pendent of him; nor was he present until it was organized, so far as my knowledge goes. He made a speech which was very severe and also personal in its character, but it contained some wholesome truths rather roughly expressed. To the extnet in which it was personal it can be said it was abusive aud illtimed.

He and his adherents did not vote down resolutions of a moderate character offered by the majority of the Committee, and substitute those of a most abusive and unmilitary character. Thereport of the Committee was adopt ed unanimously, but resolutions more personal in their character were afterwards offered by one of the meeting, and likewise adopted. These latter, inasmuch as they were personal and tended to usurp the place of a decree of a military Court, were perhaps unmilitary.

I do not think Col. Streight had any fear that his conduct would be censured by a military Court, though he might have thought it was not consistent with the Army Regulations. There was a rumor that Lt. Col. SANDERSON intended to prefer charges against Col. Streight.

Lieut. Randolph who joined me at Williamsburg after our escape, informed me that he had obtained money to enable him to escape through the tunnel, from Col. SANDERSON; and I heard of other instances, but do not now recollect from whom. I have a faint recollection that Major Henry told me shortly before escaping that he had obtained money from SANDERSON, but for what purpose I know not.

Col. SANDERSON always had a good supply of provisions on hand, sent by his friends from the North, and perhaps some of a richer quality than other tables possessed. The main feature of his living was his food was prepared with more care, and his table displayed more cleanliness and taste than those of others. I suppose it was regarded by the class referred to-the worst class-with a wish to help devour what was upon the table. I know it to have caused remark, but the remarks were those of envy, not of just censure.

I never heard the loyalty of his associates questioned, and deem them entirely so. They were gentlemen.

I knew of a plan to rescue ourselves which was canvassed by the officers, of whom Col. Streight was one, which was simply an attempt to overpower the guard, capture the arsenal, free the other prisoners, and then fight our way down the Peninsula. I suppose, as clear heads as there were in the prison thought at the time, that if a proper organization and entire unity of action could be secured, it would justify the attempt. No doubt there were some pradent men who found fault with it-those who did not fancy the gauntlet that would have to be run if the attempt was made. It was never attempted to be carried into execution, because there were too many "generals" among us.

I know of Col. SANDERSON'S efforts during the month of September to get up an organization for the purpose of escaping in case of removal from Richmond to Salisbury. I think I learned it from Col. S. himself, but I do not know who originated it.

FROM LT. COL. A. F. RODGERS.

[80th Illinois Vols.]

I was captured near Rome, Ga., on the 3d of May, 1863, and was exchanged at Charleston, S. C., on the 3d of August, 1864-being one of the fifty officers placed there under fire. I had command of the 80th Regiment, Illinois Vols. on the raid into Georgia, commanded by Col. Streight.

I formed acquaintance with Col. JAMES M. SANDERSON, in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. His reputation as an officer and a gentleman was as good as any in the Prison: he was not in the habit of using profane or abusive language. Towards his comrades he acted the perfect gentleman: his associates were of the better class of officers. I was personally cognizant of his services as director in the East room. The officers of the West rooms had it in contemplation to invite him to exercise supervision of the cooking and messing arrangements in their room, which was so strongly opposed by Col. Streight that it was abandoned. I was present at the difficulty between Cols. Streight and SANDERSON. Col. Streight abused Col. SANDERSON most shamefully. Every officer that heard it censured Col. Streight for his ungentlemanly and abusive language.

After this difficulty, Col. Streight was a persistent enemy of Col. SA NDERSON and was instrumental in getting up a meeting in the East rooms, for the purpose of denouncing Cols. Tilden and SANDERSON. It was generally understood that Col. SANDERSON would bring charges against him for his conduct and remarks on that occasion.

I heve known him to give money to needy brother officers, and assist them very materially otherwise, by helping them to medicine, clothing, etc.

I never knew him to refuse a favor to any one, if in his power to grant it. I am acquainted with Neal Dow, late Brig. Gen. of Volunteers. He was not in my opinion more kind and patriotic than Col. SANDERSON. I do not regard him as a better officer or kinder-hearted man. I was knowing to the fact that General Dow had a number of blankets, and when brother officers came in without any, he would not offer them one, and they would have to lay on the bare floor, or sit up all night.

When Gen. Dow was exchanged he carried blankets and provisions away with him.

