When this was done, the guards marched out, by a cautious indirect maneuver, so as not to turn their backs to us.
It was believed that we had some among us who would like to avail themselves of the offer of the Rebels, and that they would try to inform the Rebels of their desires by going to the gate during the night and speaking to the Officer-of-the-Guard.

A squad armed themselves with clubs and laid in wait for these.

They succeeded in catching several -- snatching some of then back even after they had told the guard their wishes in a tone so loud that all near could hear distinctly.

The Officer-of-the-Guard rushed in two or three times in a vain attempt to save the would be deserter from the cruel hands that clutched him and bore him away to where he had a lesson in loyalty impressed upon the fleshiest part of his person by a long, flexible strip of pine wielded by very willing hands.
After this was kept up for several nights different ideas began I to prevail.

It was felt that if a man wanted to join the Rebels, the best way was to let him go and get rid of him.