have them released. Moreover, Jefferson Davis was a prisoner in irons,
and it was known that his health was feeble. Lee, Johnston, and I, with
our officers and men, were at large, protected by the terms of our
surrenders--terms which General Grant had honorably prevented the civil
authorities from violating. If Mr. Davis had sinned, we all were guilty,
and I could not rest without making an attempt for his relief.

At the time, it was understood that prisoners on parole should not
change their residence without military permission, and leave to go to
New York was asked and obtained of General Canby. By steamer I reached
that place in a week, and found that General Dix had just been relieved
by General Hooker, to whom I at once reported. He uttered a shout of
welcome (we were old acquaintances), declared that he was more pleased
to see me than to see a church (which was doubtless true), made
hospitable suggestions of luncheon, champagne, etc., and gave me a
permit to go to Washington, regretting that he could not keep me with
him. A warm-hearted fellow is "fighting Joe," who carried on war like a
soldier.

In Washington, at Willard's--a huge inn, filled from garret to cellar
with a motley crowd--an acquaintance, whom I chanced to meet, informed
me that a recent disturbance had induced the belief of the existence of
a new plot for assassination, and an order had been published forbidding
rebels to approach the capital without the permission of the War
Secretary. Having been at sea for a week, I knew nothing of this, and
Hooker had not mentioned it when he gave me the permit to come to
Washington. My informant apprehended my arrest, and kindly undertook to
protect me. Through his intervention I received from the President,
Andrew Johnson, permission to stay or go where I chose, with an
invitation to visit him at a stated time.

Presenting myself at the "White House," I was ushered in to the
President--a saturnine man, who made no return to my bow, but, after
looking at me, asked me to take a seat. Upon succeeding to power Mr.
Johnson breathed fire and hemp against the South, proclaimed that he
would make treason odious by hanging traitors, and ordered the arrest of
General Lee and others, when he was estopped by the action of General
Grant. He had now somewhat abated his wolfish desire for vengeance, and
asked many questions about the condition of the South, temper of the
people, etc. I explained the conduct of Governor