A REBEL RUSE TO GOBBLE UP UNION TROOPS—A COMPLETE SURPRISE—CARELESS
OFFICERS—HEROIC DEFENCE—BEGINNING OF A LONG IMPRISONMENT.
BELLE ISLAND, Richmond, Va., Nov. 22, 1863.—I was captured near
Rogersville, East Tennessee, on the 6th of this month, while acting
as Brigade Quarter-Master Sergt. The Brigade was divided, two
regiments twenty miles away, while Brigade Head-Quarters with 7th
Ohio and 1st Tennessee Mounted Infantry were at Rogersville. The
brigade quarter-master had a large quantity of clothing on hand,
which we were about to issue to the brigade as soon as possible. The
rebel citizens got up a dance at one of the public houses in the
village, and invited all the union officers. This was the evening
of Nov. 5th. Nearly all the officers attended and were away from
the command nearly all night and many were away all night. We were
encamped in a bend of the Holston River. It was a dark rainy night
and the river rose rapidly before morning. The dance was a ruse
to get our officers away from their command. At break of day the
pickets were drove in by rebel cavalry, and orders were immediately
received from commanding officer to get wagon train out on the road
in ten minutes. The quarter-master had been to the dance and had not
returned, consequently it devolved upon me to see to wagon train,
which I did, and in probably ten minutes the whole seventy six mule
army wagons were in line out on the main road, while the companies
were forming into line and getting ready for a fight. Rebels had us
completely surrounded and soon began to fire volley after volley into
our disorganized ranks. Not one officer in five was present; Gen.
commanding and staff as soon as they realized our danger, started
for the river, swam across and got away. We had a small company of
artillery with us commanded by a lieutenant. The lieutenant in the
absence of other officers, assumed command of the two regiments,
and right gallantly did he do service. Kept forming his men for the
better protection of his wagon train, while the rebels were shifting
around from one point to another, and all the time sending volley
after volley into our ranks. Our men did well, and had there been
plenty of officers and ammunition, we might have gained the day.
After ten hours fighting we were obliged to surrender after having
lost in killed over a hundred, and three or four times that number
in wounded. After surrendering we were drawn up into line, counted
off and hurriedly marched away south. By eight o’clock at night had
probably marched ten miles, and encamped until morning. We expected
that our troops would intercept and release us, but they did not.
An hour before daylight we were up and on the march toward Bristol,
Va., that being the nearest railroad station. We were cavalrymen,
and marching on foot made us very lame, and we could hardly hobble
along. Were very well fed on corn bread and bacon. Reached Bristol,
Va., Nov. 8th and were soon aboard of cattle cars en-route for the
rebel capital. I must here tell how I came into possession of a very
nice and large bed spread which is doing good service even now these
cold nights. After we were captured everything was taken away from
us, blankets, overcoats, and in many cases our boots and shoes. I had
on a new pair of boots, which by muddying them over had escaped the
rebel eyes thus far, as being a good pair. As our blankets had been
taken away from us we suffered considerably from cold. I saw that if
I was going to remain a prisoner of war it behooved me to get hold of
a blanket. After a few hours march I became so lame walking with my
new boots on that the rebels were compelled to put me on an old horse
that was being lead along by one of the guard. This guard had the
bed spread before spoken of. Told him I was going into prison at the
beginning of a long winter, and should need a blanket, and couldn’t
he give me his. We had considerable talk, and were very good friends.
Said he rather liked me but wouldn’t part with his bed spread. Didn’t
love me that much, treated me however with apple jack out of his
canteen. I kept getting my wits together to arrange some plan to get
the article in question. Finally told him I had a large sum of money
on my person which I expected would be taken away from me anyway, and
as he was a good fellow would rather he would have it than any one
else. He was delighted and all attention, wanted me to be careful
and not let any of the other rebels see the transfer. I had a lot of
Michigan broken down wild cat money, and pulled it out of an inside
pocket and handed him the roll. It was green paper and of course
he supposed it greenbacks. Was very glad of the gift and wanted to
know what he could do for me. My first proposition to him was to let
me escape, but he couldn’t do that, then I told him to give me the
bed spread, as it might save my life. After some further parley, he
consented and handed over the spread. He was afraid to look at his
money for fear some one would see him, and so did not discover that
it was worthless until we had become separated. Guards were changed
that night and never saw him any more.
