Word arrived on the morning of July thirtieth that Belle Boyd had been arrested outside Washington City and was being held at the Old Capital Prison. I asked Caroline to visit the prison, to see if she might gain access for an interview. She agreed.
Caroline reported that she first went to see her brother at the White House, and received a pass from him for the Old Capital Prison. Upon arriving at the prison, she was escorted to a small room, where she waited for the Confederate Spy to be brought in for their conversation.
Caroline reported that she waited for nearly an hour, after which a young officer entered the room to report that Miss Boyd had refused to meet with the reporter from New York.
“The officer informed me, Auntie Liz, that Miss Boyd had nothing to say to the Yankee press”, Caroline apologized.
“It was well worth your efforts, Caroline”, I said. “We do not always have the success or the results we wish, but thank you for trying. Perhaps another day, she will feel more like having a visitor, even if it is Yankee press.”
The Old Capital Prison was no place for a woman to be confined. The walls were thick and dirty. The windows to the cells provided little room for light or fresh air. The privies stank and were not well tended to or limed regularly. The food was better served to the hogs than for human consumption.
Since Rose Greenhow had been arrested and detained at the Prison early in the war, conditions had deteriorated significantly. Rose had been treated with kindness, and given every consideration. She had, however, taken advantage of her keepers, and had managed to continue to pass secrets on to Richmond.
Now, civilians accused and arrested as spies were treated with cruel contempt. They were isolated from the population and kept from open windows. Under constant guard, they were escorted to and from the privies and were forced to eat their meals in isolation in their cells. Women fared no better than men in this situation.
The next two weeks passed quickly, and before long, Sarah and Caroline were preparing to return to their duties in Philadelphia. Their final evening with me brought Isaac, James, and Andrew for dinner. It was such a joy to have them with me once again, around the dining room table.
Caroline promised to return at Christmas, if her responsibilities would allow for the journey. Sarah assured her that they would, and plans were made.
Andrew stated that he felt the war might be drawing to an end soon, and that perhaps Amos would be able to come home this Christmas, as well. It had been nearly three years since we were all together at that special time of year.
Isaac took Caroline and Sarah to the train station, early the next morning, to begin their journey toward Philadelphia. Rebecca had prepared a basket full of food and drink, for them to enjoy on the train.
Sarah objected, reminding us that the trip to Philadelphia would take only a little more than five hours to complete. Caroline said that they would be able to eat in Baltimore, during their short layover.
“Never you mind, Miss Caroline”, Rebecca said. “You never know when them trains are gonna be late or run afoul.”
Rebecca was correct. During the past several months, train service often became unreliable, as the lines were used more for supporting Grant’s troops in the south and less for regular public transportation. Passengers were known to be put off the trains at any given stop, if the cars were needed for troops.
“Promise to wire as soon as you have arrived”, I insisted of Caroline and Sarah.
“Please do not worry, Auntie Liz. We WILL be fine on the journey to Philadelphia”, Caroline protested.
Isaac arrived back at my home a short time after the train had departed. He reported that the women had boarded safely, and were on their way.
“By the way, Liz”, Isaac began. I saw Secretary Stanton and General Baker at the depot this morning. They inquired as to your well-being.”
“What did you tell them?” I asked.
“Just that you were recovering nicely, but were still confined to rest at home”, Isaac reported. “General Baker asked if he could pay you a visit soon.”
“I am not ready for his egotistical and accusatory ways in my home, Isaac”, I stated firmly.
“I understand, my dear, but he will speak with you, sooner or later”, Isaac said.
“Then let it be later”, I countered. “I do not wish that snake in my home, if I can avoid it.”
General Lafayette Baker was one of the most despicable men I have ever known. He was always suspicious of everyone, and often accused individuals of acts of treason without reasonable proof.
He had been responsible for arresting several of my colleagues and holding them for some time, merely for publishing stories that he felt were not supportive of the Union or the Lincoln Administration. I was certain that he would have arrested me several times, had I not been good friends of the Lincolns.
“Baker informed me that he was certain he could arrange an interview with Belle Boyd, should you desire it when you are feeling better”, Isaac quickly added.
“Yes, but at what cost?” I asked.