Ohio History Journal

CAPTAIN T. W. RATHBONE'S "BRIEF DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT," JULY 1 - NOVEMBER 21, 1864 edited by LOUIS BARTLETT Thomas W. Rathbone of Amelia, Ohio, was thirty-nine years old and a captain in an Ohio National Guard regiment on one hundred days' service when he was taken prisoner after a skirmish near North River Mills, West Virginia, on July 3, 1864. Two months later, while a patient in the Roper Hospital at Charleston, South Carolina, he began writing the diary which appears in the following pages. To make it a complete account of his im- prisonment, he incorporated in it an earlier diary he had kept in a "pocket Testament" given to him by "a good Union woman" of Winchester, Vir- ginia, soon after his capture. The diary begins on July 1, when the scouting party he was with when captured set out from its base at Paw Paw Station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. From that point on, in greater or lesser detail, it carries him through his capture and his subsequent trials and experiences as a prisoner of war in Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina, until his second and successful escape four months later. When captured, Rathbone was a company commander in the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one of the many Ohio militia regiments called into service for a hundred days in the spring of 1864 to NOTES ARE ON PAGES 79-80

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34                                                   OHIO HISTORY

 

relieve regular troops from garrison and similar duty for the summer offen-

sive in the East. Organized at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, on May 12,

with Colonel Israel Stough of Springfield as its commander, the One

Hundred and Fifty-Third departed immediately for West Virginia to do

guard duty along a section of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad track west

of Harpers Ferry. It had been there for six weeks when the scouting party,

which consisted of some seventy men under Lieutenant Colonel M. A. Leeds,

with Captain Rathbone second in command, was sent out to catch some horse

thieves. On the morning of the third day, about twenty miles from its base,

the detachment was surprised by a brigade of Confederate cavalry under

the command of Brigadier General John D. Imboden, and surrendered

after a short fight. Their brief engagement was one of the first warnings

of Major General Jubal A. Early's approaching invasion of the North,

which was turned back only at the gates of Washington.

The keeping of a diary was nothing new to Rathbone. During the West

Virginia campaigns of 1861 and 1862, when he served for fourteen

months with the Thirty-Fourth O.V.I., first as a captain and then as a major,

he had faithfully maintained one. Though it is as detailed as this one,

Rathbone made no effort in it to sustain a narrative, as he does here, but

it evidently gave him good practice.

Rathbone wrote the present diary in pencil. Sometime later, possibly as

late as 1886, he went over the pencil with ink, and while he made no changes

in the text, he did occasionally interpose parenthetical remarks, and he

added four supplementary notes, apparently from memory, as well as some

comments on the writing of the diary. This diary and the one he kept in

1861-62, along with letters written to his wife while he was behind the

Confederate lines, are in the possession of descendants in California.

In publishing the diary a few liberties have been taken with the text.

Dates of entries have been italicized, and for the sake of easier reading

a more definite sentence pattern has been given to Rathbone's sometimes

continuous succession of words. This has been done by 'the conversion of

his little dashes to periods and the insertion of periods where sometimes

no mark appears, and by the capitalization of initial letters in instances

where there are none. When used within a sentence, the little dash has

generally been turned into a comma. Beyond that, to aid in comprehension,

some internal punctuation has been supplied in brackets and an occasional

word or part of a word supplied in the same manner. In instances where

they might be mistaken for typographical errors, errors in spelling are indi-

cated with the customary sic.

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DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                     35

 

 

BRIEF DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT

OF

T W RATHBONE CAPT 153D O.V.I.

 

July 1st 1864

Lt Col Leeds[,] myself[,] Capt Stevens, Lts Frazier & Haines with about 73 of our

Regt, 153 O.V.I. [,] were ordered by Col Stough to go on a scout well up the

North Fork of Big Cacapon to arrest several noted horse thieves who had been

committing depredations even over the Potomac into Maryland. We left Camp Kelly

near Paw Paw Station on the Baltimore and Ohio RR about 5 PM and took the

Winchester road for about 8 m[ile]s. There were from my Co (A) Orderly Sergt

W  W  Ricker[,] Sergt Jno F Townsley[,] Corp A. S. Behymer, Privates Walter

Behymer[,] Levi Behymer [,] Nathaniel Behymer [,] Clarington Behymer [,]

Joseph P Clark [,] Nelson F Clark [,] Maurice Dolen, James B. Guild, Andrew

Behler, Andrew Lillick [and] G W & J W Hutchins. Total 15. We took four days

Rations of bread [,] coffee & sugar and a Rubber blanket each, going as light as

possible. We left the main road about 10 PM and travelled the mountain bye paths

till 2 AM of

July 2nd Saturday

When we halted to rest till morning. After a breakfast of Coffee and bread we

proceeded at 6 AM and two hours brought us to North River very close after three

Rebs who had stolen three horses a few miles below us and were making their way out

to Rebel lines. We followed and at an old Rebels, named Wills, we pressed four horses,

and at Edwards a mile further we found some arms and more horses; passed Ice

Mountain a prominent curiosity of the country. Although a very hot day, yet the

chilly air coming from the aperture in the rocks was freezing. Ice is said to be found

two feet below the surface.

We came to North River Mills about ten AM and proceeded on up the river. Leaving

the river about 4 PM we bore to the west and at sundown struck the Romney Grade.

Passing along the grade in the direction of Romney for three miles we turned East

leaving the grade and marched till 10 PM and halted in the woods about two miles

from the river and bivouaced[sic].

July 3d Sunday

Got in line of march at daylight sending details of men to different Rebel farms in

vicinity. Captured two Rebs whom we found at home and several horses. The men

of one detail brought along a Mr Emmet for hiding his son and the order to march

was given before the Lt Col was aware of his (E's) detention. Just at the moment of

taking up the line of march a rebel mounted was seen coming down the road towards

us. As soon as he saw us he turned and the advance, after halting him [,] fired a

number of shots at him, but without effect. Lt Col Leeds mounted a horse and

pursued with most of the mounted men. The balance of the Command continued the

march and soon came to the river [,] and crossing [,] continued up the same, I being

in the rear at the time, Capt Stevens assuming command; soon I heard quite a number

of guns when I hurried on to the front where we discovered a dust about a mile ahead

and supposing it to be at the farthest not greater than our force, I ordered Capt

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36                                                          OHIO HISTORY

 

Stevens to deploy his Co as skirmishers. Just then our guide, an old man named

[Moreland?], was taken with a panic and fled. Capt S looked somewhat demoralized

so I had to direct the deployment myself. And then deployed the balance of the

Command in a meadow some distance to the rear. Discovering soon that the enemy

were throwing out skirmishers and entirely out flanking us I ordered the second line

to retire toward the river hoping to cross, but when I arrived at the river found deep

water so that we could not safely cross. So I concluded to fight. Ordering my men

over the fence, we commenced firing and kept up as strong a fire as we could on the

advancing Cavalry and skirmishers and till we were completely surrounded by a

Cavalry force in our rear when I surrendered. The Rebs continued to fire on us for

several rounds [,] when the firing ceased and they commenced robbing us of every

thing, even taking many blouses [,] hats and shoes. I protested to such treatment but

could avail nothing even with Gen Imboden.¹ Capt Stevens and first line did not wait

to take even a shot, the Capt bravely (?) making for the woods. The first line break-

ing let the enemy down on the second line before we were prepared for them, and

almost their first fire dangerously wounded Corp Behymer and killed the elder Mr

Emmet. We had one killed, Lieut Frazier, and one wounded, Corp Behymer. Many of

the boys were more or less scratched or bruized with splinters. My men behaved very

well. None so cool as Sgt W W Ricker. We were formed in two ranks and counted [,]

making about 34, and marched to the rear; and after the command had passed were

marched in rear of it. I succeeded in getting a blouse and old hat and felt rather

comfortable. The command halted on Little Cacapon and we were permitted to wash

ourselves. When it was sundown Subsistence was issued to us for one day. It con-

sisted of half pound of meal and four oz bacon each. Had no way to cook the same

so our meal did us no good. At 10 PM we were ordered forward and marched till²

July 4th Monday

At 4 AM when we were halted on the mountain just below South Branch on the

Baltimore and Ohio RR, when we were not allowed to leave the road but fell down in

the dust and slept till sun rise when they marched us on nearer the Potomac and kept

us mostly in the sun till after noon when the command passed us on the retreat.

