Fellow Prisoners,

It has fallen to our lot to become the captives of the nation with which we are at war. This is the fortune of that policy; and though our condition [128] is incident to these privations, let us bear up under them with the fortitude of men. Let us nerve our souls in that impregnable armour which lightens the weary limb, and which the steel of our enemy cannot penetrate. That immortal spirit will make us superior to our condition, and triumph over our misfortunes. Recollect that the best nations of the world have battled with each other, and the best men have been in like condition with ourselves. Indulge, therefore, all reasonable hope in the magnanimity of our enemy, and in that justice which is the all-pervading providence of God.

To-day, countrymen, it is the pleasure of our captors that we should be parted, and sent on in advance to the capital. A long and weary journey lies before us. The gloom of the prison and the fatigues of this thousand miles of space we embrace as pleasures in comparison to this cruel separation with you, who have so nobly battled for your country and shared every danger.

The short time we have been permitted to remain at this place precludes the possibility of getting any assistance from our countrymen at home, therefore our means of pecuniary benefit to you are small indeed; but please accept with the warmest feelings of our hearts the small amount sent by Adjutant Murry for the assistance of the more unfortunate who may be sick on the road.

Now, dear friends and neighbours, let us part, but with that hope which stimulates man to look [129] beyond the present, and which, with God's pleasure, will one day unite us again at our homes.