We slipped through the guards and going up town, went straight to Major General Schofield's headquarters and solicited a pass to go on the first boat--the steamer "Thorn." General Schofield treated us very kindly; but declined to let anybody but the helplessly sick go on the "Thorn." Defeated here we went down to where the vessel was lying at the dock, and tried to smuggle ourselves aboard, but the guard was too strong and too vigilant, and we were driven away.

Going along the dock, angry and discouraged by our failure, we saw a Surgeon, at a little distance, who was examining and sending the sick who could walk aboard another vessel--the "General Lyon." We took our cue, and a little shamming secured from him tickets which permitted us to take our passage in her.
The larger portion of those on board were in the hold, and a few were on deck.

Andrews and I found a snug place under the forecastle, by the anchor chains.
Both vessels speedily received their complement, and leaving their docks, started down the river.

The "Thorn" steamed ahead of us, and disappeared.

Shortly after we got under way, the Colonel who was put in command of the boat--himself a released prisoner--came around on a tour of inspection.