His usually active mind was occupied with one sole thought--how he might get out of Richmond at any cost.

Several times had he even made the attempt, but was stopped by some insurmountable obstacle.

However, the siege continued; and if the prisoners were anxious to escape and join Grant's army, certain of the besieged were no less anxious to join the Southern forces.

Among them was one Jonathan Forster, a determined Southerner.
The truth was, that if the prisoners of the Secessionists could not leave the town, neither could the Secessionists themselves while the Northern army invested it.

The Governor of Richmond for a long time had been unable to communicate with General Lee, and he very much wished to make known to him the situation of the town, so as to hasten the march of the army to their relief.