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[Illustration: Your Friend Chas. Smedley]
LIFE
IN
SOUTHERN PRISONS;
FROM THE DIARY OF
CORPORAL CHARLES SMEDLEY,
OF COMPANY G, 90TH REGIMENT PENN'A VOLUNTEERS,
COMMENCING A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE "BATTLE OF THE
WILDERNESS," IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN PRISONER, IN
THE EVENING OF FIFTH MONTH FIFTH, 1864:
ALSO,
A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE MARCH TO
AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG,
TOGETHER WITH A
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.
"If it is never to be my lot to return to you, remember me only as one
who went to do his duty."--C. SMEDLEY. _Letter to parents, dated 8th
mo. 14th, 1862._
PUBLISHED BY
THE LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S FULTON AID SOCIETY.
PEARSOL & GEIST, PRINTERS, DAILY EXPRESS OFFICE.
1865.
April 7th, 1865. At a regular meeting of the FULTON AID
SOCIETY, "New Business" being in order, the following resolutions
were offered and unanimously adopted:
_Resolved_, That the "Fulton Aid Society" request of the friends of the
late CHARLES SMEDLEY, that a copy of his diary, kept while a
prisoner at Andersonville, Georgia, be furnished for the purpose of
publication.
_Resolved_, That a Committee consisting of four members of the
association be appointed to receive the manuscript, prepare it for
publication, and that it be authorized to have printed an edition of
four hundred copies for the use of the Society.
In conformity with the above resolutions, the following were appointed
the Committee:
CHAS. H. STUBBS, M. D., Chairman.
JAMES H. CLARK,
ANNIE SMEDLEY,
ELWOOD SMEDLEY.
PREFACE.
The following pages contain a plain, unvarnished statement of facts
that occurred under the notice of one who was so unfortunate as to be
taken prisoner by those who sought to destroy and dissever our glorious
country. As will be perceived, it is written with great care, hence its
reliability.
It was thought best to print the author's diary, just as it was
received, without any amplification, save that absolutely necessary
for the press. To the reader we will say that Dr. Buckley was one of
our surgeons who fell into the hands of the Confederates. Corporal Wm.
Griffith, of Company G, 90th Regiment P. V., was taken prisoner along
with Charles Smedley. He is spoken of as "Griffith."
With these few explanations we offer this little book to our citizens,
feeling confident that it will be purchased and read by many of them.
In purchasing this work you contribute your mite towards alleviating
the condition of those whose sufferings are so well set forth in its
pages.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CHAS. SMEDLEY.
BY CHAS. H. STUBBS, M. D.
Charles Smedley, eldest son of Joel and Martha Smedley, was born in
Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on the first day
of November, 1836. Until his nineteenth year he remained at home,
assisting his father in farming during the Summer seasons, and in the
Winter attending the public school of the district. Having mastered
the elementary branches usually taught in the district schools, and
desiring to acquire a knowledge of the higher scientific studies, he
entered as a student in the celebrated Friends' School at Westtown,
on the seventh of May, 1855. While at this institution, he pursued
the studies he had chosen with great diligence and success. By close
application he attained an honorable standing in his class; and his
strict deportment merited the high approbation of his preceptors and
the confidence of all his companions.
On the eleventh of April, 1856, after spending nearly a year
at Westtown, he returned home and again assisted his father in
superintending the mills and managing the farm. This engaged his
attention for the next two years.
In the Spring of 1858 he concluded to commence business for himself.
That of a merchant suggested itself; but feeling deficient in knowledge
necessary to success if he engaged in this business, he resolved to
prepare himself by taking a mercantile course. With this object in
view, on the fifth of May, 1858, he entered the Lancaster County Normal
School at Millersville. While at Millersville he became an active an
influential member of the Page Society--a noted literary association
connected with the Normal School.
Having remained one term at the Normal School, he returned to his
native place in the Fall, and on the thirteenth of October, 1858,
entered into an agreement with his father to take the grist and saw
mills "on the shares." He continued to have charge of the mills for
two year, and met with good success. During these two years he took an
active interest in every movement that would have a tendency to improve
the moral condition of society.
Believing strongly in the influence to be exerted by example, he
joined several associations, whose object was of a reformatory
character. Uniting himself with the Odd Fellows and Good Templars,
he took an active part in the business of both of these orders. In
these associations he was among the first to see that the rules were
implicitly obeyed and kept inviolate. On one occasion a fellow member
of the order of Odd Fellows was on trial for violating one of the sworn
conditions on which he entered the lodge, by persisting in getting
intoxicated whenever he felt disposed. The member who was most opposed
to continuing this habitual drunkard in the lodge was Charles Smedley.
In his little speech made in opposition, he boldly and fearlessly
asserted that it was immaterial what position the person on trial might
occupy--by his late actions the accused had unfitted himself to be
continued any longer in the association, and in his opinion should be
expelled.
In the Order of Good Templars Chas. Smedley attained the highest
position in the Lodge of which he was a member. Through his influence
many other young men were induced to join and forever eschew that
accursed evil which has led to the ruin of many noble youths and caused
them to fill premature graves.
On the twenty-first of April, 1862, he gave up his interest in the
mills, having in contemplation a visit to some of the northern cities.
After traveling several weeks in central New York, and spending a
few days in the great Eastern Metropolis, young Smedley returned to
Pennsylvania on the twenty-first of May.
