Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Adventures or A Marylander.--“ I visited Montgomery, hoping to recover my set of mathematical and topographical instruments which were taken from me in April, or, failing in that, to obtain some remuneration. The only satisfaction obtained, was the alternative of taking service under the Jeff. Davis Government as Captain of Engineers, with the return of my instruments,--or leaving Montgomery within ten hours, and the ‘Seceded States’ within three days. I chose the latter, of course, and a pass, ‘good for three days,’ was given me by Mr. President Davis. My trunks, containing my wardrobe and books, were at Tuskegee, but I had no leisure to go in that direction, and took the first train Northward, unencumbered with luggage.

Everywhere the cars were crowded with troops hastening to Virginia. At Culpepper Custom-House I was detained all night, and threatened with a hemp cravat. On Tuesday morning, being forbidden the ears)sa friend loaned me a splendid horse, and bade me ‘ride him to death,’ if necessary; and I did. He fell under me within four miles of Alexandria, having gone 46 miles in five and a half hours. During that ride I saw four men hanging to limbs of trees. I had no leisure for inquiries, but heard in Alexandria that several Union men had been hung for expressing their sentiments at the election polls.

In Alexandria I was caught again by a picket guard, who were determined to detain me over night; and, as my ‘pass-time’ would expire at midnight, they determined to indulge in a little pastime of their own, and hang me at daylight. I bribed the rascals, however, with all the money I had, and a gold watch; and, stealing a crazy old boat for me from a schooner, they sent me adrift, and after two hours alternate bailing and sculling, I landed in a swamp on the American side of the Potomac. Floundering out of the mudhole, I footed it to Washington — a distance of eight miles--arriving at 9 A. M. Friday morning, and presented myself to President Lincoln, a beautiful specimen of the genus Mud-lark.

”--Albany Evening Journal, May 30.