/(.;,:- ^ ^6. '^ O/* A Soldier in tJte Army of ihe Potojriuc ; and his long Confinement at Audersonvllle Prison, Georgia, ^ Also, the Starvation and Death of his three Brothers. SOLD BY 'PHE AUTHOR FOR THE BENEFIT OF HIMSELF AND FAMILY. ITIIO^S mm H THE Northern District of ^Iinnesota. M I N N E A P L I S : ^ir HUSH Kb BY M WLKV A DAD A, 18 7 2. e6ip'<^*^ P R E r A C E RrOADER ; 111 writing this little book, I do not intend to bring before you a work of style or language, nor a history of the war. T intend simply to present to you a short narrative of my life as a soldier in the Army of the Potomac, and while a prisoner at Ander- sonville. Having lost the use of both my i-ight ai-m and leg, which excludes all possibility of doing any work to assist in sup- porting a wife and three children, I have, therefore, taken this method of raising means for their support. It is also right that you should know of the sutferings of those who fought for your country. Little do yon know, unless you Irivo oxperie-iced it as T have. 'J'he horrors of Andersonville cannot be exaggerated. We may look back among the dark ages, and even there you will not liiid a parallel. With them, we could say that ignoiance and supersti- tion was the cause of their brutality, and that they did not think that it was wrong, because their religion often demanded it of them. But what excuse can be offered for such conduct in the present age, where ignorance is only the exception, and not the general rule among us I There is none that can be offered. It was pure viciousness that had 1)een engendered by the evil influ- ences of Slavery. With these few remarks, I throw myself upon the generosity of the public, and crave its aid and assistance in supporting my little family. Yours Respectfully, • G. W. MURRAY. II I S T R Y . My father was, by occMipation, a master mechanic, and lesided in the State of New York, where he reared a family of six child- ren — four hoys and two girls — of whom I am the youngest. When I was but two years of age, my father removed to Spring- lield, Mass., and took charge of a branch of the shops, which are known as the "North-Western Shops," and where, under his di- rection, i learned the trade of Engineer and Machinist. At the age of thirteen our i'amily was visited by a great misfortune, viz. : the death of ray two sisters, which so preyed on the minds of my pa- rents that the}' soon followed. My mother was the first to leave us, and when I was but twenty years of age, my father also died. x\s is usually the case after such an event, our family w^as broken up, and my brothers and myself scattered over the world to seek a livelihood. I went to Boston and took charge of the Norway Ir(5n Works, at which place I remained about eighteen months. My mind became unsettled, how^ever, and my fancy led me to ram- bling, as is the case with most young men. I must here admit that I was very inisteady, as far as staying in one place long at a time. I was fond of adventure, and very desirous of seeing the world, and becoming acquainted with its customs. I have in my ram- blings visite 1 most all the Western States, and worked in most all the principal cities of the far W^est. But, after a very severe at- tack of the typhoid fevei-, 1 was led to think seriously of providing for myself a home. Acting upon these convictions, I returned to Boston, where I married and provided myself with a. comfortable home; and at the outbreak of the great Rebelli on was the father ol three children. At this time our country was greatly excited; the two great fac- tions, North and South, were preparing for a great contest, and only awaited the signal which was to precipitate us in a bloody struggle. At length the first gun was fired at Sumpter, and the call went forth for men to defend and uphold the honor of our coun- try and its flag. As I stated before, being fond of adventure, it was not to be wondered at that I eagerly siezed upon this oppor- tunity of gratifying my desire, as well as for the protection of my 2 coiuitiy and home. Myselt", in coiapaiiy with three elder brothers, put down our names^ to assist in filling up the Eleventh Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command of Col. Clark, who, after the first battle of I3ull Ilun, resigned on account of ill health, and his place was filled by Lieut. Col. Jlston, who had ren- dered assistance to our country in the war with Mexico. The regiment was soon filled up, and we Avere ready to take oVn- departure for the Sunny South; and bidding adieu to my wife and family, I went in defense of our National Liberty. No one can tell, except those who were with me and experienced the same trials that I passed through, the pain of separation. Lnagine, if you can, how 1 must have felt, when obliged to leave those I loved, to meet with privation, danger, and probably death, in a strange land. But should I remain inactive, and see those liberties Avhich T had so long enjoyed ruthlessly plucked from me ? I had an uncle who lost his life while struggling to establish this good and glori- ous Government ; also a father who participated largely in the bloody contests of 1812. Under those circumstances, I deemed it my duty to go and fol- low the example of my predecessors. So, bidding adieu to home and friends, we took our departure from Boston, via. Providence, II. I. and New York, for the seat of war, passing enroute Philadel- phia and l;altimore, and receiving marks of enthusiasm and kind greeting throughout our journey, with the exception of the city of Baltimore, wdiich was not altogether as loyal as it might have been, judging from the reception given the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, who proceeded us and wore mobbed in the streets of that city on the 19th day of April, 1861. Arriving at Washington on or about the hr>t of June, iS'il, we enc uuped at Camp Green. Camp Green derived its name from the beauty of its situation, and was, at this time, considered the most pleasani locality for a camp around the suburbs of Washington. It vv I ^ laid oit in the most systematic and military manner, and its 8ti et^ and surroundings were kept in the most perfect order ,both 11. 1.1 i\ to cleanliness and comfort. Here our duties w^ere con- 3 fined principally to cnmp and garrison duty — drilling, guard-mount- ing, parade, as well as the iieccessary fatigue work incidental to a soldier's life ; all of which served to keep us well employed, and to fit us for the moi'e arduous duties soon to follow. We remained at Camp Green inilil near the time of the first battle of Bull Run, when we received orders to march forward under the command of General McDowell. I will not attem])t to give a description of those lattles, as they are so familiar to all, and also because they have been commented upon by abler writers than myself. But only wish to give you a faint idea of army life. I will state to my readers, that I w^as not accustomed to the life of a soldier or hardships connected there- with. As I have already stated, we received orders to march, and on the 19th of July, 1861, we packed our knapsacks and camp utensils, and made our way toward the memorable battle-field of Bull Run. On the night of the SOth, we halted about two miles from Stone Bridge, and after taking some refreshments, we began to make prepations for the coming day. After all things were put in order, the officers and privates collected themselves together in groups, and were soon busily engaged in conversation, which was kept up the remainder of theevening. Some talked of their homes they had left, others of their wives and children. My three broth- ers and myself separated ourselves from the rest of the company, and were talking of home and loved ones left behind. Our thoughts were solemn indeed. What would be the morrow's result? In all probability some of us who were conversing together would never behold our friends and homes again. While pondering over the probable results of the future, we were startled suddenly by the sharp crack of a musket on our front, which Avas immediately fol- lowed by several shots all along the picket line, which created not a little excitement in the camp, and caused many to think that the coming struggle was indeed near at hand. Who of us would sur- vive the morrow ? Promises were made by comrades, that who- ever should fall, the survivor should bear the sorrowful tidings to his friends and loved ones at home. A few remarks were passed 4 between ray brothers and myself concerning the coming struggle": but they, unlike many, did not think of home or family, for all that was left of the family were with ns. But with me it was differentj. I had a home, and those in it that I loved. But all that I could d(> was to pray that 1 might, at some period not far distant, see them once more. We made our beds and were soon in the land of diX'arns. Day dawned, and it was one of the hottest days that I ever experienced while in the army. About eight o'clock the long roll was sound- ed and the command was for every man to fall into his place. We soon formed in a line and marclied forward to meet the foe. This was our first battle, and therefore the one which was tj test oui- courage, and as we marched forward, the sharp crack of the mus- ket foretold us that our dreadful work was about to commence. We soon reached Stone Bridge, and then we beheld the dark clouds oi smoke. With a loud cheer, which issued from the lips of every man, we started on a double quick until we reached the nuiin lim of battle, and joined Hookei's division, and supported the light center. No charges were made by our men until about twelve o'clock, when we were ordered to charge. The rebels fell back for half a mile. Several charges weie made to our left b_\ the Sixty-Ninth New York Regiment and the Elsworth Zouaves. but the results were of no great importance. The rebel