Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/329

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I I t<> Johnson's Island and Camp Douglass, 111. After remaining in prison nearly one- year a large number of them were exchanged. The capture of Fort Donelson was one of General Grant's first im- portant \ irtorirs.

Not knowing what had transpired during the night, while a com- rade and myself wen- sleeping comfortably on a bank of snow, laying upon nine or ten heavy blankets, and covered by an equal number. which we captnrt-d tin- preceding day on the battle-field, we were quietly aroused at daybreak by our captain, John H. Guy, who said to us that "we must get to the wharf at once ; if we did not we would be left. ' ' Neither of us had the remotest conception that a surrender was about to take place.

GETTING AW AN.

We arose from our quiet place of repose and packed our knap- sacks. Upon looking around we failed to see any of our troops. The works had been abandoned. The condition of affairs was not comprehended by us. We, however, proceeded to the wharf, as directed, which was nearly two miles distant. The strange situation of our troops was discussed. Upon our arrival at the wharf we found assembled a large number of our soldiers, many of whom were much excited. I then saw a steamer of considerable dimen- sions landing some of our troops on the Tennessee side. I was ignorant of the cause of the peculiar proceedings going on at that time. I did not understand them; but very soon I fully compre- hended the true condition of affairs and gravity of the situation, especially when I saw various kinds of provisions and munitions of war being thrown into the river, and I determined not to be captured, if there was any possible means of escape. The steamer General Anderson was just returning for another load of soldiers, and my only hope of escape was on the steamer. I anxiously awaited its return, but, instead of coming near me, as I expected, it stopped about i oo yards above where I was standing. Several thousand soldiers had now congregated at the wharf, and the possibility of my escape seemed very improbable. To force my way through this immense body of men was impossible. This was a predicament, indeed, delay was dangerous. I at once resolved, if possible, to get on board of that steamer. The only chance was for me to wade the surging Cumberland river for same distance. Whether justifiable or not, I had a horrid conception of being captured and subjected to the horrors of a prison pen. I proceeded to make my way in the