pportunity for such vindication. But your letter of the 20th inst.
so studiously denies, both to Commander Mitchell and myself, not
only our official designations, but those of common courtesy, that
while I am unwilling to believe you would intentionally offer an
indignity to prisoners of war in your power, I can not now make
further reply without failing in respect to myself as well as to my
superior officer and Government.

I am Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) BEVERLY KENNON,
Commander in Provisional Navy of the State
of Louisiana in the Confederate service.

The restrictions were removed from Kennon in a few days after the close
of this correspondence.

Many distinguished political prisoners were at that time confined at
Fort Warren; and all of the officers captured at Fort Donelson. Among
the former class, were those members of the Maryland Legislature, and of
the Baltimore City Council, who had been arrested and imprisoned by the
United States Government for alleged treason. It was my good fortune to
be invited into this mess. It is not my purpose to inflict upon the
reader a detailed account of prison life during the war, which has been
described by far abler pens than mine. All the members of our mess took
their turns, either at carving or waiting upon the table, and guests
were never better served. The graceful and accomplished old Commodore B.
and General T. shone conspicuous as carvers; while Colonels, Majors and
Captains, with spotless napkins on their arms, anticipated every wish of
the guests at the table. Colonel Dimmick was honored and beloved by the
prisoners for his humanity, and he and his family will ever be held in
affectionate remembrance by them; many of us having received special
acts of kindness, while suffering from sickness. When his son was
ordered to active service in the field I believe there was an unanimous
prayer by the prisoners that his life would be spared through the perils
he was about to encounter. The prisoners, first giving their parole not
to attempt to escape, were allowed the range of nearly the whole island
during the day; and not unfrequently suffered to see relatives and
friends who had received permission from the proper authorities to visit
them. In happier "ante bellum" times, I had known some of the good
people o