cavali } made several charges on our left, but were repulsed with great los> of life. About two o'clock the rebels were reinforced by about thirty thousand men, who took the j)lace oftheir nearly exhausted comrades. The day was very hot, and we cjuld get neither water nor food, and many of our men fell from exhaustion ; still we held our position at every point. We were cheered by our officers and told to hold our position until reinforcements came to our asssistance : that Gen. Halleck was coming to reinforce us. But time rolled on and reinforcements did not reach us, and the forces were fast be- coming exhausted, and it was plainly to be seen that victory foi us was hopeless, unless we were reinforced soon. Our wearied line must give way to the impetuous charges of these fresh troop^ 5 That were hurled ;igainst us. In vain the officers trierl to rally vMir drooping spirits and flaggino- limbs. At about half past five o'clock our lines gave way, and. a general panic was the result. Men threw down their arms, and left the field over which they had so valliantly fought for nine long, weary hours. All was excitement ; artillery and cavalry dashed over infantry, and our destruction seemed inevitable. In the meantime the Six- ty-Ninth IiCgiment was outiianked and cut off from retreat. "Sur- renderor die !"cried the foe, when up rode their giant commander who flourished his sword and exclaimed, "Die before you yield !" Hand to hand the battle raged, when, by force of superior num- bers they were compelled to yield, leaving their Colonel in the hands of the enemy, a prisoner. We became scattered in all di- rections. We lost in this battle many brave men, among whom might be mentioned Col. Cameron, son of the then Secretary of War. Among the prisoners taken by the rebels were Congressman Kly and wife, of New York, and many others, who, thinking it a iiiatter of impossibility for our army to be defeated, had followed ,:'>)r the purpo-^e of viewing a battle. We learn, however, that on their return from Richmond, they had formed the opinion that the South was not to bo trifled with. Whether the rebels were afraid that we would be reinforced, or that they were as badly ofl"as we, I Hm not prepared to say. At any rate, they did not follow up the advantage they h;id gained by our retreat, for if they had, I think Washington would have fallen into their hands with but little ex- ertion. No etforts vseie made to re-organize the demoralized troops until the next morning, when they were occupied three days })efore the re-organization was accomplished. All was excitement and confusion in Washington. The three months men whose time had expired, were being sent to their re- spective homes, and in their place new troops were constantly ar- riving, and it was seemingly a laborious task to place the army Again on the offensive. Nothing of importance was done, on account of bad weather, until after General McClellan took command* Oct. 2181, was fong-ht the battle of Edward's Ferr\ , which re- sulted in no great loss to this side. Shortly after this, Lieut. Gen. Scott resigned and Gen. McClellan was appointed in his stead, on the 1st of November, 1861, after which, nothing, with, the excep- tion of a few skirmishes, took place until Jan. 7th of 1862, when the battle of Blue Gap occuned and on the 19th the battle of ]\Iili Springs, which were followed by another engagement with the rebels at Winchester, on the 24th of March, 1862. Upon Gen. McClellan assuming command of the army, he went to work to thororghly re-organize it, in every particular. Generals of known merit and skill, were chosen to comm ind the several Corps-de-Armie, into which the army was divided ; the men were thoroughly drilled in every detail of array discipline, and what might have been formerly called a disorganized body of men. ov. the opening of spring, presented the a]){»ea)"ance of a magnificent, and well trained army of Velerans. Everything being in readiness for a move, early in May, the Ar- my of the Potomac left its old position around Washington, and under the command of its idolized Leader, wa< embarked on transports and conveyed to Fortress Monroe. Disembarking at this point, they were pushed forward rapidly to Yorktown, Va., where Gen. McGruder was found to be in full force, and strongly entrenched. Gen. McClellan finding the rebel position to be too formidable for attack, at once commenced iiieparations for a siege. Earth-works were speedily thrown up, and in a short time the en- emy's position was surrounded with a cordon of works, which might well be deemed impregnable. McGruder finding his posi- tion untenantable, evacuated Yorktown, and was followed up l)y tlie army of the Potomac, who attacked him at Williamsburg, and Gaines Hill, with success, and steadily drove his army back into Richmond. The army of the Potomac now took up its position on the banks of the Chickahominy River, its right wing extending to White House, where Gen. McClellan expected to form a junction with Gen. McDonald's Command, operating from Fredericksburg, and thus form a force sufficient for the capture of Richmond. Contr-ary, hoAvevev, to McClcllan's expectation, "McDo^^•e]l v. as or- dered to lemain at Freclericksbiirg and to be prepared to protect Washin>j:ton in case of a rebel attack, the authorities becorainp- alarmed for the safety of the CapitoL This left onr right wing un- protected, and the rebeh? immediately iook advantage of our posi- tion. June 25th, 1862, was commenced the seven-days battle before Richmond. These battles were fought in the midst of heavy tim- ber, and at times it \vas impossible to see the position of the ene- my. The lighting on botl,i sides was very fierce, and every inch of ground was stubbornly contested. Many of the rebels were killed by the falling limbs which were cut oft" by^ our shells. July Ist, was fought the battle of Malvern Hills, which was the close of the seveji days conflict. Thus after six nights sp,ent in retreating, and seven days hard f]ghtii]g, the army of the Potomac was again in a safe position at Harrison's Landing, and although the men had en- dured unknown sufferings during all this time, the severity of the niarche-^, oftentimes through swam[)s and dcnfe VxCf d^■. villi 1 1;1 little food to siiatain them, they were still unsubdued andconfidcijt of victory, and I'eady at any time to follow under the leadership of their beloved Commander. The battle at Malvern Hills was a severe blow to the rebel hordes : the terriffic fire of Fitz John Porter's Artillery, had mov/- ed them down in great numljers, and they v;ere no doubt glad of an opportnnity to escape from further disaster. On the 11th, Gen. Ealleck was appointed Commander-in-Chief. About this time the President iL^sued a call for three hundred thousand men in order to fill our broken ranks. After this, ^ye marched on and fought that Moody and bitter battle of the second Bull Run, on the 3Cth of August. The next battle that I was engaged in Avas that of Antietam, fought Sept. 10th, ISGi, This was one of the most stubbornly contested battles of the West, and the losses in killed and wound- ed on both sides, frightful. It was here Ihat Gen. Lurnsidcj com- manding the Ninth Army Corps, first displayed ]ui< military skill to advanta"*e. PIIs stormiivj; the bridire over Antletam Creek, was one of the most fearful contests of the day; his men, subject to a raking fire of grape and canister, advanced and charged the bridge, and, although repulsed at tirst, finally succeeded in driv- ing the enemy from their position and in capturing a nnmuer of prisoners: this in fact insw'ed victory for our arms- on this mem- orable day. After the battle of Antietam our array, nearly worn out from fatigue, decimated in numbei's, and also in the need of supplies, were granted a few days respite, although a watchful eye was kept on tlic luovements of the enemy, who still remained in our front. The enemv, however, finding that our array was being reinforc- * ' . ... ' * . ed, and expecting an oifensive movement at any time, hastily abandoned their position, and took np their march southward- Oui- ai'uiy as soon as possible, stai'ted in pursuit, and had nearly overtaken the retreating foe, when on the 7th of ]^\ovember Gen- McClellan was relieved from the command of the Army of the Po- tomac, and Gen. iJurnside appointed his successor. This was a great blow to both the oilicers and men of his army, and but few dry eyes were to be seen among the tried veteran?