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THE

HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

Vol. IX. SECOND SERIES.]

I. ANDERSONVILLE.

I-DIARY OF A PRISONER.

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Most plausible report that I have heard is that a Jury of 12 impartial men be Chosen and what ever Verdict they hand in the Confederate au

FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT, NOW FIRST thorities will Sec Carried out

PRINTED,*

Continued from Old Book.

THURSDAY JUNE 29th, 1864

No news in Camp this Morning. Very warm, and we will More than probably have rain before Night. Soon after our rations began coming in this afternoon the commander of the Camp issued an order, that not another load of rations should enter Camp until the party or organization of Raiders were fereted out and placed in his hands.

Grace Linwood

Amherst

Mass.

Recieved a Waverly from her whilst on the March, and never had time to write to her before being taken by the Rebs. I am bound to write and tender her my thanks, if I am even allowed to leave this infernal Stockade Prison.

THURSDAY JUNE 30th 1864

Increasing excitement in camp in referance to the Raiders" Two dead bodies have been found up to 10 A.M. buried beneath the tents of Some of the leaders, The Self instituted Vigilence Committe are busily engaged in hunting up More of the Murderous Villians. The Court Martial is now going on in the South entrance to the Camp.

About a dozen guards entered the Stockade and with the assistance of Some informers began picking up Some of the leaders, which caused an imense excitement. They got Somewhere near 25 of the Most desperate and will keep them until to-morrow when Some action will be taken withe them either by the Confederate Military authorities or by our own civil laws as control our camp. Just at evening two or three of them were turned into Camp Singly to let the men do with [them] as they thought fit. They were all three beat and pounded So badly that they cannot get over it. This Evening We had a Row with our Kicked out tentmate and The Court Martial instituted to try the "Raidcompeled him to deliver up a watch as part pay-"ers" are disposing of the cases as fast as they can ment for his house rent

Various reports are in circularion as to the disposal of these raiders that are being taken outside. One report is that they will be a Scaffold erected in the Stockade and the raiders Sent back again into the Stockade and left to the Mercies of our now excited Men. But the

This Diary is written with a pencil, on the unoccupied spaces of a printed Pocket Diary for 1863, the blank pages of which had previously done duty, while the prisoner was yet in the field, as a record of his correspondence, etc., and, sometimes, as a diary of current events. Two distinct records, therefore, occupy the same pages, and very often are written across each other.

The writer was probably ALFRED W. LETTEER, Sergeantmajor of a Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Thomas E. Rose; and the Diary is now in the collections of The Long Island Historical Society. HIS. MAG. IX. 1.

If Justice is Meeted out to them, Not one among them but will die by the halter There is recently taken prisoners will be removed to day a report in Camp that thirteen thousand of the to the New Stockade.

FRIDAY JULY 1st. 1864

the Sentence or Verdict in Neither Case has been revealed to the publice or the Camp.

"Frank" was arrested this morning, under charges prefered against him by "Torey" But it proved to be unfounded, and the Charge not being Sustained, and Evident proof that he was Not guilty he was discharged

Detachments from 48-upwards are Moving into the New Stockade. Bought one dollar worth of white Beans (2 Quts) and cooked Some for our dinner.

SATURDAY JULY 2nd, 1864

No News in camp this Morning worthy of notice. The Excitement in regard to the "Raid"ers" is dying away fast.

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To day has opened with a pleasent Smiling Morning Just such a Morning as I would wish to see issher in this glorious day if I was at liberty. Everything quiet in the Camp. Evening-one of the most teriffic Thunder Storms I ever wittnessed Visited this part of the Country this afternoon, our camp that this Morning presented So Smiling a countenance, is Now one Vast Cesspool.

drew rations Evening at 7

TUESDAY JULY 5th 1864

will recieve attention at Sick call as their Stock of Medicines have run out

"Well." It Makes but a trifle of differance, as the Medicines they do issue and prescribe amounts to Mere Nothing Not one case of Chronic Diorhea has ever been returned to Camp after once going to Hosp

News today that Sherman was shelling Atlanta last evening and that Kilpatrick with Twentyfive Thousand Cavalry is betueen this place and Atlanta in Johnstons rear with the intention of releasing the prisoners at this place,-also that a portion of us are to be Sent to either Alabama or Florida. 2 oclock P.M. a few prisoners perhaps 150 in all disembarked from the cars but have not yet come inside of the Stockade. drew rations at about 3 P.M. "Bacon &

"Dodger." Indications of rain this evening.

