Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/189

 surgeons. If the Doctor has any delicacy, he must feel humiliated at being required to play the spy and eavesdrop a private, family conversation. I hear Mr. Kyle paid Secretary Stanton five hundred dollars for the privilege of seeing his son. Another report is that Miss Kyle slipped one hundred dollars in gold in her brother's mouth, besides greenbacks in his hands, despite the vigilance of the guard and surgeon. I know Major Kyle has plenty of money, and bribes the guards to brings him articles, carry out letters, etc. He was one of the rioters, 19th of April, 1861, who attempted to drive back the Federal troops passing through Baltimore to Washington and the front. Mrs. Robert Carr, Mrs. P. H. Sullivan, Mrs. J. M. Coulter, Mrs. Egerton, the Misses Jamison, and other noble Baltimore ladies, send choice fresh vegetables, milk, clothing, etc., to our hospital, and while all are received, none of them are appropriated as intended by the generous, warm-hearted Conors. I suppose the greedy Yankees eat the fruit and vegetables, and wear or sell the clothing sent to the hungry and ragged "Rebels." At any rate, they are confiscated. The guards have orders to shoot any prisoner who puts his head out of a window. Two convalescent prisoners escaped a night or two ago by dashing through the gate into the street and city. They were fired at by the sentinels, but although the long roll was beat, the garrison aroused, and, with the city police, put in active pursuit, the daring youths were not recaptured. Their good fortune is to be envied. I learn they had relations who aided them in their hazardous attempt. Dr. Knowles took the names of a large number who are to be sent to Point Lookout, we hopefully suppose for exchange. I am one of the rejoicing number.

November 17th, 18th and 19th— At the suggestion of Private Henry Curtright, of La Grange, Georgia, a wounded fellow prisoner, I write to Mrs. Joanna, D. C. 178 Preston street. She knows my relations in Georgia well, and may be able to communicate with them for me. A number of nurses and convalescents have been sent to Fort McHenry. I understand my negro cook Charles is there, a prisoner, and refuses to take the oath.

November 20th, Sunday—Had preaching in our ward. The attention was polite, the sermon very poor.

November 21st and 22d—We are hoping each day to be sent to Point Lookout, en route for exchange. I have been thirty-five days in Baltimore.

November 23d—Left on the boat S. G. Cannon for Point Lookout,