THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED
127th New York Volunteers, came into our prison quarters. We were drawn up in line, and he made a short speech. He said: "Gentlemen, you shall be treated, while in my custody, humanely. You who have friends within our lines with whom you can correspond may write them at once for money, clothing, and such other articles that will add to your comfort. I will do all for you I can do, consistent with my duty, to make you as comfortable as possible. Myself and my regiment have seen service in the field and know what is due a brave foe. I will make this the model military prison of the United States. I have already made requisition on headquarters for blankets and clothing for you, and full army rations, together with plenty of fuel. All I shall ask is that you obey orders for government of the prison, and such sanitary rules as shall be issued by me."
We began to believe this was a dream. For a few days we had good white bread and plenty of it—full army
130