- wheii the news of the removal of their beloved Commander reach- ed them. No General who succeeded McClellan gained the samt confidence fVora the men that he did, and when his farewell ad- dress was delivered to them, they felt as if they had lost a friend indeed, but as soldiers who knew their duty, they nrarmured not, but were ready to follow their uew Connnander through scvcrt and bloody confiicts. Upon Gen. Burnside assuming the command, he continued the advance ; the enemy, however, made a successful retreat, and took up theii' position at Fredericksuiu-g, Va..whicl) they at once foi'tified. Our position extended along the Rappahannoclc river, and direct- ly opposite. Although the season for active operations was far advanced, our work was not done. Contrary to the judgment of our Generals, another bloody Ijattle was to be fought, and Avith like prospects of successs. Orders weie received from the War 9 DepavTiiient foi- an advance, ami notliin;;- remained for us but to obey. Accordina;ly, on the 13tli of December our arm}' marched to tht' river, and all hough subject to a murderous fire from the enemy's riflemen on the opposite side, we succeeded in throwing our pontoon across the stream. The Seventh Michigan again led the advance, and by them the battle was opened ; the enemy's ri- flemen reti-eating behind their works on Mary's Height. After a greater portion of the infantry succeeded in crossing over, the Corps commanded by Gen. Hooker, charged upon the works three times, and were as often repulsed with great loss. A great many of our heavy guns, and field artillery, owing to the miserable condition of the roads, were left on the other side stuck in the mud, so that we were»forced to depend almost entirely on our infantry, and receiving no other support, w^e were obliged to recross the river, which we succeeded in doing without furthei- loss,, and in good order. Thus ended the campaign of 1862. AYo then went into winter quarters, and all remained quiet with the exception ff now and then some little firing between the op[;osing pickets. Tlie men had now a comparatively easy time ; but little being recpiired of them, except the necessary gr.aid and outpost duty ; a repose which, after so many hardshi])s, was very much needed before renewing the trials of another campaign. Gen. Burnside, upon being relieved frouj his command was suc- ceeded Ijy Gen. Hooker Vvho, on the 2Stli of Ajiril, crossed the Rap- pahannock in three colums and prepared for a general engage- meu.t. May 2d, 3d, and 4th, the battle of Chancellersville; was fought between the araiies of Geiis. ilool^er and Lee, which result- ed in the defeat of oui^ army, with great loss. The rebels also sus- tained a great loss in this I'litile ; one of their ablest Generals, Stonewall Jackson, was mortally wounded, and died soon after. June 13th, Gen. Millroy was surrounded by Lee at Winchester, Va., and on the 28th, June, Gen. Hooker was superceded by Gen. Meade. The rebels becoming elated at their successes concluded to turn the theatre of war from Yirginia to the loyal states; Mary- land and Pennsylvania were invaded, Frederick City occupied 10 iiud vviiat suppiles iliey needed for their army levied fram the I'n- hauitants of that city. Our army followed, and on the 1st of July? the contending armies again met, and the battle of Gettysburg commenced. We • sucioeeded on the first day in cliejlviixg ihe rebel advance. The second, the battle was renewed with great fury, withont any perceptible advantage to either side, night tinding the con- tending armies holding the same position. On the morning of the ihird the final struggle commenced, and after a bloody and obsti- nate jight, our army was crowned with victory, and the rebel arm}' in full retreat. The following day several corps of our army were ordered forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy and a large number of arms of all sorts and numerous prisoners fell into our hands, vvhile the remainder of the army' of Lee were driven back to Virginia. . The Kinth Corps to which I belonged, as well as several others, Vvere now detached from the army of the Polomac, and ordered for temporary duty with the army of the Cumberland, commanded by Gciu Tho;nas, who was then engaged with Hood's army in C)hio and Tennessee. On the 24th of November, we stormed and captured LookoutMountain, after a very hard fight. We were obliged to march up the steep sides of the mountain under a raking fire of the enerny, who were sheltered by tlieir earth-works, yet in spite of their galling fire we 'marched steadily up to the cannon's mouth, and by a rapid and sudden dash we be- came misters of the position, but not v\dthout losing a large num- ber of brave men. My first term of erJistment having expired, ray three brothers and myself, returned to Washington. Tlie Eighth U. S. Infantry which had been on parole for so:ne time in tliSt City, having been captured in Texas at the outbreak\ of the rebellion, were now de- clared exchanged, and were again filling up their ranks prepara- tory to taking the field. My three brothers and myself, again co.icluded to try the fortune of Vfar, and on the first of. February, 1834, we -e-enlisted in the Eighth U. S. Regulars, after which the re-organization and consolidation of corps took place. After all 11 tlio hardships and the many battles I had passed through, I; like many others, became fearless of the dangers that yet awaited me. After re-enlisting in the Eighth U. S. Regulars, we joined the sec- ond Division under Gen. Wadsworth, of New York, who lost his life in defense of his country, on May 19th, 1334, and the fifth' corps, under command of Gen. Warren. lilarch the 9i;h, Gen. Grant was promoted Lieutenant General. On tlie 12th he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States, a position which he occupied only on conditions, that he was to have full control ofths armie-5, wichc^it baing in';erfe;-3l with by the politicians, and tho^.e who were in power at Washington. This was accorded him, and therefore he was master of his po- sition, and had the handling of the armies as he thonght best for the interest of the country. I cannot but express the opinion, that if the same power had been delegated to McClellan, the war would have terminated at an earlier date, and much blood and treasure ' been saved. ]\Iay 3d, Grant's army moved across the Rapids, and were des- perately attaclvcd by Lee with undecisive results. The next day Lee resumed the attack at dawn, and continued all day, but vva^ finally compelled to withdraw. Our troop-; held their own posi- tion. The loss on this and the day before v.-as about fifteen thou- sand men on each side. After this we marched on to the W"il(Aerness, a den-^e forest of heavy timber, and in which it was impossible to bring artiler}^ to play, consequently the battle or series of battles which took place here, was fought with infantry alone. ^ It is almost a matter of impossibility for me to describe this battle ; I must leave that to an abler writer than myself. It was however the greatest musket- ry fire I ever listened to or wit nested. Volley after A'-olley from the whole line of battle was discharged simultaneously, and the cries and groans of our wounded heroes were terrible in the ex- treme. The rebels were drawn up in the wood-;, and for a while it was impossible to know their position or in Avliich way they were endeivoring to nu/e. Se/eral times they hurled their forces on 12 our light flcink, but Avere beaten lack again to their own shelter; trees were cut clown ! y bullets alone, such was the terrible and enormous fire from both sides ; and fnally, Avhen the rebels found it was impossible for them to hold their ])Osition hmger, they set fire to the Avoods in Avhich some fifteen thousand of our Avounded lay, nearly all of A\' horn perished. It* is needless to say that many of our bravest and best officers fell in the engagement. On the sev- enth tlie railroad from Fetersliurg to Richmond Avas cui" ])y tlie cav- alry under the command of Gen. P. H. i-^heridan, and a great num- ber of our prisoners re-captured*. The rebels having retreated from the Wilderness, our army Avas again oixlered foi'Avard, determined to press the eneun- and foi'ce them to another combat. After clearing the dense avoocIs, Ave found them draAvn up near Spottsylvania, evidently prepared to give us a warm rece])tion, and dispute our further march southward, and on the 10th, the gre:i.t l>attle of Spottsylvjaiia, Avas fouglit ; tlie loss on this dr'V Avas over ten thousand men on each side. This Avas tlie hardest .-nid bloodiest battle that I had yet experienced ; our artil- lery, now that Ave ]iad gained the open field, Avas again brought into position, and did terrible execution. The enemy fought Avitli des- peration and seemed determined on death or Anctory. About two o'clock in the afternoon our right Avina; av;;s ordered to chariie the rebebs left, I'ut it Avas unsuccessful, and Ave Avere com})elled to fall back, and a large number of our forces were taken pi'isoners. j\Iy three brothers and myself Avere among the number. I received a Avouud in my shoulder, scA'-ering the sympaihetic nerA^e of my right arm, leaving it to this day almost ])oweiless. 1 also re.'eived a ball in my breist, passing through the breast-bone, and lodging in the back. I then started foi- the rear, and had gone but a short distance Avhen a shell wis thrown from one of the rele] batteries, and on exploding a piece of it struck my right foot. This last shot excluded all possiI)ility of reaching the rear. The Captain, standing near, saAV me fail, and thinking I Avas dead, no effort Avas made to carry me to the rear, a.nd consequently I Avas left in the rebel lines. As soon as an o[)[)oi-tunity offered itself, the 13 Captain wrote to my wife that I li'id been killed at the battle of Spottsylvania. I cannot s;iy that I suffered much pain at the time, although bad- ly wounded ; yet I felt very ^veak, faint and thirsty; the last caus- '^d me much sutfei-ing. Water ! Oh, water ! What Avould I not have given for a few drops of that, then price- less liquid ? But it was not to be had for either love or money. There was no friend near jue to moisten my parching lips and throat. Brother had forgotten his brother, the father iiis son, the son his father, though at any other time they would gladly have done all for e ich other '^ey could, but excitement had swept away those teuder tlioughts and alfections. Xo thought was taken of the broth- er Avho might be shot down at his side. "Victory or death,'' was the cry, and often from the lips of dying heroes you would hear the exciting cry of "give it to them boys ! give it to them !'' All was excitement. Thus the battle rolled on. Charge after charge was made, luit to no advantage to either side. Night came on and found the two armies still struggling for the mastery. My wounds had I ecome very painful, and I tried to crawl, but I couki not. i then thought of my wife and children. I felt that I should never see them more. Tlienmymind swept back to my three brotliers, who fought side bv side with me through so many battles. Wiiere are they ? Dead ? 