CHAPTER XLVIII.
DETERMINATION TO ESCAPE--DIFFERENT PLANS AND THEIR MERITS--I PREFER THE APPALACHICOLA ROUTE--PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE--A HOT DAY--THE FENCE PASSED SUCCESSFULLY PURSUED BY THE HOUNDS--CAUGHT -- RETURNED TO THE STOCKADE.
After Watt's death, I set earnestly about seeing what could be done in the way of escape.

Frank Harvey, of the First West Virginia Cavalry, a boy of about my own age and disposition, joined with me in the scheme.
I was still possessed with my original plan of making my way down the creeks to the Flint River, down the Flint River to where it emptied into the Appalachicola River, and down that stream to its debauchure into the bay that connected with the Gulf of Mexico.

I was sure of finding my way by this route, because, if nothing else offered, I could get astride of a log and float down the current.

The way to Sherman, in the other direction, was long, torturous and difficult, with a fearful gauntlet of blood-hounds, patrols and the scouts of Hood's Army to be run.

I had but little difficulty in persuading Harvey into an acceptance of my views, and we began arranging for a solution of the first great problem--how to get outside of the Hospital guards.