Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1888-11-22
THE BUTTON SAVED HIS LIFE.
II Carried Message Out Of Libby Prison
and Money Came ir Response.

From the Louisville Couricr-.IonrnaI.I
While the rain WAS falling in torrents
yesterday morning II number at gentle
men were comfortably seated in n
hotel OF this city discussing different
subjects, when the conversation DRIFT
ed to meinentos and relics. Several
little keepsakes had been exhibited
and commented upon, when George
Clutch of Columbus. Ind. drew from
his pocket Il brass button, which, upon
inspection, proved to be from the
coat OF n Federal soldier. The little
curiosity has history" said Mr..
Clutch. "it is cherished by the person
who formerly wore it, as it probably
saved his life"
On being pressed to relate the story
regarding it, he said During the
latte part of the war my brOther-ln-
law. r. r. Gallagher. who now resides
in Ohio. had the mi~fori une to be
captured 10y theConiederates. and was
confined in Libby Prison. After he
/ had been there some time he began TO
feel the need Oi money, which would
enhanre ms prOspcce oi getting 40 ihe
/ Union lines should he manage IN some
way to make his escape. The fact
becoming known to him that II sur
geon of his regiment, who was also n
prisoner, was about tn be exchanged.
4 he cut oil his button from his coat,
and separating the two parts of 1t,
made IL receptacle inside 10y taking
out the paper Filling, lie then wrote
the following note = At tins lu,ic-
ture Mr.. Clutch by a quick movement
separated the two parts of the button
and small piece of paper, yellow with
aec, wadded up, fell upon he iloorl:
Ii we are not exchanged 10y Dee. /,
send me $40 in greenbacks. put in "A
phial, canned up in II can of preserves
or blackberries. send II IN II box oi
provisions. u. +. EAI.iA'liEh.
Tie mlssiv- is we'll preserved. and
when placed back in it, hiding plac,
j iiiiel- -as-ni,,lA- had -heen
moulded there.
After fastening I hr bili ON logei her
securely again. cont in,nd Mr.. Clutch,
"it was made To take the place al
another on the uniform oi the surgeon
who delivered it To Mrs. gallagher IN
due time. 1t could not have escaped
the scrutiny of the officer had 1t been
carried out of he prison in any oi hei
manner ,as hey searched theeNciangsl
prisoners, including the surgeon. mi
nutely. gallagher did not have much
hopes that his scheme would succeed
even should his wife receive the note
but in u shorter time than lie expected
"a box VAS delivered at the prison Ion
him, and after it had PASSED II rigid
examination was handed in to him
When opened it was found to contain
several cans of preserved fruit, all %
which had been opened by the inspect
ing officer. I'm one of the cans. thu
contents Of which had been cooks
until it was nearly black, was found 4
title bottle in which was the coveted
$40. Soon after receiving the money
Gallagher made his escape. being ON
Of the planners of the great tunne
delivery. With the aid of the $50 la
reached the Federal lines and wa
allowed to eturn home. Without h'
aid OF the money he claims that 4
would have been Impossible Tor him t'
have sibSisted in the country he wa
in and he would have died from star
vatIon.
While Mr. Clutch was visiting Gal
, laeher a short time ago h6 was giNei
the letter and buttons to Keep as ;
mementO.