0, my Cod ! Can it be 1 Not one left to return hoine witli the sad tidings ? Thus I sank in a state of cojuplete exhaustion. How long I rem lined thus I do not know, but when 1 awoke I found that mv wounds had become very painful, so much so, that I couhJ control myself no longer. I madly called for the assistance ot some kind friend. My screams of agony brought an answer. "Who is there ?" came fror-! out of the darkness. "A friend, a dying friend," I answered. "Come to me and assist me. I will pay you well, only come." At that moment T lieard another voice, "Advance men." Then I discovered a squad of men approaching, and as they advanced I saw 14 that they were rebels. The\- came near where I waa lying, vvhen the leader said : •'What do you want '? and what is the matter ?" "Oh, I am wounded sir; please give me seme water/' I cried. "What regiment do you helong to ?' "The Eighth United States Eegnlars, Sir," 1 lej lied. "•Well, we will see to you. Where are you wounded 1" ''In my arm, breast and foot," was my answer. "Are you able to walk ?" "No." "Take hold of him men, and bring him to the amibrlance," They picked me up and carried me according to orders, the am- bulance leivig but a short distance from me, but it had been hidden from my viev; by the thick bushes and !-hriiblery. On reaching the spot they l;egan to search me. I had some money which they took, also my watch, belts, cap and coat. Then they put me in the ambulance and started for the rear, a distance of about three miles, where we halted on a nice pleasant green and found <;lout one hun- dred prisoners under guard, among Avhom w^ere my three brothers, who had been taken prisoners too. They gave me some water, and bathed my wounds. The Surgeon came at ' last, and dressed my wounds us \\'Cil as he could, and left orders for ni}- Ijrother to bathe them in cold wafer, and gave me some laudanum to soothe my pain. I suffered considerably during the night, and in the morning the surgeon again dressed my wounds, and the boys made mo some coffee. Orders came to move to the south as fast as possille, for the Union forces had been re-info reed, and Grant was just m-aking his way in the direction of Cold Springs, so the Avounded were soon packed into an old lumber Vi/agon, and started for Andersonville. We were carried in wagons until we reached the Petersburg Eail- road, thence by rail to Macon, Georgia, where we halted for a few hours for refreshments, a,nd then returned to the cars and started for Andersonville prison. 15 LOCALITY AND DESCRIPTION OF ANDERSONV^ILLE PRISON. I uill now attempt to give my readers a description of" the prison. At tlie disstance of about eiglit hundred paces from the raih'oad wiiich connects the town with central Georgia on the north, and the Gulf of Mexico on the south, was the memorable prison. It was built on the suggestion of Howell Cobb, in 1863, and was completed in February, 1864. It is situated about fifty miles south of Macon, Georgia ; its longitude is 78 degrees 38 minutes we>t from VVuhingcon ; hvtitude, 3 degress, 23 minutes, 10 seconds north of the e(piator. This piece of ground had been thickly covered with pines, but they were cut down and foimed into a palisade over twelve feet high, side by side. This Ibrmed the bosmdary line inside of Afhich forty thousand human beings were herded at one time. There w;ts neither bush nor shrub left, not even a she 1 or shelter to protect them fiom the storm, or the b'.rr;ii;ig lie-tt of the sun. Such was the condition of this hoi-j"id ])bice,, where many of ujy brave comrades suffered the }>angs ol' misei-y, })ain and death. Tiie })i ison was wjitered I y two small braiijiies, wliich coaneL-ted at about one thoirsand paces distance from the outer wall, and j)assed directly through the middle ')f the pri-on. On either side of the branch the ground was descending. On one side was the hospital ; on the other the sinks v^'ere ei-ected, and the filth of botli passed directly into the water that waste suj)- ply the inmates. It became so lillliy that in the month of July, it was filled with animal life, which made it nearly impossible for man or I eappor- tunity of beholding the notorious tyrant, Capt. Wiriz. Be was about i\\e feet, seven inches high, dark hair and dark complexion, and I should judge between thirty-five and forty }ears of age; he liad the ap[)earance of a cowai'd, but a man capable of practicing all m inner of cruelty, as I will show in the fbllo\sang pa.ges. Our arrival having been reported l)y the Offijer iu command of us, we were drawn u.p in line in front of Capt. W'iriz ileadquar- 16 ters, and our several names enrolled by the clerk among the other unfortunate sufferers of that horrible den of infamy. At that time my wounds were in a most horrible state, having received no care from the time I had left the front. The commanding Officer requested that I be taken to the hospital, which privilege was de- nied, Wirtz stating "that there was no more room until some of the yankees now there died." I was then conveyed to the thirty- third detachment at the old Stockade, and there I laid, exposed to the burning heat at day and the chilly dews of night, without blankets or shelter of any kind. My brothers were also assigned to the same detachment. A detachment consists of from eighty to one hundred men. There is an officer appointed from among the men to assist in drawing rations and reporting the number of sick and dead. This report is generally made out each day and reported to the officer-of-the-day at roll call. I will now attempt to state to my readers some of the horrors, as far as I have experienced at that accursed, and I might also say that damnable hole of sorrow ; for there are many mothers that even weep to-day, when they hear the name of that prison mentioned. Yes, many are the wives who mourn the loss of an af- fectionate husband. Many are the orphans to-day wlio were made so by starvation and death at Andersonville. As I have before stated to my readers, there was no shelter, with the exception of a rampart of logs, rising from lifteen to eighteen feet in height above the surface. It measured ten hundred and two feet in length, and seven hundred and seventy-nine feet in width. It was length- ened in the Fall of 1864, to sixteen hundred and twenty feet. 1 think that was the last time repairs were made in it by order of the rebel Capt. Wirtz, who took command of the prison in the Fall of 1863, and i-emained there until its evacuation in the latter part of IMarch, 1866, when his career ended. During this short period, he had seen the bodies of not less than eighteen thousand brave soldiers, (who had been the victims of cruel and barbarous treat- ment)laid in their graves. Did they die with those diseases which nature inflicts upon man ?/No. I can safely say that out of that 17 number, over twelve thousand deaths were caused by starvation or ill-treatment. Shortly after our arrival at this place, a dead line was established, eighteen or twenty feet from the outer walls of the palisades, and orders read out that whoever should cross it, would meet with sudden death. In order to ensure the prompt execution of this order, notice was given to the guard that who- ever shot one of the d d Yankees, would be granted a furlough of thirty days. The rations issued at this time consisted of raw meal twice a day ; having no fire or wood we were obliged to eat it in its raw state mixed up with the filthy water before mentioned. It can be plainly seen by any intelligent person, that such food and water as I have described could but engender all kinds of contagious disease, which was the means of carrying off so many of our brave soldiers to an untimely grave. M}'- wounds having become so painful by exposure to the weath- er, that my brothers set to work and erected a sort of mud hut in order to ward off the rays of the burning sun, and it answered very well for that purpose ; but when the rain came, we were com- pelled to abandou our little cottage, as it was not water-proof. I had come to the conclusion that I should be obliged to remain here until I died. I never expected to behold the faces of my [le ir oiie^ at hoine, nevermore to inhale the sweet breezes of the Free North; for I felt I never coald recover from the condition in which I was now placed. But how true it is that ''man propo- ses and God disposes." My eyes could not penetrate the future; neither could my mind understand His will. At the time we entered it did not seem possible that I could survive the sufferings through which I had to pass. Having three wounds to contend with, and no melical assistance, I could cherish but little hope of ever be- ing at liberty again.in this world. I tried to forget those happy days of the past, and if I thought of them at all, it was but as a dream. I prayed thit my wife and children might be well cared for, an I thit th3 pro.nises of those benevolent friends might be fulfilled. Day after day wore away. One by one my comrades passed to 18 that "bourne from whence no traveler returns." I was terril ly startled by discovering a change in the countenance of my broth- ers. They were becoming thin, pale, and haggard. Oh, how plainly was despair and hopelessness pictured upon their tnces. Reason taught me that we must .-^oon part. I tried to cheer them up, and pointed oit to tliem the plei'jure-i that yet remained for them, but it was of no avail. They had become de^jjondent of the future. Sorrow and homesickness had struck deep into their hearts, and it wa^ evidant thit starvation wa^ a^coaiplishing its bitter work. ]\Iany of my readers may wonder how I survived so mmy of my fellow soldiers who were not Avounded. 1 he only re;i!