r - "•:•. \ ' Class. Book_ WALTER R. STEINER COLLECTION \ » fEQUEST OF WALTER K. STEINER MM. 20, 1948 CERTIFICATES. We, the undersigned, late prisoners of War at Andersonville, Ga Florence, S. C, and other places, do hereby certify that the work entitled l< Life and Death in Rebel Prisons," by Robert H. Kel- logg, is a faithful and reliable account of the inhuman course of treatment adopted by the Rebel Authorities toward us; and that the description of daily prison life, with its terrible sufferings and frightful mortality is in nowise an exaggeration. NAME, RANK, REGIMENT, AND PLACE OF IMPRISONMENT. Harvey L. Jewell, Hospital Steward loth N. Y. Cav., Andersonville and Florence. Pierre A. Guy, 1st Serg't Co. D 11th Conn. Vols., Andersonville, Savannah, and Millen. C. H. Brush, 1st SCrg't Co. K 1st Vt. H'vy Art., Andersonville and Florence. John W. Dickinson, 1st Serg't Co. L 1st Vt. H'vy Art., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. Alexander Duncan, Serg't Co. K 103d Pa. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. S. J. Griswold, Serg't Co. B 16th Conn. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. Chas. Grey, Serg't Co. B 27th Mass. Vols., Andersonville, Savannah, and Millen. Henry E. Savage, Serg't Co. G 16th Conn. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. Jas. Cooper, Corp. Co. A 103d Pa. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. Jas. P. Cox, Private Co. B 1st N. J. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. Chas. Tobias, Private Co. K 1st. Vt. H'vy Art., Andersonville, Savannah and Millen. Geo. Bowers, Priv. Co. F 8th N. J. Vols., Andersonville & Florence. Jeff. Moore, Priv. Co. C 23d Pa. Cav., " Walter Dixon, Priv. Co. C 11th N. J. Vols., " S. 0. Belleajeau, Priv. Co. D 4th do. " Pat. Bradley, Priv. Co. H 2d Mass. H'vy Art., " Rich. Patterson, Priv. Co. C 43d N. Y. Vols., " John Dunn, Priv. Co. G 101st Pa. Vols., Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence. LIFE AND DEATH IN EEBEL PEISONS GIVING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE INHUMAN AND BARBAROUS TREATMENT OF OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS BY REBEL AUTHORITIES, INFLICTING TERRIBLE SUFFERING AND FRIGHT- FUL MORTALITY, PRINCIPALLY AT ANDERSONVIILB, GA„ AND FLORENCE, S. C, DESCRIBING PLANS OF ESCAPE, ARRIVAL OF PRISONERS, "WTTII NUMEROUS AND VARIED INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES OF PRISON LIFE. BY KOBERT H. KELLOGG-, Sergeant-Major 16th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. PREPARED FROM HIS DAILY JOURNAL. TO WHICH 18 ADDED AS FULL SKETCHES OF OTHER PRISONS AS CAN BE GIVEN WITHOUT REPETITION OF THE ABOVE, BY PARTIES WHO HAVE BEEN CONFINED THEREIN. • We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.' ILLUSTRATED.- SOLD BY AGENTS ONLY. HARTFORD, CONN. L. STEBBINS 18G5. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by L. STEBBINS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the District of Connecticut. Printed by Wiley, Waterman, & Eaton, Hartford, Conn. WIDOWS, CHILDREN, FATHERS, MOTHERS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, OF THE THOUSANDS OF BRAVE MEN WHO HATE LEFT THEIR HOMES IN THE MORNING OF LIFE J SUNDERED FAMILY AND SOCIAL TIES; ABANDONED CHERISHED ENTERPRISES AND BUSINESS SCHEMES, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING THE LAWS OF FREEDOM INVIOLATE, AND IN THE FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTY, HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY, AND GONE DOWN TO UNTIMELY GRATES THROUGH UNPARALLELED SUFFERINGS, IS THIS VOLUME MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 'THEY SLEEP IN SECRET,— BUT TBETR SOD UNKNOWN TO MAN, IS MABK'D BY GOD ! n _ t ** to ^ the memory of the thousands of our brave soldiers who have sacrificed themselves upon the altar of their country, in de- fence of her laws and institutions ; her liberties and rights. With the courage and ardor of Patriots; with the enthusiasm of loyal subjects un- ' der a good Govern- ment ; with the in- telligence and zeal of Union-loving citi- zens, and an unself- ish devotion to the lofty principles of truth and justice, and« an eye upon the basis of a lasting peace. they went forth pledging " their lives and sacred honor, r ' in maintenance of the glorious cause. Many have languished and died in 1'iisons, and thus sleep the noble youth of our country ; the pride of the land ; the heroic sons of our wo r t h y sires, and the honored brave of our Spartan-likemothers. They have fallen. Like autumn leaves at touch of frost, they have been swept to the earth, where they lie in undistinguished piles The hearts of the people shall be their tombs, but marble and granite should be lifted high, as the testimonial of grateful mankind for the deeds they have done, and the radiant glory with which they have crowned the nation ANDERSONVILLE,MILLEN, CO LUMBIA. FLORENCE, TYLER SALISBURY, CAHAWBA, DAN VILLE,LIBBY,PEMBERTON CASTLE THUNDER BELLE ISLE PREFACE, No chapter in the history of our unhappy civil war, is so well calculated to enlist the sympathies of the people, as the one enumera- ting the sorrows of our brave soldiers who have been so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of the enemy, as prisoners of war. The multiplied woes of the battle-field ; the sufferings of the sick and wounded in Hospitals which our own Government has provided, are almost the enjoyments of Paradise, in comparison with the fearful and prolonged agonies of Prisoners in Rebel Stockades. Sad and mournful as it seems in the former case, there are mitiga- ting circumstances which tend to soothe the feelings as we contemplate them. Their sufferings are comparatively short, and during the season of their continuance they are surrounded by those who are assiduous in effort to provide comfort and relief. Agents of the various humane societies can reach them and do them good ; but in the latter case, they have passed the line which bars them from all these tilings. We are even forced to believe, by the treatment to which they have been subjected by their captors, that it was their deliberate intention to destroy them, and that too in the most aggravated manner. They have allowed them to become so reduced in clothing as to have scarcely rags for a covering; they have condemned them to hunger and thirst, pain and weariness, affliction and misery in every conceivable form, so that the helpless beings have looked upon the approach of the King of Terrors as the arrival of a welcome messenger that had come to bring them a happy release. When we consider these things, and our interest in, and relation to the cause which led them to peril their lives in this way, we can but feel that the public at large have a deep concern in these recitals. In the preparation of the present volume, we have had an eye, not so much to a literary production, as to a simple, truthful story of prison Vlll PREFACE. life; one which the survivors thereof should recognize as just, and the people of the country could accept as reliable and honest. It is no place for brilliant fiction and exciting romance. These have been scrupulously avoided, but nevertheless, there are tilings which are as strange as the former and stirring as the latter. If there are things which seem incredible, it is to be borne in mind that hitherto we have had but slight knowledge of what is meant to be a prisoner at the far South, and that these things come to us almost as new revelations. Not an incident has been given but what can be confirmed on good authority ; no coloring has been given to anything but what known facts would justify. The author has gone fully into detail of every-day life at Anderson- ville, as here was the spot where the climax of rebel barbarity was reached. It was the original design to have adopted a similar plan with refer- ence to some other prominent Prisons, but on consultation with differ- ent parties who had been discharged from these various points, it was found to be substantially the same, and would therefore be only repe- tition. The short sketches which we give of these, will enable the public to form a correct idea of the general system of treatment applied by the rebels to our soldiers who fall into their hands as prisoners. The spirited and striking illustrations which were obtained expressly for these pages ; the plans of prisons, &c, &c, are executed in a cred- ible style, and form an attractive feature of the whole. As the author had only a short furlough of thirty days, it became necessary to obtain a person accustomed to such work to prepare the manuscript for the press, and attend to the reading of the proof. In changing the style of the journal to a running narrative, the langauge is often difTerent from the original, but the facts are strictly observed. Publisher. CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. Page. Situation of Plymouth, ----- 21 The Garrison ; Forts and Naval Fleet, - - - 22 Sabbath Attack of the 17 th of April, 24 First appearance of Cavalry Pickets in Town, - - 25 The Federal Forces holding the Town ; Attack upon Fort Gray, 26 Wives of Loyal North Carolinians sent to Roanoke Island, 27 Wounding of Captain Burke, - - - - - 28 Effect of National Airs at the Breastworks, - - 29 Sinking the Southfield, ----- 30 The Rebels charge upon Plymouth Redoubts, 32 Gen. Hoke demands surrender ; the Federal Officer refuses, and the capture of his men is the result, - - 33 March to Secessia ; Camping-ground at Night, - - 35 Treatment of the 35th N. C. Regiment, as Guards, - 36 Arrival at Williamstown, N. C. The Soldiers send letters North, 37 Entrance into the yard of a man who had taken the oath of alle- giance to Uncle Sam, ----- 38 Reflections the first Sabbath after the capture, - - 30 The ranks searched for Rebel Deserters, - - - 40 Yankee Trades to satisfy hunger, - - - - 41 Prisoners sent to Goldsboro, N. C, - - - - 43 The remainder sent from Tarboro, - - - 46 Miserable Fare at Wilmington, - - - - 48 Immense Fire kindled by a Soldier, - 49 CHAPTER II. The First of May in Charleston, - - 50 Reception of the "Plymouth Pilgrims," - - - 51 The Georgia Central Railroad ; Arrival at Macon, - - 53 The Regiment reach Andersonville ; manner in which they were classed and divided, ----- 55 Fearful spectacle on entering the Prison, - - - [56 12 CONTENTS. Rations; efforts to procure shelter ; Death's exchange, - 59 Warnings of the old Prisoners concerning the "Dead Line, 1 ' Gl Gen. Cobb's Visit of Inspection ; Plan of Escape ; Elood-hound3 put upon their track, ----- 64 Narrow escape from Death, .... 