The cars ran very slow, and being crowded for room the journey to
Richmond was very tedious. Arrived on the morning of Nov. 13th, seven
days after capture, at the south end of the “long bridge,” ordered
out of the cars and into line, counted off and started for Belle
Isle. Said island is in the James River, probably covers ten or
twelve acres, and is right across from Richmond. The river between
Richmond and the island is probably a third or half a mile. The
“long bridge” is near the lower part of the island. It is a cold,
bleak piece of ground and the winter winds have free sweep from up
the river. Before noon we were turned into the pen which is merely
enclosed by a ditch and the dirt taken from the ditch thrown up on
the outside, making a sort of breastwork. The ditch serves as a
dead line, and no prisoners must go near the ditch. The prison is
in command of a Lieut. Bossieux, a rather young and gallant looking
sort of fellow. Is a born Southerner, talking so much like a negro
that you would think he was one, if you could hear him talk and not
see him. He has two rebel sergeants to act as his assistants, Sergt.
Hight and Sergt. Marks. These two men are very cruel, as is also the
Lieut. when angered. Outside the prison pen is a bake house, made of
boards, the rebel tents for the accommodation of the officers and
guard, and a hospital also of tent cloth. Running from the pen is a
lane enclosed by high boards going to the water’s edge. At night this
is closed up by a gate at the pen, and thrown open in the morning.
About half of the six thousand prisoners here have tents while the
rest sleep and live out of doors. After I had been on this island two
or three days, I was standing near the gate eating some rice soup
out of an old broken bottle, thoroughly disgusted with the Southern
Confederacy, and this prison in particular. A young man came up to me
whom I immediately recognized as George W. Hendryx, a member of my
own company “A” 9th Mich. Cavalry, who had been captured some time
before myself. Was feeling so blue, cross and cold that I didn’t care
whether it was him or not. He was on his way to the river to get
some water. Found I wasn’t going to notice him in any way, and so
proceeded on his errand. When I say that George Hendryx was one of
the most valued friends I had in the regiment, this action on my part
will seem strange as indeed it is. Did not want to see him or any one
else I had ever seen before. Well, George came back a few moments
after, looked at me a short time and says: “I believe you are John L.
Ransom, Q. M. Sergt. of the same Co. with me, although you don’t seem
to recognize me.” Told him “I was that same person, recognized him
and there could be no mistake about it.” Wanted to know why in the
old harry I didn’t speak to him then. After telling him just how it
was, freezing to death, half starved and gray backs crawling all over
me, &c., we settled down into being glad to see one another.
Nov 23.—Having a few dollars of good yankee money which I have
hoarded since my capture, have purchased a large blank book and
intend as long as I am a prisoner of war in this confederacy, to note
down from day to day as occasion may occur, events as they happen,
treatment, ups and downs generally. It will serve to pass away the
time and may be interesting at some future time to read over.
Nov. 24.—Very cold weather. Four or five men chilled to death last
night. A large portion of the prisoners who have been in confinement
any length of time are reduced to almost skeletons from continued
hunger, exposure and filth. Having some money just indulged in an
extra ration of corn bread for which I paid twenty cents in yankee
script, equal to two dollars confederate money, and should say by the
crowd collected around that such a sight was an unusual occurrence,
and put me in mind of gatherings I have seen at the north around
some curiosity. We received for to-day’s food half a pint of rice
soup and one-quarter of a pound loaf of corn bread. The bread is
made from the very poorest meal, coarse, sour and musty; would make
poor feed for swine at home. The rice is nothing more than boiled in
river water with no seasoning whatever, not even salt, but for all
that it tasted nice. The greatest difficulty is the small allowance
given us. The prisoners are blue, downcast and talk continually of
home and something good to eat. They nearly all think there will be
an exchange of prisoners before long and the trick of it is to live
until the time approaches. We are divided off into hundreds with a
sergeant to each squad who draws the food and divides it up among
his men, and woe unto him if a man is wronged out of his share—his
life is not worth the snap of the finger if caught cheating. No
wood to-night and it is very cold. The nights are long and are made
hideous by the moans of suffering wretches.
