entered in a record book. These records appear to have been discreetly
destroyed by the British authorities.

"At the bristling of arms, unbolting of locks and bars, clanking of
enormous iron chains in a vestibule dark as Erebus, the unfortunate
captive might well sink under this infernal sight and parade of
tyrannical power, as he crossed the threshold of that door which
probably closed on him for life.

"The north east chamber, turning to the left on the second floor, was
appropriated to officers of superior rank, and was called Congress
Hall. * * * In the day time the packs and blankets used by the
prisoners to cover them were suspended around the walls, and every
precaution was taken to keep the rooms clean and well ventilated.

"In this gloomy abode were incarcerated at different periods many
American officers and citizens of distinction, awaiting with sickening
hope the protracted period of their liberation. Could these dumb walls
speak what scenes of anguish might they not disclose!

"Cunningham and his deputy were enabled to fare sumptuously by dint of
curtailing the prisoners' rations, selling good for bad provisions,
etc., in order to provide for the drunken orgies that usually
terminated his dinners. Cunningham would order the rebel prisoners to
turn out and parade for the amusement of his guests, pointing them out
with such characterizations as 'This is the d----d rebel, Ethan
Allen. This is a rebel judge, etc.'"

Cunningham destroyed Nathan Hale's last letters containing messages to
his loved ones, in order, as he said, that "the rebels should not know