65 The Lawless Gang, called " Mosby's Raiders," in Prison, - 67 The Lifeless Eudies of Ten Men lying at the Gate, - 69 A Sick Man's Path in the Prison Stream, - - .70 Demonstration at a Sham Fight, - - - 71 Treatment oi' Prisoners by Rebels and Federals contrasted, - 73 The eruel suspicious forced upon men, - - - 75 True spirit of the Union Soldiers, - - - - 76 Dopes excited by the Promise of Exchange, - - 77 Account of the Battle between Grant and Lee, by the "Macon Telegraph," - - - - - 79 A Rebel Officer calling for a Sergeant who could write his name, 80 The Thirteen in a Hospital Tent, - - - - 81 Rebel Forces sent to Dalton to oppose Sherman, ... 83 Arrival of Prisoners ; slight attention to comfort, - 85 CHAPTER III. The Rebels discover a Tunnel ; threats in consequence, - 87 A Secret Organization to devise new Plans of Escape, - 88 A Picnic among the "Johnnies," - - - 90 New Prisoners robbed by the Prison Marauders, - - 91 Richmond History, called "The Second Year of the War," 92 The Messenger Rainbow, ----- 93 Sabbath in Rebel Prison, ----- 94 A Cripple shot for going inside the "Dead Line," - 95 Death again in the Tent of the Thirteen ; a Prayer Meeting, 96 Punishment for Violation of Orders, Captured Men from Resaca, - - - - Enlargement of the Prison Limits, - - - The Stockade undermined, ----- 103 Disclosure of the Plot to Capt. Wirtz, - - - 104 Notice of Captain posted upon the Prison Gate, - - 105 The Men from Grant's Army robbed of Coats, Blankets, and Haversacks, - - - - - -106 Energy of Character necessary for the Prisoner, - - 107 Rebel Effort and Yankee Ingenuity, - - - - 109 loo 102 CONTENTS. 13 Manner of Distributing the Rations, - - - 110 Camp Raiders and False Promises, - The "Old Dutchman," - Entrance of some of the lsi Mass. Regiment into Prison, The "Modus Operandi" of Tunneling, - A severe Rain Storm, - Jeff. Davis asking for an Armistice, Visit to the Woods, - Agitation of the Rebel Element, - Camp Surroundings, - - The caving of a Tunnel after being sunk ninety feet, Hints concerning Retaliation, - Measures to Retain Activity of Mind, - Question raised by suffering from Cold and Exposure, 115 117 118 122 123 126 128 131 132 134 135 138 CHAPTER IV. Prisoners from Butler's and Grant's Army, with the Dog "Trip," 139 A Yankee Traitor, 140 Confidential Talk with a Union Man, ... 141 A Man buried alive ; two Men wounded ; Gen. Sturgis, - 143 Gold News from New York ; Corporal B , - - 144 Reward for Shooting a Soldier, .... 146 How the Remedies for the Sick were obtained, - - 147 July 7th, the promised Day of Exchange, - - - 149 Prisoners who had been Robbed, sent to Gen. Winder for set- tlement, ...... 15" Going for Wood ; Story of the Lost Knife, - - 1 '■■ An exciting Robbery ; one Man Killed, - - - 155 The Rebel Quartermaster and Limber Jim, - .156 Completion of the Addition to the Stockade, ,- - 157 Night efforts of the Prisoners to obtain Fuel, - 158 A School for Patience, - - - - - 159 Discouragement leading to Insanity, - - - 162 Prison Celebration of July 4th, - - - - 163 Visit of the Catholic Priest, - - - - 163 Meeting by the Brook-side, - - - - 165 Death of J. Hoskins, - - - - - - 166 Suffering for the want of Good Watei, - - - 168 Sentence of Death by Hanging ; Escape of one of the Victims ; His Re-capture, - - - - - 171 14 CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. Building a Mud Stove ; Capt. Wirtz declaring a new Outbreak disclosed, ...... 17T Sudden Marshaling of the Rebel Forces, - - - 178 Preaching by Elder Shephard, - - - 180 Last Hours of D , of the 16th Regiment, - - 181 A Petition of the Prisoners, urging the President and Govern- ors of States to procure release for them, - - 182 Within and Without, . - - - - - 183 Men caught while at work in a Tunnel, - - - 185 Bartering a Gold Pen for Food, - - - - 187 A Vote upon the "Petition" called for, - - - 188 Early's Cavalry Prisoners, - - • - -189 White Flags, 190 Attempt to entice Prisoners to make Shoes for the Confederate Government, - - - - - 191 Conversation with one of the Rebel Guard, - - 192 Peculiarities of Southern Dialect, - - - - 193 Views of a Kentucky Surgeon upon Slavery, - - 194 Service of a Confederate Chaplain, - - - 195 Thunder Storms, - - - - - - 1 96 Victim of Insanity in the Prison Stream; Various Forms of Derangement, - - - - - - 197 A Living Man devoured by Maggots, - - - 198 Lines on a Blank Leaf of a Bible, - - - - 199 Sentiments of a " Secesh " Young Lady as written to her Lover, 200 The Rebel Flag, 201 Lieut. Strains and his Party, - - - - 203 Organization of the Regimental Church, - - - 204 Corporal Flower, of Hartford, Ct, - - - 206 A Prisoner accidentally shot, - - - - - 208 A Terrific Rain Storm, ... - - 209 Risking Life to obtain Wood, - - - - 210 CHAPTER VI. Confidence in the Government, - - - - 215 Human Nature as manifest in the Confederacy ; Taunts of a cer- tain Officer of the Day, - - - - 218 Intensity of Home Longings, - - - - 220 Jimmy B , of Company A, - - - 221 CONTENTS. 15 Photographic Artists from Macon, The appearance of Scurvy, - Joy at news of the arrival of Northern Letters, Effect of Peace Sensation Stories, - Sickness of Capt. Wirtz ; Character of his Successor, Visit of a Confederate Captain, - Personal attack of Scurvy, ... New Regime instituted by Lieut. Davis, Eebel Boastings of Prison Representatives, Queries upon conditions of Exchange, Return of the Prison Commandant, Kind Act of Gen. Winder, ... Demise of Orderly Sergeant L , of Co. C, Desire of the Prisoner to die at Home, The Day of Deliverance hailed with Joy, The dying Message of Evans, ... Loyal North Carolinians, - "Flanking out;" Orders to be ready for moving, - Sorrowful Thoughts induced by leaving, CHAPTER VII. Wide felt Interest in the Hospital, Its situation at Andersonville, ... Reluctance of the Men to enter so wretched a place, The miserable condition of the Sick, A Sacrifice seemingly useless, - Loyal Men treated like Convicts, - Character of Physicians, The Sick-call, ..... A Prisoner Shot while warming himself, Cruel manifestation of selfishness, - Rations for the Sick, .... Living Skeletons — variety of disease, Fearful working of Gangrene, The Sick Men tormented with Vermin, Rebel Testimony respecting Hospital Treatment, Tenacity of Life, ..... Incident in the life of D. S. Birdsell, - The Dead-House, ...... Marking and Numbering the Dead ; Manner of carrying out, - - 278 10 CONTENTS. Place of Burial, ...... 0*79 Want and Woe leaving Devotion to the Union Cause unim- paired, - - - - - - - 231 CHAPTER VIII. Departure from Prison, ..... 283 Delight at beholding the Green Earth again, - - 284 The Soldiers' Reception at Augusta ; Kindness of Mrs. O'Don- nell, ------- 286 Interview with a Rebel Soldier, - - - - 287 Entrance into Charleston ; the Men told it was but a hurried removal, ...... 289 The Race Course appropriated as Camp Ground, - - 290 Disappointment of the Men ; A New Organization, - - 292 Xo escape from the " Dead Line," - 29-4 Call of a Rebel Officer for Volunteers to do Service for them, - 295 Sisters of Charity, ...... 296 My admission into the Hospital, - - - - 29 9 The reasonings of Faith to inspire Courage, - - 300 Act that savored of Inhumanity to the Men, - - - 302 A Scene in the Room for Amputation^ ... 304 The Rebel Sutler and Ids Prices, .... 306 A Rebel Soldier's Disobedience of Orders, - - 307 Anecdote of the Young Surgeon, .... 308 Union Song, - - - - - - 310 Shelling of the City by Union Soldiers, - - - 311 Appearance of the Yellow Fever; Humorous Incident, - 312 Journey to Florence; Story of the Man who feigned Death, - 314 The Darkie Woman and her Bread, - - - 315 CHAPTER IX. Night Entrance into Florence ; Emotions at sight of the Stock- ade, 316 Oath of Allegiance to the Confederacy, - - - 319 Admission to the Florence Hospital through Dr. Strother, - 320 Detailed as Hospital Steward ; Signing Parole of Honor, - 322 Sentiments of Assistant Surgeon, Junius O'Brien, - - 323 Supplies from the Sanitary Commission, ... 323 Insufficiency of Medicines, ..... 324 Dr. Garrett and the Plantation Burials, ... 325 CONTENTS. 17 The Doctor who was an Original Signer of the Secession Act, 326 Exchange of Cotton for Potatoes, - - - - 327 Excitement at the Presidential Election — Ballots and Beans, £29 Barbarous Punishment at Florence for attempting to Escape, 331 O'Brien's Instructions to the Prisoners, - 335 Amusing Trade of a " Johnnie," - - - - 336 Employment of Slaves, .... - 337 Religious Element of the Negro, .... 338 Character of their Songs ; Rev. Mr. Gardner, of the 135th Ohio Regiment, a Victim of Death, - 339 Sad Reduction of Rations at the Hospital, - - 340 Cruelty of Lieut. Barrett, - - - - - 3-11 Thanksgiving Day as a Prisoner, - - - - 342 Signing the Parole, -._-.- 343 A Stolen Interview of two Rebels. ... 344 Introduction to Savannah ; A Wealthy Cotton Factor ; The Pie Woman, ...... 347 Saying of Dr. Orme to Steward Reed, of the 12th N. Y. Regi- ment, as he was leaving, .... 343 What was felt at Sight of the Old Flag, - - - 350 Receiving and Clothing Ship, ----- 351 The Feeding Ship Crescent, ... - 352 Manifestations of Joy by the Released Prisoners, - • 353 Meeting with a Naval Vessel, ... - 355 Weighing Anchor at Annapolis, . - - 356 CHAPTER X. Situation of Libby ; its Name synonomous with Terror, - 358 Abusive Treatment, ..... 360 Men Shot for looking through the Window, - - - 363 Description by E. Kirke, ..... 364 Associations of Castle Thunder, .... 367 The distinction made by Southerners between Gentlemen and Common People, ..... 368 Glimpse at Belle Isle, - - - - - 369 Story of Howard Leedom, - - - - - 371 Men Frozen to Death, - 372 The Natural Consequences of War, - - - - 373 Original Design of Salisbury Prison, - - • 375 18 CONTENTS. Testimony of Mr. Richardson, • Description of it as viewed by Mr. Brown, - Imperfect Idea of Southern imprisonment, Raleigh a comparatively Favored Place, Kind Attention of the Union Ladies, - - 376 382 - 384 385 - 386 Surroundings of Millen Prison, - - - 389 Number confined there, ----- 390 The fearful Mortality of the Place, - - 391 Rations — their quantity and quality ; Inducements to join the Confederacy, - - - - - 392 Excitement at the Presidential Election, ... 393 Humanity of the Guards ; Barbarous Act of a Rebel Surgeon, 394 Reason for a Hurried Removal, ... 