The National tribune., 1881-12-24

lne windows OF the upper west rOoIn coulu NC
seen Castle Thunder, Jefferson Daviss mansion,
and the confederate capitol From the stan
above the roof there floated to the breeze the
ensign of the confederacy. Such in all essential
points were the external and internal features of
Libby Prison when the column of prisoners from
Gettysburg entered its doors in July, 1868
OF its occupants it can be said that Libby
Prison was vast museum of human character,
where the chances of war had brought into close
communion men of every type and temperament,
where military rank was wholly ignored and
where all shared in common lot. At the time
particularly referred to, and which covers prob
ably the most interesting portion of the prisons
history, that is, the year embraced between the
early spring of 1863 and May, 1864, there were
confined there about twelve hundred Union COM
missioned officers of all ranks and all branches
of the army and navy, representing every loyal
State. They were not rlen who would have
sought each others society of their own accord
from any natural or social affinity but who,
united upon the common bond of patriotism, had
been invOluntarily forced together by the for
tunes of war, which, like politics. often make
strange bedfellows." There were men of all sizes
and all nationalites. Youth and age were side
by side and titled men OF Europe who had en-
listed in our cause might be found among the
captives There were about thirty doctors, as
many ministers. a score of journalists and law
yers, few actors and proportionate representa-
ton from all the popular trades and professions
that could engage men in civil life Among
them We're extensive travellers and brilliant
scholars, who had seen the world and could en-
tertain audiences for hours with narratives of
their journeyings abroad; indeed among the
genuine attractions OF the prison was the profit
able pleasure always to be derived by an init
mate association with a convention of men of
bright and cultured minds, who had in their love
of country often led their squadrons on the rough
edge of battle and who in their history and in
them selves presented the best types of modern
chivalry. 1t was indeed, q remarkable cOnven-
tiOn and the circumstances are not likely to arise
that will reassemble its counterpart again in this
generation.
Take it all in all, Libby Prison. from the strange
and vast mixture of its inmates, as well as from
all its peculiar surroundings, was, doubtless the
best school for the study of human nature that
has ever been seen in this country. 1t will not
seem strange therefore that men Of such varied
talents tastes and dispositions, shipwrecked by
fortune in this peculiar manner, should begin to
devise ways and means tD turn the tedious hours
Of prison life TO some account. To this end meet
ings and consultations were held and various plans
were set on foot for the amusement and instruc-
tion of the prisoners. a minstrel troupe was or
ganiZed and it could boast of talent that would
compare favorably with some Of the professional
companies Of to-day. By a generous contribution
Of money q number Of musical instruments were
purchased, forming very respectable orchestra,
and soon the refreshing and welcome sound of
music eDlivened the place, and often when the
weary -soulei prisoner had lain down for the
nj ght there would steal over the dark and dismal
place the familiar strains Of Home, Sweet
Home and if there ever was time and place
when that old melody touched the tenderest
chords of the soldiers heart it was on Christmas
Eve hehind the barred windows of Libby Prison
Groups of men could be seen in all parts of the
rooms seated on the floor playing chess checkers,
cards, or such other games as engaged their fancy.
Many busted themselves with their penknives
making bone rings and ornaments of various de-
sgns-many of them being carved with exquisite
skill that entitled them 10 rank as positive works
of art, and these are now cherished treasures in
many Northern homes.
In the upper east room might have been seen
General then Colonel di Cesnola, of the Fourth
New York Cavalry, instructing a class of officers
in the school of the battalion. Colonel di Cesnola
was a brave and able officer, as well as learned
and courteous gentleman, whose requirement Of
the famous treasures of art at Cyprus, known as
the "Cesnola collection" has given him since the
war such deserved eminence in the world of art.
In the upper east room also might have been
seen Colonel Cavuda, Of the One Hundred and
Fourteenth Pennsylvania, busy writing his book,
afterwards published and widely read entitled
Libby Life" Poor fellow the dream of his
life was to free his native island from Spanish
rule, and returning from the war he took part in
the patriots revolt in Cuba fell into the hands of
the Spaniards, and was mercilessiy put to death
with a score OF his ill-fated comrades. Many of
the prisoners will recall his beautifully descrip-
tive lecture on Cuba, with the history, resources
and scenery of which he was wonderfully familiar
At every hour of the day learned linguists
taught attentive classes in French, German,
Spanish, and all other popular languages. Pho
biography was also taught, as well as grammar,
arithmetic and other branches of study The
owner Of book in Libby was the object of i'm
measurable envy, and | remember on one occas-
ion upon seeing officer with Hugo's g Les Mis-
erables," / sought out the owner who put nv
name down on the list Of applicants to borrow it,