The great rebellion had now been in progress for a year. Throughout the
sections of country visited by him, the young men of the North were
rapidly volunteering for their country's defense. Thinking it was not
right for him to travel now and spend his time, he came home with the
determination of serving his country in her hour of peril.
Well knowing that the consent of his parents could not be obtained,
(they being members of the Society of Friends, one of the most
important tenets of which is "a testimony against war,") he bid them
adieu and started for Philadelphia, where, on the 29th of May, 1862, he
enlisted as a member of Company G, 90th Regiment Penna. Volunteers.
For some the life of a soldier has its attractions. The sound of
martial music, the gay uniform, the novelty of camp life, and the
desire for fame--all contribute to allure many into the military
service. None of these inducements had any weight with Charles Smedley.
No one had a greater hatred of war; but like many others, he felt
that this war was prosecuted on the part of the North for _National
existence_, and as such differed from wars of aggression. Hence he
thought it was _his duty_, as it was the duty of every man, to assist
in putting down the rebellion. Maintaining these views, and from
motives of the highest patriotism, Chas. Smedley joined the army "for
three years or the war."
In a letter written to the author of this sketch, soon after he
enlisted, dated "Front Royal, 6th mo. 16th, 1862," he says: "After
traveling through the different parts of the country and witnessing
the state of things caused by this rebellion, I, by degrees, made up
my mind that the larger the force that we could put in the field,
the sooner would this rebellion be crushed, and it was the duty of
every person, who could, to volunteer. Having no business to require
my attention, that I liked, and believing that if ever I lent my aid
in suppressing this rebellion, now was the time, hence my present
situation."
In a letter dated "6th mo. 19th, 1862," addressed to one of his
relatives, in answer to the question, "how he liked soldiering?" he
replied: "If I were at home, perhaps I would find more pleasure; but to
take everything into consideration, it is every man's duty to try and
put down this rebellion. I did not expect to like a soldier's life when
I left home, but can honestly say that I like it better than I expected
to."
From a letter written to his parents, dated "7th mo. 4th, 1862," we
take the following beautiful and patriotic sentiments: "I am sorry to
hear that you cannot help being uneasy about me. This regiment, as yet,
has not been in any dangerous positions, and may not during the war.
As far as myself is concerned, I have no fears and feel it my duty to
go wherever the regiment is ordered. The question often comes into my
mind, "have I done right?" To this my conscience answers that I have,
and must continue to do my duty. The longer I remain the more firmly I
am impressed that I am doing nothing but my simple duty and all will
come out right in the end. And being thus impressed I move along with
a light heart and nothing to fear. To be frank, I put my trust in the
Almighty ruler above, and believe whatever _my fate shall be_, will be
in accordance with His will. I know that my course is very inconsistent
with our discipline,[1] but I believe that at present I owe a higher
duty to my country. I hope that it may be restored to us, more peaceful
and prosperous than ever; and if it is my fortune to get back safely
home, I can congratulate myself upon having done my duty."
From Philadelphia, after enlisting, Charles Smedley was sent to
Washington, and from thence to Front Royal, a small town west of the
Blue Ridge, where the 90th Regiment was then encamped. He joined
it just previous to the advance of our forces sent to intercept
"Stonewall" Jackson, in his progress down the Shenandoah Valley. He
continued with the regiment, and was with it up to the time of the
second battle of Bull Run. For more than a week previous to this
engagement, he had made application to be sent to the hospital, being
weak and exhausted from disease. On the morning of the battle,[2] he
declared he would not send in his application to be sent to the rear,
because the impression might exist that he was trying to evade his duty
in time of danger. By almost superhuman exertion he managed to go into
the fight, but in the retreat of our forces, becoming fatigued and
prostrated, he was compelled to remain in the rear, and the consequence
was he fell into the hands of the enemy.
In a few days he was paroled and forwarded to our lines, and then sent
by the Federal authorities to Annapolis, Maryland. He arrived home on
the 29th of October, 1862, and remained until the 18th of February,
1863, when he was regularly exchanged.
Joining the regiment a second time, he continued with it over thirteen
months. While in the service he participated in the battles of Cedar
Mountain, second Bull Run, Rappahannock Station, Chancellorsville,
Thoroughfare Gap, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. In all these battles
young Smedley performed his duty nobly. In the first day's fight at
Gettysburg he narrowly escaped with his life--a ball grazing him on
the neck and another on the hip. In the second and third day's fights
the 90th Regiment was engaged on the memorable Cemetery ridge. After
the defeat of the rebel hordes on the heights of Gettysburg, our
army followed the remainder of the enemy's forces to the banks of the
Rapidan. While encamped on this stream, the subject of our sketch
received the sad news of affliction among "the loved ones at home." His
mother, brother and sister being dangerously ill--the two former dying
soon afterwards.
From a letter written to his sister on the reception of the sad
intelligence, we copy the following: "It is a great trial to me to have
to be separated from you when I think of the present state of things.
Perhaps all is for the best, and we should not complain. We are but
poor creatures and must submit to the Almighty Ruler who holds our fate
in the "hollow of his hand." In the language of the christian, "why
should we not put our trust in Him, and pray for Him to bring us out
of all our trials and afflictions?" Perhaps we have not been thankful
enough for all the blessings we enjoy. Give my love to all my old
friends. I often think of the many pleasant times we have had at home.
I hope I may again have the pleasure of meeting you all there, and not
say, as Byron, of home,
'Fare thee well, and if forever,
Still, forever fare thee well.'"