We could distinctly hear the fight going on with the block house (Co E of our Regt

was in it) and whipped the Rebel Brigade consisting of three Regts--18th & 23rd Va

Reb Cav and the 62d Mounted Infy.3

We were marched on the retreat to the forks of Cacapon where we arrived at 10 PM

more dead than alive. Whole distance since capture 70 miles. We suffered with the

cold to night. I have neglected to state that Lt Col Leeds was captured with a few of

the mounted men with him by the enemys advance guard before we had got into our

fight and was brought to us on the way.

Tuesday July 5th

We had a chance to bake a little meal and were marched toward Winchester to the

forks of the roads leading to Winchester and Martinsburg where we were halted for

about three hours when the Brigade took the road to Martinsburg and we were sent

on to Winchester at 1 PM guarded by 15 Cavalry. I proposed to Col L that we

capture our guards on the way and take them back to camp but he would not accede

to it. I think the future will reveal to him the regret that he did not accede to it. So

the Golden opportunity was lost and we arrived at Winchester at 10 PM and were all

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DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                     37

 

put in a room together on the second floor in an old brick building and a small ration

of wheat bread given us and we lay down to rest more dead than alive, and so

[tired?] that but poor was the rest.

I have neglected to state that the younger Emmet reported to General Imboden

that I had ordered my men to shoot his father and the Reb soldiers were continually

pointing me out so I seemed like Jenny Lynd [sic], very notorious. Gen I. told me

that he intended to call me to account for it and if I could not satisfy him I should

suffer but [he] would release me from charges if I would show him the man who

fired the fatal ball--vain subterfuge! when Mr E was killed before my men had fired

a shot. But the Gen was taken sick (wounded at S Branch) and was brought to

Winchester the same time with us. Col L saw him, but he was inexorable--really

because so few men had so bitterly opposed him. He lost in the fight with us one

Captain and several men and met with no better success at South Branch.

July 6 Wednesday

Bread and old stinking bacon of each about one fourth of a ration was given us and

we were ordered to march. Forming in the street [,] we were marched about one

square to another squad of Union Prisoners who were to be sent forward to we did not

know where, when I was taken from the ranks, and told that I was detained to be

tried for murder. I requested that my witnesses remain behind with me but it was

denied me and I was, in a heathenish and barbarous manner, put into a small room

with about [20 ?] conscripts and kept there about two hours when I was put in an

adjoining room with about twenty Union prisoners who were unable to march.

Among them I found Lewis Smith of Co H 153d. I was kept here until the 13th and

was very kindly treated by the few Loyall [sic] Ladies in town who dared to venture

near the Lousy, Greasy dirty Traitors. They brought us eatibles[,] coffee, milk [,]

Towels [,] forks and one [,] a Mrs May [,] brought me an old blanket [,] a Testa-

ment and a nice pair of carpet shoes. My quarters were emptied and filled about

twice while there. And each day I asked the officer for a copy of charges against me

but without avail.

July 13th Wednesday

Three of us being left in the room [,] we were ordered to be ready to go to Stanton

[sic] on the Stage at 10 AM. I again demanded a copy of charges against me and

received for reply that there were no charges against me and that Gen Imboden had

no more influence at Hd Qrs than I had. The total no[.] of our men captured and

sent through here to this date is a little less than 400. The whole distance we were

hurried through was about 100 m[ile]s and that without eating scarcely any thing.

At Winchester confederate money would barely pass at all. I was guarded by the

balance of the 10th Va (Reb) (the Regt being captured at Spotsylvania) together

with Straglers [sic] and convalescents from every Regt in Early's and Breckenridge's

Corps.

Started on the Stage at 11 AM in charge of a sergt and two men, arrived at Woodstock

and was roughly thrust into the county Jail and placed in charge of a bloodthirsty

Traitor Jailor. Several Marylanders followed us to the jail and were insulting me

when I retorted that such was the manner in which Traitors [,] cowards and black-

guards treated Loyal men, when the Sergt ordered me into a cell and so closed one

of the many scenes of Prison life. The room was about 13 by 12 with no ventillation

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38                                                          OHIO HISTORY

 

[sic] and filled with vermin. As the considerate Jailor said it "did him good to stick

Abolition hirelings into lousy holes."

July 14th Thursday

Called up at 4 AM and started for Stanton where we arrived at 8 PM pretty tired of

stage riding in Dixie. There was but one redeeming point to the whole episode and

that was the beautiful Valley of Winchester to Stanton, a distance of [ninety-two ?]

miles over a good turnpike road. This valley has the finest improvements I have seen

in the U S and this year the best and heaviest yield of wheat I ever saw. It was all cut

and in shock. The orchards were loaded with a fine prospect for apples & corn quite

good, but for present subsistance [sic] nearly destitute.

I was put into an log pen of a guard house with about 60 Union prisoners. Many of

them I had for companions at Winchester. We were searched here and again robbed.

July 15 Friday

Were put on the cars, Passenger cars! with the taunt "You Yanks send our men in

cattle cars but we give you good passenger cars." We were stopped at Charlotteville

[sic] and half rations of wheat bread and bacon were given us. Then [we were]

put on another train and sent on to Lynchburg where we arrived at 6 PM and were

put into a poorly ventillated room where I found Col Leeds with 8 officers of the

135 O V I and in the same room about 40 Reb Deserters [who were?] conscripts[,]

all the most dirty Lousy filthy set I ever saw-'twas truly sickening. The Rebs

deposited their filth in a tub and were not allowed to leave the room oftener than

once a week. We were permitted to go into the back yard two at a time but it was

impossible with that privilege to keep clean. While here we had less than half enough

to eat [--] wheat bread and half rotten bacon which we had had to eat ever since our

capture--excepting one day we had old salt beef a hundred fold worse than the bacon.

We were not allowed to buy any thing from the outside without it was smuggled in

by the guards who were almost to a man our friends and were heartily sick of the war.

One Capt Otey was the Pro[vost] Marshall [sic] and he had collected around him his

favorites who were ever ready to aid him in doing his dirty work. Our guards were

from almost every Reb State [,] were convalescents--lame[,] halt and blind--and as

a general thing were sick of the war and felt like getting back into the old union.

While here Samuel Crawford was brought in. He had been a prisoner a long time and

while making his Escape was retaken and so happened to be added to our number.