SATURDAY JULY 9th 1864

An intensely hot day. not a breath of air Stiring

A Current report in Camp to-day represents that the paroling comences the 7th of the month the Repot finds Many diciples of belief. but your humble Servant does not Class himselfe among them. Drew rations of Fresh Beef and Meal tonight. Saw Sergt Obriter for The first time since his reading the Three Spaniards. Any thing we Recapture.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6th 1864
Very warm to day. little or no air in Circula-

tion.

drew rations of Vinagar this A. M, in the Shape of Soured water from meal “Quantity―3 Tablespoons full to each man, rations of Bacon issued again this P.M. in liew of fresh Beef.

THURSDAY JULY 7th 1864

Some Men were Sent in this Morning that were taken out Suspected of being "Raiders as No Charges was prefered and no Evidence that they were of that league So they were Sent back to Camp-Mat Crane one of them has been heard by one of the detectives to Say that he will "drive a Knife to My heart before he leaves the "Camp" I am on my guard for him and his party of desperadoes, and with my friends, will give them a hearty welcome the moment they

wish to make an attack.

FRIDAY JULY 8th 1864

Warm and Sultry this Morning. Rool-call rather earlier than usual. Drumbeat at 6.30. Just learned that Orderly Sergt. Ray of Co "E" 77th Pa. Vols died Some time ago at Hospital, did not learn the date.

Went over on opposite Side of Stream last evening to See Some Members of My Regt. down with the Scurvey. Found 5 or 6 of them beyond a possible recovery. they present a horrible appearance withe their face and limbs Swollen to twice their usual Size. Orders yesterday Morning and this that None but the Wounded

Spent the greater portion of this forenoon infind to read here we think interesting Consequently I find Myself interested in a work, which if at home I would not give a passing or Second thought. The prisoners brought in yesterday were Captured in the Vecinity of Petersburgh and are principally Cavalry.

About two hundred More prisoners came in this P.M. they were Captured June 23a & belong to the Second Corps de-Armee. they bring no News in regard to the Exchange Question. Quite a heavey thunder Storm Commenced at about 34 o clock and continued until Nearly 6. o clock.

SUNDAY JULY 10th 1864

Quite warm again this Morning. Quarreled with "Frank" about putting his foot on the plate of cakes we have for Breakfast. he has been under the weather for four or five weeks and has been the Most disagrecabe Man I ever Met with. Sent My watch out this Morning by a" Darkey" to trade for ten dozen of Eggs which are Now Selling in Camp, for $4.00 wheat flour is worth 75 ets per pint Butter $12.00 pr lb. Comon Cow Pea 45 et pr pint Molasses (Sorgum) $10.00 pr gal. Salt 8/pr pint potatoes $3.00 pr doz Blackberries $3.00 Quart Green tea 50t tablespoon Black Pepper 25ets tables sp full the prices already Mentioned is the amount which we have to pay for the articles in U. S. Money. Bclow is the Confed-Money prices Eggs $16.00 · flour $3 Butter $48.00 per lb Cow Peas $2.50 Molasses $40.00

About 7 hundred prisoners came in to day and Some of them reports that Petersburgh is ours. went up in the new Stockade and Saw "Dorey."

MONDAY JULY 11th 1864

Cool and Very pleasant this Morning a Most delightfull breeze is blouing which exhilerates ones Spirits far above their usual Monotonous aspect,- Sent My watch out again this Morning as the Darkey di'dnot find a purchaser yesterday.