-on that lean give is, that I did not aHow my tiioughts to dwell upon my pre-ent condition. I had often heard eminent surgeons remark that home- sickness was the worst disease in the army. Was it surpM-ising that it should be prevalent in such a place as Andeisonville ? — Want of nourishing food and privilege of proper exercise would naturally tend toward melancholy and depression of spirits. Tiine woie on, and the wound in my bi-cast had nearly healed over ; the one in my arm was not so painful as it had been, tho;igh I was threatened with the jirospect of losing my arm, and [)robably vav life, being attacked Avith gangrene. I watched it closely, ;ind kept it clean. Cangrene, as a geiieral thing, is cai'.scd by allowing nithy matter to collect in the wound. On the !(Hh day of Aiigusl:, 18G4, one of my l)rothei-s was taken with spasms, and died the same night. On the following morning, he was jiut into an old cart and carried to the inirying ground which wa^ situated on the north side of the ])rison, about one hundred }ards dista.nt iVom the stockade. JMy two brothei-s were pein)itted to go to bury his remains, under a guard. While looking upon his worn, emaciated countenance, it seemed that I could almost hear him say : "Oh, weep not for me, when 1 am gone, weep not for me broth- ers, though in prison I bid ,you adieu, I hope you will meet me in heaven. I have got my discharge, and am going home." Tliis was the (irst of the four brothers, but not the last whose re- 19 mains were liorne to the grave in this manner. . llaJ we pa-ssed thr()Ui;:;h these battles to meet sueh a fate — doomed to be starved to death at Andersonville '? After the return ot" my brothers fiom the l^urial, Capt. Wirtz passed throiiL^h the prison, armed with revolvers on every side, 'and as he passed through our detachment, a. young man who had become so weak that it was utterly impossible lor liim to arise on his feet, looked up to the Capt. and spoke in a mournful but kind manner, saying : "Captain, please give me some bread or soUiO thing to eat for I an) dying of hunger." The fury of the cowardly dog was kindled on one who could not help himself, or oHer any resistance, he sprang forward like a demon with his revolvei" in his hand, struck the young man on the head near the temple, inflicting a terriMe wound ; the young man sank senseless to the ground. After Wirtz passed on,my bi-others wei.t to the insen.^ible man and bound up the bleeding wound, but it wa-; of little avail, as he fell into spasms and soon after died. Our rations at that time had been reduced to one pint of meil per day, and another fiendish order was issued, that no man shouhl be entitled to rations, unless drawn by himself. At that time there \vere m luy in the prison who were not able to crawl, much less walk to the Commiss;;ry's for tlieir rations. You could hear orie-j for liiead all over the prison yard. Some spoke of luxurioua ho;u3< wliich they left,others cried for their fathers and mothers far uway frcun their lic;u-ingand said: "How can you let us lay here and starve iu this horrid den of cruelty."" A man with the heart of a Pharaoh, or of stone, could but be melted at hearing the cries of those dying mortals, as the cry for bread, bread, bread, from the lips of every man, was borne olfon the winds. 1 beheld one after another carried to their last resting place from out our number. What was the cause I Answer. Starva- tion. 1 had become very weak at this time, and I found that, in spite of all attempts to be courageous, 1 was failing daily, wdiile the death of another brother onl}' increased my despondency. 20 On the 24th of August, 1864, another of my brothers was taken to the hospital, and on examination the doctors inoculated him to prevent small-pox, which acted as poison ; the flesh became black and swollen, and after the severest suffering he departed from this life. This was the second brother that had fallen a victim. Many others in the prison were iuDculated with the same mat- ter, and I can safely say that not one of the number ever recov- ered. This cruelty must have been inflicted for a purpose. 21 INTERVIEW WITH WIRTZ. I finally came to the conclusion that I would see Capt. Wirtz, have a talk with him, show him my condition and state to him my )ntsfortunes. So, with that purpose in my mind, I made my way to the gate leading to Headquarters, and there I met a rebel sergeant, by the name of W^ilson, from Jackson, Tennesee, who was on duty at the time. Although a rebel, I must say, he acted gentlemanly towards me, and it was the first kindness extended ^ince I had become a prisoner. He looked at me with pity, and told me to advance, which I did. He then enquired of me my wants. I informed him of my intention of seeing Capt. Wirtz, and explained to him my condition ; for I had already lost two broth- ers in the prison, and one only beside myself, remained subject to his ])arl)arous treatment, and that I wished to leave the prison and rind my way homeward by the aid of some kind friend. He then inquired what regiment I belonged to, and my rank in the army. I told him I belonged to Company "B," Eighth United States Infantry, and at the time I was captured, was Orderly Sergeant of the same, and was captured on the 10th day of M ly, at the b it- tleof Spottsylvania. He wondered at my being captured, would- ed as I was, and said it was not right to capture men in my condition and hold them as prisoners of war, He then said he tho i^-ht it useless lor me to see the Captain, as he did not think he would do anything for me, and concluded by saying : "Sergeant, I would gladly let you go, myself, luit you know the duty of a soldier is to obey his superioi- officers; but to gratify your desire I will do all in my power ; I will send a guard wiih yo I to hea Iquarters." I thanked him, and he called a guard and tol i hiui to accompany me to C iptain Wirtz' headquarters. W ! started, and on approaching headquarters, Capt. Wirtz had jusi emerged from the door of his office. He turned and looked 4tui"!, and the guard, who was supporting me to keep me from tal ;. He then turneil to the guard and suitl, i: <\ )ougli man- 22 ner, acconqvriine!] with a volley ofoalhs wliicli I will not rejicat : — *'Whit do you want here with that miserable, d — d Yankee ?" The i;-uard saluted him and replied, that he had brought me I'or the purpose of seeing him. lie then turned to me, cursing and swearing teiu-ibly, and demanded of me what I wanted. Itheasaid : "Captain, I a,m a cripple, as you can plainly see: unable to render service either for or against you, and I have come tj ;ee if you wo!. Id not lot me go from this horrible place. I will eve.) venture, weak as I am, to hud my way back to where I came fi-om. I hive already lo'(;uld live to see the setting sun." I then turned to him and said : '^'I sincerely thank God thai he has- even beUl that small portion of power from }0u, but it is not ii: yaar pjWJi", and [ trust it never will lie."' Iliad be:;o:Tie drivea to despeiation, and no longer continued my mild lone of language to- ward him; but I told hun I did not think thei'e v. as u demon like him 0,1 earth — not one t)f bravery, br,t oi'cowaixlice. He theudiew a revolver and, | ointing it at me, said : "Do you see this ? — anoth- \ \ ^r word, anl I will blow yoii tliroi ;li. I hive heard enough of yoU> you uiiserable Yankee, nigger thief." C.dinly, I .stepped aside from the guard, and thus said, looking at liiia as disiiiiiil'ul as a serpent : "Do so if you wisii ; to die by a bullet is an honorable soldier's death, but to starve to death is not.'' Face to face we glared at each other, until his cowardly hand began to lower. 'I do regret, Captain, that I fdioidtl die defenceless by a cow- Hrd's hand. * He started with passion and again withdrew, for he had met the counteaauee of ona who feared not death. He then said ; "Go back to the t)risoa, (also cursing the guard) and never permit one of those d — d Yankees to com3 so neir me again." And as I left, he cursed and said : "You are too willing to die, t ie.e:oi-e, I will hold you." I replied : "Captain, you may hold me too long, until Irij-e to a more honorable position than you now have ; a position, I would no': exohauge for the world ; for I may yet see you brought to jus- tice." Wirtz replied: "Yes, I have often heard of drowning m3n calch- ing at straws." "Yes, and I have heard of a hanging man gasping for air. \Ve parted, and this was the last time that ever I spoke to him, until 1 beheld him at the Old Capitol at Washington, AVhere he received his just deserts, for God had granted my \ rayer, 1 returned to the gate, and there I met the Sergeant. He eager- ly inquired of me what success I had ? I answered him "none but to remain here and starve." / "Just as I expected," he replied, "but I cannot help it." "Well, then I suppose I must remain here until I starve to death, for my courage has died within me ; my only hope is now blasted, and my courage is gone. I feel th it 1 laist indeed give up, and be numbered among the dead, with my comrades at Anc^ersonville. So saying, I went back to prison, to meet myTate, and there^ I 24 found my last and only brother, lying in a state of imconsciousneiiii* I hastened to bring him water and wash his face and temples. He recovered, and looking up at me, said : "Is that you George," (and after recovering sufficiently he continued) "I came down here, and not finding you, I supposed you had been carried out in the dead cart, and think it would be full as well if we were both with out brothers in that grave-yard." I told him of my interview with Capt. Wirtz, and the treatment I had received. He then flew into a passion and exclaimed : "Could i just get my hands on that villain, I would crush hin- beneath my feet as I would a serpent." I told him to stop, that he must remember he was unarmed, and would have no chance against such an enemy. He then Avondered where our army could be, and why they did not send men to exchange us ; "I only wish to live until I can see the capture of this prison, and it=s chief officer brought to justice.' But little did he think that his time indeed was near at