call on the general. They met me at the door of their office, and
asked:

"What is the news?"

"The general grants transportation for myself and supplies to Island
No. 10 and to Memphis," I said.

By their clapping of hands one would have thought they had got
cheering news from the army. I found they too felt the weight of
responsibility in this, as they had solicited my aid in getting these
freed people to go to the island.

The following morning I found a boat was going to leave at half-past
eight o'clock, but too early for the promised transportation, I told
the captain of the boat of my wish to go with supplies to Island No.
10 and to Memphis, but had the promise from the general to have the
papers at nine o'clock. A captain in the army, standing by, told him
he could take me with supplies with all safety; for if General
Taliaferro had promised transportation he could rest assured the
general at Columbus, Kentucky, would be sure to give it.

"Very well," he said; "where are your supplies?"

They were pointed out, and he ordered them to be put on board at once.

On landing at Columbus I called on the general, and secured
transportation from Cairo to places of destination. Now I thought all
was straight; but as I handed my paper to the captain he said: