ell attended
after the rebels found out that we would have them, cost what they
would. I think it was the second service that we had, and on Sunday
evening, for during the day word came to the commandant of the prison,
Captain Tabb, that "the prisoners were praying for Abraham Lincoln,
Grant, and Sherman." Services had commenced in the evening and the
congregation were singing the first hymn, when in came Captain Tabb
accompanied by the officer of the day. They at once inquired who had
charge of the meeting, and being informed that it was Chaplain White,
came up to him, and, entering into conversation, told him "he (Captain
Tabb) could not allow any praying in there for the President of the
United States." Meanwhile the hymn was concluded, when Chaplain Dixon,
of the 16th, knowing what was up, at once stepped forward and began to
pray, asking God to bless all in authority, especially the President
of the United States, his cabinet and Congress, and all his advisers,
also that he would bless General Grant and his glorious army; that he
might be successful in capturing Richmond, the capital and stronghold
of the rebellion; that he would also bless Sherman, spare his life,
give him wisdom to carry out his plans, that his army might be a
victorious one all through its campaign; that treason might be
crushed, and traitors punished; that the time might speedily come when
our dear old flag should wave over every village, town, and city of
the United States, and we enjoy peace again. When the prayer was
finished Captain Tabb withdrew from the crowd saying, "d----n smart
prayer, but I don't believe it will amount to anything."

Many attempts to escape were planned, but few were successful. Major
Pasco was caught tunneling, and the officer in command ordered him to
fill up the tunnel. A revolver was held menacingly at his breast; but
he resolutely refused. He was taken from prison and threatened with
hanging, but was finally recommitted. On the 4th of July, the rebels
gave us four roll-calls in the morning. An officer hoisted a small
United States flag, which we all cheered lustily, much to the chagrin
of the rebel guards. Then another sang the Star-Spangled Banner and we
cheered that. Afterwards, without any preconcerted arrangement, we
went into a large building, and held a meeting. Chaplain Dixon made
one of the most patriotic prayers we ever heard. Then earnest,
off-hand speeches were made, filled with a determination to pers