Page:The Immortal Six Hundred.djvu/253

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THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED


his nigger guards; free now from their insolence. The prison life at Fort Delaware was broken in numerous ways by the diversity of the "law schools,"

"medical schools," and "divinity schools." Lieut. George W. Finley, now the reverend and eloquent D. D. of the Presbyterian Church of Virginia, began his study for the ministry in the prison of Fort Delaware, under Rev. Dr. Handy.

There were in our prison gamblers, barbers, tailors, laundrymen, workers in rubber, and a minstrel troop, which gave performances in the mess hall of the prison when the commandant gave the permission. The proceeds from these shows went to relieve our sick comrades in the prison hospital. Sutler's checks was the currency of the prison, and these checks were taken at the mess house door for admission to the show. General Schoepf and his staff often attended these shows. Peter B. Akers as the tambourine, and J. Ogden Murray as bones, were the


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