The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-31
GENERAL ANsON STAGER.
A Memorable Night Passed in the Old Capt.
toll Prison at Washington,
Washington Special.

Memorable Night Passed in the Old Capt.
toll Prison at Washington,
Washington Special.
VIM. p Wood, who had charge of the old Cap
own signature, in the Washington Gazette, to-
day the following incident which is recalled by
the death of General Stager:
'The death of General Arson Stager during
the past week brings to mind an episode which
occurred at the old Capitol Prison, in the early
part of our fratricdal strife. Mr. Stager had
been appointed Chief Of the United States Mill
tary Telegraph, and was assigned to
duty at the War Department with
the rank of colonel and aide.de-
camp. He called upon me semi-oficialy
and requested to be shown around among the
rebel prisoners then in the old Capitol prison
asked his purpose. ie stated that it was merely
curiosity, as he desired to see how live rebels
took their imprisonment. ! rather bluntly in
formed him that the prison was not a menagerie
whose occupants were on exhibition to inquisi-
tive curiosity seekers. He did not relish my re-
tusal, and said he would obtain Secretary Stan
tons order to visit the prisoners. assured him
that an order from that Secretary would be
obeyed to the letter. / at once took the pre-
caution to forward note to Mr. Stanton stating
that it lnjudicious to allow the old Capitol
prison to be opened as menagerie, and that If
any of the officials Of the department. should re-
quest the privilege to visit the establishment for
that purpose only one admission in my judgment
should be granted.
'sIn two or three days after the application of
Stager to see live rel lis he again presented him.
self at the old Capitol Prison with pass from
Secretary Stanton to admit the bearer to any
room in the prison he should select. | required
Colonel Stager to choose a room, and aided him
in selecting large front apartment on the sec
ond floor in the northwest corner of the prison,
occupied by Georgians and Maryanders, who
lively set of rollicking fellows Into this
room Mr.. Stager was introduced as an official of
the War Department, who was DESTROYS of see
ing how live rebels conducted themselves as
prisoners. | told them hoped that during his
stay they would do their best to entertain him.
Colonel S;ager was usbered into No. 4, but
soon got tired of the novelty of seeing live reb-
els and wanted to leave The guard would not
allow him to pass out of the room, except as a
prisoner and under the same restrictions. Col
Stager sent for me, and after muchdelay /
called on him. desiring to know what he want.
ed. He asked why he was detained in the
prison. assured him that that was none of
my business. / only know that he would re-
quire an order from the same source that
brought III II. to take him out He became
furious. The 'rebs" took in the situation and
made it lively for Colonel Stager. They >as
sured him that his only way out was to secS1Ae
Secretary Stanton's order for his release Coz
Stager spent that night in the old Capitol
prison, and Jared and slept precisely as other
prisoners.
'sThe next day an order came from Secretary
Stanton for the release of Colonel Stager. 1t is
unnecessary to state that no official of the War
Department ever again desired to visit the prison
while / had charge OF it. General Stagers ex-
perience enabled him in after years to entertain
his friends with his interesting recolectioEs of
one night in the custody of the superintendent
of the old Capitol Prison"