Nov. 25.—Hendryx is in a very good tent with some nine or ten others
and is now trying to get me into the already crowded shelter. They
say I can have the first vacancy and as it is impossible for a dozen
to remain together long without losing some by sickness, my chances
will be good in a few days at fartherest. Food again at four o’clock.
In place of soup received about four ounces of salt horse, as we call
it.
Nov. 26.—Hendryx sacrificed his own comfort and lay out doors with
me last night and I got along much better than the night before. Are
getting food twice to-day; old prisoners say it is fully a third
more than they have been getting. Hardly understand how we could
live on much less. A Michigan man (could not learn his name) while
at work a few moments ago on the outside with a squad of detailed
yankees repairing a part of the embankment which recent rains had
washed away, stepped upon the wall to give orders to his men when
one of the guards shot him through the head, killing him instantly.
Lieut. Bossieux, commander of the prison, having heard the shot, came
to learn the cause. He told the guard he ought to be more careful
and not shoot those who were on parole and doing fatigue duty, and
ordered the body carried to the dead-house. Seems tough to me but
others don’t seem to mind it much. I am mad.
Nov. 27.—Stormy and disagreeable weather. From fifteen to twenty and
twenty-five die every day and are buried just outside the prison
with no coffins—nothing but canvas wrapped around them. Eight sticks
of four foot wood given every squad of one hundred men to-day, and
when split up and divided it amounted to nothing towards warming a
person. Two or three can put their wood together and boil a little
coffee made from bread crusts. The sick are taken out every morning
and either sent over to the city or kept in the hospital just outside
the prison and on the island. None admitted unless carried out in
blankets and so far gone there is not much chance of recovery.
Medical attendance is scarce.
Nov. 28.—Very cold and men suffer terribly with hardly any clothing
on some of them. A man taken outside to-day, bucked and gagged for
talking with a guard; a severe punishment this very cold weather.
Nov. 30.—Came across E. P. Sanders, from Lansing, Michigan, and a
jolly old soul is he. Can’t get discouraged where he is. Talk a great
deal about making our escape but there is not much prospect. We are
very strongly guarded with artillery bearing on every part of the
prison. The long bridge I have heard so much about crosses the river
just below the island. It is very long and has been condemned for
years—trains move very slow across it. There was a big fire over in
Richmond last night about 2 o’clock; could hear all the fire bells
and see the house tops covered with people looking at it. Great
excitement among the Johnny Rebs.
Dec. 1.—With no news concerning the great subject—exchange of
prisoners. Very hungry and am not having a good time of it. Take
it all around I begin to wish I had stayed at home and was at the
_Jackson Citizen_ office pulling the old press. Dream continually
nights about something good to eat; seems rather hard such plenty at
the North and starving here. Have just seen a big fight among the
prisoners; just like so many snarly dogs, cross and peevish. A great
deal of fighting going on. Rebels collect around on the outside in
crowds to see the Yankees bruise themselves and it is quite sport
for them. Have succeeded in getting into the tent with Hendryx.
One of the mess has been sent over to Richmond Hospital leaving a
vacancy which I am to fill. There are nine others, myself making ten.
The names are as follows: W. C. Robinson, orderly sergeant, 34th
Illinois; W. H. Mustard, hospital steward 100th Pennsylvania; Joe
Myers, 34th Illinois; H. Freeman, hospital steward 30th Ohio; C. G.
Strong, 4th Ohio cavalry; Corporal John McCarten, 6th Kentucky; U.
Kindred, 1st East Tennessee infantry; E. P. Sanders, 20th Michigan
infantry; George Hendryx and myself of the 9th Michigan cavalry. A
very good crowd of boys, and all try to make their places as pleasant
as possible. Gen. Neil Dow to-day came over from Libby Prison on
parole of honor to help issue some clothing that has arrived for
Belle Isle prisoners from the Sanitary Commission at the North.
Sergeant Robinson taken outside to help Gen. Dow in issuing clothing
and thinks through his influence to get more out for the same
purpose. A man froze to death last night where I slept. The body lay
until nearly dark before it was removed. My blanket comes in good
play, and it made the boys laugh when I told how I got it. We tell
stories, dance around, keep as clean as we can without soap and make
the best of a very bad situation.
