The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-11-28
A HIGHLY PRICED RELIC.
1t Is Only q Brass Button, But 1t Prob
ably Saved Prise ner's Life.

From the Louisville Courier-JOurndk.
While the rain was falling in torrents
yesterday morning number of gentlemen
were comfortably seated in hotel of this
city discussing different subjects when the
conversation drifted to mementoes and
relics Several little keepsakes had been
exhibited and commented upon, when
George Clutch of Columbus Ind, drew
from his pocket brass button, which upon
inspection proved TO be from the coat of
federal soldier, The little curiosity has a
history said Mr.. Clutch. SIT is cherished
by the person who formerly wore it, as it
probably saved his life." On being pressed
! to relate the story regarding 1.-THE said:
During the latter part OF the war my
brother -in-law, T. F. Gallagher, who now
resides in Ohio, had the misfortune to be
captured by the confederates and was con-
| fined in Libby prison. After he had been
there some time he began to feel the need OF
money, which would enhance his prospect
Of getting to the union lines should be man
age in some way to make his escape. The
fact becoming known to him that a sur
geOn of his regiment, who was also a pris-
oner, was about to be exchanged, be cut off
this button from his coat, and separating
the two parts Of it made a receptacle inside
by taking ous the paper filling. he then
wrote the following note:" CAT this juno
ture Mr.. Clutch by quick movement sep
arated the two parts of the bu ton and a
small piece Of paper, yellow with age, wad
ded up, fell upon the fioor.)
If we are not exchanged by Dec. l., send me
$50 in greenbacks, put in phial, canned up in
a can OF preserves or blackberries. Send it in
box Of provisions. 7. F. GALLAGHER.
The missive is well preserved, and when
placed back in its hiding place, fitted as
nicely as if it had been moulded there.
After fastening the button together Sc
curely again. continued Mr.. Clutch, ut
was made to take the place of another on
the uniform OF the surgeon, who delivered
1t to Mrs. Gallagher in due time. 1t could
not have escaped the scrutiny Of tho cfficer
had it been carried cut OF the prison in any
other manner, as they searched the ex-
changed prisoners, including the surgeon,
infinitely. Gallagher did not have much
hopes that his scheme would succeed, even
should his wife r ceive the note, but In
shorter time than he expected q box was
delivered at the prison for him, and after it
had passed rigid examination, was handed
in to him. When opened it was found to
contain several cans of preserved fruit, all
of which had been opened by the inspecting
officer. In one of the cans, the contents OF
which was cooked until it was nearly black,
was found little bottle in which was the
coveted $50. Soon after receiving the
money Gallagher made his escape, being
one of the planners of the great tunnel de-
livery. With the aid Of the $50 he reached
the federal lines and was allowed to return
home. Without the aid of the money he
claims that it would have been impossible
for him to have subsisted in the country he
was in, and he would have died from starva-
tion"
While Mr.. Clutch was visiting Gallagher
a short time ago he was given the letter
and button as a memento.