395 The Country's Sacrifice, 396 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Midnight Storm — Our Miserable Lodgings Stockade at Andersonville, - Blood Hounds Capturing Prisoners, Mode of Dealing Out Rations, Hanging Union Prisoners, Break in the Stockade, Plan of Hospital, Andersonville, Interior View of Hospital, - Plan of Stockade at Florence, - Hanging by the Thumbs, View of Libby Prison. .XIX1XXV - 1 - - 57 - - 62 - - - 111 - - 174 . - - 211 . - 257 . - - 205 . - 318 . . - 333 • - 361 IT THE PRINCIPAL REBEL PRISONS AM) WHERE LOCATED. Arulersonville, Sumpter County, Ga., known south as Camp Sumter. Milieu, Burke County, Ga., " " Camp Lawton. Columbia, Lexington County, S. C, " " Camp Sorghum, Florence, Darlington County, S. C. Tyler, Smith County, Texas, " " Camp Ford. Salisbury, Rowan County, N. C. Cahawba, Dallas County, Ala. Danville, Fottsylvauia County, Va. Libby, Richmond, Va. Femberton, Richmond, Va. Castle Thunder, Richmond, Va. Belle Isle, in James River, little below Richmond. Macon and Savannah, Ga., Charleston and Blackstone, S. C, and Raloigh, N. C, have oeen prison posts, but are now abandoned. In tbe absence of much data on the subject, we can not give any ac- curate account of the number of deaths in rebel prisons; yet if we give the subject a thought and go into some calculations, we may form a more correct opinion than we otherwise should. Mr. Richardson, correspondent of the New York Tribune, says the deaths at Salisbury, N. C, were 13 per cent, per month. Mr. Kellogg says it was 12 per cent, for the same time at Florence, S. C. The deaths were 13,000 at Andersonville. The author says nearly one-half of his regiment cap- tured, died in about seven months. If we assume that the prisoners will average 20,000 from January 1st, 1862, to February 1st, 1865, and the deaths to be 10 per cent, per month, or 2,000, then multiply by 37 months, we have 74,000 deaths. AVith such clothing, shelter, food, means of keeping clean and medical attendance as the laws of health absolutely require, would the deaths have been more than one- tenth the number? if not, we have, on the above estimate, 66,600 vic- tims of inhuman treatment. Our estimate of the number of prisoners may be too large. Richmond papers assert that 150,000 have entered Libby Prison. The per centage of deaths may be too large ; but al- lowing the estimates to be nearly right, the rebels have killed about as many in prisons as on the battle-field— whether designedly or not we leave the reader to judge. */ LIFE IN EEBEL PRISONS. CHAPTER L SITUATION OF PLYMOUTH. On the Roanoke river in North Carolina, about eight miles from the Sound, lies the town of Plymouth, a place once important on account of its highly advantageous position as a depot, through which might pass, in trans- portation, the products of the State. Tar, rosin and pitch, the prominent and well- known articles of manufacture in this land of Pines were brought from all parts of the inte- rior to this point as a place of shipment, and consequently it came to be more or less identi- fied with the interests of the southern people; so that it was not strange they should make vigorous efforts to keep it in their possession, or failing in this for a time, would again renew 22 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. their attempts to wrest it from the hands of their antagonists. Rather than its resources should be employed in enriching those they deemed their enemies, they sought its destruction by fire. It was partly saved, however, and by the force of cir- cumstances, afterward became appropriated as the most northern outpost of the U. S. forces in the State. Thus held, it was garrisoned by four regiments of infantry, one light battery, two companies of heavy artillery, and a few cavalry, all under command of Brig. Gen. H. W. Wessels, a noble officer and a brave man. Three forts — Gray, Williams and Wessels — offered grateful protection to these men, while Compher and Coneby redoubts, and a line of connecting breast works, afforded strong ground of hope that the position of an advancing foe might, at least, be rendered somewhat uncom- fortable by the peculiar greeting they might receive in consequence of these. Added to these, and designed to act in harmony with them was the naval fleet, consisting of the gunboats "Miami," "Southfield," " Ceres," " Whitehead," and "Bomb-shell," under command of Capt. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 23 Flusser. So far as these were concerned, they certainly presented a formidable array of weap- ons with which to hurl missiles of deadliest intent against those who would murderously assail the devoted band of Unionists to whom was assigned the duty of keeping the place from invasion; but these, be they never so abundant, are fruitless, without the requisite hands to work them, as the sequel with its hopeless sorrows and regrets fully proved to us. But as familiarity with anything, even with danger, has a tendency to make that tolerable which was once highly forbidding, so while these things threw about us their friendly shadows, a feeling of comparative security took possession of our minds, and fancy rev- eled in safety; a state suggestive of that of the ancient worthies, who, in order to escape their persecutors, retired to' the secret caves of the mountains — the strength of the hills their covert ; the voiceless woods their guard ; the deep-toned thunder their music; their rocky depths only illuminated as the kindly sun shed pitiful gleams by day, and the stars came out in solemn parade at night, to assure 24 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. them that the might of Truth should eventu- ally conquer their foes, and let the burdened free. But we were not suffered long to cherish the illusions of fancy, for we soon found our- selves in a condition to yield to the sudden impulse of stern necessity, and battle for that which was temporarily our kingdom and our crown. THE ATTACK. The morning of the 17th of April, 1864, dawned upon us in our warlike retreat in all the beauty and loveliness with which nature is wont to adorn herself at such a season of the year. It was the hallowed day of the seven; — a time when the mind of the soldier naturally reverts to other scenes and other days, when it soothes itself by the remem- brance of quiet services in home sanctuaries where no sights or sounds give evidence of war, except it be of that moral conflict which the individual is called upon to wage silently with the hosts unseen. Guard-mounting was witnessed as usual, and at the roll-call sixteen hundred men were reported for duty. All LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 25 necessary positions being occupied, the rest were at liberty to follow their inclinations, and as mine sent out their sweet invitations to repair to the sacred temple, I obeyed, and listened to a sermon from the Rev, Mr. B , Chaplain of the 101st Pennsylvania Volun- teers, in the morning, and in the afternoon went to Grace Church, one of those places still left open to lure the feet of the Christian warrior, where he may calmly consider the prospect of ultimate victory and success in the holiest warfare in which man can engage ; — a consideration always attended by that other thought, that second to this only is the national strife in which his whole energies are enlisted, and which he is bound by every prin- ciple of honor and justice to maintain, until the coveted issue shall make it no longer a necessity. Just at the close of the services, and shortly before the hour for Dress Parade, while yet the impressions of the day were thick about us, the cavalry pickets came dashing into town, having been driven in by the rebels. Artil- lery and cavalry were immediately sent out 26 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. to ascertain the strength of the enemy, but they soon returned, reporting a short engage- ment with a superior number, in which one of their men were killed, and a Lieutenant badly wounded. It soon became manifest that we were to be fearfully pressed, as three brigades of infantry were bearing down upon us, to- gether with a heavy siege train of artillery, manned by a revengeful foe who were eager to take possession of the town, and send us to homes they had provided in mercy not partic- ularly tender. With us were the 85th N. Y., commanded by Fardella, an Italian officer, the 101st P. V., together with the 103d of the same State, under Col. Lehman ; the 24th N. Y. Independent Battery, under the direction of Capt. Cady; two companies Mass. heavy artillery, Capt. Sampson, and a slight force of the 12th N. Y. cavalry. An attack was made upon Fort Gray, a mile or so above the town on the river, and as the shot and shell came swiftly down to us upon their death-fraught errands, our quick- ened apprehensions were not slow in discover- ing the propriety of using all available means LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 27 for safety. One of the latter striking near the tent of Capt. Morse, reminded us of the thought, that, especially in war, There is but a step 'tween life and death, One moment life's pulses play, the next, soul is gone with the breath. In anticipation of the battle the women and children of the town were placed on board the steamer " Massasoit," bound for Eoanoke Island, among which were the wives of loyal North Carolinians ; of men whose attachment to the Union cause could not be broken by threats ; whose devotion to the government whose fostering care they had long enjoyed, nothing could quench, and there- fore they had enrolled themselves as among the truest soldiers of the Federal cause w T hen the crisis appeared, and there was no alterna- tive but to do or die ; — to be free or ruled with despotic power. To this place, whither these were sent as a place of refuge, Co. H of our own regiment, the 16th Ct., had gone in the morning, for the purpose of relieving some other troops, and were thus fortunate enough to escape the attack, the while, suppos- ing we were resting under the silent wing of 2 28 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. peace, when war's chosen arrows were flying thick and fast about us. The morning following this first outbreak we were aroused from our slumbers before sunrise by the roar of cannon, and the dis- turbance occasioned; the half-conscious state of the mental faculties which was speedily induced, made it seem that what was strug- gling for prominence was the idea that it was decided incivility on the part of the "rebs" to prompt such early rising. But what was wanting in dimness of vision for a moment was soon made up in the keenness which we felt inclined to exercise in the survey of things about us. Everything began to look dark, and signs were fearfully ominous of what was approaching. About 7 o'clock, Capt. Burke came in from the skirmish line in front, wounded in the shoulder. Firing was heard at intervals through the day, but no general advance until nearly dark, when the enemy came pouring in from the woods in great numbers, and charged upon our line of skir- mishers with