At the battle of the Wilderness, on the 5th of May, 1864, Charles
Smedley was captured a second time, and, as we are informed in his
diary, was taken by the Confederates to Gordonsville, thence to
Danville, from Danville to the prisoners' pen at Andersonville,
Georgia, and lastly to Florence, South Carolina. At Andersonville he
remained nearly four months in a stockade filled with thousands of
Northern patriots. Here he suffered untold hardships, being exposed
to the scorching rays of the sun, the cold atmosphere of the night,
and to frequent storms of rain. The premeditated, gradual starvation
process of his vile captors, together with the constant exposure to all
kinds of weather, did its work effectually. His health at last became
impaired and his physical constitution forever shattered. On the
thirteenth of September, along with many others, he reached the town of
Florence, where he was placed in another pen, in every respect similar
to the one he had left at Andersonville. Here his sufferings increased.
Being much reduced, and possessing hardly sufficient strength to assist
himself, he was at last admitted into what was termed a hospital.
In this hospital he lingered along for a few weeks, when his system
gradually succumbed from the effects of hunger and exposure.
During the night of the sixteenth of November, 1864, the spirit of
Charles Smedley left its mortal tenement for other realms. His body was
prepared for burial by a few of his fellow soldiers, and was interred
in the burying ground a short distance north-northwest of the stockade,
in Florence, South Carolina.
In the person of Charles Smedley there were nicely blended many of the
noblest traits of human character. As a religious and moral young man
he had few equals. From his early youth he had a strong aversion to
all those evil habits which have so often been the stepping stones to
vice in its most hideous forms. Profanity and the use of that filthy
narcotic weed, proved harmless as tempters to him. Still less powerful
was that subtle enemy of mankind, which "quickeneth and giveth color to
the cup, and stingeth like an adder."[3]
In all his transactions his rule was to do that only which his
conscience told him was right. His goodness of heart, his amiable
disposition, gained him many friends, and wherever known, whether at
home in his native township, or in the army of his country, none knew
him other than the noble young man and soldier.
To-day the remains of Charles Smedley, along with those of thousands of
other patriotic martyrs, lie in the trenches near Florence. No marble
pile or grass covered mound will, in all probability, ever mark his
last resting place, but his name will be ever cherished and held in
remembrance by his friends, as one who was willing to offer up his life
that his country might live.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Reference is here made to the Friends' discipline--he being a
member by birthright.
[2] I think it was the 29th of August, 1862, the second battle of Bull
Run occurred, and he was made prisoner.
[3] In a letter to his father, dated 8th mo. 16th, 1863, written while
the army was at Rappahannock Station, we find the following extract:
"When I enlisted, I made a resolution that I, as long as I was in the
service, would neither use profane language, smoke or chew tobacco, or
drink intoxicating liquors. This resolution I have strictly adhered to,
and I believe I am a happier man for it."
DIARY.
_1st day, 5th mo. 1st, 1864._ Camp near Mitchell's Station, Va. Had
regimental inspection this morning at ten o'clock by Capt. W. Davis.
The parade was formed, then moved to the rear into columns, and as we
were critically inspected yesterday, we were dismissed. I was busy the
rest of the day helping Johnson to fix up the clothing books, and as
the pay rolls were not right, we had to go to work and make out three
more, leaving out ten deserters, which were taken up wrong on them at
first. J. C. Kimball wrote one while Johnson and I wrote the others.
Received my Baltimore American.
_2d day, 5th mo. 2d._ Done nothing of any account all day. Was nice
weather.
_3d day, 5th mo. 3d._ This was a nice warm day. Each company was out at
target practice one or two hours this afternoon. Each of us shot five
rounds. Some talk of us moving.
_4th day, 5th mo. 4th._ We were told at nine last evening to have
everything packed, as we would likely have to move. Drew six days'
rations of coffee, sugar and crackers and two days' rations of pork.
We were called up at twelve o'clock last night, packed up, and by
three o'clock were on the march. Marched towards Piney Mountain, where
we arrived about sunrise, and made a short halt. We were in the rear
of the first brigade. Marched past Stephensburg, thence crossed the
Rapidan at twelve o'clock on a pontoon bridge. There were two bridges
of canvas-covered boats at Germania ford. After stopping a short time,
took up the march and followed the plank road, and after going five
or eight miles, halted and bivouacked for the night on a high hill
near the right of the road. The day was very warm after the sun rose.
We were forced as fast as it was possible for us to go--stragglers
fell out by hundreds--no brigade or regiment seemed to be together
in the after part of the day. I had to fall out, and threw away my
mess kettle, some of my clothes, pork, and several other things, and
then could no more than keep up. Halted with the little part of the
regiment, took a good bath, and made supper of bread, pork and coffee.
We seemed to be in the rear and with the General's headquarters. Went
to bed on the ground about 8 P. M.
_5th day, 5th mo. 5th._ Five o'clock A. M. Slept well last night. Were
called up at three this morning, got our breakfasts and made ready to
move. Are now awaiting orders. The birds are playing around us and
the day promises to be a pleasant one. Seven A. M. Have moved out
and halted to the right of the road--are six miles from Mine Run and
fifteen from Fredericksburg. Gen'l Warren's headquarters are near us.
