I can preserve no order of time in relating the events of these tedious mouths, which slowly rolled away their ponderous length. It was almost a perfect isolation from the world, with little hope of ever again mingling in its busy throng. As each month closed, we were startled by the thought we were still alive--that the bolt had not yet descended--and we surmised and wondered how much longer it could be delayed. At last a small ray of hope began to arise--very feeble at first--based on the long and incomprehensible reprieve we were enjoying. As week after week glided tediously away, marked only by the monotony which is more wearying to heart and frame than the most severe anguish, this hope grew stronger; yet still so little assured that the most trifling circumstance, such as strengthening the guard, or a visit from the officers, was sufficient to blast the hopes we were beginning so fondly to cherish. I saw many instances of the iron rule with which the Southern Union men are kept in subjection. The strictest espionage was maintained through every order of society. The spies of the government would pretend to be Union men, and thus worm themselves into loyal societies; and when they had learned the names of the members, would denounce them to the government. It was not necessary to be particular about truth, as the suspicion of guilt, in their mode of procedure, was just as good as its positive evidence. One day seventy men and twelve women were arrested, and sent in irons to Richmond! Many other instances of this remorseless tyranny will be given hereafter. Most of our boys were tobacco-chewers, and were driven to numberless expedients to obtain that which some of them declared they valued more than their daily food. There were several articles of which the rebels had not seen fit to rob us, such as handkerchiefs and a few vests; These were now sold to the surrounding guards. Andrews had given Hawkins a very large, fine coat, and as there seemed to be no prospect of taking it home, he sold it to the jailor, and invested the proceeds in tobacco, apples, &c., which he generously divided among his comrades. I wanted books more than anything else, and sold my vest and a pocket-book the rebels had left when they took what was in it, and bought three books--all gems--"Paradise Lost," "Pilgrim's Progress," and "Pollock's Course of Time." These I nearly committed to memory. It was a profitable employment, while I am sure it very much lightened and shortened these interminable days. CHAPTER XIII. Contemplated Escape--Startling Intelligence--Our Doom Pronounced from Richmond--Hesitate no Longer--Our Plan--All Ready--Supper--Farewell--Life or Death--Seize the Jailor--Guns Wrested from Guards--Alarm Given--Scaling the Wall--Guards Fire--Terrible Chase--Six Recaptured--Wood and Wilson Reach the Gulf--Dorsey's Narrative--Porter's Account--Boasting of the Guards--Barlow's Cruel Death.