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Isaac W. K. Handy · 1874 · Scanned text · Free in the US

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About this book

Author
Isaac W. K. Handy
Language
English
Published
1874
Length
241,068 words · about 16 h 53 min
Sections
25 reader sections
Text
Scanned text, read from page scans by OCR; may contain errors
Rights
Public domain in the United States

 

Contents (25)
  1. Front matter about 1 min
  2. Preface about 45 min
  3. I. June about 12 min
  4. II. July about 46 min
  5. III. August about 1 h 30 min
  6. IV. September about 1 h 14 min
  7. V. October about 1 h 4 min
  8. VI. November about 44 min
  9. VII. Decembbr about 32 min
  10. VIII about 4 min
  11. IX. Febeuahy about 59 min
  12. X. March about 2 h 44 min
  13. XII. May about 41 min
  14. XIII. June about 44 min
  15. XIV. July about 40 min
  16. XV. August about 56 min
  17. XVI. September about 1 h 15 min
  18. XVII. October about 30 min
  19. Conclusion about 12 min
  20. Letter I. — To the Delaware Eepublican. Port Penn, Jwne 29th, 18G3 about 4 min
  21. Letter II. — To the Delaware Gazette about 3 min
  22. Letter III. — To Capt. Jas. M. Gilliss, U. S. N about 3 min
  23. Letter IV. — To the Secretary op "War. Fort Delaware, Dec. 18th, 1863 about 3 min
  24. Letter V. — To the Commandant at Fort Delaware. Fort Delaware, Jan. 5th, 1864 about 40 min
  25. Appendix about 26 min

Continue:

Front matter

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Preface

This Is a private journal. It was not originally intended for publication. It was written to preserve the memory of events, chiefly for my own satisfaction, and the information of my children. In reviewing the memoranda, I. find a number of things which will be interesting to my parishioners, both of the past and the present, and to many other personal friends ; and some things, also, may be acceptable to the public. My object in printing is neither j^ecuniary, nor ostentatious ; but, sinaply, to gratify inquirers who can have no access to the manuscript, and to give permanency to what many do not wish to be lost.

I have no doubt the book will fall into the hands of critics. Some will object to the historical statements, and the revelation of facts ; others would like a more thrilling, or imaginative style ; and strangers will feel no interest in the family allusions and frequent reference to self; and especially will they censure the "want of taste" which gives publicity to private ejaculations. For such readers the work is not intended. My friends (hundreds of whom were fellow-sufferers in "the pen") will be particularly interested in these personal items; and they would regard the journal as essentially defective without them.

VI PEEFACB.

Besides these items of a more private character, the book is a faithful j^ortraiture of prison life; and with the exception of a few scattered days (of which the notes have been lost), and some omissions during a period of sickness and confusion in the months of December and January, the record is unbroken, presenting whatever came under the observation of the Author, or was reported to him at the time. There has been no eye to effect; no purpose to be subserved in making matters worse than they were ; every thing has been stated with a scrupulous regard to truth; and nothing has been set down in prejudice or malice.

The safety of the manuscript is due to the preserving care of my wife, who received it in numbers, by such " underground" opportunities as were constantly afforded. When it became too voluruiuous to be carried upon her person, it was safely deposited in the earth, and was not exhumed until after the war.

AVhatever may have been the feelings of the past, the Author utterly disavows the remotest desire to continue the strife. He has always been ready to submit to the rulings of Providence ; and now that the controversy has been decided, he accepts the situation, and can cordially say, " The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice."

Oakley Manse, Augusta Co., Va.

January 1st, 1874,

OOITTEKTS.

I :— JUNE.

Arduous Labors ; Trouble with the Yankees ; Pass from General Dix; No favors to any member of the Handy family ; Hon. \V. H. Purnell; Sympathy of Friends; Preparations for leaving Home; Maj. Bo'vey ; DifBculty about the Servants ; Yankee Soldiers ; Officers first to run; Faithful Sarah ; Movementsof the Confederate Army ; Evacuation of Suffolk ; Desolation, 17.— In Baltimore; Delightful Interview; On the Canal Boat; Old Homestead, 18. — Friends Calling ; Rev. Mr. Gaylord ; Table Conversation ; An Uncongenial Spirit; Confederate Officer in Disguise; Col. W. Dulany; U. S. Flag ; A Warm Debate ; No Physic for Rebels ; You Must Preach, 19. — Old Parishioners ; Rather Offish; Forest Hall; Rumors of Arrest ; Newspaper Squib; Gen. Tyler ; No malice; Good out of Evil. ........ 1-

II:- JULY.