Beat friend "Burk" a game of Cards for the Cigars "Frank" not So well as usual this Morning. 12 M. the Carpenters are now engaged in erecting a Scaffold for the Execution of Six Raiders. Many think they will not be hung and among that party is My-Selfe But think they are Erecting a Scaffold and Making it appear as if they intended it in earnest to intimidate any future demonstration from the Raiders. 6. O clock P.M. the Erection of a Scaffold in Camp has proved not to be a Farce" for I have Just wittnesed the Execution of Six Men from its platform. Some rain this Evening.

TUESDAY JULY 12th 1864

Very warm this Morning. Built up in front of our tent to Keep the water from runing in, Nothing New or Exciting in camp this Morning

finished the well.

WEDNESDAY JULY 13th 1864

Recieved two dozen Eggs last evening touards payment for watch, had half doz for Supper and let "Dorey" have the remainder.

a man Shot by one of the Sentinels this morning at the Stream wher water is Obtained Extremely hot day. News in Camp that Sherman will accept of all paroled prisoners delivereed to him in ten days. "All a humbug drew rations of raw Rice to-night.

THURSDAY JULY 14th 1864

Cool and pleasant Morning: had a good bath before daylight. Will have boiled Rice for Breakfast if we can obtain a Kettle to Cook it in 10 O clock A.M. just finished our Breakfast of Rice it was Splendid Sent letter to Mother and a note to Commander of camp.

Sergts of Messes all called out to Head Qurs and told to Caution their Men against an outbreak. The Johnys have a Big Scare on now.

"Frank and Burkstrem Quarreled this Alfternoon about Cards. The former Made Some Violent pugalistic demonstrations towards the latter, who Shoued the better part of Valor in Mecting them with (what their Merits called for) silent Contempt Raw rations again to day and No wood. indications of rain.

A great alarm in the Rebel Camps this evening. their Men all ordered out under arms. orderlies riding about at a breakneck Speed- artillery being ranged on the Camp and in fact the "Johnys" are nearly frightened out of their

wits. I imagine it is done More to Show the prisoners their force. and intimidate them against making any dimonstration towards an Escape.— Or they fear a raid, being made here by Some of cur Cavalry.

FRIDAY JULY 15th 1864

The " Johny Rebs" under arms again this morning at 30 clock- They are in ernest about Something, be what it will, Another Hot day before us. Breakfast this Morning at 5 O clock which consisted of ham & Eggs. Corn Dodger and Cold water. "Frank" acting as Cook this morning. Bought one dollars worth of soap. I learned to day that Private Sellers of Co "D" 77th Pena Vols died two days ago.

SATURDAY JULY 16th 1864.

Cool & Cloudy this Morning heard yesterday that Lee was again in Penn" and that Burnsides Army was in hot pursuit, I assisted Hobbs & Smithland to carry Clayton over to Hospital but was obliged to bring him back. Washed My Shirt and drawers this afternoon. Nothing of any importance transpiring in Camp. Baked a large Corn Dodger this Evening.

SUNDAY JULY 17th 1864.

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News in Camp this morning that fifteen thous and of the New prisoners will be Sent to Alabama, commencing to morrow. Quite Cool last Night & Still cool this Morning- There is a petition being gotten up in Camp to Send to our government and asking that Some Steps be taken for our releas from this place, as the Mortality among the prisoners is increasing to an alarming extent Since the Confederates Medical Supplies have given out. We all pray that Some immediate action will be taken upon it by our Respective State governments, If the General government doesnot listen to the appeal- Could our Many friends in the North, have but a Momentary glance of our actual condition here- Could they look for one Short half hour upon the Sufferings we undergo and are obliged to See, They would rise Enmass and overthrow Such a so called government as allows her Sons to linger in Such prison as we do without one Manly or hu

manc effort to releas us.