Dec. 2.—Pleasant weather and favorable for prisoners. At about nine
in the morning the work of hunting for vermin commences, and all
over camp sit the poor starved wretches, nearly stripped, engaged
in picking off and killing the big gray backs. The ground is fairly
alive with them, and it requires continual labor to keep from being
eaten up alive by them. I just saw a man shot. He was called down
to the bank by the guard, and as he leaned over to do some trading
another guard close by shot him through the side and it is said
mortally wounded him. It was made up between the guards to shoot the
man, and when the lieutenant came round to make inquiries concerning
the affair, one of them remarked that the —— passed a counterfeit
bill on him the night before, and he thought he would put him where
he could not do the like again. The wounded man was taken to the
hospital and has since died. His name was Gilbert. He was from New
Jersey. Food twice to-day; buggy bean soup and a very small allowance
of corn bread. Hungry all the time.
Dec. 3.—Rumors of exchange to be effected soon. Rebels say we
will all be exchanged before many days. It cannot be possible our
government will allow us to remain here all winter. Gen. Dow is still
issuing clothing, but the rebels get more than our men do of it.
Guards nearly all dressed in Yankee uniforms. In our mess we have
established regulations, and any one not conforming with the rules
is to be turned out of the tent. Must take plenty of exercise, keep
clean, free as circumstances will permit of vermin, drink no water
until it has been boiled, which process purifies and makes it more
healthy, are not to allow ourselves to get despondent, and must talk,
laugh and make as light of our affairs as possible. Sure death for a
person to give up and lose all ambition. Received a spoonful of salt
to-day for the first time since I came here.
Dec. 4.—Exchange news below par to-day. Rather colder than yesterday;
a great many sick and dying off rapidly. Rebel guards are more strict
than usual, and one risks his life by speaking to them at all. Wrote
a letter home to-day, also one to a friend in Washington. Doubtful
whether I ever hear from them. Robinson comes inside every night and
always brings something good. We look forward to the time of his
coming with pleasure. Occasionally he brings a stick of wood which we
split up fine and build a cheerful fire in our little sod fireplace,
sit up close together and talk of home and friends so far away. We
call our establishment the “Astor House of Belle Isle.” There are so
many worse off than we are that we are very well contented and enjoy
ourselves after a fashion.
Dec. 5.—Cold and raw weather with no wood. Men are too weak to walk
nights to keep warm, sink down and chill to death. At least a dozen
were carried out this morning feet foremost. Through Robinson’s
influence Hendryx and myself will go out to-morrow to issue clothing,
and will come in nights to sleep. We are to receive extra rations
for our services. In good spirits to-night with a good fire and very
comfortable for this place.
Dec. 6.—One month a prisoner to-day—longer than any year of my life
before. Hope I am not to see another month in the Confederacy. A
great deal of stealing going on among the men. There are organized
bands of raiders who do pretty much as they please. A ration of bread
is often of more consequence than a man’s life. Have received food
but once to-day; very cold; at least one hundred men limping around
with frozen feet, and some of them crying like little children. Am at
work on the outside to-day; go out at nine in the morning and return
at four in the afternoon, and by right smart figuring carry in much
extra food for tent mates, enough to give all hands a good square
meal.
Dec. 7.—No news of importance. The rebels say a flag of truce boat
has arrived at City Point and Commissioner Olds telegraphed for and
undoubtedly will agree upon terms for an exchange of prisoners. Men
receiving boxes from their friends at the north and am writing for
one myself without much hope of ever getting it.
Dec. 8.—The men all turned out of the enclosure and are being
squadded over. A very stormy and cold day; called out before
breakfast and nearly dark before again sent inside. Very muddy
and the men have suffered terribly, stand up all day in the cold
drizzling rain, with no chance for exercise and many barefooted. I
counted nine or ten who went out in the morning not able to get back
at night; three of the number being dead.
Dec 9.—Rumors that one thousand go off to-day to our lines and the
same number every day until all are removed. It was not believed
until a few moments ago the Lieutenant stepped upon the bank and
said that in less than a week we would all be home again, and such a
cheering among us; every man who could yell had his mouth stretched.
