The captain took from his pocket a cheque-book and pencil, saying:
"Write on the backs of these cheques any messages or letters you may want to send and I will see that they reach their destination."
Mr. Davis replied:
"I cannot do that. No; you would be risking your life."
"I have risked my life before and now would risk my soul for you. But there is no danger, Mr. President."
Mr. Davis wrote messages on three of the cheques, one to Senator Wall, of New Jersey, one to a friend in Pennsylvania, a third to another friend whose name I have forgotten.
"You can write to Mrs. Davis that you have seen me. Take my love to all my friends. I leave them in God's care. This means to me more than all the doctor's medicine—this one glimpse of one who says, 'Mr. President'—who comes to me and recognizes all that I have tried to do for my people."
Just as the cheque-book was returned to its place the surgeon came in, looking at him suspiciously. Seeing nothing, and knowing that there was no pen, ink or paper in the room, he went out, followed by the visitor.
Early next day Captain Bright left for Williamsburg. When he and the surgeon were on the wharf some soldiers came forward.