A Disagreeable Night; Capt. Ellison; Arrest; Bridgeville Station; St. George's; Delaware City; Gov. Cannon and Dr. Cahill; A Gentlemanly Official, 20.— Fort Delaware; Old Acctuaintances; Ogling the prisoner; Rev. E.J. Way; Dr. Fromberger; General Schoapf; No investigation of charges; Leniency of U. S. Government; A Fidgety Understrapper; Noisy Reprimand; Quarters; Mulatto Sentinel; Prisoners; Personal Introduction; Invitation to bunk in No. 6; Capt. Noah Rawley; Capt, W. F. Gordon; Harry Brogden ; Samuel Sterret; Col. Waring; Evening Worship; First night in prison, 21.— Filthy water; Inmates of No. 6; Description of the room; Grated Window; "Rebs" at Work; Recruits for the Federal Army; Mr. Pleasants Released; Rough and hard table; Club Formed; Ashamed of his loaf; Eagerness for Worship; Tea Drinking in No. 2; Major Clary; Gambling, 22.— Better Water ; Excursion from Wilmington ; Gov. Cannon and Secretary Smlthers; News from Mrs. H. ; Vegetables; Dinner in No. 2; Philadelphia Inquirer; Eastern Shore Prisoners; Delaware Republican ; False Statements ; John Bunyan ; Stories

(vii)

Vni CONTENTS.

of Blockade-running, &c., 23.— Comfortable Bath; Writing; Visit to the Hospital; A. C. Belt; Ministerial Labors; White-hulled schooner; Firing of guns; Delightful Evening Service; No more cards; A Serenade, 2i. — Disappointment; No more Visitors; Plans for escape; Yankee Convicts; Ball and Chain; A Thorough Search ; Walking out under Guard; An Old Parishioner; Delaware Home Guards; Sickness; Filthy Cooking Rough Shave, 23.— First Sabbath in Prison ; Remembered by Friends ; Feast in the casemate; Prayer meeting; No Cards; A box of Clothing, 23.— Mosquitoes and Night-walkers; An alarming Dream ; Leaving of Confederate Officers ; Gags and Hand-cuffs; Confederate Chaplains; Southern Surgeons; Disappointed Sightseers; Maj. Judd and the work of "Galvanism " ; Capt. Ahl; Prospect of Release, 27.— Midnight Alarm; A Prisoner shot; Excitement at the Barracks; Visit from a Friend; No release without " The Oath"; •' I would if I could " British Subjects; Religious Conversation, 28. — Busy Laborers; A third Meal, and a piece of Tobacco; Improved Deportment; Prison Habits; Vermin; An Experienced Naturalist ; Varied Charges ; A Motley Crowd ; A Tub and Basket ; Common Cause; "Underground Mail," 29. — Amusing Inscrip- . tions; Removal of Bunks Scrubbing; A Snug Casemate; Exchange of Sick Men; Dr. McLean; Twenty Confederate Surgeons; Twenty minutes in the open air; A "Home Guard" acquaintance; Thoughts about escape; A Philadelphia Newspaper, 30.— Rev. Dr. Brainerd; Dr. Woolsey ; An Exciting Interview; A Walk; Swimming; Suppressed Letters; "The Oath; " Pleasant Services, 31.— . . . . . . . • .10-41

III:— AUGUST.

Alarm of Cholera ; Personal Statements; Removal of Gordon, Brogdenand Sterret to be Tried as Spies; A Good Bath; Delayed Stores; Unwilling Soldiers; Not Well, 1.— A Delaware Acquaintance; Public Worship; Deep Impression; Bible Reading; Night Service; Great Reform; Federal Soldiers, 2.— Hot Day; Prisoners Suffering; Gen. Schenck; Firing a Salute; Tingstrum Released; Federal Deceit; Brutality of the Enemy in Webster Co., Va. ; A Portsmouth Acquaintance, 3.— Heat and Mosquitoes; Hungry Prisoners; Scrambling for Bread; "Don't Take the Oath; " Company Q; Destruction of Vermin; New York Herald; Concealed Lettei ; Luxuries; Commissioner from Camp Chase; Religious luterest, 4.—X Comfortable Night; Talk with Messrs. Bright & Rawley; Unusual Thoughtfulness; Usual Walk; Chaplain Way; New Arrivals; Dutch Guard; PopularityofPostNo.il; Extended Remarks, 5.— Federal Thanksgiving; Visit of Delaware Politicians; Mr. Bright; B taken to the Hospital; Fifth Delaware

Regiment; Escape of a "Convict;" An "Unconditional Union Man;" Dr. Fromberger Interdicted; Delaware and Maryland Men taking "The Oath;" An Earnest and Solemn Appeal, 6.— Dreadful Night; Serious Reflections ; Sixth Delaware Regiment; Disaffection; Excessive Heat ; Offensive Moat; Speech of Half au Hour, 7.— Dutch Guards; Closely Watched ; "Stand Firm;" Fearing a Shot; Lost Opportunity; A Case of Conscience, 8.— Beauti-

CONTENTS. IX

FAGB

ful Sabbath ; Morning and Evening Services ; Prayer for Revival ; A Spotless Example; Conversation with a Bunk-mate, 9. -Lieuts. Philpot and Harwood ; Supplies; No Thanks to the Yankees; Housekeeping ; A Practical Joke ; Cases of Conscience, 10.— Heat and Mosquitoes; Dr. Stocker; Mr. Bright bids Farewell ; An Animated Correspondence ; The Amende Honorable ; Patriotic to take " The Oath," 11,— A Fierce Dispute ; " Convict " Cavalry Company ; Ball and Chain ; Dutch Company under Capt. Reigart ; Scouring ; Capt. Jackson Elected Superintendent; A Cold Water Bath; Cash in a Pincushion; A "Smuggler" Released, 12.— Mysterious Memoranda; Mrs. Belt and Mrs. Ball; Escapes from the Barracks; "Verdant" Guards; Dr, Harris of Philadelpliia, 13.— Conversations with tlae Sentinels; An Opportunity for Escape; "Rebs" on the Delaware ; Thank God for a Good Wife; Worship Omitted, 14.— Sick Day; Prisoners Drowned; Punishment for Attempted Escapes; Tennesseeans Tested in Regard to "The Oath;" 10,030 Prisoners on the Island, 15.— Delaware Conscripts Tired of the War; Preaching; A Well-spent Sabbath; Capt, J. W. Long; An Abortive Scheme; AGoodVentilation,16.— New Arrivals; Hiding at the Barracks; Mistaking the Man; A Comfortable Walk; A Precaution Against Escapes, 17. — Early Risers; Officers Leaving; Uniforming "The Oath-takers;" Ninety "Rebs" at Large; A Treacherous Sea Captain; Searching for Disguised Officers; Delayed and Rifled Stores; Influence of a Clean Shirt; All at Worship; A Birthday, 18.— Better Weather; Strange Experience; Released Politicals; Willingness to take " The Oath; " Questions of Duty, 19. — A Review ; No Confidence in the " Galvanized ; " Sixtli Delaware Regiment Threatening to Tlirow Down their Arms;.

Preparations for Keeping the Fast; A Box from New Castle; A Betrayal, 20.— Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer; A Quiet and Solemn Day; Ejaculations; Death of Prof. Jos. S. Hubbard; A Hard Night, 21.— Cheering Letters; J. B. Alexander and G. W. Noe; A Basket of Provisions, 22.— Sufl"ocating Heat; The Purnell Legion; Walking Out; No Swimming; Serenading on the Sabbath, 23.— Change in the Weather; Cleaning Up; At the Wash-tub^ Deserters Sent to Washington ; Thorn and Wright Released; A Disappointment; Capt. Jackson Removed to the Hospital; An Inebriate Friend, 21.— On the Bed; An Unexpected Summons; Parole of the Island ; Visit to the Hospital; An Aged Penitent; Discussing a Pound Cake, 25.— Mosquitoes and Bed-bugs; Surveying the Pea Patch; Grapes and Pears; A Gray-haired Convert Confederate Physicians; Erroneous Newspaper Statement; Dr. Marshall; Much Sickness and Great Scarcity of Medicines; 1,000 CoffinsinTwo Months; Small-pox; The Sick Neglected; AN. Carolina Patient Robbed; Col. Waring Forbidden to Hear the Word; Miss Julia JeflTerson; improved Attendance at Worship; "Fresh Fish !" A Mysterious Character ; Good News from Loved Ones, 26.— Capt. Jackson Sinking ; Son of a Preacher in a SuflTering Condition ; Walk to the Old Barracks; An Englishman on the Wrong Side; Dirt and Disease; Haifa Dozen Portsmouth Boys; Shirts and Drawers from Mrs. Rankin; Forty cents a Day for the Working "Rebs"; An Extra Meal and a Piece of Tobacco; Short Rations; Sons of the Rich Shabby and Dirty; Confederate Money; f20 for $1 ; Prison Jewelry ; " Galvanized " Infantry ; Good Things from

X CONTENTS.

PAGE

Mrs. Vandegrift, 27.— Escapes and Firing ; Officers' Wives Ordered Away; Gen. Schoepf Visits Wilmington; At tlie Hospitals; Box, &c. , from Miss Julia Jefferson, 28.— Hope of Release ; " Do You know that Handwriting, Sir?"; At the General's Office; No Harm Done; Masonic Religion; A Dying Message; Scarcity of Blankets; Accidental Discharge of a Musket; A Sick Acquaintance, 29. — Confederate Soldier Shot; Escape of "Convicts;" Death of Capt. Jackson; Funeral Sermon; Sudden Call; Interview with Gen. Tyler and Don Piatt; Courteousness of Gen. Schoepf; Departure of Capt. Rawley ; Young Simmons of Baltimore ; Oi'der in Regard to the Lights, 30. — Difficulty in Fixing the Mind; Visit to the Hospitals; An Interesting Case; Delirium --nd Suffering; Dr. Arnott and Good Nourishment; A Petition from the Barracks; A Privilege Denied; Chaplain Paddock ; Risking the Bad for the Sake of the Good, 31.— 41—102

IV :— SEPTEMBEE.

