The Morning herald., 1878-12-06
xrA1B ora CAT.
nnx1N1scrNos OF rRIsoN.

REAIN1SCENCE VI NHA
During the late war between the stases'
IN the winter Of 'e4, four Confederate ON :
cers. two Colonels, a Captain and q Lieuten
ant, occupied room In the prison on 1ohn-
sou's Island, Ia sandusky Bay,
A hospital corps had been organized BY
the prisoners who were professional mon
and had practiced medicine In pescelul
times, to look after and care for their SICK
ades-the arrangements and provisions
ofthe Federal government being indequa'e-
These officers were assigned to the prison
hospital, where the severest cases OF iilhess'
10 the number which could be accommo-
dated in that building, containing 6o ceds
we're treated, and they were allowed to
room and mess there.
It is we'll to state that, notwithstanding
they relieved the Federal Surgeons Of labor
which properly was theirs, these officers
| did not enjoy any advantages or privileges
other than the prisoners generally possessed
for the fare of the sick differed from that
of the well only by the addition OF little
coarse vegetable soup--except that OF burn
ing lights all night.
By rule of the prison, which was rigidly
enforced by firing into any building where
the order was dlsobeyed, all lights were
extinguished at the sound of "tatoo," at
O'Clock, except those in the hospital. This
It ia true, was an inestimable boon, as II
enabled the few who were thus highly
| favored, to break the tedium of the long
winter nights in that high latitude, BY In
dulging In the pleasing diversion and profit
able oceupotion of study. To the fact tha
lights were kept burning In that buildips
after being extinguished every where else
these officers were indebted for the night.
visits of beautiful snow white cat. Almos
simultaneously with the beating of tato'
and consequent extinguishment of the light
throughout the prison, puss would come Il
the door, and in her own way. would max
her presence known--and seek admission
Her visits were always looked forward t
with pleasure, and there was some one eve
ready to let her In. Proud OF the atten
tions paid to her, she would pass from sn'
to the other of the human tenants of th
room, for gentle strokes of the hand an
, other caresses. She soon became one o
the family, whose presence was ever enliven
ing, and whose graceful movements wer
the subject of ceaseless admiration. In som
) way, by her gentleness, playfulness am
| affectionate bearing, she awoke pleasing
recollectioRs of the dear little cherubs Il
the distant homes, and no pet ever receivet
more considerate kindness. Day by da,
the tie between gentle puss and the sterl
warriors grew stronger, and her night.
vista seemed to be indispensable to thei
happiness.
Il At last, puss disappeared Night afte
night the door was thrown wide open, ant
anxious eyes sent keen glances out into thu
dark; but never did the cherished pet return
any more.
| Various were the conjectures as to th'
cause of the sudden abandonment Of bel
accustomed visits. At last, the cruel fac
was brought to the knowledge of the sad
dened soldiers that their dear little pet ha,
been killed and eaten to salty the craving
of hunger, which were ever gnawing o
the vitals of the starving prisoners.