He had been engaged in the Hospital Department and was passing himself for asst

surg[eon] 12th Ohio.⁴

Continued additions were made to our numbers until we had about 31 officers in our

room. There were about 700 enlisted men in different buildings in the town [,] three

hundred of whom were sent away before we left and the 100 were to be sent with us.

July 22d Friday

We were put on cars (not passenger cars by the way) and crowded so close that we

could not lie down and sent on towards Richmond by way of the South Side RR.

Changed cars at Burkeville for Danville [,] Va. where we arrived

July 23 Saturday

at 4 AM and were put into one of the Mil[itary] Prisons and rations of corn bread &

bacon were given us but short as usual. Rested to day and

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DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                    39

 

July 24 Sunday

were ordered out at 3 AM and waited along side the Greensboro RR till nearly 8 AM

when away we were carried over a new RR but very poorly engineered. Found a

bridge burned and had to walk across a river and take another train, arriving at

Charlotte, N. C. at 3 AM and were allowed to lie down on the ground till daylight

when we were put on another train and half rations again given us. And at 8 AM

July 25th Monday

we were started south. At all the stations along the route there was something to eat

for sale, but at very high prices to us. The Lt in charge of us would not allow us to

buy a thing but the guards would get us whatever they could. A few words about the

country and crops I will omit till we arrive at our destination which I suppose will be

Macon [,] Ga. Arrived at Columbia Junction two miles below Columbia [,] S C

where we remained till

July 26 Tuesday

Afternoon started on Charleston RR, arrived at Branchville at dark and took the road

to Augusta where we arrived at daylight.

July 27th Wednesday

Ordered off the cars and placed under guard in a vacant lot. Half rations of hard

bread and bacon were given us. We started for Macon [,] Ga at 3 PM and arrived

at Macon at daylight and were put into a stockade of about 3 acres where I found

about 1200 of our officers in sheds and closely guarded. 600 having been sent to

Charleston [,] S C this morning.

July 28th Thursday

The country from Stanton to Macon is very inferior--the old farmes [sic] completely

worn out and the rest of very thin soil. No wheat [,] oats or hay and the prospect

for not more than five bushels of corn per a[cre]. Yet there is a great number of

acres planted one stalk to the hill.

Prices along the road were very high but those who had money would buy. Water.

melons as high as 10 doll[ar]s, half lb. loaves bread, 11 1/4 dol[lars], a bite of pie,

1 doll[ar], glass butter milk 50 c[en]ts. At Camp Oglethorpe (Macon) we could buy

nothing from the outside but were compelled to buy of a sutler. And shame to say

one of our officers was salesman and added his profits so that he was making money

off his poor bro pris's. The rations given us at Macon were unsifted corn[,] corn &

cob meal[,] cow peas[,] rice[,] salt[,] grits[,] vinegar and molasses. Very inferior

and not more than half enough to satisfy hunger. I found Capt Cutler & Lt Hays of

the 34th Ohio, Adjt Holter[,] 59th O[hio] here, and that Lt Fairfield [,] 89th O[hio]

had been sent to Charleston[,] S C. The health was generally good excepting Diarrhea.

July 29th Friday

Was taken sick with diarrhea and Col L & I went to Hospital. While there Stoneman

made his raid and we could distinctly hear his guns near the town. How our prayers

went up for him to ride into the town and relieve us, but alas! he was scared away

by a few boys and old men who turned out and presented a bold front. So are we

doomed to disappointment.3

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40                                                         OHIO HISTORY July 30 Saturday Feel a little better. My companions in Hospital are our army officers who have been wounded and some sick ones. July 31 & Aug 1 Nothing worthy of note transpired. Getting better. Aug 2d Monday News of Stoneman's capture were confirmed by the Rebs bringing him[,] his officers and about 300 of his command in. Aug 3d Tuesday I returned to the Stockade to day and nothing but the very uncertain news of exchange reached us until Aug 11, Weds. when 900 of us were called out and started to Charleston where we arrived at daylight

Aug 13th Friday and were put in the Work House Pris[on]. Here we were fed a little better. I was sick most of the time while here and on Sunday Sept 4th was sent with a few others under parole to the Roper Hospital Pris. building where we have a little more privi- leges, and here my health has been improving. I have written home every week since leaving Lynchburg and reed one letter of Aug 30th on the 15 Sept from my wife.6 Sept 19, 1864 Sold a Draft on the Ohio Valley Bank at Cin[cinnati] O[hio] for 20 doll[ars] in gold to Mr. Quinby. Reed 100 doll[ars] Confed. Sept 20 Sold another draft. Same as above. Reed the same amt.7 Sept 23rd Friday Flag of truce met in Harbor to day and got news of about 140 boxes for us with a mail.

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DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                      41 At the Roper we have a good market of eatibles--Sweet & Irish pot[atoe]s, and apples, persimmons, dates[,] figs[,] pomegranates, peanuts, shrimps[,] fresh fish, apple and sweet potato pies, sweet potato puding[sic], apple dumpling, [shell peas ?], tomatoes, eggs[,] chickens, biscuits, sweet cake & bread, molasses, sugar, coffee, salt[,] pepper, soda, nutmeg. [Also] writing paper, envelopes, tobacco, cigars, shirts, drawers, socks, rush hats [made of] palmetto leaves &c &c, all of which is very high. I bought a plate [of] stone China, pd. 4 1/2 doll[ar]s[,] and about 3/4 of a yard of bagging for 3 dol- lars. Pd 20 doll[ars] for a hickory shirt and 10 doll[ar]s for a pair of drawers. Traded my cap for an old [coal ?] hat; got 5 doll[ar]s to boot. 3 sheets letter paper 1 doll[ar][,] 3 envelopes 1 doll[ar], rush hats sell for 12 doll[ar]s, [tin ?] cups sell at 2 doll[ar]s, knives & forks at 8 dollars[,] iron spoons 2.00, fine combs 2 1/2 doll[ars], &c. Sept 24th Saturday Our market was stopped this morning to protect the Reb Sutler so now we will have to pay up for the whistle. The news from Va is good this morning confirming Early's defeat. This eve was a joyous time for about 200 of our boys whose names were called for Exchange at Atlanta. Lts Edminston & Fairfield are from our room and my mess, leaving but three of us[,] Capt E Day & Lt J V Baird of 89[th] Ohio [and myself]. Otho [Fairfield] left me 105 doll[ar]s Confed., his blankets and clothes bag, &c.8 Bully for the boys who get to go to God's country! Sunday Sept 25 1864 Up early and assisted Otho in making a cup of Coffee. He got a sip or two and had to go. I sent letter to wife by him. Quite lonesome. Got my washing in this morn- ing--pd. 50¢ a piece. By the way, a few words about how we live when we have got money. For Breakfast usually light pancakes and flour gravy, occasionally boiled sweet potatoes, flour gravy & coffee and baker's bread. For Dinner, usually Beef soup with sweet or Irish potatoes, rice, onions and light corn bread, occasionally rice pudding in lieu of the soup.

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42                                                         OHIO HISTORY

 

supper, corn bread and flour gravy, occasionally fried sweet Potatoes, light bread and

coffee. Breakfast 7 AM, Dinner, 1 1/2 PM [,] Supper 6 1/2 PM.