Mosquitoes and Bed-bugs ; Irksomenessof Prison Life; •'! just want to pat your good head "; Eagerness to hear the Truth, 1. — Ingress of "Convicts"; Offensive Moat; Catfish and Eels; Wier and Richards; Trying for Exchange; A Confederate iSIajor; Good News from the Southern Navy, 2.— Writing; A Nephew of Rev. Dr. A. Alexander, Sr. ; A Prison Entertainment; Peaches at the Hospital; A Roman Catholic dying in Christ ; Eating Cantaloupe Rinds; New Arrival; Sickness among the Politicals; Two men Poisoned, 3.— A Pleasant Letter; Readiness of Sick Men to hear the Gospel ; A Change of Quarters ; Continued Scarcity of Medicines; In-doors at 6 P. M. ; ThePurnellLegion, 4.— Rev. Mr. Frierson and Lieut. Hand; A dying Marylander; Writing to friends, 5.— Mr. Frierson Preaches in the Hall; Quiet Sabbath; Night Service, C. — An Unpleasant interview ; Death of Brown ; Suffering at the Hospitals; Dying for the waut of food; A Good Samaritan, 7— A personal privilege useful to others; Sutler's Shop; Fond of Lager; Religious Conversation; Coupling the Conyicts; Constant noise from- the ball and chain; Cruel Punishments; "Uncle Jimmy" Irate; News from the South, 8.— Excitement in regard to Exchange; Good Results; The Ring Business; A Mechanical Genius; A Novel Sight, 9.— Dead bodies for the Jersey Shore; A Funeral Service; Courtesy of the Federal Chaplains; Mrs. Smith and Gen. Schcepf; A Feeling of Gloom; Two Large Baskets; Improved Singing, 10.— Twelve coffins on the Wharf; Confederate Surgeons assigned to new quarters; A severe scold; Imbibing Freely; Arrangement for Preaching; Reasons for "Galvanism"; Second-hand Clothing; Lincoln's Autograph, 11.— Fourteen Coffins; Henry W. Long; Delaware right for the South; A true friend of the South; Average of burials twelve per day; Gorging with Catfish; A Rake on the Island; Arrest of hostages for Capt. Ball and Mr. Belt; Dr. Fromberger Required to Remain on the Island, 12.— Varying the Character of the Sermons ; Horrible Clanking of Irons; Sabbatli Improvement; Anti-Profane Society; Sexton and Chorister, 13.— Mosquitoes and Bed-bugs; Twelve Coffins and Sixteen Deaths; Barefooted and Ragged; Vessel Load of Corn ; " Fresh Fish ! " Thwarted by the Sportsmen;

CONTENTS. XI

PAGE

Fight among the Surgeons; Bayoneting the "Rebs"; Letters, 14.— Eighteen Coffins and a Funeral Service; Provision and Clothing from Miss J. Jeflferson ; Officers from the Barraclis ; Large Attendance at Prayers, 15.— A Detacliment of Officers Leaving; Theft of Watch and Cliain ; A PatrioticMother ; A Horrible Spectacle; Robt. F. Daughtry and Arthur W. Harvey; A Boy-hero of Fifteen Battles; A Mulatto Servant at large on the Island ; Preparations for Church-building; Appointment at the Naval School; Cliange of Quarters; A Vote Taken, 16.— Tracts; Memorizing a, Hymn; Methodist Preacher among the Convicts; Cavilling at the Truth; Improved Moral lone; Sicl^ness Abating, 17.— Wind, Rain and Escapes; Interview with the Chaplains; High Tide, 18.— Damp and Cold Weather; Steamer New York; Hunger, Cold, Sickness and Death; Dr. W. M. Cleaver; An "Unconditional Union Woman"; Watching the Mail; Private "Views not to be Expressed in Letters; Cunningham Seeking Discussion witli the Prisoners, 19.— A Farewell Look ; Exchange of 750 Prisoners ; Morning and Evening Services; A Repentant Official; Twenty-Six Bodies taken to Jersey for Burial, 20.— The Major Reybold with a "Galvanized " Crew ; Not to be Trusted ; Fearful Mortality ; Perishing from Cold; Want of Proper Food and Attention; Terrible Stateof Things at the Hospitals and Barracks; Guilt Somewhere; A Maryland Youth; Putting up the Stoves; Abortive Effort to Secure a Pass, 21.— Row among the Surgeons; A Remonstrance; Urgent Call from a Sick Man; Col. Waring; Texas Prisoner Preparing to "Galvanize"; Encouraging News from the South; Fourteen Deaths and Twenty-six Cases of Small-Pox, 22.— A Doubting Christian; Permission to Visit the Hospitals; No Politics in Sixty Sermons; Rev. Mr. Frierson; An Altercation; Sickness; Battle of Sabine Pass, 23. — Work at tlie Hospitals; Interesting Cases; "I am afraid I'm fooled"; Eev. Mr. Stanley and Family; An Aged Prisoner Receives a Caution; Lager Beer in Demand; Sutler's Checks; Samuel Cleaver; Nalsed Bodies in Piles at "The Dead House," 24. — Afraid of Small-Pox; Dr. Woolsey; A Polite Inquiry ; Good Tidings; The Stool of Repentance; Anxiety, 25.— Removal to Point Lookout; Flanking; "Hack out! Hack out, there!"; Intolerable Treatment of Prisoners; A Ragged "Reb" with plenty of money; J. McD. Alexander; "Pass Dr. H. at will," 26.— Walk to the Hospital with Mr. Frierson; Rev. Dr. Hall; Labors; The Work Stopped; Dr. Smith and Vaccination; A Desultory Discourse; Dr. Goode,.27.— A Dull Day; Work in Prison; A Copperhead, 28.— Low Spirits; Invitation from Ahl's Battery; An Undignified Affair ; Sent to the Cells ; Oyster House and Refectory, 29.— Rev. S. J. Baird, D. D.; Clothing the "Galvanized"; Steamer Nashville; Dr. Haynie; History in Rhyme; "Grape- Vine" Telegraph, 30.— ... 102—153

V :— OCTOBER.