their characteristic yell. The few, of course having no chance before LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 29 the many, they retired within the fortifica- tions, when the exultant foe rapidly wheeled a battery into position, and under its destruc- tive influence our beautiful camp was soon completely riddled, and Fort Williams pretty effectually silenced. At this juncture, Lt. Col. Burnham ordered the Band to the breast-works, and bade them strike up some national airs, and though they might not have been particularly edifying to the gray-robed legions without, the spirit- stirring strains were in no wise lost upon the hearts of our own boys. Brave hearts became braver, and if the patriotism of any waxed cold, and the courage of any faltered, they here grew warmer and stronger until pride of country had touched the will, and an indom- itable principle had been kindled that virtu- ally declared the man a hero until death. It was with something of this new-imparted energy that our scanty forces were able, by the use of means still in their possession, to silence their opposers, and make it convenient for them to retreat ; but supposing they would speedily rally and come down upon us with 30 LIFE LN REBEL PRISONS. new strength and ardor, we continued on the w T atch, relaxing not through the whole night. Snatching a few moments in the interval of quiet, I ran over to my tent, — a place, strange as it may seem, around which some fond asso- ciations clustered, and you, ye soldier-reader, can alone tell how sadly I felt when I saw rude marks that bore unequivocal testimony that it had been visited by one of those un- sought and unwelcome bodies — a shell. Yes ! in my absence it had found both ingress and egress, but as there is never any thing so dark but what there is light not far off, either behind or above it, so 1 consoled myself with the reflection that it had its way alone, and I was not there for its entertainment. Notwithstanding the temporary success, the third day after the attack had things in a bad plight for us. The "rebs" had come into pos- session of Fort Wessels, and their iron-clad ram, the "Albemarle," had found its way down the river, passing our batteries without being molested, sunk the "Southfield" and driven off the rest of the navy. Every hour our pros- pect grew darker and our hopes weaker, for LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 31 the men were completely exhausted by con- tinual duty through the clay, and as constant watching by night. Our garrison was so small that all hands were required at the breast-works, and even then, it was altogether insufficient for the work. Intense were our longings for reinforcements, but the threaten- ing "Albemarle" kept any from coming to our relief, and we began seriously to think of a march to Kichmond, Va., and the registry of our names at her famous Libby Hotel. Not particularly inclined to take such a journey, we resolved to wait until there was no further hope, and at half past one we were furnished with intrenching tools and told to work for our lives in building bombproofs, traverses, &c, and in a comparatively short time we were sheltered from the fire of the enemy, which was coming into our rear from their engine of death upon the river. Towards evening, having posted a line of pickets and reserve, I went over to my tent, hoping to gain a moment's slumber, but the increased cannonading having by no means a soothing effect, I returned again to the breast-works, where many a weary, way- 32 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. worn comrade was to watch through the night, although "tired nature" pleadingly called for some "sweet restorer T Long before daybreak the enemy, under cover of the cannon's roar, advanced up the Columbia road and with wild cheers and yells charged upon the two re- doubts which formed our protection upon the east side of the town. After a short, but bloody and decisive conflict they accomplished their object, and flushed with their success they came clown through the camp of the 101st P. V., upon our regiment, evidently thinking there could be no barrier to what- ever they should attempt to do; but their bravery was met by a corresponding principle on the part of our boys, and they were re- pulsed with great loss to them, yet a slight advantage could do but little for us at this time, for the rebels had possession of Fort "Wessels, the two redoubts on the Columbia road, and the entire river side of the village. From this position they were pouring a terri- ble fire into our rear. Six very fine horses on a caisson near me were shot down in quick succession, and many of our men were sadly LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 33 wounded. At this time two or three officers came in, bearing a flag of truce, with a demand from Gen. Hoke for the surrender of the town and its garrison. After a short consultation the demand was refused by our General, and the fight went on, though with abated vigor on our part, as we were thoroughly exhausted by our previous labors. The refusal, however, soon brought them down in force upon us, leaving no alternative but to surrender, although it was done with no willing grace, yet it could but be attended with the con- sciousness that we had tried the virtue of re- sistance to the utmost. THE CAPTURE. We were at once marched out of town to their reserve picket force, on the Washington road, where we remained for the night, being allowed to retain our blankets, overcoats, and indeed all that we had with us, excepting, of course, our arms and equipments. I saw but one instance of robbery at the beginning, and that was by an officer, evidently in a state of intoxication. Riding up to one of our boys, he drew his sword and demanded his watch, 34 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. using threatening and insulting language, and declaring he would split open his head if he refused. Of course, there was no way but to yield. Here we wrote hasty letters to our friends, which we hoped by some good fortune to send to them, on the route, or at least at the end of our march, — For none will e'er forget Ins friends, If his heart be true and tender ; Though adverse gales blow swift and long, Love's tics we'll still remember. On the morning of the 21st we awoke to new experiences. Instead of the calls to which we had been wont to listen, and the labor we had been accustomed to perform, we were but passive beings, subject to the will of a conqueror. In the early part of the day, rations were issued to us for four days, consist- ing of twenty-five hard crackers, and about two pounds of raw salt pork each. They were from the provisions taken with the town, and consequently were of good quality, although we did not particularly relish taking from their hands what, a few hours previously we had counted our own, but we remembered that LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 35 prisoners, like a ~b eggars, mus'nt be choosers," and that there was no way bnt to succumb as cheerfully as circumstances would allow. Our own regiment was over four hundred strong, and the whole number captured at the surren- render, 2,197, so that we were quite a com- pany, doomed to the miseries of rebeldom. About noon we took up our line of march for the interior of Secessia, and kept on until nine in the evening, making a distance of sev- enteen miles, having passed through the vil- lages of Foster's Mills and Jamesville, both of which were visited by our troops some time before under Maj. Gen. Foster, when he made his rade from Newbern to Whitehall and Kin- ston. Many white, ghost-like chimneys were still standing to mark the former abodes of the chivalry. At night our stopping place was in a corn-field by the road-side and our bed the places between the furrows, but lying on the cold, bare ground was no new experience for us, for we had often been dependent upon mother earth for a resting place, and the time and cir- cumstances had also been when we had been more willing to "wrap the drapery of her 0011011" 36 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. about us, and we could have lain down to "pleasant dreams!' Now, with wet, cold feet, gained by fording many a creek through the day, our situation was not very enviable, and it is not strange if visions of downy beds came floating over the minds of some on that event- ful night. The 35th N. C. constituted our guard, and we can say of them what can not be said of all the Southern troops, that they were a gentle- manly set of fellows, and treated the Northern soldier with some consideration. To have seen us through the day one would have sup- posed that we were the captors and they the prisoners, for as we were "marching along" we sung that song which usually fills with such strange significance on the ears of sensa- tive Southerners — "John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,' 1 &c, Crowds of women and children lined the roadside, apparently eager to get even a glimpse of the '• Yankees," of whom they had heard such fearful things, but we marked what seemed to us a look of surprise, as they sur- veyed what was unquestionably a set of de- cent, respectable looking fellows. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 37 The next day we marched, with very little rest, until half past one, when we arrived at Williamston, N. C. Here we were conducted to a large pine grove by the road-side, and allowed to rest quite a little time. As before, a large concourse of women and children gathered to witness the strange sight, and in view of it find myself recording a paragraph like this — "Wonder what they think of us! I don't care what the ugly looking ones think, especially those who chew snuff, but I do hope the good looking ones don't hate us." The village post-master came about among us, promising to mail letters for us, so we soon loaded him clown with short letters, containing tidings of our fate to the dear ones at home, which we ardently hoped might reach them to relieve them of anxiety, or, at least, of sus- pense, and dispel the uncertainty which would otherwise exist to torture them. After our short but grateful rest, we started again, marching until sunset, when we halted and went into camp in a grass field, and as we filed in, each man helped himself to a rail, so that the entire fence was soon appropriated 38 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. as fuel for our evening fires. Our guards made no objection to it, but on the whole seemed to think it quite a good joke on our part. Water was plenty by the road-side, and after making some "crust coffee" and eating some hard-tack and raw pork, we spread our blankets upon the ground and slept peacefully and well, fearing no very ill treatment from men who had showed so much consideration as to pitch a tent for the accommodation of one poor sick sufferer. After this night, our early morning ablutions were performed at a little brook, this followed by a scanty breakfast, and we fell in with the alreadjr mov- ing column, feeling in excellent condition, physically, at least. At nine o'clock we reached Hamilton, and were introduced into the yard of a man who had once taken the oath of allegiance to Uncle Sam, but who was now very glad of the opportunity to bake poor corn-bread, or "pone," as the southerners say, and sell it to us for $5.00 a loaf. At this place we bade adieu to our N. C. guards, with some regret, for they had treated us well, and we had yet to learn the spirit of those who were to take their places. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 39 Nevertheless, our little squad of Co. A boys was bound to make the best of it, and select- ing a pleasant spot, we put our things upon the ground in the order in which we expected to sleep, and then resorted to various expedi- • ents for amusement. There was "right smart of trading" went on between our boys and the Johnnies, some of the trades causing con- siderable merriment. • The 24th was the Sabbath, and what strange vicissitudes one short week had wrought for us. In not many things could we say it was a blessed contrast. Then we were free, now we were prisoners ; — then we had plenty of food and comfortable shelter, now we had neither, or at least but little to satisfy our hunger. My friend, Sam B , and myself, managed to make out what we called a break- fast, with the few scraps that we had left of our four days' rations, but the change was per- haps quite as keenly felt in the blighting of hopes as in anything. Plymouth was lost. We had hoped to save it for the Union side, but it was gone, and mourning was useless. It only remained for us to travel on until our 40 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. foes were satisfied. Not even the hours of holy time could be our own, but on, and still on, was the watchword. During the forepart of the day the people of the surrounding country gathered about us, it being their day for visiting and recreation. About noon we • were to start for Tarboro, a distance of twenty- two miles, but a little before the time came some of the officers and men formed a group and sang "Home, sweet home," "Sweet hour of Prayer," and many other beautiful hymns, richly suggestive of homes on earth, and home in heaven. Our captors evidently thought it a strange and novel scene. After forming our line in the road, ready for marching, the ranks were searched for de- serters from the rebel army, a number of whom were detected and taken away. They had entered our service a long time before and J were captured with us. We never knew their fate, but suppose them to have been shot. After this inspection we pursued the way our guards were treading, making twelve miles before nightfall, in season to seek the hospi- tality of pine woods near by. It rained some, LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 41 but making a sort of tent of our blankets, we concluded to let heaven and earth take care of us as best they could. An easy march of ten miles brought us, on the morrow's noon, to the place of our imme- diate destination. The camp assigned us here was by a river-side, near the bridge. We were counted as we proceeded to pass through an immense crowd, of both sexes and all classes, who seemed to have congregated for no other purpose but to examine and criticise us, poor unfortunates. Our boys were nearly starved, and before rations could be procured they bartered away clothing, gold rings and pens, in short, what- ever they had, for a bit of something to eat. Five dollars in Confederate money would buy a piece of corn bread, baked with little or no salt, of the size of a man's hand, and for a small piece of pie I gave the last " greenback" dollar I had in the world. The citizens were perfect extortioners and robbers, but most of them so ignorant they could easily be im- imposed upon, and in consequence, our boys played some very sharp tricks upon them. 42 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. Sometime before the capture of Plymouth, our forces made a raid into Elizabeth City, and some of the men breaking into the Far- mers' Bank at that place, appropriated to themselves a large number of unsigned certifi- cates of deposit. These were made to serve us a good turn in our extremity. They were now filled out with any names that came con- venient, and passed with the greatest readi- ness as good, sound money. One man had a watch chain, made of brass, made in imitation of Uncle Sam's gold dollars, linked together, and after a brightening pro- cess, to make it resemble as nearly as possible the valuable coin, it brought in the fortunate possessor a small fortune in Confederate money. The distribution of rations soon claimed our attention to the exclusion of everything else, as the "inner man" was sadly in need of refreshment. These consisted of a cup of meal, the same quantity of black peas, and a small piece of bacon for each man. Kettles and wood were supplied to us, and making lively use of these, LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 43 we soon had something to eat once more, after which we retired to rest as happy as men could be in such a condition. '-True happiness" says Addison, "is of a retired nature," and so far we might have real- ized the idea of the man of letters, but we felt not quite like saying " Celestial happiness," for many felt their repose would be slightly more u divine" could they pillow their heads upon other than Confederate soil. Two-thirds of the prisoners were sent to Goldsborough, N. C, the next day, on their way, as it was said, to Charleston. Each man's name, rank and regiment, was taken as he filed out of the guarded enclosure, consequently they made slow progress in the work, and our regiment, from its position, could not come in with those who were to leave that day. Em- ployment diverts the mind, so we betook our- selves to the cooking of our rations, which were more justly distributed than on the day before, and also to make preparation, as best we could, for the satisfaction of hunger while on the journey we supposed would be taken on the morrow. 44 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. How far back in the past then seemed our day of New England comforts, but the present claimed our energies, and we thought our- selves in a fair way to become somewhat skilled in the art of making corn-dodgers, espe- cially if we should abide long in Southern soci- ety. Trading was brisk as ever through that day, although at one time the Confederate soldiers were forbidden by their officers from taking any more " greenbacks," as there was a law making it a crime for a Southerner to pos- sess or attempt to pass them; but in spite of the order they were still glad to take them when they could do it without fear of detec- tion. We were told by the men in authority that we would probably leave at noon, but noon came, and the shades of evening gathered about us also, without any signs of leaving, so that there remained nothing for us but to compose ourselves to the idea of staying another night upon our miserable camping ground. To add to our discomfort, the bacon dispensed was not of the sioeetest variety, but we were prisoners, and must not be expected to grumble at any bad treatment, but we LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 45 knew memory would be faithful to her trust in its remembrance, and the feeling of retalia- tion excited, we felt quite sure would find ex- pression if any future time allowed the oppor- tunity. During the day saw a copy of the Eichmond Examiner, giving an account of our capture and the taking of the town, in a man- ner not very flattering to us, but the sadness occasioned was somewhat overborne by the intelligence almost simultaneously received, that the rebels had been foiled in their attack upon Newbern, and their iron-clad ram " the Neuse," blown up. The indolence and monotony which charac- terized these days was unpleasant in the ex- treme. Sometimes we found little variety in spicy debates with rebel officers, upon the war and slavery. They seemed to be very fond of arguing with us, although our boys almost invariably got the better of them. For a little time small squads were allowed to go out for wood, under guard, and I was fortunate enough to belong to one of these parties, and right glad was I to get away from our filthy surroundings, and breathe the pure, 46 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. fresh air of heaven, as it swept through the woods. Its influence was really exhilarating to spirit as well as body. Coupled with this was the information that we might be ex- changed in a few days, and altogether hope became quite buoyant. Some cars appeared in our vicinity, and it began to look a little like departure. The possibility of its truth was inspiriting, although we knew not what change would bring to us, but of one thing we were certain, that a prisoner's life in the South had more of unpleasant reality than romance. That night it was very cold, and with but one blanket between two, it was im- possible to keep comfortably warm, but hearts were animated by the thought of our DEPARTURE FROM TARBORO. About seven o'clock in the morning, it now being the 29th, the welcome order came, "get ready to leave? but, as usual, our regiment was the last to be on the way. The street through which we passed on our march to the depot was very beautiful, and we all agreed it was the prettiest place we had seen in the South. It is the county seat of Edgecomb County, LIFE IX REBEL PRISONS. 