Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1898-03-15

GdIh III see 4aGeSS SO iuIl utESQ WIG
were my fellow prisoners, My first
acquaintance was James Tilghman,
from the eastern shore of Maryland,
a very clever gentleman, soon as
certained. AsIwas giving him mar
rative of myself, Ben. Wilmington
raised up from a corner, eXclaiming
ts lieutenant, is that you?' I recog-
nized Ben voice and gave him cor
dial greeting. Ascertatned from
him that he was charged with being
n spy, horse thief and guerrilla
Tilghman was charged with burning
some Federal boats. We slept or
the floor with only one blanket tc
cover us, and did not dream of mar
Bile halls, although our bed was about
as hard as that material. OF these
three inmates, I am the only survi-
vor. Tilghman, after long impris-
onment. was sent south, and became
gallant soldier in the Maryland
line, and died inQueenAnne's county,
Maryland, some ten years ago, Ben.
Wilmington died in this county about
five years ago.
The morning after was put in
the dungeon, when the officer of the
guard came around and inspected
our cell, called his attention to the
fact that Ben. was a member of our
company, and regular Confederate
soldier. He promised to look into
the matter and, in few days Ben.
was taken out of the cell and, as
1aarpa1 o~obo0ra1 op tl,a ,,ox-E ~
change day.
During the day the guard would
open the door and allow us little
light and air, aud though this place
was very dreary, it was more COM
Portable than the old stable.
After being there several days 1
was taken before Gen. Morris, who
said to me, that he had learned my
father was a prisoner at Fort Della
ware" and asked me if 1 would like
to join him. told him if l had to
remain prisoner would, of course,
prefer to be with him. He then
promised to send me up on the first
boat.
While in this cell was permitted to
see friends calling for me, and shall
ever remember with kindness the
good people of Baltimore. On one
occasion received q visit from
Misses Lee and Crichton, accompa-
MED by the brother of the latter,
Malcolm Crichton, who brought me
some dainties and suhstantials. Mr..
Crtchton, observing / was without an
fCnl- fNff
erously insisted should take it,
which, though reluctantly accepted,
was sorely needed. He may have
forgotten his act of kindness and the
recipient, but it has been Garmly
treasured by me and trust he may
one day hear these comforting words,
Sc was naked and We clothed me, in
prison and he visited me-"
While at Fort McHen.y Imade the
acquaintance of Lieut.. Morris, ne
phew of the General and member
of the Sth New York Artillery, which
was stationed for sometime at Har-
per's Ferry, to whom 1 am indebted
for many little courtesies.
On the 23rd of February I was
IuhCu OuI VI GllS Cell, anu Will SOlue
officers from the stable, put on board
of boat and taken to Fort Delaware,
landing there in the night, and great
was my fathers surprise to meet me.
Though he had learned of my inn
prisonment, little dreamed that Fort
Delaware would be my bastile.
He received me very ioyouslY, but
did not kill the fatted calf, as his
herd was exceedingly small and thin
at this time.
My father kept a diary during his
twenty months of Imprisonment and
a chapter from it will not be uninter-
esting.
TUESDAY, Feb. 24.-Was disturb
ed last night by the arrival of 18
prisoners from Fort McHenry,
Capt. Emmett Morrison, Co. c.,
10Th Va. Infantry; Capt. j. p.
Cooper, Co. E, 5th Tennessee ;;
Capt. w. I. Marberry, Co. G, 33rd
Tennessee; Lieut.. j. b. Milan, Co.
A, 9Th Tennessee; Geo. w. Purvis,
Ewell's escort; Geo. F. Eyerhart,
Co. A, Whites Battalion, j. II. Ell
bridge. Co. A, 32nd Va. Geo. Baylor,