John Scott
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 142
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX. ACCOUNT OF PRIVATE M'CUE'S IMPRISONMENT. [TnK following facts in regard to the treatment of M'Cue have, at my request, been furnished me by a gentleman well acquainted with them. They present a picture of despotism and cruelty rarely witnessed in a Christian country, but they bear, at the same time, honorable testimony to the fidelity with which General Grant adhered to the engagements which he contracted at Appomattox Court-house.-- Editor.] From Annapolis he was removed to Baltimore and cast into a negro jail, where his treatment was that of a convict. He was heavily ironed, and confined in a dark, cold cell, and when a fellowprisoner, through the iron-bars of his dungeon, gave him a blanket, the order was given to the prison-guard to take it away. Very soon a man dressed in Confederate uniform was put in the cell with M'Cue, and left to spend the night with him. The stranger made advances toward an acquaintance, asked his fellow-prisoner his name, to what command he belonged, and the charges preferred against him, and at the same time told him that he himself was under charges as a Confederate, and was to be tried by a military commission. He doubted not, he added, that both of them would be sentenced to the gallows. "I have a proposition to make to you, for there is but one way in which we can save our lives--to rush upon the guard, seize their arms, and murder them. In the confusion thus created, an opportunity may occur for our escape." The proposition was so wild and impossible of execution that M'Cue at once saw in it a snare prepared for his destruction. So he very quietly said to his companion," You may attempt to murder the guard and make your escape, but I will have nothing to do with it." He knew he was a...