We appear to be pretty well in the rear. Col. ---- commands the first
brigade. Have not heard of any rebels yet in front. Gen'l Burnside
is said to be in the rear guarding fifteen hundred wagons. The sun
is coming out hot--the weather clear and sultry. Twelve M. Have been
laying down since six o'clock. The Sixth Corps has passed down the
plank road to take position on our left. Heard some heavy musketry
firing towards our left. It is said to be all cavalry fighting. From
what I know we are in the reserve. Gen'l Robinson's headquarters are
within a hundred yards of us. There is also a signal station near the
headquarters. This is near the Wilderness tavern. There is a house on
the hill near here where "Stonewall" Jackson was taken after he was
wounded at Chancellorsville. The sun is burning hot.
_6th day, 5th mo. 6th._ Nine o'clock A. M. At one o'clock yesterday
we advanced as a forward guard centre, we being the third regiment in
line from the position we occupied at 12 M. Kept on through woods for
a half mile, then the other regiment halted and deployed, and helped
us on the second line, with our right resting on the turnpike. The
front line was busily engaged as we advanced--the bullets flew thick
and fast around us, mostly high. About two o'clock we advanced the
second time, about two hundred yards, and lay down under a heavy fire
where we remained until six o'clock. All the time we lay under a fire
from the rebels, who were less than a quarter of a mile off. They had
a battery on the left of the pike which occasionally threw shells and
solid shot in good range over us, cutting off the limbs of the trees;
only a few were low enough to come near us. One solid shot lit in the
centre of our company, and plowed the ground up under Audenreid's feet,
bursting his canteen and throwing the dirt over the men around him,
without doing any more damage. At six o'clock P. M., an officer, I do
not know who, came up and gave us the order to "advance with the 39th
Massachusetts." After the order was repeated twice, we started, going
over dead and wounded who had been slaughtered by hundreds, and lay
thick on the ground we went over. The rebels did not fire a shot until
after we got out into the open plain, and then they opened with grape
and canister and volleys of musketry. After going to the bottom of the
hill and up halfway towards the enemy's battery, the Colonel gave the
order to "about face." I had stopped to cap my piece, and before I got
it done the regiment was going back on a double-quick. I followed in
the rear, and coming to a ditch, fell into it, and on looking up saw
our fellows going up the hill towards our line. The bullets flew so
thick that I thought it next thing to getting shot to get out of the
ditch, and after a few moments concluded I had better stay where I
was until after dark, and then get up the hill into our lines. I soon
noticed that the ditch was full of men. After hallooing to those above
and below me, I found that Griffith, Edwards and Fry of our company,
and one of company B's men were near us. We all thought we had better
stay where we were until after dark. I went to Edwards and there found
a man who told us to lay still and he would take us off after a while.
Edwards asked him who he was. He said he was a Confederate officer.
On looking up the ditch, which was deep above us, I saw some of the
enemy's sharp shooters and skirmishers, and it was plain to be seen
that we were in their power. The officer ordered us to disarm ourselves
and it would be all right. We were taken about half-past seven o'clock
into the Confederate lines, to the pike, then to the rear for about
half a mile and kept under guard. As we were going off I found Sergeant
M., of company --; picked him up and took him with us. He had been
knocked down but was not hurt. Sergeant Riley I also picked up. I told
him how we were situated. Griffith gave him a canteen of water, and
then we were ordered to come on. He was trying to play it, I thought. I
am certain half our regiment was lost. Griffith and I went to work and
made some coffee in a pot that I picked up in the morning. About nine
P. M., twelve of our company and some more of the 90th were brought in.
Everything, while I was awake, was quiet. Griffith and I made a bed
and slept together. I did not get to sleep until after twelve o'clock.
At day-break this morning I was awakened by artillery firing. I got
up and went to the creek, got a pot of water and made some coffee,
and then awakened Griffith and we took our breakfast. At six A. M.
we were ordered to fall in; we got our things, and were marched to
Robertson's Tavern, where we are at present. From seven to half-past
eight there was some very sharp musketry up the pike. The guards are
busy trading with the boys; there are about fifty of us here. Ten A. M.
All seems to be quiet in front. Night--Lay under guard all day; heard
no fighting of any account to-day. Things appear to be quiet in front.
The ambulances brought in a great many wounded men all day.
_7th day, 5th mo. 7th._ Were marched, some two hundred and seventy
of us, to Orange Court House, then put aboard the cars and taken to
Gordonsville.
_1st day, 5th mo. 8th._ Kept here all day. Where we were last night we
drew one day's rations of corn meal, beef and salt. I was commissary
for a squad of twenty-five men. Sent a letter home. The sun was burning
hot.
_2d day, 5th mo. 9th._ We were put into a house forty by fifty feet
square last night and came near smothering. We were taken out this
morning. Made mush for breakfast. Had to stay out in the sun all day.
Part of us were sent to Lynchburg yesterday--some more came last night.
Griffith and I laid down after supper to rest for the night. Drew one
ration of corn meal and herring--three of the latter to each man.
_3d day, 5th mo., 10th._ Soon after we got to bed last night we were
ordered to pack up. Left Gordonsville in a train of cars at eleven
o'clock at night, and after a hard night's travel got to this place
(Lynchburg) about ten this morning. Were put in a deep ravine with
a stream of water running through it. A heavy guard of citizens,
consisting of old men, "played out" soldiers, and boys were around us.
Two pieces of artillery are planted in range of us. I was with the
first one hundred of our squad that came in to-day. We were put in
charge of a Sergeant-Major, who drew rations for us. There was about
one thousand came here yesterday. I got seven "hard tack" and some
bacon for one day's rations. There are about 2500 of us here. To-day
was burning hot.
