aken care of. Capt.
Redingson, after having delivered his charge, returned with Seraine's
blessing for his kindness to her. After she had taken a rest she
conversed with Gen. Meador, who was then in command, and related to
him her experiences, at the same time keeping her promise to speak of
nothing pertaining to the Confederate army or any movements of the
same. After a night's rest she was sent under charge of an escort to
Washington city, where she stopped for several days, until she could
see the President and Secretary of War. She finally managed to have an
interview with the Secretary, and, after explaining who she was and her
mission South, he replied with some nervousness:

"'Henry Lyon' Is he a son of Daniel Lyon, of Allentown, Ind.?'

"On being answered in the affirmative, he exclaimed:

"'My God? what affliction that family has had! His oldest son died
recently, being the third son he has lost since this war began.'

"This was the first knowledge that Seraine had of the sad distress
in the family. She sighed and dropped a tear. The Secretary at once
understood the situation, and told her Henry Lyon should be looked after
and properly cared for. She asked if, when he was exchanged, he could
not be discharged from the service. She said that Mr. Lyon's seven sons
were all in the army, and three having lost their lives, she thought
one ought to remain at home to comfort the parents during their terrible
trials. She struck a tender chord in the Secretary's heart, and he
replied: 'Yes; when he returns, you write me and it shall be done, if he
consents.'

"This brought joy to her very soul. She bade the Secretary good-by,
saying as she left that he would hear from her in due time.

"She then called at the President's and sent in his own letter which he
had given her when she started South, that she might thereby be recalled
to his memory. He sent for her at once. As she entered his office he
arose and greeted her most affectionately, calling her 'my child,' and
bidding her be seated. He commenced plying her with questions, and she
told him the whole story. When she related what she had seen in the
rebel prisons, his countenance saddened and tears fell from his eyes. He
said:

"'This must be remedied somehow. Humanity revolts at retaliation in
kind, but in an instance like this it might be justified.'

"She told him what she desired, and what the Secretary had promised. He
replied:

"'My dear child, it sha