The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-05-07

an attempt at escape. A plan was soon arranged,
and the evening before Christmas selected as
the time. The citizen prisoners in the room
below were more favorably situated than our
selves for beginning the enterprise. We had
opened secret communications with them, and
the ramifcations of the plot reached every
room in the prison. The signal agreed upon was
the cry Of " fire!" When this alarm-always
startling. but doubly so in a crowded prison
was given, we were to rush upon our guards
and overpower them. They only numbered
about so, while we had over $50 men in the
plot. After capturing the guard, we still had
the very serious task of getting out of the
guarded and fortified city. 1t is not probable
that very great number could have succeeded
in doing this.
That Christmas eve was not much like Christ
mas at home. We made everything ready, and
anxiously waited for the thrilling alarm of
fire !" which we would have echoed at the
top of our voices. and then burst off the door of
our stall and flung ourselves on the guard. 1
had no doubt that we could thus break open
the strongest prison In the Confederaey, but as
to any large number escaping to the Union
lines was less confident The hours rolled on
and midnight came,-the hour fixed for the
attack. But we waited in vain. No signal was
given. The inmates in the room below had
failed in courage at the critical moment and
resolved to postpone the attempt.
Not yet discouraged, we determined to make
another trial the very next night. Capt Web
ster was appointed leader, as we felt sure that
he would not falter. The locks were taken off
all the side rooms except ours, which was SO
near the station Of the guard that it could not
be removed without danger of discovery. We
cared but little for this. A long board which
supported our water-bucket afforded 4 convent
ent battering- ram, with which we felt sure of
being able to deal with our door.
Some of the inmates did not wish to run the
fearful hazard, but were very kind to those of
us who did, supplying US with serviceable shoes
and taking our wOrn-out ones in return.
Again we waited for the signal. Four of US
held the long board, and felt sure that one blow
would dash our door into the middle Of the
room.
The other small rooms were soon vacated,
the movement being concealed from the OBJ
servation of the guards by the inmates of the
large room, into which all the others entered,
crOwding up around the DOORS
For an instant all was silent. We lifted our
hearts in mental prayer to God that he would
be with us and preserve US through the coming
strife, and if consistent with His high will,
permit us to regain our liberty.
What can cause the delay? Minute after
minute passes, and the dead silence is broken
only by the throbbing of our own hearts. We
have counted the cost, and are ready for the
strife which shall lead US to grapple, with
naked arms, the shining bayonets of the guards.
Some will certainly fall but we trust that others
will regain the unutterable blessing of liberty.
But now we see our friends creeping back to
their rooms! We grind our teeth with rage and
chagrin, but soon hear the explanation. which
makes US believe that the Lord is indeed watch
ing over u.s.
ITO be continusdl