We were too ill-natured to talk for amusement, and there was nothing else to talk for.
This spell was broken about eleven o'clock by the appearance at the head of the stairway of the Irishman with the gun-barrel cane, and his singing out: "Sargint uv the flure: fourtane min and a bread-box!" Instantly every man sprang to his feet, and pressed forward to be one of the favored fourteen.

One did not get any more gyrations or obtain them any sooner by this, but it was a relief, and a change to walk the half square outside the prison to the cookhouse, and help carry the rations back.
For a little while after our arrival in Richmond, the rations were tolerably good.

There had been so much said about the privations of the prisoners that our Government had, after much quibbling and negotiation, succeeded in getting the privilege of sending food and clothing through the lines to us.

Of course but a small part of that sent ever reached its destination.

There were too many greedy Rebels along its line of passage to let much of it be received by those for whom it was intended.
We could see from our windows Rebels strutting about in overcoats, in which the box wrinkles were still plainly visible, wearing new "U.