hand, for that very night he was taken sick, and after lying several dayp without aid or assistance, fell into a state of idiocy, and finally in- sanity, in its worst, and most revolting form. Hunger does not attack all persons alike ; Some sink down with- complete exhaustion, and seem to sleep themselves to deatlj, while- others become insane. My brother was one of the latter class. Oh! imagine how I must have felt, when obliged to stand by him and gee him thus suffer. It w.is worse than death to see him eiting the tlesh from his arm?, wholly unconscius of what he wa'* aliout Oh, God ! can I ever forget that terrible sight of horror ! No pen or language is able to depict such scenes at Andersonvilie. Many a soldier, when he read? statements like the?e contradicted, feel? again the (ire kindle in his breast, and imagines himself carried back into the battle's fury once more, for many there are v/ho blindly deny the cruelty of Capt. Wirtz.either from want of knowl- edge, or sympathy with his cause. After the death of my brother, I was left alone. I had now lost three. brothers who had become victims to the cruelty of Wirta 25 Jiiid his followers. Well mip;ht my courage fail me, and my hope lie within me. I felt that [ should never go home to my native Htate, and inhale its balmy bree/.es. The wound in my breast had now entirely healed and that of my arm was much better, but my foot was in a sad condition. After the 26th of February, 1865, T lost all recollection of what pas^^ed around me. I understood, though, that on or about that time, the long expected army of Sherman, made its appearance ift the distance, that the rebels evacuated the prison, and hurried the prisoners southward, leaving myself and many ot'.iers who were not able to stir, upon the field to perish. We were carried into the old Hospital, and there remained until the arrival of our troops. My weight at this time was ninety-thre'^ pounds. I had former- ly weighed one hundred and sixty. My first recollection of anything was in Washington, June 16, 1865, making in all over three months that I had been in a state of unconsciousness. I found myself, at this time, an inmate of Doug- las Hospital. This Hospital was situated in a pleasant locality in the city of Washington, and was a present from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas (whose name it bears) to the government, for the use of the sick and wounded soldiers of the war. It was admirably adapted for this purpose ; and was fitted up with every convenience for the lie.dth and comfort of it-; unt'ortanate inmates. The wards were filled with neat, single iron bed-.-teads, nnd the bedding of good qaility and scrupulously clean. The walls were tastefully decora- ted with wreaths of evergreens, and the perfume of numerous bo- quets of flowers ; together with every luxury that could be obtain- ed to tempt the taste, gave evidence that our sick and wounded heroes were not forgotten. Those noble women, the Sisters of Charity, attended to the wants of the inmates, and could be seen like ministering angels, going from patient to patient, speaking words of comfort and cheer. — This was indeed heaven, compared to that horrible hole, Anderson- ville ; and many a soldier thanked God, that through the liberality 26 of Ills countrymen they had some place, where they could receive thiitcire an 1 attention which their sickness and wounds required. Wlien I first entered Doughis Hospital, I am tpld it was the opinion of the Sergeant in attendance, that my case was a hope- less one ; and that it would be almost a miracle, if I recovered.—- I wa3 placed in one of the wards, and every care taken of me that was possible. In fact I, rayselF, know that, had it not been for the attention I received, I should, ere this, have been numbered with the dead. "Weeks passed on, and 1 t?till remained in an unconsciout- state. At length my senses returned, and I endeavored to imag- ine where I was. 1 looked around at the decorated walls, and all aj»i»eared as a pleasant dream; so difficult was it for me to realize my present condition, after the treatment 1 had uudergone in thf re', el prison. Seeing one of the attendants passing through the ward, I mo tioaed for him to come to me, which he did, I then asi^ed him where I was. He replied, "Douglas Hospital, Washington." I could not believe him and so told him. Just then the doctor camt around and ordered no more conversation, remarking that my case reipiired sleep, and ordered sonse Uicdicine for u.e, topiodv.ce that result, for the least excitement was lialle to eii'ect the brain, and niake me raving. 1 took the medicine, and soon after fell asleep How long I remained so, 1 am unable to say; but Avlien i again awoke the crisis had past, and 1 gradually began to realize, my })Osition, and to gain strength. Day by day, however, I Ava?* forced to remain in my bed, hardly able to raise my hand to my head. My wounded leg had been daily dressed, and was healinjr rapidly, although the use of it was gone forever. Finally, my strength gained so that I was able, once more, with the aid of crutches, to get out of bed and walk around the wnrd. two or three times a day at first ; and thus, by degrees, got out again, although a helpless cripple for life. I did not write htrnf while I was in hospital, for I had learned that my Captain had reported me dead, to my family ; and I did not wish again to cause them any unnecessary trouble or uneasiness, as I was gaining 27 strength every day. I expected soon to return to my home and embrace in pers-on the loved ones there. As soon as I was able, I i^et about obtaining my discharge, and papers necessary for me to receive my settlement with the government. After many weeks of trouble and anxiety, I received them; but not without being compelled to make a trip to Macon, Ga., where my regimaut was tlien stationed. After my return from Macon, I proceeded to the War Deptirtment and obtained my final settlement with the United States. My business in Washington being now completed, I left that city for Baltimore. Here I found a great change had taken place since my first visit. Our glorious old flag, which at one time w-as torn down and trampled in the dust, was now floating to the breeze overall the public buildings, and many private residences, as evi- dence that treason Avas dead, and our noble Republic once more established on a firm and solid basis ; the rebels there were made to acknowledge their crime, and ask forgiveness from the nation they had sought to destroy. My trip to Macon, and return, had so excited my nervous system, that Avheu I arrived in Philadelphia, I was completely exhausted ; and obliged to be carried to tho Volunteer hospital, where I again endured a long spell ofsickncss. I received every attention that could be paid me, and had I been at the home of my mother, I could not have received kinder treatment, than from the ladies of Philadelphia. I shall always remember them with gratitude. LINES TO THl. MEMORY OF MY BROTHERS. Four lovint; hrotlicrs in (Uie Iimie, FiMirloyiil oihers in l!ie fie'd ; TliP first to wait, tlie hi.st to ooiiie, But Wiiit lor lli.^si! whose (loom is .sealed. Or ;vil whose doom is sealed. l)Mt one, Wiieii vviir's dread W(,rk at l;isc is dor.c ; For of those loyal Inn;!, i is fi-i.r, The eUl'r thr - riMi,rin inil ie:ic; which it's sonij pj^sesseJ. 30 Tlie voice wliifh waked n|) meinorv's cltot'd Within our home, 'lis hushed :ind still ; Thosp chords vihratiiie\ e'l; > cltildifii li'. I ii[ion my hands. My cnp of 8ori<)w was, int a!id >iiii. wrecked mariner, east on some lonely island vviilioiu any «>iil; in coiniort or sympathize with him in his tiouhle, loi- 1 had l«)-t nearlv all that was dear to me on earth. My three brothers lay at AnJersonville, vietims of starvation, and my two wives taken fium me, with no one left but my three little ones to comfort me in my sorrows and misfortunes. At that time I was doin<^ well in bii-inc-^-. 1 liad obtained a j«)b at [)ed- dliii"- bocdvs, on tiie ConncL tient Hiver llailroad, tlnouuh the kind- ness of Mr. Brainard, the (jleneral Siipei intendent. My three children were with me ; and allhough 1 hud passed through so many hard and bitter trials before, 1 now clieiished the hojie, that my pleasures on eartii Wi-re ik(1: ye' all d.-aied me. I began to j)ic- inre. ont the Irtppinu.-s of a hiuuo (Uice more, ai.d intended to give my children a, good ivdui' ition, which would be all that I could do f;«rthL;m; l)nt when this misfori uiie came upon me, all my thoughts 'd' plea.^nie seemed taken from mc, like the tlowers of summer, torn !y some rude, blasi. It was evident to me that 1 could not pay the U)ard(>f my cliildren cuit oi"tlie snuill amount of my earnings; and what was 1 to do ? .Some ctf the sympathi/.ers(with the poor soldier) • il" the present day, might ask if there were not poor-houses and asyinins enough in the country in which I could place my little ones ; and soldiers' homes for myself; but wdioof them, if they ex- changed places with me, could bear to see their children torn away ^Vom them, and left to the cold charities of the world, more especially after enduring what 1 had. Others may inquire if [ have nut a pension ? My answer is, yes ; but I need not remind 32 j'liy .-^'eiHible person how far twenty dollars per month will ^o to- ward the support of a family, after payin;^ house rent in a New England City. After snlVerinj;' the privations of the world alone with my three cliildren for several months, 1 lesolved again to marry, in order that I might be able to leave home, and, in addition to my pension, find some other moms to support my family and give them an edu- cation. Accordingly, T married my third and last wife, and started again in pursuit of some employment, leaving my children under the care and protection of a kind mother. 