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"Fort La Fayette, New York.
"My Dear Wife:—
"I write on my knee, and with very little light—but I cannot help saying to you, so that you may know as soon as possible, that, notwithstanding the assurances given to us when we left Fort McHenry, we are altogether as uncomfortable as it is possible to be. The gentleman in command has expressed his desire to do all in his power for our comfort, but he has not the means. Don't write until I give you notice, for at present we are cut off from all communication with our friends, except writing to them, and our letters inspected. Love to all.Affectionately,
"WM. H. GATCHELL.
"Wednesday Evening, 31st July."
Lieutenant Wood, who had expressed his desire to do all in his power for the comfort of the prisoners, sent back the above letter after the lapse of two or three weeks, to Mr. Gatchell. He informed Mr. Gatchell, when he returned it, that it had been forwarded to Washington for inspection, and that he was not allowed to let it pass.
I had, during the visit to New York, of which I have already spoken, learned how outrageously my father and his companions were treated, and I published in the New York Daily News, a full statement of the facts. It was never contradicted by the agents of the Government, and was apparently unnoticed by the public. At that time, also, I met Major Clitz, of the United States Army, who was then stationed at Fort Hamilton, who, in reply to some remarks of mine, admitted that there were not decent accommodations in Fort La Fayette for fifteen prisoners. Major Clitz came over to Fort La Fayette while I was myself a prisoner there, and I reminded him of that conversation. He unhesitatingly replied that he was still of the same opinion.
Shortly after the visit just mentioned, the prisoners were permitted to receive the daily papers, and were allowed the use of liquor, under certain restrictions. The liquors they chose to order, were kept by Lieut. Wood, and were given
