vening,
Major Turner, and his equally notorious clerk, Ross, came to the head of
the stairs. Our names were called, and each one sent down to the hall.
An engineer's name was called, but that gentleman was ordered to stand
by the door. When the list was exhausted the door was locked and the
engineer left in the room. It was afterward learned that he stated to
Turner that he belonged to an army transport. We were formed in line, in
squads of four, facing the door. At six o'clock in the evening the doors
were opened, and the order, "Forward, march," given.

[F] The stairs were hung on heavy hinges, and every night they
would be hoisted up by a pulley, similar to a trap-door.

Outside was a strong escort of rebels. Our hearts were fairly in our
mouths for a short time. If we turned for the left it would be for the
flag-of-truce boat; if to the right, it meant an indefinite stay in
prison. It was the "left," and all doubts were removed--we were going
home! The sailors were brought out and followed in our rear. It was an
interesting trip down the James River. We had a fine view of the rebel
batteries. Three iron-clads were passed, and several pontoon bridges
across the river had to be opened on our approach. The most interesting
thing was the sunken obstructions, with the secret channels.
Considerable skill was required to get the boat through them. The guns
from Grant's and Lee's batteries could be plainly heard. Next in view
were the rebel shells exploding high in air over Dutch Gap, Ben Butler's
celebrated canal. Finally we espied some Yankee pickets, then came
Aiken's Landing. The boat was fastened to the dock, and all went on
shore and waited for the Commissioners of Exchanges to receive us. In a
short time Major Mumford arrived. He was on horseback, and a flag of
truce was stuck in his boot-leg. His salutation was:

"Boys, the ambulance will be here in a few minutes with the
Confederates. You can either ride or walk, but get over to our boat as
soon as you can, as the exchange may yet fall through."

As soon as the rebel prisoners came in sight we started off. Walking was
good enough for us. What a contrast between the two parties! The rebel
officers were all dressed in new Confederate uniforms--probably
furnished by rebel sympathizers in the North--and the sailors all had
good clothing, and were healthy in appearance. They also seemed happy
about going home, even if they were bidding good-bye to coffee