I've made friends
with a guard who has given me the list of the men who have died here
in the five months since we came. In the first four months out of
five thousand and twenty-seven men held here, one thousand three
hundred and eleven died--six and one-half per cent a month--"
Davis paused and shook his head--
"The highest rate we have ever known at Salisbury or Andersonville
during those spring months was three per cent!"
He finished the last line in quivering tones.
"There's not a chance on earth that I'll live to see you again. See
the President and beg him for God's sake to save as many of the boys
as he can. With a heart full of love.
"Jimmie."
The President took both of Jennie's hands in his.
"I need not tell you, my dear, that I have done and am doing my level
best. The policy of the new Federal Commander is to refuse all offers of
exchange. You understand my position?"
"Perfectly," was the sorrowful answer. "I only came as a duty to bear
his dying message--"
"Express to your father and mother my deepest sympathy."
With a gentle pressure of the Chieftain's hand the girl answered:
"I need not tell you I appreciate it--"
The President watched her go with a look of helpless anguish.
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