The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1881-02-04
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
coi.Markbreis's Recollection the New Cabinet
s. Oficcr. .t ,u.... ...

The new Secretary Of the Navy was fell
low prisoner OF Colonel Markbreit In Libby
Prison, and the two were army associates
previous to their meeting as prisoners Of
war. Colonel Markbreit kept a record Of the
incidents of those trying days, from which
he was prevailed upon TO give the following
for publications: ...... .z
Colonel Markbreit had been in Libby
Prison about two months when, on February
II, 1864, General Gofi, then Second Lieu
tenant, was captured in a fight withthe rebel
General Rosscs, and thrust into prison with
Colonel Markbreit. He had been robbed Of
everything, even to his hat, coat and shoes.
There were more than one thousand Union
officers in Libby at that time and their suffer
ings were terrible beyond description. +
On the sdq May, 1854, General Goff, who
originally enlisted in the Fourth Virginia
Cavalry, together with W. d. Manning, Of
the Sixth Massachusetts, Cavalry, and Cap
tain Frey, q the Eighty-second Illinois In
fantry, were removed TO other quarters to be
| held as hostases for the lives Of seven Con-
IIsuafa - SAcru a.~si. n -ri~. BY :
court martial under Burnside on Governor
Island. .s
Two days later Colonel Markbreit and
three Others, making up the seven Union SOL
diers, were placed In cells adjoining Gof
and his companions. The quarters Of the
brave men were rather cramped. The
apartments were 6sx10. A board partition
separated the two cells, but this was speedily
broken and the seven soldiers mingled to-
gether. They were told that unless they
could prevail upon the authorities at Wash
ipgton to stay the execution of the depth
sentence In the case of the seven Confeder-
ate spies they might most surely expect
similar fate. They were further advised to
write their friends to intercede in behalf of
the condemned rebels.
| ave remained in suspense in our fearful
predicament for seventy-seven days, or until
July 10. During that time 1 became thor.
oughiy acquainted with General Goi. In
fac,, we became warm friends. He was pa,
tient, gentlemanIy ard bore his suffering
with heroic fortitude. He displayed won
derful nerve and courage. learned to look
upon him not only as valiant soldier, but
as man of rare culture and ability. The
experience we passed through would try
any man, and our situation gave us splen
did opportunity to study each others char
acter. Some Of the men were quarreling
good deal, but / never heard Golf have
cross word with any one. Our situation a
times was most pitiful. We had nothing Il
eat but half loaf of corn bread each and
few black beans. remember one day We
caught two big rats, and after being skinned
some negroes cooked them and smuggle'
them to us. 1t was one Of the best dinner
we thought we had ever enjoyed. On tn
10Th of July We were transferred TO tn
Salisbury, North Carolina, Penitentiary
We were transferred, seven Of us, by cattl
cars, the trip consuming three days an
nights. All the murderers and thieves
the South were confined in this prison. W
were compelled to come in constant contac
with them. On the 2sth Of August, 1888
Goff was exchanged and returned home. II
owed his release to the Intervention Of b
, family. His father went to Washington an
: personally pleaded with President Lincol
4 for hi.4 Jesse, and would not leave the CaI
kitaluutA President Lincoln had promised
sign the5petitiotr aasNs---@Asse~~<.
= Goff vrAe 10 Hon. Fred Hassurek and asl
ed to try the same course in my behalf.