1 went to Wasnington, and endeavored to obtain employment under the Government, I had a tolerably fair education, and thought that 1 might be able to get something to do among the various depaitments ; but was doomed to disappointment. I was referred from one place to another, and always met with the same answer : "[ have nothing for you to do. hut go to such an one, and 1 think you will fiiid employment." From day today, I traveled round the city, \mi to little purpose. T Vtecame tired and disgusted, and at last re>olved to return home. On my arrival home,! made u[) my miiKl to go West, and see some of my old railro id friends who reside I there. I went to Milwau- kee, Wis., and throgh the kiudue-is of S S. Mei'rill of Mii w lakec and St. Paul railroad Company, and of C.ipt. Allison, news agenf- of the same, I obtained permission to po'ldle army son ;•-, Oii tht various trains of the road ; and with good success : so uiuch so..- that 1 was able to support myself and funily, coinfinlably witii. the necessaries of life. 1 continued at this for some tiiise, and oi> my trips, met with various different char;»,Gters ; some were ver\ kind, and gladly assisted me ; others asked me all sorts of nonsen- sical questions relative to the war ; others would pretejid to It- eijoying a sound sleep, to avoid seeing me as I wont around ivlany more wt)uld inquire if I could not outer the Soldier's Home 1 answered them, that I could, but whi!: was to become of my wife and children '. to which they would make no reply, but coiiibide tlu'y had no change, and could do nothing for me. However, th^ inaj')iity of the traveling public treated me very kindly, and fell disposed to assist me. My business becoming dull on this road, and it being known to others that I was doing well, numerous other applications were mile, by unfortunate pjople like myself, for the same priv^ilege ; and soon the trains were full of the lame and blind, all seeking a livelihood. I came to the conclusion that the traveling communty, were too much annoyed by so many applicants I'oi- charity, and re- solved to leave this road and go further West ; which I did, and removed to Owatonna, Steele Co., Jtliiniesota. This place is situ- ated at the junction of the Winona & St. Paul railroad, and is a town of about four thousand inhabitants. It depends for its bu- siness principally on the neighboring farmers, and what trade it may obtain from travelers. It is beautifully located and very heilthy. Having become tired of so much traveling, I resolved to invest what little capital I had accumulated, in some kind of bu- siiie-!s, nul opened an eating huus.3 at that place. 1 coiitinucd at this i)at a short time, for I found there was so much opposition, that it was almost impossible for me to do anything, and as soon as I found an opportunity, I sold out iny place, and removed to Miniiovpolis, and coi)tinued my former business, at times. I must here return my thanks to S. S. Merrill, and other mana- gers of the Milwaiikee and St. Paul railroad for their kindness to me, fur, li;i'![>port of ray niiuily in (Iriiiki'ii;^ and rth'-'r exoe-, all of whi -h t-:i.i b.* r^.-. i l>y vNifi;!;^ my home Id Miniieapti!!-. J U ivee iile ivo' e ], ill (bis little I'oak, to de-cril/e {he \iivio\w sceiiiM throiiLi'h whlrli I Irive ]r,i--ei]. while serving in the army of the I'aileil Siate-^ ; aul iiup-rle-t ;!-; I know it tolie.l have the sati.^l'aci iivii of knowing th it rhej^cenrs I have dm-icrilieil, and the s I t'eriijg-i which t h ive eidiire 1, are not exaggerated, or colored in the least, but true in evevy j>ai-ticiilar. ThL- fi are some into whose hands these pages may fall, who will, perhaps, doubt some portion of my story, but to such, I will say, let them even to this day, visit the gra\«>-v;ird at Audeisonville, and count the graves of naineroas hp:'0?4 wholie there "sleeping tiie sleep that know? no waking.*' Let them examine the reci>rds of tho War Depart- ment for information, and al>o the }m ison st;itemeiits of the rebel iiuthorities ihe.nselves, and tlicy will liiid tj);it my statements, in- stead of being exaggerated, do not begin to coraiiate with the of- ficial re{)0rts. I h ive only wiitten in tliese }>ages, what came un- der my own observation, and if yon leeollect the condition I was in while a prisoner, yon will see that I had but few o[ipoitunities ol witnessing all the horroi's of that die. td'nl jdace. Visit t-on.e oi the survivors o!"onr late war, and ask them to give yon their oj)in- ion of the treatment they receive!iigli the numerous political bickerings oi"our I'epreseiitative-!, Xoitb and i^'outh, and the agilJition of the slavery question, we lind onr Coniitry in a tei'iihle state oi" excite- ment; an'l as soon a-> the result ol' I he Tresidential eleeiion was known. Slate afrer ."^tale began to -:'.cde iVom '.he I'nion, and pre- ]i.:'rel'or a tl>M de^h•o_)■ed. a,nd show to the Monarchial (loverii iients of Kni-Ojie ;h at bej!;' lii ani>ni was a i'aibire, or to strive by all means, even to that diead al.ei native, War, to piotect and tave our institutions i We had tiied by a peace Congress to 36 settle the difficulty l)etween tlip contending })arties, but witlioufc success. The first gun was tired by the South, and the war com- menced. It was then, that the people of the loyal States showed to the world how much they loved their country. Men, never before ac- customed to war, and who knew nothing of its terrors, quit their peaceful avocations and enlisted for the national defence. The farmer left his field, the merchant his business, the tradesman his work, and all hurried forward, at the call of their Chief, to the seat of War. The condition of our forces at this time was anything but fi it- tering. The small regular army of the Government was scattered all over our vast country, and the greater portion of our arms and munitions of war had been sent south during the administration of James Buchanan, by his Secretary of War, John \j. Floyd ; while many of the best officers, both of the army and navy, resigned their commissions and joined the rebel forces, against that fiag to which they owed so much. Washington was in no condition for defence, and thearmy which had concentrated there was composed of gieen recruits, and was in no condition to take the field. I]owcv;_'r, after great exer- tion, regiments and brigades were formed, and the be.>'. prepaia- tiou made, possible at the time. Earth-works weie thiown nj), for the pi'Otection of the Capitol, and the new troo|)s constantly drilled for the duties of a soldier. Fiiiall}', the order to march went foilh, and the memorable and disasti-ous battle of Ibdl Hinj was ibiight. I will here state tiiat, at this time, no one b)r a Uioment thought that we were doomed to four years of blooilsjied. The power and resources of the South had been altogethei- underestimated; and this first engagement showed veiy plainly that wo had no com- mon foe to contend with. Their soldiers, unlike ours, wei'e accus- tomed to the use of fire-ainis. They had heen preparing long be- fore for th^i contest, and at the coniinencement of the war, were Jar better prepared than our Ibrces, besides having the advantage of chosen positions, and fighting on their own soil. 37 After the disaster al Hull Rmi, our nation was awakened to the necessities of the occasion. Prochunations were issued, calling forth men, the army was re-organi/.ed, and Generals of renown pi lu-ed in co nm uid. while the whole resources of the nation were taxed to the utmost to furnish the necessary arms, equipments, and munitions of war. In an incredible short time, we had creat- ed a navy capable of blockading the whole Southern coast, besides the necessary transports forcai'ryiu}^ troops and expeditions; also, other vessels of war necessary lor the protection of our flag on fo- reij^'n waters, and the high seas. We had not only the South to contend against, V)ut foreign sympathizers with the rebellion. Eni"-- land was doing all in her power tor the success of the South. Ves- sels for the express purpose of running the blockade were built in her ports; and arms, medical stores, and other miniitions of war run intoSouthcrn ports ; while her Alabama, and other piratical cruisers were aimed, manned, and sent out to sea to destroy our commerce. But, for all this, our Country was e(pial to the emer- gency, as the secjuel shows. We have deveh^ped )esources which before wcic unisuown, and [)roved to the world that America was not only the (irst, but the most powerfid nation on earth. Our inoiiitcM's cau-^ed a I'cvobition in na\al warfare, and their achiev- nieuts challenged the adniiiation of the civilized world. Month after month jiassed liy, and, for a time, fate seemed to be against us ; the Southern arms were victorious on many helds, and disap[)ointment and despair seemed to be surging the public mind. Our treasury was nearly empty, and it became necessary for some legislation, to raise the necessary funds for the continu- ance of the war, which was accomplished through the exertions of the Hon. S. P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, and other fi- nanciers. United States' legal-tender notes and bonds were issued, guaranteed by the Country, and loan-', for large amounts negjtiat- ed, both at home and abroad. Then came the Peninsular cam- paign, under that noble Soldier, McClellan— victorious for a time, and our army in sight of the city of Richmond. Hope seemed once more to dawn upon us, but again uere we 38 doomed to disappointment. Through some mismanagement at the city of Washington, the original plans of the campaign were abandoned, and the forces of McDowell, who were to form a junction with our right, from some unexplained reason, were with- held. This necessitated a change of base, which was accomplish- ed, after seven days hard fighting, in which our losses were enor- mous, and came very near bringing destruction on our whole