w,
the tears would roll down the sunken cheeks of their occupants as she
uttered some kind word to them. The rolls did not disclose the name of
the one for whom she was in search, and she returned with the Captain
to her hotel. That night she could not sleep. She had seen that day such
sights as she had never expected to witness, and could not have believed
had she not looked upon them with her own eyes. Men eating rotten food;
many, very many, sick, sore and distressed; quite a number without
sufficient clothes to cover their persons; no blankets; no way to
send word to friends; no privileges granted, their treatment harsh and
brutal. For the least delinquency inhuman punishment was inflicted. No
prospect of help or relief of any kind. All kinds of stories were
told them of disasters to the 'Yanks,' as the rebels called the Union
soldiers. It was really a sickening sight to behold.

"The next day they visited Belle Isle, and there found the same
condition of things. After an examination of records they returned to
the Virginia Hotel. Miss Seraine then concluded to leave for Salisbury.
She asked the Captain if he would be kind enough to see to getting her
tickets and placing her properly in charge of the conductor, with such
instructions as might enable her to avoid annoyance on her route. The
next morning she was feeling dull and heavy on account of having passed
a restless night. The shadows of that which she had seen during the day
were continually before her eyes. She got ready, however, and was
soon put on the train by Capt. Redingson, who knew the conductor and
explained to him her situation and desire to avoid annoyances. Then
bidding the Captain good-by, with many thanks for his kindness, she sat
down in the car to pursue her weary journey, with many ill forebodings.
She looked out of the window over valley, hill and stream, and as she
passed on through that picturesque country her eyes fairly feasted on
the majestic scenery beautified by the pines that tower heavenward along
the line of the railroad.

"In her loneliness she could not resist the floodtide of hopes and fears
that swept through her mind--now hoping and then fearing that she would
not find Henry. If she should, would he be in the condition of the poor,
starved skeletons she had seen at Libby and Belle Isle? Could it be
possible that her lovable and gentle Henry could be so starved and
harshly treated by these people, who had been so polite and kin