First Sight of a Rebel Camp—Arraigned before Generals Jackson, Bragg, Hardee, Beauregard and Johnson—A Storm in Camp—Bayoneting a Sleeping Man (?)—Inside View of a Rebel Prison—“Calico Bill”—An Escape—Rebel Exaggerations.
In due time, I was conveyed to General Jackson. What a scene was opened to view! What a motley, mongrel, nondescript crowd did rebeldom here present! Old and young, bond and free, small and great, black and white, with countenances forlorn, agonized, or ferocious, with limbs mangled and torn. Sorrowful were the wailings of the wounded, and bitter the imprecations of the chagrined and discomfited crew.
Colonel Gladden and four privates were my escort to Jackson’s tent.
“I have brought you a Yankee, General,” said Colonel Gladden.
The rebel general inquired of me my rank. I declined telling him. I was then asked for papers and upon making examination, they found with me maps of the Hamburg road, and a small rebel fortification. As soon as they made this discovery, Jackson inquired:
“Sir, what is the number of your men?”
“We have a small skirmishing party, General,” I replied. “You have not captured them all to-day, and you will not to-morrow.”
“Sir,” he answered sharply, “you know the number, and if you do not inform me, and that promptly, I shall have you punished.”
“I shall not inform you,” said I, coolly; “you affirm that you are going there to-morrow, and if so, you can then see for yourself.”
Somewhat enraged at this, he again threatened that he would punish me.