Hiram Ward was wounded in the arm, taken prisoner, and confined at Libby Prison, Richmond, four months, when he was exchanged and returned to his regiment. At our request he has furnished a brief account of his experiences while in rebeldom. After being captured at Ball's Bluff he was marched with nearly 500 other Union prisoners to Manassas Junction. While resting from their fatiguing march, a small amount of corn bread and bacon was issued, and the boys, not having tasted food since going into action on the morning of the 21st, made quick work of eating, and were soon ready to go forward. The trip to Richmond was made in coal cars, and to add to their other misfortunes it began to rain. Arriving at their destination and leaving the cars, they were marched in a procession through the principal streets of the city to be inspected by the people who turned out in large numbers, crowding the sidewalks and temporary stagings which had been hastily erected. It soon became evident that the news of their defeat had preceded them. General Evans, commander of the rebel forces at Ball's Bluff, in his dispatches had grossly exaggerated the facts by stating that he had driven four times their number from the soil of Virginia, and killed and wounded a larger number than there were men engaged in the fight. In consequence of which the people were inflated with an inordinate conceit of their own bravery and contempt for what they believed to be Yankee cowardice. This popular feeling was openly expressed all along the line of march, until they reached the place selected for their temporary confinement, a large building formerly used as a tobacco warehouse. Here they were confined for a short time and then transferred to Libby Prison, where for two months they were not allowed a change of clothing, and for the first three months slept upon the bare floor without even straw to lie upon. The fourth month straw was provided, which greatly increased their comfort. During this time our informant witnessed the shooting of several prisoners. One moonlight night two men were shot and instantly killed while standing side by side near one of the windows. A New York Zouave also shared a similar fate a few days afterwards. During most of this time the prison was so crowded there was scarcely room for the men to lie down at night, and deaths were of almost daily occurrence. After being exchanged, Mr. Ward rejoined his regiment and entered upon active service. At the battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 1862, was badly wounded in the right hand; received an honorable discharge Feb. 23, 1863, and returned home.