be insisted on.

"GIDEON WELLES,
"_Secretary of the Navy_."

The whole blame had been put upon Arrants. Upon my arrival in
Washington, I reported to the Secretary of the Navy in person, giving
him a full report of the whole affair in writing. He asked me a number
of questions in regard to Captain Gregory. As the naval records showed
that my commission antedated that of Arrants by about three months, it
proved conclusively that Captain Gregory had misrepresented when he
stated that the expedition had been commanded by Arrants. A great
injustice had been done. An order was at once issued restoring Acting
Ensign William B. Arrants to the naval service from the date of
dismissal.

Captain Gregory, in order to screen himself, had put all the blame on
Arrants, supposing him to be dead. When he found out we were about to be
exchanged he concluded that it was about time for him to resign from the
service. By that means he escaped from serious consequences which would
have resulted from his conduct. The punishment meted out by
court-martial was generally severe during the time of the Rebellion.

CHAPTER XXII

PRISON LIFE AND PRISON FARE

Eleven naval officers gave us a most cordial reception when the captain
in charge of the prison introduced us as fresh fish. All were eager to
learn the latest news of the war, and especially about the prospects of
exchanging prisoners of war in the near future. Now it happened that we
were well posted on the "exchange" question--namely, that the
authorities at Washington had notified the rebels that the cartel was
ended, and no more exchanges would be made. Our men, when received, were
disabled from duty on account of sickness caused by lack of proper food
and clothing, as well as inhuman treatment. On the other hand, the
rebels were returned in better health and more comfortably clothed than
at the time of capture. The advantage to the rebel army, under the
circumstances, would be too great to permit of any further exchanges. It
was policy to let the Union men remain as prisoners, as they would be
useless for a long time for active duty. Keeping the rebels in prison
would deprive the rebel army of a large number of able men, who,
released, would be immediately available for active duty.

Our fellow-prisoners were down-hearted at first, when told the dictum;
but soon their cheerful remarks showed that they believed our Government
was pursuing a wise course under the