47 situated upon the banks of the Tar river, and must have been a place of some importance before the war. It is in railroad connection with the South by a short branch road which strikes the Weldon road at a little place called Eocky Mount. The train left at 10 o'clock, and we had a fair ride until night, when we became so weary we longed for a little sleep ; — to lose ourselves in grateful unconsciousness for a little while, but we found there was not room for us all even to sit down, much less to place our bodies in such a position as to experience anything like rest, for there were forty-seven prisoners and five or six guards crowded into a box car, and a small one at that. Soon after dark the doors were shut by order of the officer of the guard, — Capt. Johnson, of the 28th Georgia, and we passed a most miserable night, nearly smothered, and pressed almost out of all shape. We passed Pikeville, and some other places of little note, on the way to Goldsborough. Here we stopped some time, and drew rations for the next twenty-four hours, receiving three 48 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. small hard crackers and a little scrap of bacon to subsist on for that time. It was very evident our enemies did not intend we should suffer from being over fed. At midnight we reached Wilmington, where the guard availed themselves of the opportu- nity to do something for their own comfort. They alighted, kindled fires, and had a good time all to themselves, while we, poor crea- tures, were obliged to stay in our wretched car until morning. Soon after sunrise we were ordered from our miserable confinement and marched down to the dock, where a ferry- boat was in waiting to convey us to the oppo- site side. We landed on a large lumber dock, where we made a stay of several hours, during which time we received our allowance for twenty-four hours more ; this time obtaining a small loaf of sour wheat bread, no larger than a man's fist, and some bacon that smelled so badly that, hungry as we were, we left it upon the ground untouched. "Is there any excuse for this treatment here under the very shadow of one of the wealthiest cities of the South ?" was the question we asked ourselves, LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 49 and the reply dictated by reason was, " there can not he ; it is equally inexcusable and in- human." Three large blockade runners were lying at the docks on the Wilmington side; very sharp, rakish looking steamers, painted gray- ish white, in order not to be seen at a distance when at sea. While gazing at them we sud- denly heard heavy and rapid firing in the dis- tance, the intent of which was soon ascer- tained in the return of a handsome steamer with the Confederate flag floating in the breeze, it having been repulsed in an attempt to run out at the mouth of the river. A short time before our arrival the place had suffered from an immense fire. Kemains of buildings and docks were still smoking; and burning. One of the prisoners who went through in advance of us, placed a lighted pipe in a bale of cotton, and before it was discovered the fire had made too much pro- gress to be easily arrested. The loss was esti- mated to have been about six millions of dol- lars, one million of which belonged to the Con- federate government. 50 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. Our companionship with lumber was broken by orders to embark for Charleston. Our Asthmatic locomotive had a great time in climbing a steep grade near the city, but after an untold amount of whistling and screaming it succeeded in pulling us up and sending us away on our journey. We passed several trains loaded with troops, either on their way to Lee's army or to Newbern. CHAPTER II. ARRIVAL IN CHARLESTON. The first of May in the land of our birth is generally considered, especially by the young, as a day to be honored above many others, as it is the harbinger of glad summer days to come, but all former customs with us seemed to have been reversed, and the great question on its anniversary under a Southern sky, was, how to make even existence itself, not com- fortable, but simply tolerable. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 51 In the forenoon of the day we were trans- ferred to another train, and another guard of Georgia troops placed over us. We were put upon platform cars, a position in which to enjoy fresh air, besides afording an oppor- tunity to take a comprehensive survey of the scenery as we passed along. As we entered the city, it was very fine. Handsome live oak trees lifted their venerable heads, fringed with gray moss ; flowers with varied hue were in full blossom, and princely resi- dences were scattered here and there, giving an air of pleasantness to the whole, and but for the peculiar associations connected with the circumstance of our being there just then, we might have enjoyed a stroll about some of the inviting paths. In some of the gardens they were picking green peas, while at home we supposed them scarcely planted. It was the Sabbath, and great crowds of people thronged the street corners to stare at the "Plymouth Pilgrims," as the city papers sar- castically called us. Among them were many Union people whose unmistakable expressions of sympathy did us much good, for we had 3 52 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. expected nothing but taunts and insults, espe- cially in this a hot-bed of secession" One aged lady watched for an opportunity, and in a moment when the guard had their attention diverted in another direction, she came up to the side of the cars and gave us something to eat, at the same time commisera- ting our situation. Nowhere else in the Con- federacy had we experienced anything like this, and probably its repetition would seldom, if ever, occur again. We left this city, having Savannah, in Georgia, for our next destina- tion, and while crossing the railroad bridge we had a glimpse of Fort Sumter in the distance. It was intensely tantalizing to our spirits to be so near our forces, and yet prisoners and helpless. Our ride, notwithstanding, we acknowledged to be splendid, and we made quite good time, but just before the end of our route, we were overtaken by a rain storm which proved slightly inconvenient in our unsheltered condition. At Savannah we changed cars for Ander- sonville, which place was to be our theatre of action for an indefinite time. But thirty-five LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 53 were put into a car this time, thus giving us room for the requisite expansion for comfort and a space in which to rest, which we gladly improved. We traveled one hundred miles that night upon the Georgia Central road. It is built upon strong pieces of timber, kept in very good repair, and apparently in excel- lent condition. Painted signs by the road- side informed us that the track was of Ameri- can rails on one side, and English upon the other ; it being done as a sort of test of the superiority of one over the other. They were laid in 1857. At station No. 13 the train stopped quite a long while, and we were allowed to wash in a brook near by ; to receive very good rations — so good, that we thought we should be fortunate if we could have those equally fair in our place of imprisonment. The country in this vicinity was very pleasant, much finer than anything we had yet seen in our "pil- grimage." At 4, P. M. we arrived at Macon, a beautiful city, built upon high ground, and in general appearance much resembling Hartford, Ci We 54 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. had a very good view of it as we approached it upon the cars, and had some sport in point- ing out the Pearl Street Church, Touro Hall, &c. Ah ! if in reality we could see the church spires of this New England city again, how happy we should be, was the thought that very naturally came into our minds, and if we had indulged in gloomy forebodings there would also have been the sad conviction that many a comrade would doubtless close his eyes upon all that was earthly, ere we should turn our feet again to the land from whence we came. We stopped two hours at Macon, and surely "ignorance is bliss" for had we known the fearful sights that were shortly to meet our gaze, reluctance to proceed would have been doubly sure. The rebel officers gave us favorable descriptions of the location of the prison ; speaking of it as being situated in a healthy part of the country, with a fine stream of water running through it, and as to food, assuring us that we would fare well on account of the richness of the State, it not being impoverished like many parts of the South. LIFE IN KEBEL PRISONS. 55 At nine o'clock we were able to chronicle our ARRIVAL AT ANDERSONVILLE, or rather at the station, for there is no village, and the prison is nearly a mile out from this. This place, so notorious in the history of the war, is situated in Sumter Co., about sixty-five miles southwest from Macon, and fifty from the Alabama State line. We were counted as we left the cars, and then marched a short dis- tance from the depot, where we remained all night, surrounded by a line of fires and a heavy guard. Here we heard terrible stories of small-pox being prevalent in the prison, and also about the "dead line" which was death to any one who should step over it, but even then we thought they might be trying to frighten us. We were aroused from our slumbers the next morning at an early hour, and called to sub- mit to the orders of a bustling officer, dressed in Captain's uniform, who did his work with a great deal of swearing and threatening, divi- ding us into messes of ninety men each, each mess to be in charge of a sergeant, who should 56 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. call the roll every morning, draw the rations, and receive an extra one himself for his trouble. Three "nineties" constituted a de- tachment, which was also in charge of a ser- geant. Thus classed, and our names taken, we were marched off to the prison. As we came near it, we found it to consist of twelve or fifteen acres of ground, enclosed by a high stockade of hewed pine logs, closely guarded by numerous sentinels, who stood in elevated boxes overlooking the camp. As we entered the place a spectacle met our eyes that almost froze our blood with horror, and made our hearts fail within us. Before us were forms that had once been active and erect ; — stalwart men, now nothing but mere walking skeletons, covered with filth and vermin. Many of our men, in the heat and intensity of their feeling, exclaimed with earnestness, "Can this be hell?" "God protect us !" and all thought that He alone could bring them out alive from so terrible a place. In the center of the whole was a swamp, occupy- ing about three or four acres of the narrowed limits, and a part of this marshy place had .AJ^DERSONVIZilLE STOCKADE, 1. Stockade. 2. "Dead Line." 3. Brook. 4 Swamp. 5. Rebel Suttlers. 6. BAKE-nousE for Corn-bread. 7. Cook-house for Bacon, Beans 8 & 9. Entrances. EXPLANATION. 10 & 11. Outer Stockades. 12 Earthwork Fortifications. 13. Location of Hospital. 14 Place where the Surgeons pre- scribed FOR THE SICK AND ADMIT- TED to the Hospital. 15. Road to Oaptain"8 Office. 16. Line of Old Stockade. 