The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-18
Inducements held out to swear falsely in



the premises.
OLD COMMANDER RETURNS.
Our condition from this time on remained
unchanged unit; March. 1868 when Major
Andrews was relieved OF command OF the
post Brevet Major -, Colonel George
ST. Leger Grenfelrs inveterate enemy. was
ordered back to the fort and assumed CON-
mand. AT the same time a new provost
marshal was appointed. Between the pair
the island became a hell again. they de-
vising measures to make prisoners uncom-
Portable and Imprisonment more CALLING.
As soon as the new commander assumed
the reins of power the tendency TO perse-
cute Grenfell became apparent. IL having
been stated 10 me by Major Andrews, be-
fore departure. that his successor fel. very
bitter toward GIenfell on account OF the
article published by him. IL nearly being the
means OF his dismissal from the service.
When the provost marshal found prison.
ers contented and obedient some new order
was issued 10 awaken them from IL. He
picked as provost guards the most con-
temptible men of the garrison. who abused.
cursed, struck and maltreated the prisoners
under their charge in every conceivable
manner. Colonel Grenfell. finding. as he
afterwards expressed to me- that they had
started upon him TO kill him inch by inch,
determined TO attempt escape at all haz-
ards. preferring, he said. a watery grave
TO the indignities imposed upon him.
Grenfell at this time had charge of the
small garden lately made within the inclo-
sure of the fort. The major, on assuming
command, relieved Grenfell from this duty.
and placed the old man at the heaviest
work that was 10 be done. Each day was
productive OF changes and each change
bred worse condition.
Finding persecution setting gradually in
upon him more and more, GrenfeIl went
cautiously to work with others and soon
succeeded in making arrangements 10 es-
cape. There was soldier by the name OF
William Norrell who had received very
harsh treatment and was anxious TO desert.
With this man Grenfell formed his plans.
in combination with another soldier OF the
same company.
MADE BOLD ESCAPE.
On the night of March 6. 1863 their plans
were completed. Norrell was a sentinel on
Post No. 2, guarding the small boats within
the boom. AT 10 o'clock at night he went on
duty. and Grenfell. with three other prison.
ers. succeeded in eluding the sentinel with
in the fort, making their way TO the north
westerly side.. letting themselves down
through one of the portfolios into the moat.
thence to the breakwater wall, where they
walked to the appointed rendezvous, ar
ranging all the necessary articles of food
and water for their perilous undertaking.
The night was pitch dark and a furious
gale ragged at the time. which had existed
for six consecutive days. Never did men
venture on a more perilous undertaking.
The white-capped waves rose even within
our sheltered harbor to fearful heights, but
beyond in the gulf during the day they
reached to mountain heights.
The sentinel waited until IL O'Clock was
called and then embarked with GrenfeI
and the others in a small boat picked out
for the purpose. and soon with sail set fed
from their ocean-bound home. No one
yet outside of my roommates and myself
knew anything of it. The hour of u ar
rived. when the sentinel on post No. cried
out the hour. No sound came from post
No. 2 No. 1 again cried out the hour. and
yet no sound from post No. .
The corporal, with witness, advanced
stealthily upon the post. expecting.
doubt. to find the sentinel asleep. subject
for court-martial. Behold his amazement
when no sentinel could be found. He forth
with returned to the guardhouse, reported
the fact to the sergeant, who in turn re-
ported to the officer of the day. Soon there
was a commotion all through the fort. men
hurrying here and there I'm search OF the
missing man and then to the prisoners
quarters in search. being assured that an
escape had taken place.
After diligent search IL was found that
Grenfell and others We're missing. and on
looking into the boom they realized the
means in accomplishing it, Norrell de-
serted his post. carrying his gun and equip
ment with him.
Everything remained quiet during the re-
mainder of the night but the next morning
the fort within was all hustle and prepara-
ton for pursuit. There was a steamer
lying in the harbor at the time, the COM
mander Of which readily consented to go
on the search. and about s o'clock she
steamed out after the escaped party. After
cruising nearly the entire day they failed
to hear or see anything of the escaped par
ty and the steamer returned INTO the harbor
again.
ITO be Continued Tomorrow