Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/196

 184 Southern Historical Society Papers.

from the mainland to boil salt. This march was undertaken at nig-ht, and at early breakfast the boats were at their service. In crossing Currituck Sound the prisoners stopped at the south end of Knott's Island, where supper was given them. I had recently a very pleasant visit to a most charming matron, now living in Norfolk, who recalls most vividly as a little girl these prisoners being at her father's home ; that the boats were crowded, and after supper he took many of them in his boat, and all went to the mainland, landing near Currituck Courthouse ; that the tiext morning early the yard \vas full of Federal cavalry.

The father. Mr. White, in the meantime had returned, but most judiciously had taken to the tall timber. Her mother, not strong from the excitement of the night before, had taken to her room. The Federal cavalry were bent on arresting any and everything they could find — the boat and sails were quickly burned and this little maid of less than ten summers was actually arrested by these valiant soldiers and brought a prisoner to Norfolk, charged with the awful crime of aiding and abetting the escape of rebel prisoners.

Upon reaching the mainland near Currituck Courthouse a guide was found, who soon took them to the adjacent swamps, where they felt they were at least in hiding and would be cared by the Southern people near. After a few days, says Colonel Green, a guerrilla captain from Camden, hearing of their pres- ence, came to them, and finding him possessed of all the infor- mation needed, they accepted his guidance. The Pasquotank River was crossed near Elizabeth City, the Perquimans River near Belvidere, and the Chowan River about Murf reeboro ; thence to the Seaboard Railroad about Boykins, Va. reaching there about nightfall ; supper in Weldon, N. C, and then via Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to Richmond, and breakfast at Spottswood Hotel. Colonel Green says that after a hasty toilet they reported to General Winder, provost marshal, who enjoyed hugely their escapade, had his quartmaster pay them and after a day's sight- seeing in Richmond, they took the train for their respective com- mands.