G. “If you press me, I will tell you. I surrender to no foe that can not look me in the face nationally.”
When I had uttered these words, great excitement prevailed. In the din and confusion, I could discover the cry, “Cut his head off!” But in the midst of the melee, General Beauregard ordered silence, and said he would refer me to General Johnson.
As I was leaving Beauregard’s quarters, I heard that gentleman say:
“We intend to go on from victory to victory, till we drive you invaders from our soil.”
“Yes,” replied I, for I felt his remarks keenly, “just as you did at Fort Donelson.”
I left in the midst of the bitterest imprecations, escorted by a heavy guard. By this time it had grown quite dark; and as my clothing was very wet, I began to suffer with the cold.
Still conducted by the colonel, I soon came to Johnson’s headquarters, which were upon the battle-field. In a tent adjoining that of Johnson, a court-martial was in session, presided over by the General, and into this tent I was taken, where the following colloquy ensued:
Col. G. “General Johnson, I have brought you a Yankee prisoner, sir.”
Gen. J. “Yes, sir.”