"Mr. Thompson, this lady has an order from the commandant to see you."
He then went out. The lady introduced herself as Mrs. Hall, of Washington, D. C. She had been South during the war; her husband was in Washington, and she had not been able to hear from him, and "would I be kind enough to deliver a letter to him?"
"Certainly." I was willing to help her in any way possible. We conversed a short time on ordinary topics.
"Do you know Colonel Dent?"
"No, I have never heard of such a person."
"Why, he is General Grant's brother-in-law, and is confined in this jail."
"Well, that is news to me. No one ever knew of his being here."
"It is a fact. He is confined on the top floor with the criminals, and I see him very often. He gave me a number of letters which he wishes taken to General Grant. Will you take them?"
"Yes, provided you answer a few questions. How did you know my name?"
"Through a lady who knew you while you were in the hospital."