Persons who fifteen minutes ago could not rise to their feet are
jumping around in excitement, shaking hands with one another and
crying, “A general exchange! a general exchange!” All in good spirits
and we talk of the good dinners we will get on the road home. Food
twice to-day and a little salt.
Dec. 10.—Instead of prisoners going away five hundred more have come,
which makes it very crowded. Some are still confident we will go away
soon, but I place no reliance on rebel reports. Rather warmer than
usual, and the men busying themselves hunting vermin. A priest in the
camp distributing tracts. Men told him to bring bread; they want no
tracts. Exchange news has died away, and more despondent than ever. I
to-day got hold of a Richmond _Enquirer_ which spoke of bread riots
in the city, women running around the streets and yelling, “Peace or
bread!”
Dec. 11.—Was on guard last night over the clothing outside. Lieut.
Bossieux asked Corp. McCarten and myself to eat supper with him last
night, which we were very glad to do. Henry, the negro servant, said
to the lieutenant after we had got through eating: “I golly, masser,
don’t nebber ask dem boys to eat with us again, dey eat us out clean
gone;” and so we did eat everything on the table and looked for more.
Dec. 12.—At just daylight I got up and was walking around the prison
to see if any Michigan men had died through the night, and was just
in time to see a young fellow come out of his tent nearly naked
and deliberately walk up the steps that lead over the bank. Just
as he got on the top the guard fired; sending a ball through his
brain, and the poor fellow fell dead in the ditch. I went and got
permission to help pull him out. He had been sick for a number of
days and was burning up with fever, and no doubt deranged at the
time, else he would have known better than to have risked his life
in such a manner. His name was Perry McMichael, and he was from
Minnesota. Perhaps he is better off, and a much easier death than to
die of disease as he undoubtedly would in a few days, longer. The
work of issuing clothing slowly goes on. In place of Gen. Dow, Col.
Sanderson comes over on parole of honor; and is not liked at all. Is
of New York and a perfect tyrant; treats us as bad or worse than the
rebels themselves. Col. Boyd also comes occasionally and is a perfect
gentleman. Talked to me to-day concerning Sanderson’s movements, and
said if he got through to our lines should complain of him to the
authorities at Washington. He took down notes in his diary against
him.
Dec. 13.—Nothing of any importance to note down. The officers come
over from Richmond every day or two, and make a showing of issuing
clothing. The work goes on slowly, and it would seem that if clothing
was ever needed and ought to be issued, it is now; yet the officers
seem to want to nurse the job and make it last as long as possible.
Many cruelties are practiced, principally by the rebel sergeants. The
lieutenant does not countenance much cruelty, still he is very quick
tempered, and when provoked is apt to do some very severe things.
The Yankees are a hard crowd to manage; will steal anything, no
matter what, regardless of consequences. Still I don’t know as it is
any wonder, cooped up as they are in such a place, and called upon
to endure such privations. The death rate gradually increases from
day to day. A little Cincinnati soldier died to-day. Was captured
same time as myself, and we had messed together a number of times
before I became identified with the “Astor House Mess.” Was in very
poor health when captured, but could never quite find out what ailed
him. I have many talks with the rebels, and am quite a priveleged
character. By so doing am able to do much for the boys inside, and
there are good boys in there, whom I would do as much for as myself.
Dec. 17.—I have plenty to eat. Go outside every day whether clothing
is issued or not. To explain the manner of issuing clothing: The men
are called outside by squads, that is, one squad of a hundred men at
a time; all stand in a row in front of the boxes of clothing. The
officer in charge, Col. Sanderson, begins with the first at the head
of the column, looks him over, and says to us paroled men: “Here,
give this man a pair of pants,” or coat, or such clothing as he may
stand in need of. In this way he gets through with a hundred men
in about half an hour. Us boys often manage to give three or four
articles where only one has been ordered. There seems to be plenty of
clothing here, and we can see no reason why it should not be given
away. Have to be very careful, though, for if we are caught at these
tricks are sent inside to stay. Officers stay on the island only
two or three hours, and clothe four or five hundred men, when they
could just as well do three or four times as much. It is comical the
notes that come in some of the good warm woolen stockings. These have
evidently been knit by the good mothers, wives and sisters at the
North, and some of the romantic sort have written letters and placed
inside, asking the receiver to let them know about himself, his
name, etc., etc. Most of them come from the New England states, and
they cheer the boys up a great deal.
