THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED
in this work. While we lay in the James River the Norfolk people learned of it. They flocked down on the wharf, waving handkerchiefs and cheering us. While we were in Norfolk Harbor one of the officers of the 157th New York Volunteers told us we would not be exchanged.
"Just what is to be done with you I do not know," he said, "but I do not think you will be exchanged. You may all be placed in the hospital."
Later on, another one of the 157th New York officers said, positively, we were to be exchanged and would be home in a day or two. Believing this story to be true, I really did not think it worth while to escape from the boat, and Prewitt and myself abandoned a plan we had made to leave the ship.
After laying in the harbor for some time, our ship steamed out to sea. Nobody was allowed on deck; all must go below and stay there. This order was strictly enforced by the guard until we were well out at sea.
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