“I was taken to a blacksmith’s shop, and heavy iron bands put around my ankles.” Page 104.
After my manacles were put on, I was taken back to Tupelo by Barnes and another guard. On my arrival, the commander of the post and the Provost Marshal were filled with joy. Barnes gave them the history of the arrest, stating that I had attempted to bribe him; that he listened to my proposition with indignation, and when he had got the money, performed what he regarded his duty. The commander replied that all the property of traitors was theirs, and that he did right in deceiving me, after accepting the bribe. He also recommended Barnes for promotion for his heroic and patriotic act in arresting me. (Perhaps it secured for him a captaincy.) The following colloquy now took place between the commander of the post, the Provost Marshal, and myself:
“Why did you attempt to leave us?”
“Because, sir, your prison was so filthy, and your fare so meagre and unwholesome, that I could not endure it long, and live.”
“Parson, you know the Bible says, the wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. You must have been guilty of crime, or you would not have tried to escape.”
“I may have been guilty of the offence charged against me, and yet innocent of real guilt.”
“You shall never be taken back to the prison you left, rest assured of that. Did any of the prisoners know of or aid you in your escape?”
“No, sir; none of them knew anything about it.”
“Are you telling the truth?”