58 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. been used by the prisoners as a sink, and excrement covered the ground, the scent aris- ing from which was suffocating. The ground allotted to our ninety was near the edge of this plague-spot, and how we were to live through the warm summer weather in the midst of such fearful surroundings, was more than we cared to think of just then. Along the edge of the swamp, from one side of the camp to the other, ran a little shal- low brook, three or four feet wide, and this, with a few small springs, were to furnish our water for the season. Whatever we may have thought of the dangers of the past; of the uncertainties which encircled us prior to our captivity, when we were exposed to the assaults of the enemy, we now felt that almost infinitely better would it be, to 1 ' Dwell in the midst of alarms, Than reign in such a horrible place. ' No shelter was provided for us by the rebel authorities, and we therefore went to work to provide for ourselves. Eleven of us combined to form a "family" For the small sum of two dollars in greenbacks we purchased eight LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 59 small saplings about eight or nine feet long ; these we bent and made fast in the ground, and covering them with our blankets, made a tent with an oval roof, about thirteen feet long. We needed the blankets for our pro- tection from the cold at night, but of the two, we concluded it to be quite as essential to our comfort to shut out the rain. In the after- noon we drew rations, each man getting a joint and a half of coarse corn meal, about two ounces of bacon, a little salt, and also a little soap. We baked a cake of the meal for our supper, and being very weary we laid our- selves down upon the cold ground to sleep. It was very cold, and our hard couch, without any covering to wrap about us, made it com- fortless indeed. There were ten deaths on our side of the camp that night. The old prisoners called it " being exchanged" and truly it was a blessed transformation to those who went from such a miserable existence on earth, to a glorious one above. We could not weep for such, but only rejoice that their cares and toils were ended. 60 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. We could not wonder that they should feel in their last hours that — "It is not death to die — To leave this weary road, And, 'mid the brotherhood on high, To be at home with God. It is not death to close The eye long dimmed by tears, And wake, in glorious repose, To spend eternal years. It is not death to bear The wrench that sets us free From dungeon chain, to breathe the air Of boundless liberty." Faith alone could rise above the feelings which shrink from death and burial in such a place, and in such circumstances, but faith opens wide the "golden gates" of the Celestial City, and through them the redeemed soul may pass to the abodes of purity, itself bright and shining, whatever might have been the condition of its clayey tenement below. A decent grave and a friendly burial would be a great mercy, but careless hands and unfeeling hearts hasten the soldier to his last home; but their dust shall not escape the Father's care, and future re-animation shall testify to the power and constancy of the heavenly Watcher. LTPE IN REBEL PRISONS. 61 After being there a short time, the balance of the Plymouth pilgrims came in, including the remainder of our regiment. We were in better spirits than the day before, having had time to accustom ourselves to things a little, so that when they filed in through the misery, we even laughed at their disconsolate looking faces, forgetting we, too, looked equally dole- ful on the preceding day. What can not soldiers make up their minds to endure ? We found upon inquiry, the name of the prison was Camp Sumter, and that ten thousand prisoners were then confined within its boundaries. We were particularly cau- tioned by those who had been there some time, to beware of the "dead line" about which we had heard upon the night of our arrival, and then believed to be untrue. We found it to be no fiction, however. All around the inside of the stockade, and about a rod distant from it, was a slender railing, and the least trespass over or under this, whether ignorantly done or not, met with instant death from the vigilant sentinel who was eager for an opportunity to shoot one of the "damned Yankees" 62 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. About this time Maj. Gen. Howell Cobb, commander of the Georgia State militia, made us a visit of inspection, and the ladies in the vicinity gave a pic-nic to the rebel soldiers in honor of the occasion. What his august presence would have to do with our welfare was a matter of conjecture. We heard float- ing rumors of an exchange of prisoners, but dared not hope for their truth. There were men who had been prisoners through the previous winter, upon Belle Island, in the Danville prisons, and other places, ragged, some of them nearly naked, worn down by long suffering to mere skeletons ; who ought to be exchanged, if only for humanity's sake. "Why does'nt the government do it?" we asked, but we could not answer. A PLAN FOR ESCAPE was natural enough for men in such condi- tion. On the night of the fifth some of them "tunnelled out" hoping to be so fortunate as to pass once and forever from such fearful bond- age, but the blood hounds were soon put upon their track, the usual method of our chivalrous enemies in finding and re-capturing runaways. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 65 Their yelping could be plainly heard in camp, a sound fitted to intensify our sympathy for the poor objects of their search. In conse- quence of the absence of these prisoners the rest of the camp were kept in ranks for a long while after roll-call ; probably while the rebel officers were seeking to acquaint themselves with the manner in which they had made their escape, and who they were. I had always supposed it to be the privilege of a prisoner of war to make his escape if he could, but there it was considered a crime, and a man was tracked like a felon or an out- law who should dare make the attempt. Talk no longer about "mudsills" and "greasy mechanics /" — public opinion at the North would not tolerate the barbarity which finds ready applause at the South. Either the race of F. F. Y.'s must have become sadly degen- erated, or they were always inferior to the people of the North. To insure correctness in the roll-call, the guards of the stockade were instructed to fire upon any men who should attempt to cross the brook from one side of the prison to the GO LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. other. Thinking it would be no violation of orders to step to the side of the brook, to wash my hands, I did so, when snap went the cap on the gun of one of the guard near me. On looking up I found he had intended to shoot me, but his gun had missed fire — thanks to a good providence. Thinking "dis- cretion the better part of valor," I hastily retreated from harm's way, imagining it "best to observe the rules tolerably in letter if not in spirit Three rebel officers of rank, Surgeons, it was supposed, rode into camp in the forenoon, and after inquiring into our causes of com- plaint, made us many fair promises of improve- ment in the prison, but we doubted at the time if they would ever be fulfilled. The rations which followed were a little more varied, having in addition to corn meal and bacon, molasses and rice, with a little salt, but exceedingly small quantities of anything. It was difficult to obtain wood enough to cook even what little we did have. At this time we began to find lice upon our clothing, although we had been in prison but LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 67 two or three days, and it was of no use to attempt to rid ourselves of them for they were everywhere, even crawling upon the ground where we slept. "We thought of our friends at home, and wondered how they would feel if they knew we were in such condition. To add to our sorrow and indignation, we found a large gang of desperadoes among our own men in camp, whom we called "Mosby's Raiders" and who lived by robbing and beat- ing, sometimes almost murdering their com- rades in misfortune. They attempted to carry out their plans in a thieving raid upon us, probably meeting with a strong temptation in the looks of our overcoats and blankets, but we were out in a twinkling, jorepared for our defense, and they, seeing an overpowering force, beat a hasty retreat. We would fain believe that such men are an exception among Federal soldiers, but it may be we can not tell how harsh treatment, and long con- tinued neglect and abuse, would degrade man- hood in any case. We, as a regiment, pre- sented a united front, and were therefore too strong for them. It required no little vigi- 68 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. lance and sacrifice to adapt ourselves' to all these circumstances of our prison life. "Man" is said to be "a creature of adaptation" but let him be placed within the stockade of a Georgia prison, subject to the will of arbitrary rebels, and he will be puzzled to make himself a very graceful representative of the truth. Much can be done, however, and these things I resolved to make rules for personal observ- ance, at least. Feeling that cleanliness was an indispensable condition of health, I deter- mined to keep clean at all hazards, and there- fore I would repair to the brook at early dawn, before it had been disturbed by others with like intent, and there wash my clothing as well as I could. "God willing," I would say to myself, "the r is oner is condemned to these things, and there is no alternative but for him to gaze upon them however sad and revolting they may be. He must steel himself against that which once would have sent sympathy through his whole being — a gushing tide. It could not be that the fountain of pity be stir- red to its depths so often, Nature could not sustain the pressure, therefore it seems that the whole is something like a martyr process, in which the very juices of life are crushed 6VZ LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. out by an uncontrollable force. At the begin- ning of my stay at Millen, the rations which were issued were double the amount we had at Andersonville. We drew one pint of meal, six ounces of uncooked beef, six spoonsful of rice, one tea-spoonful of salt, as our allowance for twenty-four hours. Beans were sometimes substituted for rice, but these were so much eaten by insects that they were often thrown away without being tasted. After a little while, however, the quantity decreased every day, so that they became nearly as small and poor as those issued in