FROM LT. COL. JOHN HENRY.

[5th Ohio Cav'y.]

Was taken prisoner in a fight with Gen. Chalmers at Hernando, Miss., and was sent to Libby Prison, Richmond, arriving there July 6, 1863. I remained until the night of February 9, 1864, when in company with one hundred and eight other prisoners, I made my escape through the tunnel, was re-captured two days after, and brought back, where I remained until the 30th April, when I was released and exchanged.

Lt. Col. SANDERSON's reputation as an officer was, that he was very thorough and rigid in exacting discipline, somewhat of a martinet; exact and orderly

bimself, he required those under his control to do their duty; he was very systematic and precise in what he undertook, and, I think, aimed at the good of his fellow prisoners. His character as a gentleman was high, and by his deportment as such, commanded respect. His associates were among the most moral and high-toned in Libby; anything vulgar shocked and horrified him.

His arrangements for conducting the cooking department, although rigid, were well calculated to benefit all concerned ; but were not appreciated by those who were too filthy and indisposed to do ought for themselves. There existed in consequence a prejudice that grew, and was nourished by those who disliked restraint until it assumed a hatred, and any saying was twisted into such a shape as was best calculated to stir up dislike in the minds of those who were the recipients of his favors, and turn them against him. Consequently, viewed through spectacles, colored by such prejudices, his enemies could not place to his credit much that was loyal, noble, and benevolent in his conduct and actions. To myself he communicated freely plans of escape, and he often talked of the feasibility of such plans. He was indeed the first to hint towards organization for the purpose of releasing ourselves.

He always seemed willing to submit to the action of our Government, in the matter of our confinement, when many of the so-called and loud-mouthed "Administrationists" were denouncing it.

I accompanied him once to Belle Island, and was convinced, that, although his discipline was rigid, it aimed at the good of those for whom he assiduously labored. I do not believe, for I made enquiry of the men themselves, that he treated them cruelly. He was too kind, and too much in sympathy with them to be guilty of such meanness.

His intimacy with Rebel officers went no further than was calculated, in his judgment, to further the welfare of prisoners; he may have used the "Silken Glove," but it covered an "Iron Hand," when duty required him to stand up for the rights of our poor privates. As far as I could observe, he was polite to the Rebels in charge of the prison, but distant and dignified.

When we made our escape, he generously loaned many of the officers money, and bade them "God-speed." I was somewhat prejudiced against him at first, but looking at the matter fairly, I must say that no one went to him in a manly, open manner, who did not find him willing to explain or make the proper amends; and on very many occasions he exerted himself to obtain favors for those who had vilified him. I do not think he would have injured Col. Streight in any way while a prisoner, and no man rejoiced more at his escape, or wished him good luck with a freer heart.

Col. Streight was a good, loyal man, but Col. SANDERSON, although not so popular, was as loyal. I, for one, never for a moment doubted him, and to-day have no cause to change my opinion.

To me he laid open his heart in his grief for afflictions at home, and in our hours of tender conversation I felt his heart was right, whatever others might. think.

I will say, in conclusion, on my honor, that I believe the charges made were without the slightest foundation, and had their origin more in a prejudice growing out of the restraints his discipline imposed upon a restless and uncultivated

set of men, unused to being curbed in their desires, and too rude and ignorant

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to appreciate the efforts of any one laboring for their good, when those efforts conflicted with their loose and selfish desires.

FROM MAJOR WM. RUSSELL, JUN.

[A. A. G. Cavalry M. M. Div.]

I hereby state, on honor, that my name is William Russell, Jun.; my rank, Major; my position, Ass't Adj. Gen. Cavalry, Middle Military Division. I was captured on the 20th of July, 1863, in company with Lt. Col. JAMES M. SANDERSON, Chief C. S., of the First Corps (of which I was A. A. A. G.,) and one Orderly. We were surprised by a band of guerillas, (twelve in number,) whilst reconnoitering for a ford to cross the column over a deep and rapid stream in the vicinity of Middleburg, Va. We were carried to Richmond, stopping one night at Culpepper, where Col. SANDERSON expressed himself a warm advocate for the abolition of Slavery. We were confined in Libby Prison, in the Eastern department. and continued intimate during our whole imprisonment-belonging to the same mess until January 1st, when Col. SANDERSON left it owing to the alleged ungentlemanly conduct of Captain Atwood. Shortly after our arrival, Col. Streight took occasion to fasten a quarrel on Col. SANDERSON, and insulted him in a most gratuitous and ungentlemantly manner. In this affair every honorable man sided with Col. SANDERSON, and commended his conduct.