_4th day, 5th mo. 11th._ Had a good sleep last night. This was a very
warm day. There were seventy-five loaves of soft rye bread, half a peck
of rice, and a little salt issued to a squad to-day. There were one
thousand men sent away to-day.
_5th day, 5th mo. 12th._ It commenced to rain about nine o'clock last
night. Griffith and I had a rough night of it--had to sit up a good
part of the time, till the after-part of the night, when we laid down
under the woollen blanket. About daylight it commenced to rain rapidly.
The water ran on us and caused us to get up and sit with the gum
blanket over our shoulders. It rained pretty much all day; we had to
sit most of the time with the gum blanket over us. With hard work we
made some coffee for breakfast and some mush for supper. Carried some
flat stones to lay on to-night. Drew seventy-five loaves of bread for
the balance of yesterday's rations; also for to-day, six "hard tack,"
pork and rice, to a man, for two days' rations.
_6th day, 5th mo. 13th._ Had a rough night of it. Slept under our
woollen blankets until daylight. It rained a great deal all night--got
considerably wet. Showery all day. About ten o'clock A. M. we were
moved out of the ravine to the cars and got aboard at twelve, and were
off for Danville. We were stowed as closely as possible in burden cars.
Passed through Fairville before dark. There are rebel hospitals at this
place.
_7th day, 5th mo. 14th._ Traveling all night and until ten o'clock this
forenoon, when we arrived at Danville. Here we were put into large
houses. The house I am in is one hundred by forty-seven feet, three
stories high. The two upper stories are only occupied by us, some five
hundred in number. Here we were divided into messes of twenty each, and
drawing two square inches of boiled bacon and a loaf of corn bread for
two men.
_1st day, 5th mo. 15th._ Had roll-call at nine A. M. and were counted.
Drew corn bread at ten o'clock and rice soup at four P. M., and soon
after boiled bacon. Got a pint of soup to a man. Can do nothing but lay
down, or walk, or stand, after going to wash. There are five hundred in
this building. We hear no news.
_2d day, 5th mo. 16th._ Spent the day as yesterday. Drew some of our
hard bread, Confederate bacon and rice soup. There was a fellow selling
toilet soap at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents Confederate
scrip, or two cakes for a one dollar greenback.
_3d day, 5th mo. 17th._ Lay about all day. In the morning darned the
toe of one of my stockings and mended my pantaloons. Sent a letter
home to father. We are to be sent to Georgia to-morrow. Drew a day's
rations for to-day of corn bread, boiled bacon and black bean soup at
three o'clock. At six drew a ration of corn bread and boiled bacon for
to-morrow.
_4th day, 5th mo. 14th._ Got up at daybreak, left the prison at six,
got on the cars at half-past eight and started at nine. At twelve came
as far as the railroad was finished, (the Danville and Greensboro'
road) then had to march six miles to where it commenced again, and then
lay for an hour for three trains to come. After they arrived it took
until long after dark to load them. I was among the last to get aboard.
_5th day, 5th mo. 19th._ Had a bad time of it last night--could not
sit or stand with comfort. The rain came through the car so bad that
I had to get out my "gum." We had only thirteen miles to go, and it
was near daylight before we got to Greensborough, which was about six
in the morning. Here we stopped about two hours, then went on, bound
for Charlotte, North Carolina, where we arrived at half-past six. The
train went very slow all night, but after we left Greensborough, very
fast. The country along the road was very, very poor. The only places
of much note were High Point Station, Thomasville and Lexington.
Greensborough is a manufacturing town, but like in all other towns and
villages, business was at a stand still. Thomasville was the prettiest
place. There is a seminary there. Some ladies came out to the train and
threw two ginger cakes at us, also some bouquets. Crossed the Yadkin
River. After we got to Charlotte, were taken off the cars and marched
to the railroad crossing. Drew rations of crackers and pork; I got six
crackers and a chunk of pork for two days. A thunder-gust came up which
continued until ten o'clock. Griffith and I made out to kindle a little
fire and make a pot of coffee. I was taken with a chill and fever of a
bilious nature--can eat no supper. By eleven o'clock it cleared up and
the moon shone out. Made our bed on the ground and were soon asleep.
_6th day, 5th mo. 20th._ Slept well last night, and got up at 6 o'clock
A. M.; felt very bad and very bilious; got some hot water to make
coffee, but could not find the coffee. The sun came out bright and hot
this morning. At twelve M. were put aboard the cars. The cars moved
past the town, backed, and moved forward and back, &c., until about six
o'clock, when we were backed to the southeast end of the town. Each
car load was taken off in separate squads of nineteen or twenty--drew
rations for one day, three hard tack and a chunk of pork. I was sick
all day with the chills and fever--no appetite; ate some _souse_, well
peppered, but had to force it down. The day was very hot.
_7th day, 5th mo. 21st._ Slept well last night on the ground. The
moon was full and the sky clear. We were ordered to pack up about six
o'clock, and get on the same cars we got off. Griffith and I were
so lucky as to get our old places in the stock cars; rode all day,
and arrived at Columbia, South Carolina at sunset. After stopping
there over an hour, we changed cars. We got larger cars but less of
them. They crowded seventy-five men inside and on top, which nearly
smothered us. The guard had orders not to let a man out, and to shoot
the first person that attempted it. Our car is a close burden car,
which was closed all around except one door. I was so lucky as to get
near the door and have plenty of fresh air. By doubling up, made out
to lie down, with my head next the door. This was a warm day, but we,
being in such a good car, rode comfortably. The country for two days'
journey was poorer than any yet passed. Did not see much of Columbia.
