My ambulance drew up to the side of the road, and presently an open carriage appeared, with the mayor and the three commissioners. They paused for a few minutes before crossing the line. With my heart beating painfully, I left my ambulance and walked to the carriage. There Mr. Hunter greeted me kindly and introduced me to his companions. Trembling with emotion, I said:—
"My errand is to you, dear Mr. Hunter. You are going to see President Lincoln or his representative. I entreat you, I implore you, to remember your friend General Pryor. He is breaking his heart in prison. Beg his release from Mr. Lincoln."
"I will—we will," they promised. The carriage proceeded, and as it crossed the line a mighty cheer went up from the hundreds of soldiers, Confederate and Union, who were standing on duty and looking on.
In an instant we were enemies again, and I was hastening out of the range of shot and shell.
On February 5 the commissioners returned from their bootless errand. Mr. Hunter wrote me that they had "remembered Pryor as was promised, but his release would not be considered."
An extract from Order No. 2, February 11, 1865, from General Lee, explains the manner in which our proposals had been received:—
"The choice between war and abject submission is before us.
"To such a proposal, brave men, with arms in their hands, can have but one answer.
"They cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the right of self-government for life or property.
"Taking new resolution from the fate which our enemies intend for us, let every man devote all his energies to the common defence."