Cost of materials outside of furnished rations

Coffee          pr lb                                             $10.00

Molasses        " pt 4.00

Sugar              " lb                                             7.00

Eggs               " doz                                           5.00

Butter            " lb                                             9.00

Sweet Pot. " qt      1.50

Irish              "                                                  "  "                               2.00

Bread            per loaf 3/4 lb                              1.00

Salt                          " pint                                                                     .50

Pepper           "      lb                                         20.00

Nutmeg          "      each                                    1.00

Shrimps         plate                                            1.00

Fish               lb                                                 4.00

Pumpkins 4 lbs                                                 2.00

Onions          Doz                                             3.00

Milk              qt                                                 1.50

To make a pudding for five of us costs, outside of furnished rations, 3 1/2 doll[ar]s.

Gold is worth 24 doll[ar]s confed. Greenbacks 6 to 7 doll[ar]s conf., and in demand.

The letters were distributed to day but alas none for poor me. Maj Beatty of our Co

was to be exchanged to day. Col Leeds has the ague and fever.

Shelling us goes on daily and is on the increase. It commences about 2 AM and

continues very rapidly till daylight[,] then at regular intervals through the day.

One piece went through our House a few days ago but hurt no one. It is so common

that we scarcely notice it except some house is smashed to pieces.

Sept 26th Monday

All well, a cool night and chilly day. Put on drawers and vest. The morning papers

give us the news of Early's 2d defeat at Fishers Hill.9

Sent out for 2 qts oysters at 2 1/2 doll[ar]s pr qt. Pancakes and stewed tomatoes for

dinner and coffee. Our cisterns have all given out. So we have the brackish well

water left which is unfit for cooking or drinking. The Naval officers reed a number of

boxes of stores & clothing with money, but our boxes are not distributed yet although

they have been in town the longer. About 100 more of our officers were brought to

the Roper from the Jail yard. My oysters did not come but the money was returned.

Capt Barrett returned from the Hospital and brings word of yellow fever there. As

day by day goes by the same dull monotony of prison life is repeated and ours is not

so bad as formerly.

Tuesday Sept 27th

The weather turned warmer during the night and to day has been very pleasant.

I drew half rations of beef and had soup for dinner. We make our soup in this

manner--boil our beef two hours [add] peeled potatoes cut fine with onions and

tomatoes and rice. Had soup and some excellent corn bread for supper. Quinby

bought about 50,000 doll[ar]s (Confed) worth of Drafts to day of officers in Roper.

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DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                    43

 

It costs us about two doll[ar]s each per day besides C-govt rations. And each time

they issue to us it plainly grows less, but we are getting good qualities generally of

[everything] excepting beans, instead of which cow peas, a most detestable food[,]

is given out.

Many of our officers are gambling and drinking continually and show themselves

below the true character of men.

We had many McClellan men here before the repudiation by the Peace Party, but

since then they are silent.10 Every thing looks bright down here for our beloved

country. God speed the day of her and our deliverence [sic] from the manacles of

Treason & Rebellion.

Wednesday 28 Sept 64

Had a good nights rest. Up early. Feel very well. Wrote a letter to wife. One case

of Yellow Fever sent to Hospital to day[,] a Capt Dillon. No news. Fresh beef to

day. Weather beautiful.

Since I have been in Charleston our batteries have thrown into the city an average

of about 15 shells a day. Several have come quite near us. Some pieces have struck

our building but no one hurt.

A few nights ago, a new gun began throwing 400 lb shells which go entirely over

us and into and past the back part of the City. About all the City between us and the

bay was burnt down in 1861 and presents rather a deserted appearance. As a general

thing this city is built of wood and presents an ancient appearance with the tile roofs

and tile flue topt Chimneys. Some of the buildings are more modern in appearance,

but of very inferior achitecture [sic].

We are very much crowded here now and if we are kept thus for any great length of

time must have sickness.

Butter has gone up to 11 dollars pr lb. Common shoes 80 doll[ar]s, Boots 250

doll[ar]s. Tobacco & Cigars are the cheapest articles here--extra cigars 25¢[,]

Tobacco $2.00 lb[,] letter paper 3 sheets for a dollar, three envelopes one dollar[,]

heavy cap like this on which I write 50 c[en]ts pr sheet and this very inferior pencil

1 1/2 dollars. Washing 50?? to 1 doll[ar] pr piece. Wooden buckets 8 doll[ar]s, tin

cups 3 doll[ar]s.

Names of officers of my acquaintance here

 

Lt Col M. A. Leeds                               153 O V I

Capt S. A. Glenn                                   89 O V I

"         Elam Day                                "

"         O. C. Gatch

"         D. A. Barrett                             "

"         J. W. Grose                             18 Ky Inf

Lieut C. E. Harrison                             89 O V I

"  J. V. Baird                                      "                "

Capt Brandt                                             97            "

Capt Blinn                                              100

Capt J. Cutler                                          34            "

Lt Hays    "                                                 "

" Knapp  Ill

Maj Owens                                              1st cav Ky--

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44                                                         OHIO HISTORY

 

Thursday 29 Sept 1864

Very warm night. I was not well through the night.

Warm and pleasant to day.

Lt A Stall[,] 6th U S Cav[,] died here very suddenly from billious [sic] attack.

To day for the first [time] five of us were allowed to go outside the inclosure after

water, our water on the inside having given out some days ago.

The Naval officers start for Richmond to morrow and it is rumored that we are to

be removed from Charleston soon. No other news of note.

Quinby is in to night buying orders on U S Pay Master at two for one. What an

infernal swindle. The "Mercury" and "Courier" each day confirm the Reb disasters,

and are seeming very despondent.

The Naval officers are getting ready to leave. There is great injustice done us by our

and Reb authorities. We have reed neither money nor boxes while the Naval officers

reed both very promptly. We are in a very sad plight to go through the winter

and will have to suffer if something is not done for us soon. Yet our condition is a

thousand times better than our Enlisted men. They are dying by the score every day

from exposure and hunger. During the mo[nth]s of July and August 1864 out of

35000 over 8000 died at Andersonville alone.

Our Batteries have shelled the city more heavily within the past few days, throwing

a shell every 3 minutes.

Thursday [Friday] Sept 30th 1864

The last day of the mo[nth] and here yet and God only knows how much longer we

are doomed to be in the toils of our Enemies. Rained toward morning which will

give us some water and cool the air.

The Naval officers left early this morning for Richmond.

I rested very well last night and did not rise as early as common this morning.

Damp morning. Very warm to night.

Capt Mowbray, C.S., brought in a no[.] of boxes for our officers here. Many of them

had been robbed.

Saturday Oct 1st 1864

And yet a prisoner in the "Roper" in the old and dilapidated city of Charleston, the

Cradle of Treason and Rebellion. I was sick nearly all night with inflated stomach

and this morn it resulted in Diarrhea. Feel weak. No news of note this morn. Our

messes were equalized by putting Leeds in ours making four in each. The other mess

had got tired of his whims I think. He is not very agreeable in a mess but we will

get along with the case. Rained quite hard during the night. Mosquitoes very trouble-

some. Flies about the same as in Ohio. This is Ration day but only flour brought in

late. Our last 10 days rations lasted about 5 days so we had to go on our own pockets.

Eat but a light supper and laid down about 9 PM.

Sunday Oct 2nd 1864

Rested very well, did not get up till sunrise. Had a late breakfast because of the

difficulty of getting bread.

The report is in circulation that Col Say [,] C S [,] is to make a final effort to effect

our exchange to morrow. But we have so many rumors on Saturday evenings that

but few believe in it. We have petitioned President Lincoln for a speedy exchange.