I felt very well all day; my disease is better. Took two doses of
"composition" in cold water.
_1st day, 5th mo. 22d._ I made out with difficulty to lay on my back
all night. The guard, "the first half," sat on my head, and then laid
down with his head on my breast for a pillow--could not sleep. My feet
and legs were doubled up, and I was laying on them part of the time,
while others piled theirs on top of mine. This morning got a good seat
by the door; rode there until we stopped at Augusta. Changed cars at
this place at 12 o'clock M. Did not pass any place of importance after
Charlotte. Stopped at dusk and had a loaf of bread and a chunk of pork
issued to us. I had been rather bad with the diarrhoea--was very
weak and dizzy, with no appetite; but after drawing rations, felt like
eating, and ate a bit of bread and pork; the bread is rye. When we
changed cars I got a seat in the middle of the door. My door was shut
at dark, so I had to set with my back against it.
_2d day, 5th mo. 23d._ Did not sleep much in the night, had to sit
all the time. There were sixty-five men inside the box and some on
top. At daylight the door was opened. I then rode with my legs out.
Get to Marion about the middle of the day. Three trains were made of
two, and we went at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. Arrived
at Andersonville, Georgia, at five o'clock P. M., when we were taken
off the cars, counted off into squads with a sergeant, who took our
names on a piece of paper which a rebel officer gave him. Then we were
ordered into a large stockade and halted in the northeast corner of
it. There we had the ground for our quarters. We concluded that it was
hard to move about. Made our bed on the ground. Weather clear and hot.
Yesterday passed Wanesville. To-day passed Fort Valley after leaving
Marion.
_3d day, 5th mo. 24th._ Slept very well on the ground last night; arose
at daylight, went to the run and took a good wash. Had roll-call and
were counted by a rebel sergeant, whose name is warmer. There were
ninety men in our mess. Drew rations at 5 o'clock P. M. Half a loaf
of corn bread and half a square inch of bacon to each man. The bacon
is excellent. There were three or four hundred more men put in here
to-day. The place was too much crowded before. They brought them in
on the main street and told them to go and find places wherever they
_could_. Griffith and I having but fifteen cents in money, and that
being mine, we are bad off. Bought two split pieces of pine, six feet
long and two and a half inches square, to put up a shelter. These I
purchased for my fifteen cents. These not being enough, I traded my
looking glass for two more. Put up my woollen blanket over our ridge
pole and now have a good place to stay in. This place contains about
fifteen or twenty acres of ground, enclosed with a stockade twenty feet
high, with a sentry stand every one hundred and fifty feet. There is a
stream of water running through it with a hill extending up from each
side of it. For thirty or more yards from the run the ground is swampy
and has a bad smell coming from it.
_4th day, 5th mo. 25th._ Spent this day about the same as yesterday,
laying in our tent, &c., &c. Drew the same kind of rations. More
prisoners were put in to-day.
_5th day, 5th mo. 26th._ This was a very hot day. There are men here
just like skeletons, they are so far gone with the chronic diarrhoea.
The boys caught some of the raiders and punished them by shaving their
heads. There are plenty of "sweat" boards in operation, and other kinds
of gaming. Drew a loaf of corn bread, two-thirds of a pint of mush,
and four square inches of bacon for two of us. The cornmeal is of
the _roughest_ description, not being _sifted_. Went to the run this
morning and washed a pair of drawers and a shirt, and then took a bath
myself.
_6th day, 5th mo. 27th._ Spent this day like yesterday, doing nothing.
Drew a loaf of corn bread, three bits of meat, and nearly a pint
of boiled rice. The pork to-day was all boiled jowls. The sun was
scorching hot. Sent a few lines home to father.
_7th day, 5th mo. 28th._ Was a very warm day. One hundred and eighty
more prisoners were put in here to-day from Sherman's army, making
in all sixteen thousand six hundred and fifty (16,650). There are
sixty-one detachments of two hundred and seventy each, not including
what came to-day. Drew the usual quantity of corn bread, bacon and mush
to a man.
_1st day, 5th mo. 29th._ Was extremely warm. Lay in the house[4] most
of the time. There were about fifteen hundred more men put in here
to-day. Did not draw rations until sundown, when we got pork and corn
bread.
_2d day, 5th mo. 30th._ This day is very oppressive. More prisoners
came in to-day.
_3d day, 5th mo. 31st._ Weather as hot as ever. Was at the stockade
where the rebels throw over their produce. Greenbacks are worth twice
as much as "scrip." Peas, beans, tobacco, onions, turnips, eggs, cakes,
groundnuts, &c., &c., are passed over in large quantities and sold at
enormous prices. My disease seems worse and I am getting weak.
_4th day, 6th mo. 1st._ Was cloudy until the middle of the day, then
had a heavy thunder-storm, and a little rain now and then until
evening. I lay in the house most of the day--was very weak. We made
some burnt corn bread crust coffee this morning. There were about
four hundred more prisoners put in here to-day; none of them from the
Potomac Army.
_5th day, 6th mo. 2d._ This was the same kind of a day as yesterday,
with more rain. Borrowed the "Banner of Light" from Dr. Buckley this
afternoon.
_6th day, 6th mo. 3d._ Was cloudy until towards sundown, when there
came up a heavy wind, followed by rain. The day was very warm. More
prisoners put in to-day, mostly sick and wounded, captured when we
were. The place is getting crowded full. Diarrhoea no better.