Dec. 18.—To-day as a squad was drawn up in front of us, waiting
for clothing, I saw an Irishman in the ranks who looked familiar.
Looked at him for some time and finally thought I recognized in him
an old neighbor of mine in Jackson Michigan; one Jimmy Devers, a
whole souled and comical genius as ever it was my fortune to meet.
Went up to him and asked what regiment he belonged to; said he
belonged to the 23d Indiana, at which I could not believe it was my
old acquaintance. Went back to my work. Pretty soon he said to me:
“Ain’t you Johnny Ransom?” And then I knew I was right. He had lived
in Jackson, but had enlisted in an Indiana regiment. Well, we were
glad to see one another and you may just bet that Jimmy got as good
a suit of clothes as ever he had in our own lines. Jimmy is a case;
was captured on the 1st day of July at the Gettysburg battle, and
is consequently an old prisoner. Is very tough and hardy. Says the
Johnny Rebs have a big contract on their hands to kill him. But I
tell him to take good care of himself anyway, as there is no knowing
what he will be called upon to pass through yet.
Dec. 20.—James River frozen nearly over, and rebels say it has not
been so cold for years as at the present time. There are hundreds
with frozen feet, ears, hands &c., and laying all over the prison;
and the suffering is terrible. Hendryx and myself are intent on some
plan for escape. The lieutenant has spies who are on the watch.
The authorities know all about any conspiracy almost as soon as it
is known among ourselves. Last night just after dark two or three
Yankees agreed to give the guard $10 if he would let them get over
the bank, to which he promised; and as soon as they got nearly over
fired and immediately gave the alarm. One of them received a shot
in one of his legs and the others scrambled back over the bank; the
three minus their $10 bill and a sound leg. They cannot be trusted at
all and will promise anything for greenbacks. Sergt. Bullock of our
regiment is here and very sick with fever; cannot possibly live many
weeks in such a place as this. Col. Sanderson still issuing clothing,
but very unfair, and the men who need it most get none at all. All
the outsiders received a suit throughout to-day, myself among the
rest. Got a letter from home, everybody is well. They say keep up
good heart and we will be exchanged before many weeks.
Dec. 21.—Still cold. Have enough to eat myself, but am one of a
thousand. The scurvy is appearing among some of the men, and is
an awful disease—caused by want of vegetable diet, acids, &c. Two
small-pox cases taken to the hospital to-day. A sutler has been
established on the island and sells at the following rates: poor
brown sugar, $8 per pound; butter, $11; cheese, $10; sour milk $3 per
quart and the only article I buy; eggs, $10 per dozen; oysters, $6
per quart and the cheapest food in market.
Dec. 22.—A large mail came this morning, but nothing for me. A man
who gets a letter is besieged with questions, and a crowd gathers
around to learn the news, if any, regarding our future. Rations
smaller than usual, and Lieut. Bossieux says that it is either
exchange or starve with us prisoners sure, as they have not the food
to give us. To-day saw a copy of the Richmond Enquirer in which
was a long article treating on exchange of prisoners, saying our
government would not exchange owing to an excess held by us, and
unless their terms were agreed to, as they could not afford to keep
us, the coming summer would reduce our ranks so that they would not
have many to feed another winter. Rather poor prospects ahead for us
poor imprisoned yanks. Lots of Sanitary stores sent on to the island
for us, but as yet none have been issued, the rebels (officers in
particular), getting fat on what rightfully belongs to us.
Dec. 23.—Almost Christmas and we are planning for a Christmas dinner.
