the Lines. I drive an active Trade in Drugs and Confederate Money
while carrying Information to and Fro. Preparations for a grand final
Speculation in Confederate Money. I am intrusted with a Despatch
for the " Alabama," and am started for Havana 232
CHAPTER XX.
A VISIT TO HAVANA.
A Trip to Havana. My Purposes in making the Journey. The Results of a Year of Warfare. Gloomy Prospects. A Gleam of Hope in Vir ginia. The Delights of a Voyage on the Gulf of Mexico. The Island of Cuba in Sight. The Approach to Havana. I communicate with the Confederate Agents and deliver my Despatches. An Interchange of valuable Information. The Business of Blockade-running and its enormous Profits. The Injury to the Business caused by the Capture of New Orleans. My Return to New Orleans and Preparation for future Adventures 244
CHAPTER XXI.
A DIFFICULTY WITH BUTLER. ESCAPE FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Butler's Rule in New Orleans. A System of Terrorism. My Acquaint ance with Federal Officers. I resume the Business of carrying Infor mation through the Lines. A Trip to Robertson's Plantation for the Purpose of carrying a Confederate Despatch. A long Tramp after Night. Some of the Incidents of My Journey. The Alligators and Mosquitoes. Arrival at my Destination, and Delivery of the Despatch to a Confederate Officer. My hospitable Entertainment by Friends of the Confederacy. My Return to New Orleans. Capture of the Bearer of my Despatch, and my Arrest. I am taken before Butler, who en deavors to extort a Confession from Me. Butler as a Bully. I refuse to confess, and am ordered to be imprisoned in the Custom-House. My Release, through the Intercession of the British Consul. I resolve to leave New Orleans, for fear of getting into further Trouble. A Bar gain with a Fisherman to take me across Lake Pontchartrain. My Escape from Butler's Jurisdiction 253
CHAPTER XXII.
CARRYING DESPATCHES.
Uncertainties of the Military Situation. I go to Jackson, Mississippi. Burning of the Bowman House in that Place by Breckenridge's Soldiers. The unpleasant Position in which Non-combatants were Placed. A Visit to the Camp of General Dan. Adams, and Interview with that Officer. I visit Hazlehurst, and carry a Message to General Gardner at Port Hudson. Recovery of my Negro Boy Bob. General Van Dorn's Raid on Holly Springs. I resolve to return to Virginia. The Results of two Years of Warfare. Dark Days for the Confederacy. Fighting against Hope 268