Ladies in Trouble; A Wrathy Sentinel; A Heathenish Torture; "Rebs" in U. S. Service; Average of Deaths fifteen per day, 1.— Visitors Turned Bacli; A Steam Frigate ; Letters from the South ; Encouragement; A Sermon to the "Galvanized," 2.— Trial of Capt. M — ; 1,000 N. C. Prisoners Ragged, Sick, and Wretched, 3.— Preaching

XU CONTENTS.

FAGB

to the Confederate Surgeons; A Sermon of Dr. A. Alexander; Moved to Tears; Box of Clothing, &c. ; A Dead Irishman, 4.— No Card-Playing; Small-pox on the Increase; Suflfering at the Barracks; Unloading a Sloop, 5.— Connection Between a Cheerful Mind and a Right State of Body; Union of Presbyterians at the South; Escape of Two Men from tlie Burial Corps; From 500 to 1,000 Escapes ; A Cold-blooded Murder; No Investigation; Loose Sanitary Arrangements, (i.— Launch of a Boat; Newspapers from the Christian Commission; Present of a Bible, 7.— Unabated Sick- _ness; Dr. Foster; Dr, Silliman ; "Rebs" at Work; Company Q, Reel uited, 8. — Clothing Distributed; " Rebs" Scouring; Hospital still Full; Messrs. Hudson, Cantwell, and Worthington ; Sighing for "Sweet Home"; Unmarked Graves; Exchange of Cliaplains; A Present for the Prison Artists, 9.— An Indignant RebufT; Papers for Rev. Dr. Converse; (i.OOO Prisoners Perambulating the Pea Patch; Easy to take the Island; Political Prisoners from Sussex Co , Del., 10.— Preaching to the Surgeons; An Intelligent Congregation, 11. — Capt. Mulotowski; OfT for the Polls; Small-pox on the Increase; Stench from the Moat; Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Daughtry ; Sermon from an old Co-presbyter, 12.— Stir among the White-washers; A Night Attack; Loss of Parole; Arrival of a Transport; 1,000 Men exposed to the Small-pox on the eve of Embarkation; OfT to the tune of "Dixie"; Filth in tlae Moat, 13.— A • Bad Night; Terrible Enemies; Uniforming Company Q,; An Amusing Spectacle; Old Hay refuses to take the Coat; Excitement among the Politicals; The Guard-house; Small-Pox in No. 6, H. — Weary Nights; A Barrel over the Head; Thumb-Screwing; Not a Soldier; A Yankee Cheat; A Funny Lyric; Parading the " Rebs"; The Milkman Degraded, 15.— My Little Desk; "Is that the Old Flag?"; An Escape Contemplated, 18.— No rest in the Bunks; Our Redoubtable Jailor; Memorial to Gen.

Schcepf; Betting on the Election, 17.— Failure in Preaching; The Screw Pump; Sabbath Desecration; Capt. Gibson and Lieut. Wailes; No more Meals in the Rooms, 18. — Monday Headache; Petition to Gen. Schcepf; Quarantine, 19.— Searching for Lost Money; A Personal Exception; No Exchanges; 1,000 Prisoners for Point Lookout, 20.— A Bottle of Whiskey; 137 Cases of Small-pox; "Rebs" Airing, 21.— Young Hackman ; "Over on Pea Patch Island"; Medicines for the Dispensary; Recruits for Company Q; Carrying the Log; Escape on a Coal Boat; Card-playing and Profanity, 22,— Death of the Chore-man; Spying Around the Rooms; A Canard; Supply of Necessaries; A Bouquet in Prison, 23.— Wearisome Life; Better off than Others; The Rebels to be Exterminated; A good Chaplain among the Yankees, 21.— A Solitary Professor of Religion ; Three Months' Service; Thumb-Screwing; An Ugly Fracas, 25.— Noble Efforts for Release; Old Friends; Reflections; Dancing, 2G. — Letters; Physicians Removed; A Great Excitement; Two Old " Tars," 27.— Present of a Greenback, 28.— Copying "The Old Flag"; A Message; Twenty Wounded Soldiers; 140 Small-Pox Cases, 29. — Purnell Legion at the Polls; Paying in Sutler's Tickets; A Request Denied; No Release until after the Election, 30.— An Early Move; Affecting news from the Hospitals; 160 Small-Pox Cases; Temperance talk; Dr. Hitch and his Horn; Hope and Despondency, 31.— . . . ^ . . . . . . 153—196

CONTENTS. Xlll

VI :— NOVEMBER.

