guards. There were seven of them, but they were so much
taken by surprise as to be incapable of resistance. Our boys divided
into two parties, one for the front and the other for the back door.
The latter was completely successful, capturing the guard, and taking
their guns from them without the least alarm being given.

The attack at the front door was made with equal skill and bravery,
and the guards who stood near were at once secured. Unfortunately
there were two in the yard gate, which happened to be open. As soon as
these saw the charge made, they, without waiting to attempt
resistance, ran through the gate, shrieking, "Help! murder!" in tones
that aroused the whole neighborhood. There were troops near at hand,
who instantly rushed to the rescue.

Our boys saw their peril, and knew that the part of our scheme which
provided for a regular and quiet departure was defeated, and they
endeavored to save themselves. They threw away the guns, which now
would only hinder their flight, and scaled the wall, some ten feet in
hight, and made for the woods, nearly a mile distant. It was a close
chase. Several times they were fired on by the pursuing rebels, but
fortunately not hit.

We, who were above, heard the noise, and were admonished by it to take
our leave as soon as possible. Buffum had just succeeded in unlocking
the door that kept in our other soldiers, who at once came out. The
deserter confined with them, who was the most powerful and active of
the whole party, also broke out, and passed by where Fry and myself
still held the jailor, like a tiger on the leap. When he reached the
yard, he found two soldiers before him, with their bayonets at a
charge. Without a moment's hesitation, he seized them, cutting his
hands severely, but dashing them aside with such violence as nearly to
throw the rebels from their feet, and bounded on his way. His almost
incredible swiftness soon placed him in advance of all the fugitives.

Captain Fry and I started down stairs together. He was a little in
advance, and at once saw there was no chance in the front yard, which
was now filled with armed rebels, and darted to the back door. Here he
scaled the wall just in time to get away, after a most desperate
chase, being repeatedly fired upon by the guards, who were only a few
feet from him, but, fortunately, was unharmed.

I did not so soon comprehend the state of affairs, (probably because I
am near-sighted,) and rushed to the front