other prisons. The prospect of being exchanged or paroled was so small, that some availed themselves of the opportunity to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate government, and entered « the rebel service. The inducements which were offered them to do this, were three bushels of sweet potatoes, a suit of clothes, and one hundred dollars in Confederate scrip. I was myself acquainted with quite a number who did this, and although I would make no excuse for them, I know the motive by which they were actuated. They saw no chance of LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 393 getting out of prison alive. They had barely clothes to cover their nakedness, and they thought to prolong existence in this way, and coupled with this was the idea of escaping and fleeing to the Union lines at the very first opportunity But the whole thing was considered a mean, disgraceful act, by every true patriot. I would have died a dozen deaths rather than to have been guilty of such a thing, and there were thousands of others of the same mind. As the time of the Presidential election drew near, the rebels expressed a desire that we should vote upon the question ourselves. Accordingly ballot boxes were procured, and on the day when the people of the North Were deciding the momentous issue, we gath- ered together in Millen prison, and in the midst of great excitement, gave expression to our political preferences. We knew that it was war or peace. As we deposited our votes, so did we speak for one or the other, and show forth our position in the country's cause. At sunset the votes were counted, and the result was 3,014 votes for Lincoln, and 1,050 for McClellan. 394 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. It was evident by the deafening cheers of the men, that, though broken in constitution, their devotion to the noble cause was firm and unalterable. The guards by whom we were surrounded were more humane than any that had been placed over us at any other point. It was a common practice with us to discuss freely the matters relating to existing troubles, and also to trade with them in various little things. An old comb, with half the teeth broken out, would bring about a dollar's worth of provis- ions, and knives, forks and spoons would bring an almost fabulous price. One thing that was done there is quite char- acteristic of rebel barbarism. A surgeon would examine the sick, and take their names as those to be paroled, and then would go away and sell the poor man's chance to whoever had money. Hard-hearted as this may seem, it was never- theless carried on to a considerable extent. We were finally told that it was necessary to remove all the prisoners to some other lo- cality. We were curious to know what it meant, and one of the men sought information LITE IN REBEL PRISONS. 395 from the guard. "What are you in such a hurry to remove us for?" said he. "There is a right smart heap of Sherman's men coming down through here/' said the one thus inter- rogated, "and we must tote you away before he gets here." They were determined to ex- ercise vigilance in this respect, and keep us within their embrace, if possible. We might be given up a prey to Death, — this was of little account, for in the silence and inaction of such a state, they had nothing to fear, — but to have us returned where there was the slightest probability that we should ever bear arms against them, this was something they wished to prevent, and assiduously sought to do. 396 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. THE COUNTRY'S SACRIFICE. As we conclude the sad story of suffering in which our youthful soldiers have borne 90 conspicuous a part, we are compelled to pause and admire their noble endurance, their cheerful sacrifices, and pat- riotic devotion to country amid want and hardship. They deserve a rich and lasting tribute, but we feel that Sacrifice finds but poor ex- pression in human language, though it should be l> In thoughts that breathe, and words that burn,"— for heart-struggles and heart-histories can not be written with the pen, or spoken by the lips. There is no appropriate outward mani- festation for them, nothing to mark the strength and energy of work- ing which characterize the inner experience of those who are exer- cised by them. That the present war in our land, with its varied calls to duty, has caused more of this severe inward struggle than will ever be known, w r e do not question. Doubtless many went forth actuated by the love of novelty, the desire of adventure, a thirst for excitement, a hope of glory, and fondness for pro-motion ; but aside from all these, there went a body of men who formed, as it were, a mighty wave of patriotism, rushing down from Northern hills to Southern plains, fill- ing the would-be-conquerors with terror and dismay. The spirit of sacrifice marked them at the beginning. " What if we find a sol- dier's grave," said they, — "What if we sleep upon the field of strife, unknown and unnoticed, provided we fall in the discharge of duty to country and to God ! " This feeling was wide-spread, and every de- partment of labor turned out its representatives. The merchant went from his damasked surroundings, from measuring off silks and laces for the dainty children of Fashion ; the artist laid aside his brush and easel, and turned his back upon the charming studio ; the man of culture turned from his literary pursuits upon which he had counted so much ; the student, whose delight had been to linger in classic halls, was suddenly animated with new zeal that must needs be cooled, or heightened on the "broad field of battle." The professional aspirant for honor ceased to wed ambition, took a broader look, and went into the service of his country; while the poet, who had found nis soul chiefly blessed in the utterances of lips " wet with Castalian dews," felt that he must slake his thirst at other fountains, — and he, too, was seen on the way. LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. 397 The minister at the sacred desk felt the new cause blending with Ms own ; the mechanic and the artisan laid their tools to rest, and took others of a different character, wherewith they might strike for Liberty and Right j and everywhere the sturdy yeomanry declared themselves ready to do or die in so noble a cause. They laid them- selves upon the altar of sacrifice, — and who shall tell how rich the offering, how precious the incense, that went up therefrom ! If it be wise to talk of anything pertaining to mortals, as being worthy to be recorded "as with a pen of iron and the point of a diamond," then might choice paragraphs be culled from the sacrificial records of these times, for posterity, ages down, to admire. The nobility of manhood has been vastly increased thereby, and lofty purposes and sentiments been written that do honor to mankind. It is true, the voice of lamentation is heard for those who are not. There is mourning for the many who have fallen upon the field of battle, and the thousands who have died in prisons and hospitals ; but if it be true that men live in actions more than in moments, in deeds more than in years, it may be these have accomplished more for the cause in which they were engaged, by their death, than they could have done in life. A leaf of geranium, withered and faded, lay upon the table as I sat musing upon these things, and the fragile thing, broken from its Stem, suggested points of contrast between itself and that living, breathing plant of human society, which had been torn from the place where it had been wont to grow, and made to droop and die in consequence. A fragrance, rich and sweet, came from the crushed and bruised leaf, more diffusive by reason of pressure, and it raised the inquiry, whether there might not be, after all, holier and more blessed influences attending the hidden properties which a mighty power had wrung out of the heart of the nation, than would have been apparent if it had never been subjected to such a process ? The delicate juices which conveyed such odor to my grateful sen- ses, were as a voice that told how the country had been enriched by what had been evolved in the struggle to which it was called, and haw individuals had been blessed, because the springs had been touched which opened the cells where the most precious incense was stored. Altogether, it whispered of the power and blessedness of sacrifice, for it made manifest the value of those costly offerings which have been laid upon the nation's altar, and which so many have thought to be made in vain. It invested the sighs, tears and groans that 398 LIFE IN REBEL PRISONS. have been involved, with a peculiar sacredness, for they have no unimportant mission to perform in creating the more fragrant atmos- phere which is to surround the people of coming time. More, indeed, has been demanded, than was anticipated. Had the veil been up- lifted in that day when the few thousands thought themselves suffi- cient to annihilate the opposing host, and the long catalogue of death, disaster, and disappointment been seen, who but would have started back, appalled at the terrible sight? Who, in the prospect, would have thought he could pass through the fiery ordeal, certainly without being crushed, never to rise again? Standing then upon the hill-top and looking out with prophetic vision upon scenes of carnage that were to drench the virgin soil with blood ; with keen sensibility of hearing, listening to the wailing and lamenta- tion that w.as to be known through the land, — who would not have prayed with an agonized heart to be spared from beholding the time in fearful reality 9 Such a picture spread bcl'ore us in the summer of '61, as the sure embodiment of what was to come, would have filled every beholder with dismay, and sent the exclamation to every lip — Can it be possible ? But such is not Divine appointment Slowly He reveals to men what they are to do and to suffer, and with the revelation mercifully gives strength to meet it. When He calls to great sacrifices, He gives the needful preparation, whether it be to individuals or nations. When He has a great work to perform, He provides the necessary materials, whether it be in men or means, that the work may be well accomplished. Amid, then, all the apparent tumult and discord, the trials and sorrows, the fears and sacrifices of these troublous times, there is reason why the children of men should comfort their hearts and even rejoice, because He who sits upon the throne of the uni- verse knows full well the best methods of action, the wisest discipline for the times, and is surely pledged to make Right triumphant in the end. Peac