and tea.
The least said about our party the better. We were only sorry that we
had not time to catch a few pecks of vermin for the others to take back
to the Confederate States of America.

On the rebel boat there was a brass band, and, as a parting compliment,
they regaled us with the old familiar tune, "Then you'll remember me."
There was a large bend in the river below Aiken's Landing, and our boat
was quite a distance around the bend. We walked about a mile and a half
across the strip of land, many of the disabled sailors following us in
ambulances. On the dock were a large number of trunks, with a sentry
guarding them. We were told that it was the baggage belonging to the
rebel officers. Quite a number of our party made a rush for the trunks,
with the intention of dumping them into the river. The guard said, "Go
ahead, boys, I won't stop you," but Major Mumford advised them not to do
it, as it might cause serious trouble. Then all went on board our boat,
the Martha Washington. Several barrels of steaming hot coffee were
ready.

"Boys, help yourselves. Crackers and cheese in the boxes!"

In a short time the Sanitary Commission boat came alongside. Clothing
was furnished to all, and anything that could be done for the men was
done cheerfully. Nothing was too good for the ex-prisoners. Surgeons
were busy attending to the sick.

Scurvy and bowel complaints were the most common trouble. The officers
were assigned to the after cabin, and the men were all given comfortable
beds. From Libby to the Martha Washington made a wonderful change in our
spirits. No one, to see us then, would recognise us as the miserable set
of beings of a few hours past. In the cabin we had a fine dinner set
before us, and bottles of whisky galore.

"Gentlemen, drink plenty of whisky while eating," were the orders from
the surgeon.

The captain apologized for the lack of some extras that had been
intended for us. The rebels had been on the boat for nearly three weeks,
luxuriating on our provisions while we were enjoying ourselves in Libby.
Secretary of War Stanton and "Beast Butler" brought about the event,
they being opposed to the exchange. In the afternoon we steamed down the
river. I had an interview with Major Mumford, and told him briefly about
Colonel Dent.

"Yes, the colonel is a prisoner in the South. He is also Grant's
brother-in-law."

"Well, I have a packet of letters from him to General Grant. How can I
deliver them to him