Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

They then sent Mr. Eldridge and myself, under an escort, to Colonel Stuart, of the First Virginia regiment, who, I may as well here remark, treated me with all the kindness in his power. He is one of nature's noblemen, and I am truly sorry his talents are enlisted upon the side of the rebels. At Fairfax Court House they relieved me of my horse, as they did my companion. I have not seen Mr. Eldridge since we arrived at Fairfax. I remained at Fairfax Court House five days, during which time I succeeded in ascertaining that there were at least four regiments stationed there. I met some of General Beauregard's staff, and also some of General Bonham's, to all of whom I expressed my opinion pretty freely upon the subject of secession. Some of them seemed pleased at what they termed my “Yankee grit,” while others were for having us all hanged. I was told by some ladies of Fairfax that our troops, while passing through that place, were very respectful in their deportment toward the ladies that remained. So you can see that the stories that the rebels tell about their insulting women and children are false. Some of the residences were very much injured by some of our soldiers, but I think it was done more for mischief than any thing else.

The fifth day after my arrest I was sent to Manassas, Col. Stuart having tried every means to have me released, but without success. We started about 10 o'clock in the morning, and we did not arrive at Manassas until 6 o'clock in the evening; the distance is about sixteen miles. You can have some idea of the speed with which they travel in Virginia. I was accompanied by Mr. Edward Saylas, of Cincinnati, who was arrested at Fairfax after the battle. He is still at Richmond. We passed by the famous battle-field, and never shall I forget it. The atmosphere for miles was impregnated with the nauseous vapors that it seemed impossible to breathe, and upon every hand rose the huge graves of our martyred soldiers. When I arrived at Manassas, Gen. Johnston refused to hear any thing I had to say, but ordered me to be sent to Richmond by the first train. I was then sent to the quarters of the provost-marshal, who insulted me shamefully. He threatened to put handcuffs on me. I was placed in a room and a guard placed at the door, with orders not to let me escape. The next morning I was sent forward to Richmond, with Captain Tremain as an escort; he is of the Eighth Louisiana regiment. He treated me with kindness, and did every thing in his power to render my situation more pleasant. At every station I was surrounded by a rabble of men and boys, and I am sorry to say that sometimes ladies mixed in with the crowd, who amused me by suggesting that I had better be hung, and by asking me if I washed and sewed for the soldiers; and by crowding around me and staring at me as though I was the famous What is It? at Barnum's.

But, with all my trouble, I arrived at Richmond the same evening, where I was immediately surrounded by a crowd, composed chiefly of greasy darkies, who seemed highly pleased. I was kindly received by the officers of the War Department. They, for the first time, informed me why I had been arrested. They said I was suspected of being a spy, and that they thought I was in a dangerous situation. I told them I did not fear them. They must treat me as they saw fit. I was prepared for any thing. I was provided with board at a private house, in the family of a Mr. Pryor, who treated me well.

All this time I was obliged to wear my riding-habit. The Government never provided me with a thing. They often promised me to get me every thing I needed, but it never amounted to any thing more than promises. A few days after my arrival, I learned that Col. Wilcox, of the Second Michigan, and several others, had arrived. I was determined to see them, if possible I went to the surgeon-general, and told him I was a Northern lady, and that I had friends there that I would like to see. He gave me permission. I saw Capt. Ricketts, and Col. Wilcox, Major Potter, Capt. Jones, and several others whose names I cannot now remember. They all seemed to be doing well. I know. from good authority, that our wounded men are not very well treated. I tried (but unsuccessfully) to see Mr. Ely and Col. Corcoran. I believe they are retained as hostages for Col. Thomas, or “the French lady.” Richmond is very dull, and there is a universal complaint of hard times, and a great deal of complaint against being compelled to fight. They are drafting all the men capable of bearing arms. If any of the Savannah prisoners are executed, they will hang ten for every one. I believe they will do as they say. I was liberated and sent to Norfolk, in company with twenty-three others. When we arrived at Norfolk, we were put on board a steam tug and conveyed, under a flag of truce, to the United States steamship Minnesota. Our glorious flag never looked so beautiful as when I first looked upon it to-day. “O, long may it wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” I need not tell you how kindly I was received by Com. Stringham and his officers, and also by Gen. Butler, with whom I dined. I am now on board the steamer Georgiana, bound for Baltimore, on my return to my friends at Washington, where I hope to arrive safe and well.--Ohio Statesman, Aug. 21.

Doc. 180.-proclamation of Ben. McCulloch.