to have an interview with him on a matter of grave import
to her; that she was alone and under a vigilant watch; that she thought
she could satisfy him of her harmless intentions.

"To this she received a very polite answer permitting her to see him at
11 o'clock the following day, and informing her that he would send an
escort.

"The next day, promptly at the time, an officer appeared and inquired if
Miss Seraine Whitcomb was in. She readily responded, and directed
that he be admitted. Presenting himself, he said he was Capt. T. P.
Redingson. The arrangements were soon agreed upon, and the two started
for the Executive office. The detention in the ante-room was-but slight,
before they were ushered into the presence of Mr. Davis. Seraine said he
was seated in an arm-chair, rather oldish and common. Mr. Davis rose
and greeted her pleasantly. He looked care-worn and haggard, and seemed
thoughtful; but at no time during the interview did he forget his
genial, polite manner toward her. She hardly knew what to say. After a
short time he broke the ice by asking her if he could serve her in any
way. She gained courage enough to tell him her whole story. She told him
she would not give information of any kind to any one in reference to
what she might see or hear while under his protection; that she wished
to examine the prison records for the name of her friend, Henry Lyon,
who she hoped, through his kindness, to find, and have exchanged.

"She seemed to touch a tender spot in his nature. He gave her a letter of
safe conduct through all the rebel lines, and authority to examine the
prisons and hospitals, exacting at the same time a pledge from her that
she would, when satisfied, return by way of Richmond and make a report
to him of all she should see and hear that was of interest in connection
with the prisons, the army, or other kindred subjects. With this
understanding and pledge on her part she gave him her thanks, with many
good wishes for his health. She then bade him good, good-by and returned
to her hotel.

"Capt. Redingson, her escort, was very polite to her, and promised that
he would call the next day and make arrangements for her to visit the
prisons and examine the records or rolls of prisoners in Richmond. The
next day at ten o'clock the Captain called and escorted her to Libby.
There she saw such suffering as made her almost frantic, but she
indulged in no remarks. As she passed along the pallets of rotten stra