• 12
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                     45

 

I wrote to B. W. Pease and also to J. Milton [McGrew?] to send some Confed Capt

down here to be Specially exchanged for me.

On the 1st we in this room made a requisition on the Sanitary Commission for some

clothing. I put in for 1 hat[,] 1 pr shoes[,] 2 socks[,] 2 drawers, 2 shirts, 2 towels,

2 hankerchiefs, 1 Pants.

Capt Day is not very well. Capt Warwick of Gen Jones staff came in during the

evening and parolled three of our officers who are to go north to effect an exchange

for themselves. [They are] Capt Platt, Lieut Thompson & Lieut Blanchard.

And Maj Owens, 1st Ky Cav[,] was selected for to be exchanged for the Reb Maj

Lamar Fontaine who is here on parole. They are to go off to morrow morning at 8

AM. I wrote a letter home and one to J. Milton McGrew at Washington City to try

and effect a special [exchange] for myself.

Monday Oct 3 64

Slept well. Raining this morning.

The Parolled and to be exchanged officers started at 7 AM. Warm day. Maj Owens

returned this evening[,] our commissioner refusing to receive him in exchange for

Maj Fontaine on account of Maj O having written a letter to Gen H Marshall[,]

C S[,] offering him $1000.00 to get him (Maj O) out of Prison. The Maj fus[sed?]

very badly about it and is as truly loyal as any man. Our Govt is piling it on a little

too steep. We are here in prison and she refuses to help us and we can't help our-

selves, so what shall we do? That's the question. Our cash outlay for to day was

about 15 doll[ar]s. So we must curtail, retrench. Pudding to day and very good.

Warm to night.

Tuesday Oct 4th

Pleasant night. Slept tolerably well. Mosquitoes troublesome.

Wednesday Oct 5 1864

While eating breakfast an order came for the Prisoners in "Roper" to pack up and

be ready to go to Columbia in an hour.

Hurried things together and when called upon marched into the street. Capts Glenn,

Day and Myself & Lts Baird and Harrison agreed to make our escape from the cars

on the way.

Train started at 12 noon. Reached Branchville at dusk and at 8 PM [some ?] five

jumped off unseen by the guards. And a mile or two further, as near as we could

judge, about 20 m[ile]s North of Branchville, we took our everlasting leap. It would

be useless for me to attempt a description of my feelings. Suffice it to say that for some

time I was in no condition for knowing any thing. However we gathered ourselves

up and put the pieces together and started on a country road leading north westward

on our 500 miles tramp. But who wont do a great deal for Liberty, no matter how

short the enjoyment. I thanked God for sweet freedom as I had it and may Providence

prosper us. How much more will I be thankful. Soon after starting on foot Capt

Glenn was taken very suddenly with billious [sic] colic. I gave him an opiate so

that we did not lose more than a couple of hours.

We walked on till about 4 AM when we crossed a small river running across our

route to our left. Our general course was nearly north slightly west. We selected

the most secluded place and lay ourselves down for a short nap. Waked at day light

and moved across the stream into a swamp thicket. Distance about 12 m[ile]s. The

• 13
 

46                                                         OHIO HISTORY

 

river above spoken of is the North Edisto and we are on the state road leading to

N W corner of the state. How Providential! We have a little bread, about 3 lbs [,]

one half of which we used to day[,] Oct 6th[,] while we lay in camp Edisto. 5 oz

of bread to a man a day! Oh we live even live! on that but then it is the best we can

do as yet. Our expectations are to get corn and sweet potatoes from the farms but

have found none yet. The farmers and their cattle are making molasses from Sorghum

and we saw their lights and heard the songs of the simple minded negros [sic] in

their attempts to drive dull care away. Our greatest danger is from being hunted

down by their Bloodhounds. But so long as they don't see [us] nor our marks (which

we don't intend they should) we are safe. We being new hands at the biz are

unusually cautious, but 'tis for the best. The dogs barked at us last night as we

passed along the road just as they would if any body passed.

The white men are about all gone to the war so that is favorable for us. The road is

very good but very sandy. At dusk it came on to rain so we moved from our swamp

retreat sooner than intended in order to cross the stream on a tree before it was

too dark.

We soon got on the road and it rained and lightened until we were about saturated.

Met a man on horse back, the signal was given and to the bushes we went so he was

none the wiser. We next concluded to flank a plantation house which took about an

hour through the woods and brush. Halted to rest about every mile for we find that

our powers of endurance are not improved much by confinement on Rebel diet.

Turned out for three wagons had come. Slept an hour by the road side at about

4 AM. 12 m[iles.]

Friday Oct 7th 1864

Selected a site to stay till day light so that we could secure a good camp site. Slept

soundly till day when I waked the boys and Lt Harrison selected the site for our 2d

Camp of Escape (Camp Harrison).

The first night we had great difficulty in getting drinking water but last night was

different. The copius [sic] rain gave us drink, but Mother Earth nor negro labor

gave us no corn or potatoes. So we will lengthen out our 5 oz bread till perhaps

morning. The mosquitos are not bad so that is quite a relief.

About 3 PM had quite a scare and a narrow escape of being discovered. Some darkies

were driving a herd of mules along the road going North when some of them (mules)

got into the brush and darkies after them. So we went into [the] swamp on hands

and knees and lay down for about 3 hours when we returned to our old camp and

lay down on our brush beds and had to lie close to get warm. Went to sleep and

waked about 9 PM and we started for the road. Got there and found the moon to

[sic] bright yet to travel in safety, so we waited awhile and without much danger of

interruption.

At daylight found us within about 4 m[ile]s of Columbia which we intended to pass

20 m[ile]s distant. The Saluda River and Pickets at Columbia bridge however

stopped our career in this direction. We got some corn during the night so we can

go for a day or two longer. 15 m[ile]s.

Saturday Oct 8th

Broad day light and no hiding place secured so we stopped near and among some

oaks & bushes on a ridge near the road.

• 14
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                     47

 

Lt Harrison went out to look around and is missing. We suppose he is lost. Cool

day. Slept some in the sun but could not in the shade. Columbia is in sight and we

can hear the darkies sing plainly.

Making our supper on raw corn and taking a nap to wait for citizens to get off the

roads, we started through the brush and in a half mile came to a road running

nearly west which suited us for direction so away we went but had to stop frequently

to rest. Capt Glenn[,] poor fellow, he will never be able to go through. Made 15

m[ile]s and camped on the south side of the road in a small swamp thicket about

5 AM.

Sunday Oct 9th 1864

Tried to start but could not for the reason that Capt Glenn had a chill and vomited

repeatedly. At about 9 PM we started. Capt Glenn consented to return and give

himself up. So Capt Day, Baird & myself went on [,] passed Lexington C H in about

three miles[,] flanked it by passing round to the right. Got away from the main

road and among the plantations roads which run in every direction. Tied up at day-

light (after making a cup of coffee) in an open woods. Capt D & I lay down in a

fence corner and partially covered ourselves with leaves. Lt Baird secreted himself

behind a large rock. I had fallen into a creek at daylight and got wet to the waist

and was very cold. Early in the forenoon a little girl in passing discovered us and

scared she ran. Soon four men came on to Capt D & I, one armed with a Double bbl.

shot gun, and arrested us and marched us back and halted at a Farmers named

[Mutz?], where the women brought us out some breakfast--wheat bread, corn bread,

bacon, and sweet potatoes pie and Sorghum Syrup. So we made a hearty breakfast and

after talking with the proprietor we were marched on to Lexington C H and were put

in Jail by the Enrolling officer (a mean cuss). His name is Lt Russell. We had

some short bread and cabbage, we got a pot of coffee made and hominy, a blanket

from one of the guards and passed a tolerable night. There were but two others in

jail, one a young woman[,] Miss Jane Gorman[,] for arson & Murder and a straggler

from the Reb army.

