d enthusiasm were created, and they rushed down to the
chimney, clamoring for the privilege of going out. It was the intention
of the parties, organized by those who constructed the tunnel, that no
others should leave until the next night, as it might materially
diminish their own chances of escape. But the thought of liberty and
pure air, and the death damp of the dark loathsome prison would not
allow them to listen to any denial. Major McDonald and myself then held
a parley, and it was arranged that the rope upon which we descended into
the basement, after the last of the two parties had passed out, should
be pulled up for the space of one hour; then it should be free to all in
prison.[A]

Having joined my fortunes with Col. T. S. West, of Wisconsin, we were
among the last of the second party who crawled through. About nine
o'clock in the evening we emerged from the tunnel, and cautiously
crossing an open yard to an arched driveway, we stepped out upon the
street and slowly walked away, apparently engaged in an earnest
conversation. As soon as we were out of range of the sentinels' guns, we
concluded it would be the safest course to turn and pass up through one
of the main streets of Richmond, as they would not suspect that
prisoners escaping would take that direction. My face being very pale,
and my beard long, clinging to the arm of Colonel W., I assumed the part
of a decrepit old man, who seemed to be in exceeding ill health, and
badly affected with a consumptive cough.

In this manner we passed beneath the glaring gaslights, and through the
crowded street, without creating a suspicion as to our real character.
We met the police, squads of soldiers, and many others, who gave me a
sympathizing look, and stepped aside on account of my apparent
infirmities. Approaching the suburbs of the town, we retreated into a
ravine, which enabled us to leave the city without passing out upon one
of the streets. While in prison I copied McClellan's war map of
Virginia, which aided us materially in this escape. Our objective points
were to cross the Chickahominy above New Bridge, then cross the
Yorkville Railroad, then strike and follow down the Miamisburg pike.

After resting and breathing pure air, the first time for more than four
months, we resumed our journey, agreeing not to speak above a whisper,
avoiding all houses and roads, and determining our course by the North
Star. In crossing roads, we traveled backwards, that the