Your uncle Wyman told me I had better keep quiet where I was, for just as sure as his name was Somers, the North would all fall to pieces in less than six months.

He expected the rebel army would be in New York afore long, and I should be a great deal better off where I was.

He tried to get a pass to send me through the rebel lines, but he couldn't do it.
"Things went on in this way till your uncle Wyman went to Charleston on business, and I haven't seen him from that day to this.

The rebels tried to make me go into their navy, but I wouldn't do it, of course; but when I couldn't do any other way, I went into the army, hoping I should be sent to the front, and find a chance to get away.

I've been watching ever since, but I never happened to get within twenty miles of the Union pickets before.