Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/292

 286 Southern Historical Society Papers.

The conclusions at which I arrive from the above views are :

1. At least twelve hundred or fifteen hundred should be organized of the very best, truest and most trusty of the prisoners ; each block to have at least one hundred men sworn to attempt any plan which may be sanctioned by the board of officers, that they will succeed or die in the attempt.

This one hundred men to be divided into two, or three, or four equal companies, under the command of brave, discreet and com- petent officers to be appointed by the commander of blocks, sanc- tioned by their respective corps commanders.

2. The most liberal use should be made of money, &c., in at- tempts to bribe ; the full amount in no case to be paid in advance, and that this delicate and important duty should be entrusted spe- cifically to one or two discreet men. This and all other matters should be conducted with the greatest caution, prudence and secrecy.

3. The details of the plan when adopted shall be entrusted for ar- rangement and execution to the commander in-chief.

4. Some one should be sent to Richmond, and secure the aid of our government to send us outside help.

5. In case we shall be successful in effecting our escape the or- ganization hereby effected and acknowledged shall continue in force, and all who escape shall be under the control of the board of offi- cers till we shall land on southern soil, or shall find it necessary to dissolve the organization.

6. In the mean time if the weakening of the forces here, or any other circumstances shall arise by which the providence of God opens a way for our escape, we should not wait for the aid of our government, but rely upon ourselves.

I respectfully submit these hasty thoughts to the sound and better judgment of the board of officers, &c.

L. W. ALLEN, Captain.

The paper of Captain Allen met with serious consideration, which resulted in the following

PLAN OF ORGANIZATION.

Whereas the present posture of affairs in regard to the exchange of prisoners between the United States and the Confederate States governments leaves us but little hope of a speedy exchange, and whereas it is the privilege and duty of the Confederate prisoners of