THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED
Morris Island, or they were going to place six hundred officers (Federal prisoners of war) on the ramparts of Fort Sumter. He also stated that General Foster, commanding United States forces, had asked for a flag of truce conference, which was then in session. We could see the men on Fort Sumter's ramparts. All was as serene as a church picnic. Later on, this negro sergeant informed us that the Secretary of War, himself, from Washington, was on the flag of truce boat with his cabinet, and was making arrangements to exchange all the prisoners of war, colored troops included. We were, of course, elated at this information, and speculation, rumors and "grape" filled the camp. At sundown the guns of Charleston, Sumter, and the Yankee guns on Morris Island began booming; then we knew there was to be no exchange; but the next morning the guns were again silent, the flag of truce boats were again together. At evening roll call the negro sergeant informed us exchange had been
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