On the left of the hall was the guard
room. Within the first barricade was the apartment of his assistant,
Sergeant O'Keefe. Two sentinels guarded the entrance day and night;
two more were stationed at the first and second barricades, which were
grated, barred, and chained.
"When a prisoner was led into the hall the whole guard was paraded,
and he was delivered over to Captain Cunningham or his deputy, and
questioned as to his name, age, size, rank, etc., all of which was
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.
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