Very cold. The rebels are testing their big guns on the opposite
shore of the river and fairly shake the ground we stand on. We can
see the shells as they leave the guns until they explode, affording
quite a pastime for us watching their war machines. Militia in sight
drilling over in Richmond. A woman found among us—a prisoner of
war. Some one who knew the secret informed Lieutenant Bossieux and
he immediately had her taken outside, when she told him the whole
story—how she had “followed her lovyer a soldiering” in disguise, and
being of a romantic turn, enjoyed it hugely until the funny part was
done away with and Madame Collier, from East Tennessee, found herself
in durance vile; nothing to do but make the best of it and conceal
her sex if possible, hoping for a release, which, however, did not
come in the shape she wished. The lieutenant has sent her over to
Richmond to be cared for and she is to be sent north by the first
flag of truce boat. She tells of another female being among us, but
as yet she has not been found out.
Dec. 24.—Must hang up my stocking to-night for habit’s sake if
nothing else. I am enjoying splendid health, and prison life agrees
with me. Wrote home to-day.
Dec. 25—and Christmas.—One year ago to-day first went into camp at
Coldwater, little dreaming what changes a year would bring around,
but there are exchange rumors afloat and hope to see white folks
again before many months. All ordered out to be squadded over again,
which was quite a disappointment to our mess as we were making
preparations for a grand dinner, gotten up by outside hands, Mustard,
Myers, Hendryx and myself. However, we had our good things for
supper instead of dinner, and it was a big thing, consisting of corn
bread and butter, oysters, coffee, beef, crackers, cheese &c.; all
we could possibly eat or do away with, and costing the snug little
sum of $200 Confederate money, or $20 in greenbacks. Lay awake long
before daylight listening to the bells. As they rang out Christmas
good morning I imagined they were in Jackson, Michigan, my old home,
and from the spires of the old Presbyterian and Episcopal churches.
Little do they think as they are saying their Merry Christmases and
enjoying themselves so much, of the hunger and starving here. But
there are better days coming.
Dec. 26.—News of exchange and no officers over from Libby to
issue clothing. Extra quantity of wood. Rebels all drunk and very
domineering. Punish for the smallest kind of excuse. Some men
tunneled out of the pen but were retaken and were made to crawl
back through the same hole they went out of and the lieutenant kept
hitting them with a board as they went down and then ran back and
forward from one hole to the other and as they stuck up their heads
would hit them with a club, keeping them at it for nearly an hour. A
large crowd of both rebels and Yankees collected around to see the
fun.
Dec. 27.—Col. Sanderson and Col. Boyd came over this morning in a
great hurry and began to issue clothing very fast saying an exchange
had been agreed upon and they wanted to get rid of it before we all
went away. Pretty soon the news got inside and the greatest cheering,
yelling, shaking of hands and congratulating one another took place.
Just before dinner five hundred were taken out, counted and sent
away. Everybody anxious to go away first which of course they cannot
do. Sergts. Hight and Marks stand at the gate with big clubs keeping
order, letting them out two at a time, occasionally knocking a man
down and it is seldom he gets up again very soon. Some of the outside
went and the rest go to-morrow. It is a sure thing—a general exchange
and all will be sent away immediately. Everybody in good spirits.
Guess northern folks will be surprised to see such looking objects
come among them. They are the worst looking crowd I ever saw. Extra
ration of food and wood to-night and am anxiously waiting for the
morrow.
Dec. 28.—For some reason or other no more being taken away and more
despondent than ever. Very cold.
Dec. 29.—Nearly as cold weather as I ever saw at the North. All the
supplies brought by hand over the long bridge, owing to the river
being frozen over and not strong enough to hold up. Rebel officers
all drunk during the holidays. Snow an inch deep.
Dec. 30.—No rations issued yesterday to any of the prisoners and
a third of all here are on the very point of starvation. Lieut.
Bossieux sympathizes with us in word but says it is impossible to
help it as they have not the food for us. This is perhaps true as
regards edibles but there is no excuse for our receiving such small
supplies of wood. They could give us plenty of shelter, plenty of
wood and conveniences we do not now get if they felt so disposed.
Dec. 31.—Still very cold and no news encouraging. Rebels very strict.
One prisoner found a brother among the guards who had been living
in the south for a good many years and lately conscripted into the
Confederate army. New Year’s eve. Man wounded by the guard shooting,
and ball broke his leg. Might better have shot him dead for he
will surely die. Raw rice and corn bread issued to-day in small
quantities. Richmond _Enquirer_ spoke of the five hundred who left
here day before yesterday and they have reached Washington.