PAOK

Want of Bed Clothing; Fifth Maryland Regiment, 1.— At the Wash-tub; Dr. Alexander McCown; Dr. Shepard; Restricting Privileges; A Game of Quoits; No Papers, 2.— A Boy Hung a la Sepoy; Airing without Luggage; Prisoners from the Pennsylvania Hospitals, 3.— Fifth Maryland Going to the Polls; Visit from an Inquirer; Offenders in Delaware to be Banished or Shot; A Confederate Surgeon's Prescription Dishonored ; Carpenters at Work, 1. — Rheumatism ; Lenient Guards; Small Notes Distributed; Visit from the Exchange Officer; Ho.pe Awakened, 5. — Bunks Torn Down; War Upon the Insects; Exaggerated Statements concerning Yankee Sufferings at Richmond; Terrible Cruelty and Inhumanity at Fort Delaware; Visit from Gen. Schcepf ; Capt. Ahl and Dr. Silliman; Kind Words from the Commandant; Failure of the New Mode of Vaccination ; A Martyr at Norfolk, 7.— Prisoners from Fort Norfolk, 8. — Help from Friends, 9.— No Stoves; Quoits; New Physicians; The Sick Suffering, 10.— A High Time; P. Hearn; Prison Artists; Temperance Talk; Respect for the Word, 11.— A Thieving Irishman ; Slaughter Bradford, 12.— A Disappointed Brother; Sickness on the Decline; A Good "Sell," 13.— A Parole Granted; Drumming Thieves around the Pea Patch, ll.—A Sabbath without'Services; Visit from Surgeons Haynie and Ware; " The Dairyman's Daughter ; " " Rebs " Drowned in an Attempt to Escape; "Put out the Lights," 15.— Improved Health; Sewing and Writing; Conversation on the Subject of Predestinatioii ; " Rebs" in the Barrels, IC— Excitement about the Exodus of the Surgeons; Melaiuo-types; Dr.

Newell in the Cells; Mr. Bradford Released on Parole; A Present; Gettysburg Prisoners; Doctors Robinson, Shepard and McCown, 17.— Surgeons Leaving; A Change of Quarters; No Privacy and a Cold Place; Slow Mails; Hope and Despondency; Correspondence between Messrs. Ould & Meredith; An Hour with Col. Waring; A Scene of Confusion; Joining Bedding; A New Mess; Foiling the Adversary, 18.— Snoring and Teeth-grating; Prison Employments; Escaping in Small-pox Coffins; Stars and Stripes at Half-mast; Death of Freedom at the Polls, 19.— RapidFlightof Time; Mrs. Benj. Caulk; Solitary Walks; A Striking Change; Midnight Gaming, 20.— A Rainy Day; Pleasant Interview with the Chaplains; Supply of Papers, Testaments, and Prayer Books; COO Sick Persons in the Hospitals, 21.— Interruption at Worship; Taking the Oath to Escape the Field; Rough Words, 22.— Leaving for Johnson's Island; Ladies from Norfolk and Portsmouth; Watched by the Provost-Marshal; Atwood Released; Arrests at Norfolk by Negro Troops; Card-playing, with Noise and Confusion ; Disturbed Sleep, 23. — A Rainy Day spent in Writing; Discovery of Gray-backsr Yankees taking the Small-pox; Whistling and Song-singing, 24.— Hunting Boxes; Detentions and Thefts; Barberized; Intolerable Swearing; No Sleep, 25. — Assorting Clothing and Supplying the Needy ; Thanksgiving by the Yankees; Messrs. Rasin and De La Mar; Bad News from the South; Southern Deserters Taking the Oath, 2j. — On a Spree; Comparative Sufferings of Prisoner.«, North and South; Quartermaster's Clerk with Ball and Chain ; A Free Talk and Great Confusion. 27.— An Elegant Box from Smyrna, Del.; A Statement by

XIV CONTENTS.

PAGK

Chaplain Way; Shakespearian Readings, 28.— Cursing and Blackguarding; Episcopal Service; Distribution of Papers and Tracts; Boys Frolicking; Studies, 29.— A Penitent; A Mendacious Trick; Hopelessness of Exchange; Suffering from Cold; A Traveller; Dancing to the Sound of the Bugle; An Old "Stager;" Cutting the Pigeon- wing; Cross Questions, 30.— .... 196—227

VII:— DECEMBER.

