The National tribune., 1904-06-23

There were two log shanties in connection.
and the place had the advantage of good
spring of water.
Some time in August 1O5 more of the
9TH kans. were brought into prison. They
had been captured at Massard Prairie.
Among them were Maj. David Mefford, of
Fort Scott: James NJ. Asher, of Co. B. for
several years after a lawyer at Junction
City and Argentine, and Green l.. Defrees,
OF Go. ID. Several of this party got per-
mission to go out after wood, and were
killed because they were Kansas men,
During the month of September a tun-
mel was made by d number of the prison
ers. 1t was about 60 feet long. and was
sunk to depth of four feet beneath the
stockade. being just large enough for a
man comfortably to crawl through. Thirty
eight escaped through this tunnel. They
were detected because of one who came
out with violent cough. induced by the
foul air. Instantly the alarm was sound
ed, and the bloodhounds and about 45 men
started in pursuit Twenty-Five were re-
covered: A man named William H. Riggs
of Go. II. 9Th Kans. who worked in a saw
mill at Kansas Falls, few miles above
junction City, prior to the war, was one
of those escaping and who was recaptured
lie was badly bitten by the dogs The
rebels claimed the dogs had to taste blood
to make them savage.
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE
After the tunnel episode, NJ. +. Parker,
First Sergeant of Co. G., 9th Kans, and
Private }. J. Jones, of the 9th Kans, an.l
Capt. Henderson entered into an agree
ment to effect an escape. A feature of the
compact was that in case of recaptIre
each was to make his own escape indepen-
dent OF the others. rather than risk going
back to Camp Ford. Henderson swapped
his blue blouse for a butternut one and
~ pounds of flour to boot Jones baked
this flour into little biscuits about two
inches square. They secured from the hos
in which they mixed red pepper. This was
to rub on their feet, to destroy the scent
of the dogs. They secured ore tin cup,
one c1nteen. and two cas-, knives. and with
this outfit they thought they were well
1xed. Parker was waiting on Henderson
IN his SICKNESS and Jones vas cook in the
hospital.
But not for months did opportunity offer.
The horrors of Libby and Andersonyille
were duplicated at Camp Ford but were
not 50 conspicuous. because il was remote
from the seat of war, and the number in
confinement was much less. Henderson
saw four men shot at the dead-line. The
rations and filth were dreadful. Men were
constantly attempting to tunnel and other
wise make their escape. The patrol and
Dloodhounds Kept up constant confusion
aiter those who were missed. Every day
| the rebel officers would make the rounds
| Offering liberty to the strong, but not to
country and join the Confederacy. He
knew of but one man to accept this offer
The prejudice against Kansas soldier
was intense.
ESCAPE 1T LAST
On the night of the 9th Of October an
| opportunity of escape came. The night had
been determined upon week before 1t was
/ cloudy, anu proved a favorable time The
| three named gave the guard the slip, one
A member of the 18th Iowa. who had been
wounded and bulletined as dead, occupied
| Ilendersons bunk, and was counted for
him for two mornings: Parker and Jones
also had similar friends. But before the
end OF the second day they were missed
and the blOOdhounds started after them
Ihe 18th Iowa man had suspicion that
his wife would marry again. and he was
exceedingly anxious that news concerning
his healthy condition might reach her, and
| Henderson was to get a letter to her. But
Henderson, wardrobe or baggage was nc
protection to the love missve, and the
rain soon made pulp of it.
The meeting point agreed upon was in.
side the dead or patrol line. but beyond the
guard. The patrol made a round of the
place accompanied by bloodhounds, the
property of the Confederate States OF
| "ahdSVu oy d taptHln, LOOKING
for tracks of any that might have escaped
Here they held consultation as to direc.
tions. They determined to cross the Sa.
bine River at point about 20 miles dis
tant from Tyler. They were three days in
making this distance, travelling only at
night. Here conflicting opinions arose
among them, and they were very despon
dent. being still within hearing Of the bu
gle calls of the prison. On the night OF
the 4th of November they ran into rebe
soldier and his brother out hunting. The,
talked with the rebel and obtained a prom
Use that he would not report them but te
be sure. as soon as they got out Of sight
they made another liberal application Of
tnrpentine and red pepper to the soles oI
beautifully frillsd BY contact with thi