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    ) to going to sea in such a small steamer as the "Ashland," overcrowded, we were transferred to the large ocean steamer "Illinois," and put out to sea.

"Grape" was rife amongst the prisoners. The Yankees said we were to be exchanged at Fortress Monroe, and sent from there up the river to Richmond. I do not think our fellows took any stock in the "grape" of exchange. Most of them were in such physical condition that they did not care what became of them.

On the sail back to Fort Delaware the officers and men of the 157th New York Volunteers gave us all the liberty of the ship we wanted; allowed us on deck, and to have staterooms if we could pay for them; and gave us good rations. They were soldiers, not brutes like Stanton and Foster. These men had been in the field. After a sail of several days we anchored in the harbor of Norfolk. Here Captains Leon Jestremeska, of Louisiana, and Du Preist, of Virginia, made their escape, account of which will be found