Cold Night; A Petition to the Authorities; A Mock Court; Trial of Isaac Nelson; Reading matter from the Sanitary Commission; A Choir Organized; Lecture, Dance and Agricultural Discussion; Sleep for those who could get it, 1.— Inspection ; Stove and Wash- Kettle; Col. L , A Curious Case; The New Church Building; A

Violin Introduced; Judge Kasiu and his Pigeon Wings; Lecture on the Bull-fighis of Spain; Bedlam after Taps; Music and Huzzas, 2.— Letters; Rev. G. W. Kennedy; The Misses Roberts; Feeing Lawyers to secure Release ; Lecture on Malta ; Old Acquaintances, 3, — Interview with Gen. Schoepf; An order from the Secretary of War; The Sutler's Sycophancy; No Dancing nor Cards; Religious Service, 4.— Delawareans Cheered; Conversation with a Grandson of President Edwards; Embargo on the Boxes; A Marriage Present, 5. — An Anniversary; Reflections; Wife and Children, 6. — Arrest of "Cousin Campbell"; A Rich Scene; Two " Rebs "— " Rough and Ready " ; Hard Treatment at the Barracks; Lecture on Havana and the Tobacco-trade, 7. — A Box from Mrs. Rankin; A Request; A Suggestion; Repairs Still Neglected; Good Words from a Kentucky Minister; De La Mar on Paris— Its Singing Girls and Police Regulations; Good Singing, 8.— Precautionary Measures; Great Depression; New Stove and Open Windows; Shakspearian Readings, 9. —Writing; Plans for Relief; President's Message; Lecture on Constantinople; Indecent Talk, 10.— The Yankees Skating; Prisonei's from Fort McHenry; Brogden not recognized; Capt. Gordon Condemned to be Shot; Hard Treatment; Animated Conversations, 11.— Baptism of a Sick Man by Chaplain Way ; Interesting Letters in the hands of Chaplain Paddock; 150 Cases of Small-Pox; Over 6u0 Sick Men ; A Slice of Mince Pie; Lecture and Services Suspended; Great Confusion, 12.— Ugly Dreams; High Tide, and Fear of Inundation ; Great Destruction of Rats; Preaching; A Wicked Intruder; Influence of Religious Reading; Episcopal Service; De La Mar on the Mohammedan Religion; Restraints Removed, and Great Annoyance until after Midnight, 13.— Forty-eight Years!; Reverence for the Aged ; A Private Talk; Troubled and Overcome; Letter to the Secretary of War; A Merry Freeman; A Christmas Present, H— A Horrible Dream; Comfort to the Distressed; Grymes and Brogden Meanly Degraded; Maj. Armsey rolling Barrels; Letters to Washington, 15.— The Amnesty Proclamation; Letter to the President; A Threat; Reasons for not taking the Oath; Col. Lester leaves; 1212 Deaths in Eight Months. - . . . . ... .227-250

VIII:--JANUARY.

18G4.

Sick; A Suit of Clothes; Gen. Schoepf 's Indulgence; White-washers; A Maryland Club; Solemn Religious Services, 29.— A Bleak Day;

CONTENTS. XV

PAGE

Intolerable Noise; Hell on Earth; Water In the Moat; Interposition of Friends, 30.— An Interesting Change; Reading the religious Papers; Pleasant Day; Unbending after Service; Lieut. Russell remanded to the Barracks; An Ironclad in sight; Strange ofiicers on the Island, 31.— . . . . . . . . 250-253

IX:— FEBRUARY.

A Padlock on the Door ; A Useless Parole; The Daily News ; Mrs. A.W. Emley; Gymnastics; Cardsand Back-gammon during Worship, 1. Continuation of Bad Weather; Communication from Gen. Lockwood; Sad and Worried; Infidels; Reflections, 2. — Gay Scenes; Locked In; Southern News; Religious Services followed by Cards and Back-gammon, 3.— "Sash and Glass at Last;" A Fit for a FaistalT; Delayed Letters; Messrs. Richardson and Joice,4. — Fitful and Strange Commotions; A Double Disappointment; Professors of Religion taking a Peep; A Caution to Fellow Prisoners; Sickness in the Quarters, 5.— A Surfeit; Letter by Flag of Truce; Worship and Keuo, 6.— Inspection ; Sermons; Hopeful Indications ; A Noisy Romp, 7.— Visit from Mrs. H.; Letter from Gen. Lockwood; Apprehensions; A Fight; New Flag on the Parapet; Sick-' ness; Stench from the Moat, 8.— A Day of Confusion; Orders to Move; Old Quarters; An Uninviting Prospect, 9. — "Break-bone" Fever; A Murder at Norfolk; Pardon (?) of Col. Waring, 10.— Shortly to be Released ; Moat frozen over, i 1. — Gov. Cannon Interposing; Departure of Col. Waring; Abortive Effort to Visit a Friend, 12.— Conversation on the Evidences of Christianity ; Discussion in regard to Games, Dancing, etc. ; No more Messing in the Rooms; "Rebel Citizens" offering to take the Oath; Ram Atlanta en route to Philadelphia, 13.— Too cold in the Hall; A Re- View, 14.— Another Visit from Mrs. H.; Interposition of Republicans in Delaware; Sympathy of Friends at Portsmouth; Anxiety in regard to the Coming of the " Commission " ; Dr. Stone has the Confidence of the Prisoners; An Improved Larder; Bible Reading, etc., 15.— Comfortable Living in No. 6; No Thanks to "Unqle Sam"; Two"Rebs" escape; Declension at Worship; Pity for the Sufferers at the Barracks, 10.— "Long-looked for" come at Last; Judges Bond and King inquiring into Cases; The Author before the "Commission"; Rev. Dr. Bullock; An Implied Assurance; Apprehension of Misunderstanding, 17.— Intensely Cold; Suffering at the Barracks ; Returned Refugees; Discouragements; Suspense; Funds from Dr. McCown; Firmness necessary to the sum of Christian Character, 18.— Gen. M.Jeff. Thompson; "Getting the Hang of Things"; An Invitation to Dinner; A Startled Jew, 19.— Restless, Uneasy, Anxious; The Poor Boys at the Barracks; Death from Freezing; 500 Sick; Decrease of Small-pox; A Poetic General; Gen. Gantt, of Arkansas; Christian Example, £0.— Disgust; A Wretched Crowd; Satan gets the upper hand; Loquacity; Wonderful Tales; Skates, 21.— No notice of Washington's Birthday; An Unpleasant Altercation; Ineffectual Sneers; Difficulties in regard to Medical Aid at Night; An Interesting Scrap-book, 22.— Walk with Gen. Thompson ; A Union Woman ; A Tender and Beautiful Letter; False Statements; Butler "Not so Bad after all"; A "Hide-bound Rebel"; No Tidings from the "Commission";