TUESDAY JULY 19th 1864
A large Meeting was held in camp last evening

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in referance to the petition about being Sent to our lines. I was Elected one of a Committe of 20 whose business it Shall be to Select three competent Men to bear the petition to the President of the United States to the Governors of each loyal State and to the Associated press of the U. S. at New York City. The above Committe is to Meet today at 12 M. "Harry" the Sailor came into Camp yesterday and was at our tent Cloudy this Morning but quite warm- The above Mentioned Committe convened today at 12 M. and proceded to business first nominating our Several delagates by an informal Ballot, afterwards Electing them by a formal Ballott, Six being elected instead of three as General Winder gave permission to our Committe to Elect one Man for each five Thousand- The Committe then adjourned until Six O clock P.M. when we Expect to be discharged.

WEDNESDAY JULY 20th 1864

5 O clock A. M. Warm again this Morning, At the Meeting last evening in referance to the petition the procedings of the Committe above mentioned was so far approved as to accept of three of the first Named Men Elected, And pronounce the remainder of the procedings Null

and Void.

The Committe were then dismissed and a new one of the Same Number (20) Elected to Select the remaining three, I was also placed upon this last Committe At the appointed hour this morning (7 A. M.) the Committ Convened and proceded to Ballot, and re-elected tuo of those rejected last Night and Dennison of Penn" in place of Garland who was to represent the Navy. Then adjourned until 11 A.M, when the decisive meeting will be held-12 M. the delegates have come in from their conferance with General Winder and report favourably; their names have been Sent to Richmond for the approval of the Authorities

Everything is progressing in order and fair prospects in view that our Representatives will Soon Start to our lines with the petition- The Rebels appear to have another Big Scare on, as they commenced this A.M. to throw up fortifications arround the Camp. About 200 Negroes engaged on the Works.

THURSDAY JULY 21st 1864

Went arround this Morning and had Some of the Sergts of Detachments Sign the Petition and read it and the Resolutions to the Men

My Name was upon the letter lie yesterday, but I waited tuo hours or More for the distribution to take place and would wait no longer. I. expect to get it to day Houever.

Recieved letter from Cousin Josie at Richmond.

Prisoners coming in from Shermans Army report that Atlanta is in our hands Drew Molasses in lieu of Bacon- Another report in camp that Grant is dead but I guess it is Nothing but report although it appears in the Columns of the Repel papers.

FRIDAY JULY 22nd 1864

Wrote a letter to "Josie Holmes" at Richmond Va. in reply to the one I recd. yesterday.— Another Man found dead this Morning Near the principal Spring at the foot of My Street.Cool & Cloudy and Some indications of rain. The "Johnies" Still busily engaged on fortifications, form the rapid improvement of the appearance of works this Morning they Must have worked upon them by Moonlight last Night

Drew 4. Spoonsfull of Extra Molasses- Another tunnel found out and Stopt-

Noel Clayton of Co "D" 4th Ohio Cavalry died yesterday. I took his Parents Address and when I reach our lines will acquaint them of his death, his fathers address Carrollton Ky W. H. Clayton +

SATURDAY JULY 234 1864

Rebels Still continue to uork upon the fortificaThe weather passably cool this Morningin Camp worthy of Notice- drew the largest tions near the Stockade- Nothing transpiring rations of Rice to day we ever drew in the Confederacy (5 Spoonsfull)

SUNDAY JULY 24th 1864.

This is a cool pleasant Morning Much Such a day as yesterday and I trust tonight will be as pleasant for Sleeping as last night- had Mush for our Breakfast having eaten all our rice last Night for Supper

I have the promise of the loan of an old

There are, in the pocket of this Diary, a letter from this "Josie Holmes," dated "Richmond Va. Sept 29th," and addressed to her "Dear Cousin," the captive writer of this Journal, and a paper, marked "Josie Holmes, Rich"mond, Va.," in which are a lock of hair and a dried leaf. From the letter, it appears that the prisoner was a cousin of the young lady who wrote it; that she lived with her parents, in Richmond; and that she corresponded, by letter, with her captive relative, as well as through at least one other person who enjoyed the same privilege. Her mother also sent a message of affection to the prisoner. On another page of the little book appears the entry referred to : "W. H. Clayton

"Carrollton Ky

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