Tuesday Oct 11th 1864

A Lady sent us in a breakfast of boiled rice[,] corn bread[,] chicken and molasses.

At 8 AM we were started for Columbia on foot [but] soon got into a wagon and

rode into Columbia. [They] took us to the jail and gave us something to eat. We

were then sent to an open field about 2 m[ile]s west of the City on the west side of

the Saluda River and found all our Friends safe and heard that Capt Glenn was in

hospital very sick.

No news of Harrison or Baird. Lt Baird has no doubt gone on. I hope they will

succeed in getting through.

Wednesday Oct 12th 1864

Slept quite cool under three blankets. We have no tents[,] not a vestage [sic] of any

thing to make man half comfortable. All well.

Thursday Oct 13th 1864

About 20 escaped last night making in all about 200 since leaving Charleston. About

50 recaptured. The nights are too light to venture as the moon is about full. One of

• 15
 

48                                                         OHIO HISTORY our officers died to day with Yellow Fever and another is sick with the same. Note--Baird was brought in to day. Weather very cool. Our mess consists of Capts Day, Blinn, Lt Baird and myself. Friday Oct 14 1864 Cloudy and cool. Moderated toward night. Another officer died this eve with Yellow Fever. Health generally good. Our officers have found gold (very fine) within our enclosure. No news of importance. Big rations of Molasses (Tar) two qts. each for 5 days. No meat issued here yet. Saturday 15th Oct Slight rumors of exchange yesterday. Our other man was brought in, Lt Harrison. He had got 85 miles N W of us and was accidentally picked up by some negro hunters. He was fed by the negroes. I had intended to try escape again last night but it was too light. Wrote a letter to wife to day. Sunday Oct 16th 1864 Pleasant day. Very still in camp. Two officers got away last night. There are more than a hundred out yet, many of whom will get through to our lines. Had a sermon in camp this evening. Indian Summer. Quite cool. Monday Oct 17th 1864 Pleasant day. Held Election to day for Pres & V P by States. Me        Lin[coln]      25        Mc[Clellan]       00       J[ohnso]n      25         Pend[elton]     -- N H       "                   7          "                       00       "                    7           "                                     -- Ver        "                   29        "                       --         "                    29           "                   1 Mass      "                   43        "                       --         "                    44         "                                     2 R I         "                   13        "                       --         "                    13         "                                     -- Conn     "                   34        "                       1         "                    35         "                                     -- N Y       "                   171      "                       29       "                    173       "                                     29 N J        "                   25        "                       6         "                    23         "                                     3 Pa         "                   187      "                       35       "                    187       "                                     26 Del        "                   3          "                       --         "                    2           "                                     -- Md        "                   21        "                       2         "                    21         "                                     1 W Va     "                   19        "                       1         "                    19         "                                     1 Ohio      "                   142      "                       15       "                    144       "                                     12 Ky         "                   13        "                       16       "                    15         "                                     14 Tenn     "                   26        "                       --         "                    31         "                                     -- Ala        "                   1          "                       --         "                    1           "                                     -- Ind        "                   72        "                       11       "                    72         "                                     8 Ill          "                   79        "                       8         "                    80         "                                     7 Mo        "                   10        "                       --         "                    10         "                                     -- Ia          "                   36        "                       --         "                    36         "                                     -- Wis       "                   19        "                       1         "                    19         "                                     -- Mich     "                   40        "                       10       "                    36         "                                     8 Min       "                   5          "                       --         "                    5           "                                     --

• 16
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                              49 Kan       "          2       "        --                 "             2        "       -- Fla         "          1                                "   --            "                 1                  "                  -- Cal        "                       1                  "                                    3                  "                    1                           "        3 ----------                         -----------          ---------- ----------

1024               143                     1034               112 [138]                                           [1031]                                                 [115] Total vote[:]                             1167 [1162] Tuesday, Oct 18th 1864 Sprinkled some during the night. Cool morning. Two of our officers escaped during the night and two were brought in to day, one of whom was Capt Pickerell of Iowa. He got within 17 miles of the Savannah river North of Edgefield. Cloudy day with signs of rain. Ration day. Meal issued to us [but] no flour. Bot a ham shank and made a pot of soup for dinner. Wednesday Oct 19th 1864 Cool day. Lts Fairfield & Edmiston returned to day. Both have chills. Thursday 20th Oct 1864 Cool day. All is well as usual. Friday Oct 21st No news of importance up to date. This eve about 8 oclock, Lt Young 4th Pa Vols was shot and killed by the accidental discharge of a gun in a sentinel's hand (his time expired to day). Got our wigwam under better conditions so that it will be quite warm. We have drawn no meat since coming to this place, and no bread. Saturday Oct 22d Changed milder during the night with west wind this morning, but no frost. Rations dry meal alone to day. We have but little money, so we buy a bone with 1/4 lb beef on it for about four doll[ar]s and make a pot of soup. For grease we pay five dollars a pint, and cant get it all the time at that. Fairfield is sick. I intended to get out with Capt J R Smith, 16th Iowa to night, but was disappointed by unforeseen circumstances. Sunday 23d Oct 1864 Very cold night, but our wigwam being very tight I slept warm. In the morning-- Lt Young was buried yesterday and to day at 2 PM an officer is preaching his funeral sermon from 2d Corinthians 5-, 3 v. Pleasant day. Hoping for rain so that we can get out of this worse than Bastile-- this Hell on Earth. Wrote a letter to wife yesterday. Monday 24 Not as cool as yesterday. Our boys killed and ate a black boar which ran into camp. A man came to our camp (a Connecticut native but for some time a resident of this state) and offered to lend us money and take a power of atty on our Paymaster, at 2 Confed for 1 G[reen] B[ack], but Gen. Chestnut [Chesnut] refused to let him do so. Some money letters are advertised and rumors of Ex[change] (bah). An inter-

• 17
 

50                                                        OHIO HISTORY esting little scene occurred to day. Lt Col Means[,] our Comdr. C S, and a Maj were inside and started out when the sentry halted them and called for the Corpl. A negro wishing to go out was told by the sentry that he could go. The Corp coming up[,] the sentry (a boy of 17) addresses him thus "That feller wants to go out. What shall I do? I have orders to let no one in or out without orders." This was pretty heavy on our chivalry, but they had to stand it. Capt Smith and I tried to get out this eve but it was too light and we failed. Tuesday 25 Oct 1864 Pleasant day. Took note of provisions sold to us by Sutler--500 loaves of bread $1.40 each = $700; 800 lbs beef & mutton $3 = $2400; with about $1000 worth of other necessaries making about $4000 to about 1333 men or $3 each per day besides C. S. Govt rations. This is the way the Rebs feed their prisoners. Failed to get out to night--not dark enough--too light.