army ; but, thanks to the noble generalship of McClellan, the Country was spared this humiliation ; and after our victory at Malvern Hills, we were again ready and willing to meet the enemy on oth- er fields. Following this, came Pope's disaster at Bull Eun — the same field so bravely contested the year before. Then follow on from defeat to victory at Anteitam and South Mountain. Now that the country was radiant with hope, and our army on the eve of another battle, we find, through the jealousy of politicians, and political intrigue, McClellan removed. Yes, he, who, under the circumstances, had done so well, was the idol of his men. Gen. Burnside was appointed to supercede him, and, although in com- mand of the army, he was only nominally so, for the powers in Washington seemed to be posted better than the commanding Gen- eral, and ordered his onward inarch, with the rcsidt of which we are all acquainted. Many a life was sacrificed on the field of Fred- riclvs1)urg, th.e res{)onsibility of which does not rest with tlie ofii- cers of the Potomac Army, but with tlie political satraps at Wash- ington, who, afraid to disobey theii- masters, took up the cry, "On to Richmond," regardless of the cost, and contrary to the advice of our ;ilt!i>st commanders in the field. xVnother winter of inactivity was ];efore us, and the country was filled with gloom}' forebodings for tlie future. Two years of blood and treasure had been spent, and as yet, nothing accomplished. Those who remained at home, and knew nothing of tlic perils of the field of battle, were the first to complain, and raise their voice against the measures taken by the Government. Yolunteering had nearly ceased, and it became necessary to order a draft, in or- der to fill up our decimated rank-, although large bounties were 39 offered for volunteers, ly loth the general Government and States. The draft went on, but not without opposition. New York, noted for its riots, first con.menced a "fire in the rear.'- Instead of lend- ing; her aid in this hour of peril, after all her former exei tions, she seemed disposed to place every obstacle in the way of the aulhori- ties. Order, however, was soon restored, and the work went on without further violence. The winter passed away, and at the commencement of spring, our army was again ready for the arduous duties required of it. Another change of commanders had taken place. Burnside gave way to fighting Joe Hooker. On his assuming command, we were again put in motion — "onward to Richmond." The Rappa- hannock was crossed, and preparations made for another deadly strife. The battle of Chancellorsville was fought, and proved an- other disaster to our arms ; and again the cry went forth against our army and its Commander. The rebels, now flushed with victory, resolved to invade the loyal States, and their army took up its line of march for Maryland and Pennsylvania. Chambersburg was in- vaded, contributions levied on the inhabitants, and the city burned. Finally, the two great armies of Lee and Meade met on the field of Gettysburg. After three days of the most terrible fighting, in this or any other country, victory crowned our arms ; and at the same time the news flashed across the wires that Vicksburg, the rebel stronghold of the Mississippi, had surrendered to the invincible army of Grant. The god of battle seemed at last to favor our cause, after so many disasters, and now, instead of gloom, a uni- versal cry of joy and thanksgiving resounded throughout the land. About this time. General Grant was appointed Commander-in Chief of the Armies of the United States, with headquarters in the field, with the Army of the Potomac, Gen. Meade still retaining his position ; and after another season of inactivity, we again com- menced our forward march to the rebel States. Sherman had been appointed to the command of the Western Armies, instructed to attack the opposing forces there, and everything possible to insure 40 success was done. The battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvanlaj Cold Harbor, and other affairs of a less magnitude, were fought in quick succession, and the rebels driven into their Capitol. The army was then transferred to the south side of the James Eiver and the cities of Petersburg and Richmond invested, preparatory to a long siege. It will be remembered, by those familiar with the history of the VVar, that after the termination of the Peninsular campaign, Gen. McClellan asked for authority to cross the James River with his Arm}, and operate against the rebel Capitol. For some reason the lequest was denied. Had he been allowed to do so, in all probabil- ity our war would have terminated earlier. We now liiid tlio army busy al work in throwing U[) earth-works and fortilications of all kinds. Occasional sorties were may the acqusition of new troops, ready to repel any aggressive jnovement the enemy might make. It now became evident tiiat the days of the rebellion were num- bered. With Lee's army locked up in Richmond, and Sherman and Thomas operating in the West, victory was sure. It was only a question of time. Atlanta, Ga., after a siege of over ninety days, 41 fell into our hands, and Sliennan's Army, leaving tlieir base of sup- plies, commenced their marih tlirough the heart oi' the enrmy's country to the Sea, devastating and destroying the country as they went through. In the spring of 1865, all being in readiness for the final strug- gle, the army wa« put in motion, and tlie rebel lines of supplies at- tacked. The Weldon Railroad was destioyed by the forces under Generals Warren and Hancock, and the enemy, after a severe bat- tle, were driven from their position. Lee, perceiving his commu- nications cut, resolved to a1>andon Richmond and Petei'sbnrg. He made a despeiate eiloit to escape Sontli with his connnand. The President of the Confederacy l!ed : the archives were removed, and a.s the troop evacuated tlie city of Tvichniond it was tiied. The retreating foe were holly pursiicd, and after a, series of liattles, de- feated with heavy h)ss. An armistiic was now asked for and granted ; terms of surrender were drawn up, and on tlie 9th day of Aprif, iSt);"). the eouiiiiauder of the Army of Northern A'irginiasur- renderee, who instead of insulting, should re- spect and honor them. Why not endeavor to raise the standard 43 of a soldier, and show him that his profession is not a disgrace, but an honor. How often do we hear the insinuation, that laziness or drunkenness is the cause of so many entering the army ! Those who think the life of a soldier a lazy one, are mistaken. Let them visit some of our military posts, and they will find the soldier oc- cupied from morning to night with the various duties demanded of him. Make the soldier believe that his position is an honorable one, and you will soon see less debauchery among them, and find them as capable of self respect as those of any other calling in life. In conclusion I would beg leave to state that, from the results of my wounds, I am no longer able to follow my trade, and I have adopted this method of obtaining a living for myself and family. I append herewith, statistics of the number of prisoners and deaths in Andersonville Prison, from February 1864, to March 1865, according to rebel statements. Statistics of tha number of Prisoners and deaths at Anderson- ville Prison, Georgia, from February 1354, to March, 1865. Months. No. of Prisoners. No. in Hospital. Av. No. of D'ths Daily 1864 February 1,600 33 March 4,603 909 9 April 7,875 870 19 May 13,486 1,190 23 June 22,35-2 1,635 40 July 28,689 2,156 56 August 32,193 3,709 99 September 17,733 3,026 89 October 5,885 2,245 51 November 2,024 242 16 December 2,218 431 5 1865 Jmiary 4,931 595 6 February 5,194 365 5 March 4,800 140 3 Th3 grexte^t nimbsr of deaths on aiy single d ly, wis on the 23d of Au^iist, 1S31, and was 127, or about onedjith ever}^ elev- en minutes. 44 VERSES COMPOSED ON ANDERSON VILLE PRISON. Come friends and fellow soldiers, Come listen to my song, About the rebel prison, And remaining there so long ; Our wretched state, and hardships great, No one can understand. But those who have endured this fate In Dixie's sunny land. When captured by their chivalry, And stripped unto the skin. They failed to give us back again The value of a piu ; Excepi some filthy rags of grease Discarded by their band, And thus commenced our prison-li'ii In Dixie's sunny land. A host of guards surrounded us. Each one with loaded gun, We were .stationed in an open field Exposed to ruin and sun. No tent or tree to shelter us, We lay upon the sand. And side by side, great numbers died In Dixie's sunny laud. What was our daily bill of fare In that secesh saloju ? No sugar, tea, nor coffee there, At morning, night or noon ; But a pint of meal, ground cob and all Was served to evt-ry man. For the want of fire, we ate it raw, In Dixie's sunny laud. Our temper, it was oltca tried By mauy a threat and bribe, To desert our glorious Union And join the rebel tribe ; But fain were we to leave the place, We let them uadeistaud. 45 Wt'd sooner die than thus disgrace Our flag, in Dixie's land. How sad those weary moments seemed, A.S weeks and months rolled by, And yot no tidings came to us From loved ones far away, While here we lay to starve and die Upon the burning sand, Away from friends and home so dear, In Dixie's sunny land. When landed at Annapolis, A wretched looking band, We joyed to be alive, and free From Dixie's sunny land. Having gained our wasted strength All dressed in Union blue, We'll pay theai back our vengeance soon, Or die their bi'-ter foe. ERRATA. ige 6 for McDowell's, reads McDonaldV ■' 7 " war " west. " II " Rapidan, " Rapids. 14 "' Cold Harbor, " Cold Springti- '' 26 " Burgeon '* Sergeant, Jf^-'PA ■^>- ' r^^^/-^ l:^yv^-■■■:^' .^v ^. 'A , ','' ' .^"^"'^RV OF CONGRESS 4- 013 786 740 ^ ■:^.'vv;i^.rf-*;^ ^..A' :m' ^ ■