man was grasping the stirring questions of the
day, and was discussing them with his family at his own fireside, and
the rebellion was just as surely doomed as when Grant received the
surrender of Lee's army. In a deeper and broader sense than before, the
country was rising to meet the emergency, and northern patriotism, now
thoroughly aroused, was sweeping everything before it. Everywhere
resounded the cry, 'To arms!' and thousands upon thousands were
responding to the President's call.

"It was under these circumstances that I enlisted, as a private soldier,
at Troy, New York, on the sixth day of August, in a company raised by
Captain Clarence Buel, for the Second Regiment of New York Cavalry. It
is needless to make elaborate mention of the motives which induced me to
enter the service, or the emotions which then filled my breast; they can
be readily conjectured by every loyal heart."

The Press, throughout the North (and West, as far as its circulation had
reached), spoke very highly of the production and of its author, all
bearing the same testimony to its excellence and truthfulness. The
Albany _Evening Post_ says:

"'The Capture, Prison-Pen and Escape' is the title of an intensely
interesting work, giving a complete history of prison-life in the
South. The book is at once accurate, graphic and admirably written.
It is full of adventure, and quite as readable as a romance. A
person who reads this volume will have a better idea of what it
cost in the way of blood, suffering and courage, to preserve the
Republic, than he can now possibly entertain."

The Cleveland _Daily Leader_ writes:

"We have had the pleasure of reading this book. It describes, in
the most graphic and interesting style, the prison-life of Union
soldiers in the South, their plans of escape, and their various
trials and hardships there. The history contained in the book is
very valuable. The Press, all over the land, speaks very highly of
it, and we can do naught but add our commendations to the rest."

The New York _Reformer_ exclaims:

"From the title-page to its close, the volume is full of fresh
incidents, attracting the reader on, from page to page, with
unbroken, though at times with melancholy, at others indignant, and
at others wrathful, interest."

[Illustration: Calvary.--foraging Party Returning To Camp.]

CHAPTER XXVIII.

"THREE YEAR