_7th day, 6th mo. 4th._ Had a good deal of rain. I lay in the house.
Two hundred more men came in to-day. There were a great many rumors
about us being paroled or exchanged on the sixth. We split up the last
of our wood with a musket screw-driver, and traded some corn bread for
another stick.
_1st day, 6th mo. 5th._ Had a great deal of rain. Drew one and a half
pints of corn meal and a half teaspoonful of salt instead of bread.
_2d day, 6th mo. 6th._ I am very weak. Same rations as yesterday.
Cloudy all day with some rain. Made souse of the last of our crackers.
More prisoners put in to-day--the place is over crowded.
_3d day, 6th mo. 7th._ Had considerable rain. Made a pot of mush which
we ate with our meat to-day. About five hundred more prisoners were put
in to-day.
_4th day, 6th mo. 8th._ Rain to-day, same as yesterday. A few more
prisoners put in here. I undertook to make a pot of mush this morning;
got it about done, when the jaw bone of a hog, which I had the pot
resting on, gave way, and upset the half of it. We made a small
breakfast on the remainder. This evening we mixed up some meal and
baked some cakes on my plate. Our wood is nearly out. We get corn meal
and pork, but are not allowed to go out for wood, and as yet have had
none sent to us. My complaint gets no worse, but still sticks to me.
Can get no news that can be relied upon.
_5th day, 6th mo. 9th._ Drew corn bread and had a heavy shower.
_6th day, 6th mo. 10th._ Was rather warm. Drew bread, meat and wood.
Made coffee for breakfast and supper. Commenced making a bone ring.
_7th day, 6th mo. 11th._ Was warm, with a thunder-gust in the evening.
We got to work and finished the bone ring.
_1st day, 6th mo. 12th._ Cloudy, rain in the afternoon. I am as unwell
as ever. Received corn bread and pork. There are many rumors of us
being paroled and sent to Savannah. The news is that the officers at
Macon are being sent away.
_2d day, 6th mo. 13th._ Was very damp and cold, with showers of rain;
last night it was also raining. Griffith got sick yesterday and was
very ill all last night and to-day. Had roll-call. All the sick and
wounded were taken out for medical treatment. All the rumors about
the parole proved untrue. Have suffered very much with the chronic
diarrhoea, which gets no better.
_3d day, 6th mo. 14th._ This was a cold, drizzly day.
_4th day, 6th mo. 15th._ Took down our blanket and had it for a cover.
It rained all night, and until towards the middle of the day, when it
became much warmer. There were over twelve hundred more prisoners put
in to-day from the Army of the Potomac. Sold a loaf of bread and meat
for twenty-five cents, and bought an onion and made some soup with it.
Had corn meal and pork for supper. Griffith is a little better. An old
shoemaker, who had taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate
States, came in to-day to try to raise one thousand shoemakers, to go
out and do as he has, and work for the rebel government. Some of the
boys caught him, shaved his head and marched him around camp.
_5th day, 6th mo. 16th._ There is as much rain as usual. Am getting
along in the same old style. Sold a loaf of bread for fifteen cents and
bought an onion. Drew boiled rice and meat. The rice is so dirty and
gritty that it is not fit to eat. About one thousand more men were put
in to-day, mostly from the Army of the Potomac.
_6th day, 6th mo. 17th._ Rained all day--lay in the house most of the
time. I made some thick corn meal soup for supper. One thousand more
prisoners put in to-day.
_7th day, 6th mo. 18th._ It rained all night and was showery most of
the day. My disease is some better--am very weak and losing flesh.
The number of petty hucksters seems to increase in the main street.
Cucumbers are from 37 to 50 cents; onions from 25 cents to $1.00;
turnips from 12 to 20 cents; rutabagas, same price as turnips; squashes
25 to 50 cents; peanuts from 20 to 25 cents per half pint; beans 20 to
50 cents per half pint; flour at the rate of $1 per pound; four ginger
cakes 75 cents to $1; rice 30 to 40 cents per pint; salt 75 cents per
quart; soda 25 cents per spoonful; rations of meal for 20 and 25 cents;
molasses, of the poorest quality, for $2.75 per quart; tobacco, 50
cents for a small plug. These are offered for sale on the main street
at the above prices. A good many have got to making corn beer, at 10 to
25 cents per drink of half a pint. There are rumors that General Winder
is here, and that three detachments and all the sick are to be sent
away to-morrow.
_1st day, 6th mo. 19th._ Was up early this morning and went to the
spring and got some good water, and washed myself. Took a walk up and
down the street,[5] and then lay down and took a good sleep. It was
cloudy most of the time. The sun came out hot occasionally. Had a heavy
shower in the evening. Five hundred more men were put in the stockade
to-day. Three men were shot and wounded by one of the guards. A man was
on the _dead line_; the guard shot at this one, and missing him, shot
the others.
_2d day, 6th mo. 20th._ Had the usual quantity of rain; was up early
and got some spring water.
_3d day, 6th mo. 21st._ Was very warm and cloudy. I made some coffee
and fried some meat on my plate for breakfast--had some gravy also. We
did not eat more than half the extra bread we drew last night, and had
half a loaf left, which I traded for some wood. A few more prisoners
were put in to-day. The place is so crowded that it is impossible to
travel without difficulty.
