December 31.-This day closes up the old year, and soon, if life is spared, we shall enter upon the duties of the new; and what shall be the issues of the coming year none of us can tell. There is an air of sadness observable on the countenances of many, while others, thinking of the festivities of other days, on the occasion of this anniversary, seem desirous of celebrating as they were wont to do in the more peaceful days of yore. Many are making preparations to have a dance in the "cook-room" this evening. Evening advances, and with its onward march the dance ensues. For a time the prisoners seemed to forget that they were securely enclosed within these inhospitable prison walls. The merriment and hilarity still continued till the old year passed away to return no more.

Some, apparently disgusted with the reckless merriment, collected in groups, and sang in full chorus, national songs, till the old year was gone. "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Red, White, and Blue," "Rally Round the Flag, Boys," etc., pealed through the long rooms with terrible emphasis, and when the chorus,

"The Union forever,—hurrah, boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitors and up with the stars,

While we rally round the Flag, boys, rally once again!
Shouting the battle-cry of Freedom!"

was reiterated again and again, with significant beating of feet, it seemed as if the very roof must give way before the accumulated volume of sound.

Some, as quietly as they might, in the midst of so much noise, watched the old year out, according to custom, with prayer and religious songs. All made a "watch-night" of it, for sleep was out of the question.

Some time ago a contribution was taken up among the prisoners, of the little money they had kept concealed from the prison authorities, and some musical instruments purchased. A bass-viol, violin, and banjo, compose our orchestra-besides a bushel or more of "bones."

These were on "extra duty" during the whole night, and certainly tended to cause us to forget our aches and privations. Such jollification the Rebels allowed, I suppose, because they happened to be in good humor, or had amusements of their own to attend to.

THE NEW YEAR IN LIBBY.

January 1, 1864. Another year has beer ushered in to mark an important period in the world's history. Its records will, ere long, be fixed by the historian, and posterity shall know the suc cesses and defeats, the trials and sufferings, of the present eventful epoch.

Some little attempt has been made by the cooks to give us a "New Year's dinner," although no extra rations have been issued. For instance, instead of simply boiled rice and corn-cakes, they have given us rice soup, or rice-water and gruel; rice pudding, that is, boiled rice mixed with corn meal and water;

corn-meal pudding, which is meal-batter mixed with boiled rice; then we have had boiled rice and cornbread, pure, unmixed, à la Libby. Thus we have had unity, or at least duality, in the midst of variety which is an excellent thing.

January 2.-The following is the daily allow.. ance of rations issued to us by the prison authorities : About three-fourths of a pound of corn-bread, one gill of rice, one-half pound of beef, and a very little salt. On such rations we are left to live or die. Groceries can be purchased of the prison commissary at the following rates :

At the above prices the prisoners may purchase the necessaries of life by disposing of their clothing, rings, and anything else of value which it may be their good fortune to possess.

PUNISHMENT FOR SINGING OUR NATIONAL SONGS.

January 24. It has all along been our custom to go down to the cook-room occasionally, for a promenade, there being more room for exercise there than in our own quarters. It is a great relief to walk without being constantly compelled to exer

cise care lest you step on some one. I went down last evening for a walk, and there found about sixty prisoners marching around the room at double-quick, in column of fours. I fell in with them, and all commenced singing "Star-Spangled Banner," "Rally Round the Flag, Boys," etc.

This had continued for some time, when the door leading into the street suddenly opened, and a squad of armed Rebels filed in. Maj. Turner was at their head, and quickly crossing the room and placing himself at the door leading up stairs to prevent any of us from escaping from the room, he began, "Now then, you damned boisterous scoundrels, I'l teach you to begin your cursed howling in this building again. I want you to understand that you mustn't drive people crazy out in the streets with your villainous Yankee songs." Then, turning to the guards

"Take your stations about these damned rascals, and shoot the first man that dares to stir out of his tracks, and relieve each other till further orders." To us again: "Now, damn you, you will stand here till twelve o'clock to-night; and make a bit of noise or move from your places, at your peril." He then ordered us into line, and marched us to the north end of the cook-room, where we were kept till the appointed time.

The fires went out early in the evening, and it was very cold. Some managed to get blankets from their friends above, but the guards soon put a stop to such transactions. One man from above called down to a friend, through a knot-hole in the floor,

and asked him if he wanted a blanket. The guard heard him, cocked his gun, and aimed at the hole; but a call from below gave the man warning, and he was away. So much for singing national songs. But patriotism will find vent some how, in spite of Rebel vengeance.

The Jews, during their captivity, hung their harps on the willows, and complained bitterly when they were asked to sing their native songs. Union prisoners seem to be affected very differently.

JOHN MORGAN, THE REBEL GUERRILLA, VISITS LIBBY.

January 25.-John Morgan, the famous Rebel raider, visited the prison to-day. His popularity is very great just at present. Maj. Turner, and a large company of Confederates, accompanied him through the rooms.

As they approached the end of the room occupied by Gen. Dow, they naturally expected him to recognize them, or otherwise show some signs of life; but the stern old general did not for a moment raise his eyes from the book he was reading, until the last Rebel had passed, when he gave one contemptuous glance at them, and continued his reading.

Morgan is a large, fine-looking officer; wears a full beard, and a Rebel uniform trimmed with the usual amount of gold braid.

THE GREAT YANKEE TUNNEL.

February 11.-Some time ago twenty-seven of our number commenced digging a tunnel with a