Wednesday 26th Oct 1864 Cloudy day. Tried to escape to night at 7 PM in co[mpany] with Capts Dircks & Smith & Lt Hare [two names indecipherable]. The latter two succeeded, but three others rushing out created an alarm and the sentinels fired four shots one of which killed one of their own men. Thursday, 27th Cloudy forenoon. Rained all the afternoon and wet every thing through. Our wigwam leaked badly. Passed a disagreeable night. Friday, 28th Dried out to day. Lt Fairfield went to Hospital. Took his blankets which left me out in the cold. My benevolent (?) mess would not divide blankets or accommodate me but on looking round I found a chance to crawl into Lt Hare's tent and slept quite warm. Commenced getting logs to build a small hut but it is very slow biz with one ax to 300 men, and but one hour a day to get outside the lines.

• 18
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                   51 Saturday 29. Very cold night--heavy frost. No ax to be had. My mess tried to make an apology for last nights treatment, but I told them that I had been with my friend--"out upon such selfishness." Such is the action of a large portion of the prisoners. Cannot send letters through without a C.S. stamp on them. Wrote yesterday to wife but am waiting to get a stamp. Lt Thos Hare gave me a stamp and I put the letter in the box. Slept with Lt Anderson[,] 3rd Iowa[,] in Lt Hare's hut. Not very cold. Sunday 30th Oct 1864 Not up till after sunrise. Two or three shots were fired during the night by the guards but no one hurt. Beautiful day. Capt Dircks & Lt Hare made arrange- ments with guard to let four of us out to night. Started at 8 PM and Capt D and Lt H in advance [with] Capt Smith & I following. We crawled towards the line. When the leading men were within a rod of the line one of the guards fired and shot Capt D through the thigh. We retreated and gave it up for this time. The guards had been changed. Warm and cloudy all night. Monday 31st Oct Cloudy forenoon. Reed a letter from my wife dated Sept 25th[,] one from B W Pease Sept 9th[,] and one from Cousin Mattie B. Whipple Sept 21. All well at home, but no news of Ex[change]. Tuesday Nov 1st 1864 Our mess com[mence]d building a house. Got about half done. Made arrange- ments to escape to night and at half past 11 PM crawled out in co[mpany] with Capts J H Smith 16th Iowa[,] W J Rannells 75th Ohio[,] Jno L Poston 13 Tenn Cav[,] and J L Elder 11 Iowa. Took up our line of march South through the dense undergrowth for about one mile [,] thence S E for about the same distance striking the C[harleston] & C[olumbia] road about two (?) m[ile]s from    Columbia. Travelled about 8 m[ile]s further in this road South and at daylight had to stop in a little skirt of timber near the road. It was cloudy all night and comm[ence]d raining about daylight

• 19
 

52                                                        OHIO HISTORY

 

Wednesday Nov 2d

And rained all day almost completely drenching us and making us chilled through.

A long day it was and when night came on we started in and walked about five

miles and at about 11 PM being very tired and sleepy we turned into a woods on

Henry Bakers plantation [and] built a fire to warm us. Being very sleepy Capt

Smith [,] Rannells & I lay down on one blanket and one for a covering[,] we

slept till daylight.

We got up with feet & legs nearly benumbed with the cold. Finding ourselves near

a house we put the fire out and moved farther into the timber. Rained all day.

Capt Poston & Elder made a reconnaissance to our material benefit.

Thursday Nov 3d

Started about dark and taking a by road came near the Congaree river and building

a fire at the end of an old house dried ourselves by 11 PM and lay down on the

floor and slept till day break when Capt Smith and Elder went to reconnoiter the

river for a boat. While they were absent I found some Persimmons which were

eaten with a relish which a hungry man [three words unintelligible]. They returned

with a good report. We cooked some rice in our tin cups and ate our scanty breakfast.

On

Friday Nov 4th 1864

Moved to a thicket and parched some corn for our subsistance [sic] down the river.

At dusk, as we were going to our old cabin hiding place, we met three [men ?] of

our escaped officers. At 12 Midnight we got started in a flatbottomed boat[,] five

of us, and the other three took another boat. The river being pretty good stage we

got along quite well but had to stop at daylight about 12 m[ile]s above the RR

bridge which we have to pass in the night. We were nigh chilled through[,] so we

warmed up and ate a goodly breakfast of cold chicken and baked sweet Potatoes

and will trust our fortunes to another day. At sundown we got in our boat and

started running till about midnight when becoming very cold we landed and built

a fire and warmed up. Lay by till 2 AM

Sunday 6th

We passed easily under the bridge and found our 3 comrades about a mile below.

Passed on till after daylight when we landed on an island in the Santee about one

mile below the Wateree.

Built a good warm fire and eat [sic] breakfast. Toward noon some friends came

up the river and gave us some dinner. At dusk started on the most beautiful of

rivers of a [moonlit ?] night and made 20 miles passing the Reb obstructions and

deserted battery at one mile and landed just as the moon was setting at Rice Bluff,

a deserted plantation. Built a good fire on the [Plateau ?], and all lay down to

sleep but me as watch. This river abounds with wild ducks and the woods on each

side with raccoons & owls.

Monday 7th

We lay till day break[,] got up, picked up a Kid, and getting in our boats we went

eight miles and landed in the [cane ?] on the left bank of the river where we camped

for the day. Dressed our kid and cooked up a portion in several ways. Baked some

• 20
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                    53 [oat ?] cakes, stewed some turnips and boiled some sweet potatoes, generally faring pretty well. Started at dark [,] came to [Tabs ?] Ferry in 5 miles. Found some negroes who had just ferried a soldier over. They were very friendly [,] got us Sweet Potatoe meal and also told us there was no danger. One old man named Prince was present. He was very glad to see us Yankees. Ran all night till 7 AM Tuesday 8th Nov 1864 When we tied up on an island. Supposed distance run 40 m[ile]s. Roasted the balance of our Kid and made quite a good breakfast of sweet Potatoes and cold Kid. We suppose that we can reach the N[orth] E[astern] RR bridge in about 4 hours run. Started at dark and with a light fog and thick overhead the moon did not mar our progress. Passed the N[orth] E[astern] RR br. at 10 PM (supposed very close), ran 20 m[ile]s and tied up on the Right bank at 12 midnight to wait for the moon to go down so that we could run the Reb Pickets at the Ferry 15 m[ile]s below the RR br. At 2 AM

Wednesday Started and saw neither Ferry nor pickets. Landed on an island on the left bank at day light after 3 hours run or 5 hours from the bridge. Supposed [distance] 20 m[ile]s. There must be a large plantation opposite, but some distance back. Nothing happened to disturb our quiet little island retreat and after partaking of a hearty supper of sweet potatoes and goat grease we started at dark and passed several plantations on the right bank (the left is all swamp). We stopped at 8 mi[les] and found a potato patch. Dug a bag full. 6 of our party went to the negro quarters and got something to eat and some valuable information. They told

• 21
 

54                                                          OHIO HISTORY

 

us that we had a Battery to pass 5 miles further down, to go down Chicken Creek

which is 2 m[ile]s long, into South river, 2 m[ile]s further to Mazyck ferry and a

picket 6 m[ile]s further and to go to Mullen island a distance of about 40 m[ile]s

where our gunboats visited daily. So on we started. Passed the Battery without

being seen although it was bright moon light. Got to Chicken C[ree]k at about

12 m[ile]s and camped on the left bank a half mile from its head at about 3 AM of

Thursday Nov 10th 1864

Weather pleasant. Secreted our boat in the cane which lines the banks and had a

good fire built. Slept about 2 hours before day light. The land is about one foot

above the water and is covered with a dense growth of trees[,] bushes and grape

vines. The day passed quietly and at sundown we launched on the C[ree]k. The

Tide being in our favor we glided into South river in one mile and found it a wide

and beautiful stream with South Carolina's best rice Plantations on each bank.