_4th day, 6th mo. 22d._ Was rather cloudy and warm. Drew mush and meat;
the mush, like it always has been, was only half cooked; we did not get
it until dark, and then went to work and baked it on my plate. To-day
one hundred men had to fill up a tunnel which they had dug. It was
eight to fifteen feet deep and commenced twenty yards inside, and run
more than the same distance on the outside, and was ready for them to
go out. Some of the crowd had informed on them.
_5th day, 6th mo. 23d._ Flying clouds and very hot. There seems to be
a good breeze going, but it cannot get to us here. Over seven hundred
more prisoners were crowded in to-day. Drew corn bread and bacon, and
would have drawn fresh beef, but some objected to it on account of not
having wood.
_6th day, 6th mo. 24th._ The weather was similar to yesterday, only
hotter. Done nothing of any account.
_7th day, 6th mo. 25th._ Very warm. Drew mush and meat at dark and
fried the mush into cakes.
_1st day, 6th mo. 26th._ The weather like yesterday. Drew the same kind
of rations, and fried the mush, because it is never more than half done.
_2d day, 6th mo. 27th._ The weather seems to be getting warmer. My
diarrhoea gets no better--am so weak that I can hardly walk about.
There has been enough prisoners put in the last few days to make nearly
twenty-five thousand. (25,000).
_3d day, 6th mo. 28th._ Had a fine shower this afternoon and night. I
am very low and weak with the diarrhoea.
_4th day, 6th mo. 29th._ Was very warm, had a thunder storm in the
evening. Am weaker than ever and can hardly get along. Did not get any
rations, because some of the men took the "raiders"[6] in hand, and
after knocking down, and I guess killed some, arrested sixty and gave
them over to the old captain. It is said he shot one. Last night they
killed a man, and an Indian killed one of them. I took two bacon rinds,
and after roasting them by the fire, ate them.
_5th day, 6th mo. 29th._ Was very warm; lay in the tent most of the
time; so weak with the chronic diarrhoea that it was as much as I
could do to take care of myself.
_6th day, 17th mo. 1st._ Was as hot as ever. I suffered as much as
yesterday; am weaker, and still very ill; my head is so dizzy; could
hardly walk. The new stockade was opened this forenoon, and all above
the forty-ninth detachment were moved in and crowded as close together
as we were before. All of us could not put up our shelters in the place
allotted to us. Griffith and I made our bed in the street, which is
only six feet wide. The new place is on good high ground with plenty of
wood. The rumor is that we are to draw raw rations; drew fresh beef and
corn meal, of which I ate heartily.
_7th day, 7th mo. 2d._ There was a good breeze all day. After I got up,
went to the creek and took a wash, got a canteen and coffee pot full of
water, and then a little wood. Made the same kind of breakfast as we
did supper last night. About eight o'clock moved down with Clark and
Strong, and then crowded nearer the old stockade and towards the lower
end of the detachment, and put up our blanket at the end of Strong's
tent. All the wood is gathered up by the men, which leaves us with
scarcely any. There have been prisoners put in here from all parts this
week. Twenty-five thousand is a low estimate. I feel stouter to-day
than I have for two weeks; my complaint hardly troubles me. Drew salt
for yesterday and meal, beef and salt for to-day. The rumor now is
that we will be paroled or exchanged soon, to commence on the seventh,
&c., &c. Captain Moore, of the 72d Ohio, was in here to-day and gave
this piece of news to us. He has been a prisoner at Macon, was lately
exchanged, and came here to see some of the boys of his regiment.
_1st day, 7th mo. 3d._ Griffith and I went to the creek to wash this
morning at five o'clock. The creek was dirty and full of black mud, so
much so that I would not go in. I took the coffee pot and washed out of
it. Got some water and prepared breakfast of beef soup, thickened with
corn meal. Had roll-call this forenoon, the first time for three weeks;
it was difficult to get the men together, and was eleven o'clock before
they got through. Drew no rations to-day, why I know not.
_2d day, 7th mo. 4th._ Was very hot until three o'clock P. M., when
we had a heavy thunder storm. Our house let the rain in almost like a
riddle. The numbers of the detachments were changed to-day; all that
were not full were filled up to two hundred and seventy; our detachment
is now number thirty-two, and my mess is the second mess. We got no
rations until this evening, when we received meal, boiled and raw beef,
and pork. Bread and salt were issued; we got raw beef and miserable
bread, with a pinch of salt. We made a pot of mush for our breakfast,
coffee and stewed meat for supper; we eat only twice a day. My disease
has left me and I am stouter. Was down to the creek this morning at
four o'clock and took a good wash.
_3d day, 7th mo. 5th._ To-day was very hot, with a good breeze and
flying clouds. Got up this morning at four o'clock, and went to the run
and washed my grey shirt and a pair of drawers, without soap. We made
a pot of soup with corn meal dumplings. Had roll-call at ten o'clock.
Drew meal, fresh beef and a pinch of salt. Made flap-jacks for supper,
and fried some of our beef on my plate. Traded some corn meal for a
piece of pork to grease the plate with.
_4th day, 7th mo. 6th._ Hot as ever. Over two hundred more men put in
to-day. According to rumor, to-morrow is the day to commence paroling.
A new rumor says seven thousand are to be taken out to-morrow. Got
breakfast of soup off our beef, with corn meal dumplings, and supper of
flap-jacks and fried pork. Drew mush, bacon and salt. _I am very well
indeed._
_5th day, 7th mo. 7th._ Spent the day as yesterday. No signs of
paroling. Very hot to-day. Fred. Smith, who was taken prisoner at Mine
Run, came to see me to-day. Drew rotten bacon, corn meal and salt.