Belle Boyd in Camp and Prison

CHAPTER XIX

CHAPTER XIX BOATS WERE CONTINUALLY passing to and fro between the "Prize," as she was designated, and the Connecticut, with orders and counter-orders, until the proximity of the vessels grew wearisome. I was relieved to hear that we were about to start, and my pleasure did not diminish when, at eight P.M., the command was given to get under steam and proceed northward, keeping just astern of the Connecticut, which would accompany us. Heart-sick at the turn that the tide of fortune had taken, I retired to my couch and endeavored to sleep. But prison walls could not be banished from my imagination, and the attempt wasvain. The next morning, at daylight, I was aroused by loud hailing from the Yankee cruiser as she passed close to us, ordering that we should "heave-to" whilst she sent a boat on board. We presently learned that our destination was to be Fortress Monroe, and that we were to be towed thither behind the Connecticut. Hawsers were passed to us by means of boats, and, when these tow-lines had been well secured, both vessels steamed ahead. It was the second evening after our surrender that Captain H., Mr. Hardinge, and myself, were seated together close by the wheel. The moon shone beautifully clear, lighting up everything with a brightness truly magnificent;the ocean, just agitated by a slight breeze that swept over its surface, looked like one vast bed of sparkling diamonds, and the B E L L E BOYD I N C A M P A N D P R I S O N Ipl rippling of the little waves, as they struck the vessel's side, seemed but a soft accompaniment to the vocal music with which Captain H. had been regaling us. Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears; soft stillness, and the night, Become the touches of sweet harmony. Presently Captain H. went forward on the bridge and conversed with Mr. Hall, the officer on watch. We two were left to ourselves; and Mr. Hardinge quoted some beautiful passages from Byron and Shakespeare . Then, in a decidedly Claude Melnotte style, he endeavored to paint the "home to which, if love could but fulfil its prayers, this heart would lead thee!" And from poetry he passed on to plead an oft-told tale.... Situated as I was, and having known him for so short a time, a very practical thought flitted through my brain. If he felt all that he professed to feel for me, he might in future be useful to us; so, when he asked me "to be his wife," I told him that "his question involved serious consequences," and that "he must not expect an answer until I should arrive at Boston." During our voyage, Mr. Hardinge was so kind and courteous that Captain H. took a great fancy to him, and swore eternal friendship to one of whom he afterwards spoke as "the most thorough gentleman from Yankee land that he had ever met with." The morning which succeeded the romantic episode slightly sketched above beheld the Connecticut and Greyhound \ying-to off the Capes. A fogdetained us in uncertainty as to our whereabouts for some time; and, when it lifted, we steamed up Hampton Roads. I sat on the little deck aft, watching with interest all that I saw, and listening alternatelyto the captain and Mr. Hardinge as they conversed on various topics. From the latter I ascertained that General Butlerwas in command at Fortress Monroe, and from him I could expect but little courtesy. As we neared our anchorage, I made out distinctly the grim outline of the fortress, rising in its majesty and strength. I compared myself to 192 B E L L E BOYD IN C A M P AND P R I S O N the fly nearing the cunning old spider, who was eagerly watching for the moment when it should become entangled in his intricate web. My capture had been telegraphed to those in authority. The Connecticut had cast off from us about halfway up the river, and had gone onward to the mouth of the James, where Admiral Lee then was; but the Greyhound,when opposite the pier of the Baltimore steamers, came to an anchor. Mr. Hardinge went on board the flag-ship Minnesota to report. He was absent about two hours, and...