Calhoun saw that he had found a friend indeed in Mr. Pettis. No Southerner could be more bitter toward the Lincoln government than he. He fairly worshipped Vallandigham, and said if he would only return to Ohio, he would be defended by a hundred thousand men. He was especially indignant over the way Morgan and his officers were treated.
“We have schemed and schemed how to help him,” said he, “but see no way except we storm that cursed penitentiary as the Bastille was stormed. And,” he added, with emphasis, “the day is fast approaching when we will do it.”
For three days Calhoun remained at Mr. Pettis’s, wearying his brain as to how he might help his general, but every plan proposed was rejected as impracticable. On the third morning he happened [pg 298]to pick up a paper, and glancing over its columns, saw an advertisement which caused every nerve in his body to tingle. It was an advertisement for a boy to work in the dining-room and wait on the table at the penitentiary. The advertisement stated that the sole duty of the boy was to wait on the table when the Confederate officers ate, as they objected to being waited upon by convicts. In less than five minutes Calhoun was in his Federal uniform and on his way to the penitentiary to apply for the position.
“You do not look very strong,” said the warden, kindly; “do you think you could fill the bill?”
“I am sure I can,” said Calhoun. “Only try me and see.”
“Well,” replied the warden, “I had rather hire a boy who has served his country, as you have, and I will give you a trial.”
Thus to his great joy Calhoun found himself hired to wait upon his old comrades in arms. With what feelings he commenced his duties can be imagined. Would they recognize him, and in their surprise give him away? No, he thought not. They knew too well how to control themselves for that. It was with a beating heart that Calhoun waited for the time of the first meal. It came, and the Confederate prisoners came marching in. How Calhoun’s heart thrilled at the sight of his old comrades! But if they recognized him they did not show it by look or sign.
When the meal was finished and the prisoners [pg 299]marched out, Calhoun managed to give Morgan a little slip of paper. On it was written: “I am here to help you if I can. Be of good cheer.”
But how could Calhoun help them? Even at meal-time guards stood everywhere watching every move. His duties did not take him out of the dining-room. Calhoun began by making a careful survey of the building in which the prisoners were confined. Fortune favored him. One day he made a remark to one of the employees of the prison that the floor of the building seemed to be remarkably dry and free from damp.
“It should be,” was the reply; “there is an air chamber under the floor.”