells his story well, and oc-
casionally throws in little wit to enliven his
hearers. There is one thing we noticed which
challenges our admiration, he did not thrust
himself forward as great hero, but told a
plain, unvarnished tale, keeping himself out of
sight as much as the nature of his narrative
would admit. Such modesty is highly COM
mendahle and gives an interest to his lecture
in the minds Of all sensible hearers. Another
glorious song closed the meeting.
The next lecture will be given the ninth of
March next by Miss King, sister of the late
Rev. T. Starr King. She is spoken very high
ly of as an elocutionist.