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332 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
the men for certain reasons not altogether satisfactory refused to make
an attack on the Michigan. Beall returned landed at Sandwich Canada
West and the men scattered through the country. Most of them have
returned to the Confederate States. But a feAV days since Acting Master
Bennett C. Burley was arrested and his trial is now going on under the
extradition treaty. If Ave had Cole's, Beall's or his OAVII commission I
should not fear the result as it is they will have to prove they acted under
my order, and that will in order probably secure his release but it may
lead to my expulsion from the provinces, at least I have it from a reliable
source that this last proposition has been pressed on the Canadian
authorities and they have considered it. Should the course of events
take this direction, unadvised by you I shall consider it my duty, to
remain where I am and abide the issue. I should prefer if possible to
have your vieAvs on the subject. Captain Cole is still a prisoner on
Johnson's Island."
The folloAving is a copy of the order releasing the four Sandusky
citizens arrested on the charge of conspiring to release the prisoners on
Johnson's Island. The order is IIOAV in the possession of Fred Frey.
"HEADQUARTERS IT. S. FORCES
"At Johnson's Island and Sandusky
"Johnson's Island, Ohio, Sept. 21st, 1864.
"Special orders
"No. 227
"2. John IT. William, Dr. E. Stanley, John M. Brown, and Abraham
Strain, citizens of Sandusky, having been arrested by Capt. J. Steiner,
Pro. Marshal, 9th Dist. of Ohio, and aAvaited at this post further investigation
upon allegations understood to implicate them with others, in
a conspiracy to capture the U. S. Steamer Michigan, and rescue the
rebel prisoners at this port, or to aid and assist them, and the facts having
IIOAV been more fully inquired into, and they failing to make a case
against said Williams, Stanley, Brown and Strain, they are therefore
relieved from further detention.
"By command of Col. Chas. W. Hill.
"John M. Brown, Citizen,
"Sandusky, Ohio."
"JOHN LEWIS,
"Capt. & A. A. A. Gen'l.
i'
In the report of the treatment of prisoners of war by the rebel authorities,
third session, Fortieth Congress, 1868-1869, page 151, will be found
the following statement by a rebel surgeon who was released from
Johnson's Island, which was also printed in the Richmond Enquirer:
"The sleeping accommodations are very comfortable consisting of a
bunk with straAv bed and if the individual has no blanket one is furnished
and he is allowed to buy as many more as he Avants. Every room has a
good stove and is furnished with a sufficiency of wood. This the prisoners