ns Burke, Robinson, and
myself--finished getting wood, saw our paroles destroyed, returned to
camp, and, after a short time, recrossed the guard-line, and,
unsuspected, made our way to the woods. We kept slowly through the
woods, until we were safely beyond the reach of the rebels. Night
coming on, we traveled through the fields and woods, until we struck a
road which ran parallel with the Congaree River; and traveled
southward about twelve miles. We then left the public road, and
traveled through the woods, toward the river, which was about eight
miles distant. Upon the afternoon of the 4th, we fell in with five
other of our escaped prisoners from the same camp, who escaped two
nights previous to ourselves by bribing the guard. They had been in
the swamp two days, and had made an arrangement with the negroes for
provisions, and information where two boats could be found. We joined
our parties, and in the evening the negroes met us, and furnished us
with the promised necessaries. Proceeding to the river, which was
about two miles distant, we found the boats which accommodated all of
us. At about eleven o'clock, all things being ready we embarked in our
boats, and paddled down the river. Early in the morning, we landed,
having secured a hiding-place for our boats and ourselves, and devoted
the day to cooking and sleep. Darkness again found us upon the river;
and we soon passed the bridge of the South Carolina railroad, which
was guarded by sentries; paddled all night; and again secured
ourselves for the day.

"While engaged, some in cooking, others in sleep, our attention was
attracted by loud talking; and soon we discovered a boat below us,
upon the river, being poled up the river by negroes. One of our party
posted himself upon the bank of the river, where he could hail the
boat without discovering the presence of the rest of the party, and,
hailing the negro in charge of the boat, informed him that he was in
want of provisions. The negro replied that he had no time to stop, and
persisted in keeping on his course. When all entreaty failed, the
captain told him he was a 'Yankee' officer, escaped from rebel prison,
making his way north and needed provisions, and information regarding
obstructions in the river. The negro no sooner learned his true
character than he immediately landed, secured his boat, staid with us
all day, cooking rations, and giving very valuable information. He
claimed in return for his service, a si