|
a.
|
Note: During the Civil War I was captured at Buffington Island, Ohio with General John Morgan. I was first put in Camp Chase prison, but soon moved to the Camp Douglas military prison. In a little while, I and a comrade from Tennessee plotted with the guards to escape. The arrangements were made, but the guards betrayed us and told the officers. At the appointed time and place, in the dead of night, we met the guards and they commenced to help us up and over the high board fence. I went up first and over the top and dropped down on the outside to the ground-bang, bang, a fusillade of shots were fired at me, when I struck the ground. Instinctively I fell down, and several officers rushed up and raised me up and asked me if I was hurt. "No," I said. "Why did you fall down?" they asked. "To avoid being murdered," I replied. They cursed me roundly.
My partner, on top of the fence when they fired at me, jumped back inside and made his way back to his quarters. They wanted to know who the other "Rebel" was that was with me-his name? I, as stubborn as a mule, and with a code of honor, like a sailor at sea, to protect and save others, refused to tell his name. The next day they poured out their spleen of wrath on me and swore they would force and made me tell the name of the other fellow. So they took me into a building and showed me "thumb screws" and putting them on my thumbs declared they would "hang me by the thumbs". And they did with ropes attached and thrown over a beam above, draw me up by the thumbs partially off my feet- but without lacerating or injuring the joints. Failing to exhort by this means they put me down in a dungeon and kept me there several weeks, as punishment, they said, for my attempt to escape. Then I was permitted to go back to my quarters to enjoy(?) the ordinary treatment of a prisoner of war. At once I had a "hunch" and urge, and commenced scheming again to make the second attempt to escape. I tried again! It was at the break of day- and suffice to say, I was stopped and arrested by soldiers outside of the prison, on the public sidewalk that ran along in front of the prison wall. I objected and protested, but the guards said their orders were "to let no one pass". The Sergeant of the guard was called and after a little parley said "You will have to go before the officer of the day." "Alright" I answered and the sergeant took me to the prison gate which was open, and inside we went before the officer and his aides. Like lightning flash I cried out, with utmost indignant protest at the outrage of soldiers arresting a private citizen on a public sidewalk. Words were in my mouth to talk. The officer began to explain that some of the prisoners had escaped and apologized for my arrest by saying pickets were put on the outside to more effectually guard the prison. I replied "certainly" and he said to the soldier "see the gentleman out of the gate", and I walked with the soldier to the gate which was opened for me and out I went. Soon I was transported across the boarder and to the foreign soil of Canada where Uncle Sam could not get me and I was protected by International law.
My escape and delivery from the military prison at Camp Douglas was a miracle, a wonderful thing. Miraculous-performed by direct agency of Almighty power, which I cannot and am unable to describe. I have always believed and believe now, that my deliverance was the answer to the pleadings and prayers of my beloved ones at home to the Almighty God for my safety and freedom.
Guided by an unseen hand, words were put into my mouth to talk and the way opened for me to walk.
Although this event and miracle was wrought sixty seven years ago, first, my first revelation, is the first and only account of my mysterious experience.
NOTE: This is part of a Letter to the Editor, published in the Harrosburg Herald Jan. 23, 1931
Written by Beriah Magoffin 111.
Part of a letter written by Beriah Magoffin to his daughter Jeannie, Jan. 9, 1916.
"For a complete account and description of my imprisonment and delivery from prison I refer you to the Scriptures, 12th chapter of Acts, where Peter was put in prison and by prayers, was delivered from prison. All the details, in the case of Peter, from the beginning to his being led out of prison through the iron gate into one street that went into the city, his seeing his friends, and then went into another place - in my case, Peter's experience was my experience, identically.
If I was asked to tell my story, I would have to repeat the story of Peter, when he was first in prison, then delivered by prayer from his enemies.
I believe I was rescued and delivered from prison through the prayers of my mother and grandmother and others offered for my deliverance.
I have never written down my belief in this matter before but I know you will value it and therefore I give it to you."
|
