Franklin County: "Exchange of Prisoners," by Unknown, March 16, 1914
Summary: In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this report--originally printed in 1862--from an ex-governor of Virginia who paroled from prison. It mentions that many Confederates still believe that they are winning the war and expect the Union to surrender at any time.
We see by an exchange that the son of "Extra Billy Smith," Ex-governor of Virginia, who has been confined for sometime in Fort Warren, has been released on his parole of honor in exchange for Mr. William Ayres, merchant of Philadelphia who was captured about four weeks ago, while visiting the battlefield of Manassas. We learn from our friend, George B. Ayres who is a brother of the first named, that the capture was effected by a squad of Stewarts Virginia Guerrillas, who were prowling about that section disguised in citizens clothes, and who after securing their illegal prey, carried him for miles through pine woods and by-roads in order to escape our pickets. Mr. Ayres was confined in the same tobacco warehouse with Col. Corcorau and a great number of the original Bull Run prisoners. He relates a "strange eventful history" of his personal experiences and the condition of affairs in Richmond and elsewhere in his travels. He says it would be beyond all possibility to convince anyone in Richmond that the North was not stagnated and impoverished, and their greatest wonder is why the Government don't surrender at at once! They are confident of victory, and the people hear very little of the successes of the Federal arms. Hs reports much, however, which it is not expedient to print and after four weeks living under the "stars and bars," is perfectly satisfied to flourish in all the future under the glorious "old gridiron" whose broad stripes and bright stars are destined to be yet the proudest standard in all the world.
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Published in Kauffman's Progressive, March 16, 1914, originally appeared in the "Greencastle Pilot" Volume 3, No. 15, May 11, 1862; edited by James W. M'Crory