XVI CONTENTS.

PAGK

An order by Gen. Wild, at Norfolk, 23.— Dr. Stone busy; "Dr. Shanks" and lodiue; Capt. Numbers; A Social Chat; Jeff. Thompson a Ready Writer; Burke the Comedian, 24.— A Barber Shop; Strange Views; Wishing ha "liad never been born"; Dreadful Influence of the War; A Hoax, 2).— Suspense relieved; Names called; Happy Day; Detention; Good Resolutions; No Heart In theOath; 26.— Anxiety; Hunting Jewelry; Subjects of Discussion; Opinions of Gen. Thompson; A Free-thinker; An Accession to Company Q, 27. — Parole withdrawn; Three Cheers; Better Feelings; Conversation with M r,2S.— Letter by Flag of Truce; A

Marriage; Candles until late, 29.— . ... .253-293

X :— MARCH.

Snow; Better Health; Ordeal passed; A Summons; An Order from ^

Washington; "You had better take the Oath"; "Why did you write that Song? " ; A Remonstrance ; An Unpleasant Afternoon ; Reasonings of a Troubled Mind, 1.— Singular Views; "I wish I were a Christian"; Gen. Thompson vindicates tlie Author; Spies; Learned Nonsense; Leaven of Infidelity, 2 — Reign of Terror at Norfolk ; Rev. J. H. D. Wingfleld ; Rev. G. :M. Bain, and W. H. H. Hodge<^, Esq.; Jeff. Thompson's Autobiography; 500 Prisoners from Camp Chase, .3.— Deatli of a Brother; Grady; Gambling Confined to one Room; No Order in regard to Lights; A Place of Popular Resort; Extorting Money; Memoranda, 4 — The Old Enemy; Col. B. W. Duke; Gen. Morgan, and the Ohio Penitentiary; .Shaving and Scrubbing; As Few Prisoners as Possible; Captures on Private Account ; To be Released in Ten Days; Boisterous Conversations, 5.— Rheumatism ; "Dr. Shanks;" Sabbath Desecration; Visit from Officials; Capture of Refugees; Boatbuilding at tlie Hospital, 6.— An Incendiary; Error, Scepticism, and Infidelity; No Fear of Death; Gen.Lockwood and Mr.Rasin; Iodine; "Dr. Shanks" and "Barber" Johnson, ".—Improved Health; The Wash-tub; Official " Backing and Filling; " An Animated Debate; Altercation and Blows; Reading and Inquiry; Housekeeping by Gen. Thompson and Col. Duke; Bailey Peyton Key, 8.— New Order among the Sentinel.s; Other changes; Coffee and Soup "Up-stairs;" The Barracks or "the Oath;" Another Trouble; Grady Sick, 9.— Fifth Maryland Regiment; A Transport witli Sixty Prisoners; Interesting Letter from Prof. N. B.Webster; De La Mar Released; A Scripture Student, 10.— Morning Music; Steam Pump; Quiet Times; Grady Released; Encouragement; Falling off at Worship, 11. —Imprisonment of Kev. Dr. Armstrong; An Inquisition; A Cheering Visit; "Rebel" Officers visiting th Hospital; Many Eyes upon the Commandant; Shooting" Rebels; ' An Officious Letter Writer; Billy Baxley Halted, 12.— Fits and Salt Water ; A New Yorker with the South ; No Morning Service; Night Preacliing and Reading ; First Thunder of Spring, 13.— Duke and Thompson; Battles and Hairbreadth Escapes; Alike and Unlike; Enemies and Spies; Letter from the "Commission;" Annoyed and Depressed ; Letters by Flag of Truce, 14.— An Anxious and Unpleasant Day; Reflections; Letter to the "Commission," 15.— Gen. Schcepf to be Removed ; The " Galvanized " Enlisting in the Navy ; Dr. A. R. Smith; Meals in the Rooms; Lines by

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