During the month of October, Col. S. was taken quite ill and carried to the hospital, where he remained two or three days. On his return he suffered a relapse, and was quite ill for some time. During this latter attack we were suddenly surprised to find two guns placed to cover the entrances to the Prison, and the guard doubled. On inquiry, we were informed that the citizens of Richmond threatened to break open the Prison and set us free, as we were raising the price of provisions. Subsequently, we learned that some one had revealed a plan of escape which we were said to be concerting; and, finally, we were informed by Col. Streight and his friends that Col. SANDERSON had be trayed us to the Confederate authorities. As no attempt to escape was made the guns were withdrawn and the extra guard retired, and matters proceeded as usual. This charge against Col. SANDERSON was not made openly or in his presence, that I ever heard; but was whispered about without attaining, as far as I know, the slightest credence among his friends, or the better class of officers surrounding him.

A few days later, a large supply of subsistence and clothing, addressed to Gen. Neal Dow (sent by our Government) was received; and Gen. Neal Dow was permitted to visit the Island for the purpose of distributing it. He was accompanied, I think, by one or two junior officers. He went bat two or three times, as he was suddenly relieved by the Confederate authorities; and Cols. Cesnola, Boyd, and VonSchrader substituted. These gentlemen were constan ly employed in transacting this business for five or six weeks, when Col. Cesnola

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brought down the anger of the authorities by some action on his part, and he also was relieved; and Col. SANDERSON, at his (Cesnola's) suggestion, assigned to his place. Col. SANDERSON, at first, selected Col. Cavada as a companion, but this gentleman was obliged after four or five visits to abandon this position, and I was invited to take his place, until I, also, was forced by sickness to relinquish it, after having accompanied Col. S. for some days. Col. SANDERSON was quick-tempered, and spoke sometimes more sharply and severely than was necessary; but he was ready to forget and forgive, and was as easily approached by a foe as by a friend, especially when a favor was to be conferred. Several officers, who had had serious difficulties with him, were relieved by him without the slightest hesitation on his part. I have known him to lend money to officers, and he was known for his stock of medicines and little necessaries which he sent for to the North expressly for the needy and improvident. My successor, as Col. SANDERSON's companion, was Capt. Atwood, who was selected at the request of Col. Tilden; although Col. S. did not particularly affect him. This officer held the position for five or six days, when Col.. S. decided to take a different officer every day, so as to afford many who had relations among the soldiers an opportunity of visiting them. In his selection he appeared to be guided by the claims of the applicants, giving the preference to those having the greatest claims. I have since heard that many of these men went over expressly to obtain evidence of his cruelty, great reports of which were circulated throughout the Prison. The day following the "McKee" meeting, Col. S. asked and obtained permission to select two officers daily for his companions; and, during the continuance of his visits to the Island, he was always accompanied by that number.

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Early in February, five officers made their escape from the Prison, whereupon all privileges extended to the Committee and others were cut off, and all visits to Belle Island ceased. Col. SANDERSON was sometimes, however, permitted to visit the officer in charge of the boxes; and I knew he did everything in his power to procure the boxes of any one who would ask his assistance. Just before the general exodus through the tunnel, several parties asked and obtained money from Col. S. to enable them to effect their escape; whilst to others he gave everything he could spare, calculated to aid them in getting through safely. Finally, when about to be exchanged, Col. S. divided among his companions and messmates everything he was possessed of in the shape of books, clothing, bedding, and subsistence-amounting to over two hundred dollars, if not more, carrying away with him the contents of a haversack and one blanket. After his departure, Captain Atwood, who had been promised his release by Dick Turner, was unexpectedly sent back; and immediately charged it upon Col. SANDERSON, who, as I have since been informed, was not aware of his not being on board the steamer until so apprised by Capt. Fobes, some hours after their departure.

Col. SANDERSON was not given to profanity, bestiality, or abusive language. On the contrary, he was courteous and obliging to every one who approached him in a gentlemanly manner.

I have seen him in a passion and have heard him` apply epithets of a most abusive character to an officer; but only when, as I thought, richly deserved.