Passed Mazyck Ferry unmolested at 5 m[ile]s. Many islands on the left hand and

reached the coast at about 11 PM[,] dist[ance] about 25 m[ile]s. Visited the wreck

of an iron clad supposing it to be a steamer but badly landed on a sand bar of

South Island. Built a fire and took a short nap.

Friday 11th Nov 1864

Saw one of our Blockaders about 6 m[ile]s from the shore. Hailed her but unseen.

Capts Smith, Rannells & Dickerson tried twice to reach her in one of our boats but

the wind being against them they failed. It was a fruitless undertaking and I ex-

pected to see them go to the bottom. At night we went into an old Reb Fort, built

a good fire, roasted some Potatoes and stayed till

Saturday 12th Nov 1864

When, the day being fair, Capts Smith, Dickerson & Burke started in one of our

little boats with the determination of reaching the vessel or perishing in the attempt.

After they had been gone some time we came across some marines on shore who

belonged to the vessel which proved to be the Canandagua [sic], Commander Harri-

son. They were glad to meet us but not more so than we were. We treated them to the

balance of our sweet potatoes and they in return gave us hard tack & tobacco. At

about 11 AM a boat was seen coming ashore. [It was from] another Steamer which

proved to be the Flambeau, Lt Ed Cavendy [,] Commanding. The boat took us off

to the Candagua [sic] where we found our boats crew had safely arrived. We were

regaled with the best the vessel afforded and at 2 PM were transferred to the

Flambeau and immediately got under weigh for Charleston, where we arrived off

at 1 AM

Sunday Nov 13 1864

Got a good breakfast on b[oar]d the Flambeau and passing the forenoon very

pleasantly we were sent in the Tug Iris to the Sloop of War, Jno. Adams, Capt

Gown. Took dinner on the Iris and were transferred to the Tug Gladiolas [sic],

Acting Ensign Napoleon Brighton, Master[,] and at Sundown we got under weigh

for Hilton Head. Passed out the Morris Island Channel 3 m[ile]s to Light ship and

then tacked to the S W. Had an excellent supper on board.

The view from the outside is grand, giving a view of the Rebel works, ours and

the city.

• 22
 

DIARY OF IMPRISONMENT                                                    55

 

Providence has in every instance of danger interposed for our safety. And while

watching for the RR Bridge on [the] Columbia RR, which we could not pass in

moonlight, we landed before we saw it and it so happened that we were almost in

sight of it. And when we started a fog covered the river at the bridge. Such was

the case at the N[orth]E[astern] RR Br.[,] at the Ferries, and at one Ferry a

Confed Soldier had just crossed before we arrived.

Monday, 14th Nov 1864

We arr[ive]d at Hilton Head at one AM this morn and were reported to Rear

Ad[mira]l Dahlgren who sent for us to take breakfast with him but we were being

provided with an excellent breakfast on the Gladiolas, after which we steamed up

to the Flag ship and were very agreeably entertained by the Adl. who ordered us

to be clothed by the Naval Dept. and then sent us to Gen Foster at Hilton Hd who

reed us very gladly and regaled us with a repast & very pleasant chat [,] with some-

thing good to take--apples & grapes. He ordered that we be paid 2 mo[nths pay]

and have Transportation to New York on to morrow. We called on Maj Jos [More ?]

who paid us two mo[nths] pay for July & August amounting to for me 233 doll[ar]s.

My Serv[an]t black--John, 5 ft. 6 in. high.11  Tax $3.50, making Capt[ain's] pay

120$.

I learned that a box went up to Columbia for me on the 3 of this mo[nth] and that

a letter with 20 doll[ar]s in gold went up on the 26 Oct. I wrote to Lt. Fairfield to

use the same, and gave him a sly hint what route I came.

We found the Fed officers here could not do too much for us. Every favor and kind-

ness asked or needed was extended to us. A Steamer or cat boat with an officer

and men to work it[,] as Admiral Dahlgren said to day "You shall have a steamer.

You shall not go in a row boat."

We put up at the Port Royal House.

Tuesday 15th Nov.

Had a good nights rest in a good clean bed[,] with good fare, and this morning

turned out to make some purchases--  a Vest 6.00, Portmanu [sic] [1.00?], 4

Collars .20, Pens .35, Hat 7.00, Hdkf. .75¢, Gloves .80¢, Chessmen $2.00, Tobacco

.30¢. For Hotel bill 2.50[,] Apples .20¢. [Tub ?] to N. Y. 8.00. Total $29.10.

Went on board the Fulton at 2 PM and got underweigh at 4 PM. Slept well to night.

Wednesday 16th

All well. Fine weather and smooth sea. We have very pleasant times there being

but few passengers. Capt Smith has the military command of the vessel. At noon

we were off Wilmington[,] N C about 60 m[ile]s from the coast. Pleasant night.

Thursday 17th Nov.

Passed Cape Hateras [sic] at 3 AM this morning. Sea a little rough. Wind changed

to Eastward so that we can use a fly sail.

Slightly colder. At noon off Roanoke island. Prospects to be in N Y by 2 PM

to-morrow.

Yesterday I wrote a letter to Mrs E M Coffin of Nantucket and to day made my

report to Adjt Gen U S A, to be sent on arrival in N Y City.

By request of Maj Gen Foster we made a statement regarding the treatment of our

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56                                                           OHIO HISTORY

 

officers in Reb prisons and signed the same officially. This was to be sent to War

Dept.

Friday Nov 18th 1864

Weather a little rough. The latter part of the night the Jersey Coast in sight with

several vessels on either hand. Cool and rainy. Feel quite well. Passed around

Sandy Hook. Two vessels aground on our Starboard quarter. Passed the Forts Hamil-

ton on L[ong] I[sland] and Old Fort Layfayette [sic] on the Staten I[sland] side and

landed at Pier 36[,] N[orth] River. Went to PM Genl Hays in St Marks Place.

He refused to give us transportation west so Capt Smith and I[,] after getting dinner

at the Tremont House on Broadway, went to the Jersey City Ferry at the foot of

Duane St, bought Tickets for Home. I pd 23 doll[ar]s to Cin[cinnati].

Started at 5 PM on the Erie RR. Got to Elmira at daylight.

To N[orth] East [near Erie, Pennsylvania] at dark[,] Cleveland at 9 PM [the] 19th.

Got supper and at 12 midnight Capt Smith took the Chicago train at Crestline and

I arrived in Cin at 10 AM Sunday, [the] 20th, having dropped a letter at Milford

for E A Parker and one for J F Avery to let my family know of my arrival. Took

dinner at the Indiana House and went to Mr. C. W. Bunkers and stayed till Monday.

Nov 21st 1864

When I went home per the "Buss" where I arrived at 8 PM and found all well and

some what surprised to find the dead alive, the Captive Free, and our Prayers

answered. God be praised.

 

 

THE EDITOR: Louis Bartlett is a teacher

in the New York public school system. He

holds an M.A. degree in history from Columbia

University, where he has also been working on

his doctorate.

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