Do you love Jesus?

I hope I do

You dont know, you little know

what a brittle thread My life

hangs on, O dear life is to full

of trials & perils to be worth

striving for. christ my support

through all my trials & suffering

while in captivity

Almost home not quite

            Almost home not quite

 

                                                        

Thursday 8^th Sept

To day Capt Hazlet came & said he had got me a pass to go with him to Harpers Ferry Va so I could make out the rools and help on his Ordnance Papers I am in hopes that I can see my friends at Petersville Md

Sept 9^th  Started at 8 Oclock this morn Capt, myself and twelve others were surprised & captured by Moseby & a squad of his men, were taken across the river near Shenandoa ford and over the mountains to Up[?]ville here we are dismounted                        Sat 10^th

Started again at daylight on our way to the mountains as the guards have changed their mind and go that way Feel tired & saw no

 

                                                           

 

no breakfast Tibbett was sick & and left behind, good for him he was a Mason a found a friend in need, got to Newtown at 9 Oclock AM got a little to eat and stoped on our way to Winchester two of our guard left us and left wished us all good luck They were good men & trusted us well as they could. We were sent over the mountains again through Ashby Gap to Winchester by way of white post marched till midnight & then stoped for the night in a field am very tired and hungry were robbed of all our money & everything of value

Well treated                Sunday 11^th

Got to Winchester yesterday about noon were enrolled with two

 

                                                           

 

other Prisoners and turned over found about 160 of our men here mostly all Cavelry got some rations that was some bread mea beef no salt we are all tired out It rained hard all night so that some of us were wet through I have no blanket or great coat so that I shall suffer indeed And most of the boys are no better off

                                    Mon 12 Sept

Drew rations yesterday one day only they were Bread Bacon and half rations of that so we shall fare rather hard. when we get away from here we shall fare better so far as I can see they do not have much more than we do to day we drew rations again this time flour & beef

                                    Tuesday 13^th

Drew two days rations and marched up the Valley our final destination is Richmond, I expect. To day we made Stratsburg a distance of 13 mi all were very tired before they got to their journeys end

 

                                                           

 

Camped near the river on damp wet ground. Five of us have but one small blanket I fear that we shall all be sick ere long tis very cold.

Weds 14^th        Marched at sunrise ate only a little bread for our breakfast. It rained most all day I was wet through to the hide cold & tired If I am not sick it will be a wonder reached camp at four PM. I expect to draw rations I have kept my book and picture dry thank the stars for that. My feet are wet & sore do not know how I shall reach Staunton

                                    Sept 15^th

Marched at sunrise felt very tired & sore & so did all the boys some were left in the Hospital at Mount Jackson to recruit up. drew one days ration last night about

 

                                                           

 

1 lb of beef for 5 men such is a Prisoners fare We eat all our meat at one meal or supper let the morrow care for itself, so goes the world

Friday 16         Marched at sunrise felt very sore as usual but there is no help for us We are Soldiers and must put up with the Soldier fare. let it come as it may I feel almost tired out to night, but our march is near over I hope. we are now ten miles from Staunton which we will reach to-morrow noon if we have good luck My feet are sore so that I can hardly walk

Sat 17^th            Marched at daybreak this morn felt near our journeys end so that it was not as hard to walk as usual We reached Staunton about ten AM. The prospect is that we shall

 

                                                           

 

stay here to night so be it.

Sept 18^th          Took the cars at six Oclock AM for our final destination reached Charlottsville at ten AM staid untill three PM then took cars for Linchburg which place we reached at seven Our guard treated us well and the R.R. accommodations were good

Monday 19^th    For the first day in my life I experience Prison fare & life How long I can stand such fare remains to be developed Our rations are rather small nothing but bread & water.   Tues 20

Took the cars this morning for Rich. had good cars were all day on the road. At the Dansville Junction we were put in box cars reached

 

                                                           

 

the City at nine PM, sent to Libby Prison

                                    Wednesday 21^st

                        To day is the first one of mine in Libbie Prison and not very pleasant one either we got nothing to eat untill five in the afternoon then it was a half a loaf of bread some beef & soup quite enough if they give it twice a day The equinoctial storm is here now This is the second night here So far but one meal. I feel all right but very hungry. Some of the men are very bad off and will die without they get out of this have moved across the street to day and for the better I think.

 

                                                           

 

Friday Sep 23^rd           This day has been a rainy one. I cannot say that I like this kind of life the dull monotony of such a life is more than I can stand still I can stand it & will. nothing will daunt my spirits not even grim death.

Sunday 25^th     Yesterday we took the cars for Dansville, about 50 men were put into the tight box cars which made them very crowded besides this they gave no rations till we got to Dansville at 6 Ok this morn

Mon 26^th         Last night was my first one in Dansville Prison I had to lie upon the bare floor without a blanket of any description and it was hard to day drew six hard

 

                                                           

bread & some stale rice soup rather hard fare most of them think The floor was scrubbed to day

Sept 27^th          Sent a letter home to day & hope it will get there for I am well aware that the friends are anxious to hear from me we drew drew corn bread for rations to day no meat from what I can see the Southern Confederacy is hard for food & stores drew rice soup for dinner.

                                                Wed 28^th

Drew corn bread this morning I eat all of mine for breakfast & then felt hungry. Now I have nothing for 24 hours but a little soup. I feel weak. I some think the Rebels are starving us so

 

                                                           

 

we will work for them on their fortifications. I will die before I will do it                                  Thursday 29^th

Drew corn bread as usual and some rice soup which was much better than usual. I bought a ration and for once am well filled, but there is but little substance to the food that we get. It is very warm and sultry and the room we are in is very unhealthy. I am in a fever all the time

Sept 30^th          Olney is sick this morning this is three out of five now sick Russel is some better corn bread & rice soup as usually to day An officer came in and said we would be Paroled exchanged or tran

 

                                                           

 

sferred before this and Monday I certainly hope we may go back to Yankeedom again.

Oct 1^st To day we enter on a new month. God grant it may not be passed in a Rebel Prison I took a severe cold last night & feel sick this morn corn bread as usual but a little better than usual with little bacon & bacon very nasty as usual rainy & cold

Sunday 2^nd      How I should like to go to Church to day with some of the friends at home but that is an impossibility. So go away such unwelcome thoughts. Corn bread Bacon and soup to day. A little better fare than common. What can the matter be. very rainy to day.

                                                Oct 3^rd

Corn [?] bacon & soup as usual

 

                                                           

 

it goes against my stomach. News came this eve that our forces entered Petersburg at 3 oclock this morn & that all the Officers and prisoners had been sent here from Richmond. Rebeldom is on the move now, to quick for me I say

                                    Tuesday 4^th

It is said that many negroes & people have come to this place to day from Richmond a sure indication that they feel unsafe This has been scrub day with us. to night this place is wet & damp Corn cake & soup weather clear & fine Cars run day & night. I feel better to day I am in hopes I will not be sick in this bad place                                           Wednes 5^th

Corn cake & soup made of rice

 

                                                           

 

and mud water it is enough to sicken one to eat it but do it we must or starve I feel well as usual to day weather very warm and sultry confined as we are tis sufocating

Oct 6^th No news of interest to day our fare was better than usual being bread made of corn bread flour & bean soup a little better better quality is all So far as I can learn good news came from Grant & from all parts of the Army. weather still very warm                         Friday 7^th

Nothing of interest to day our ration was corn cake beef & niger bean soup Great feed for civilized nations. There are various rumors of an exchange but nothing that can be relied upon We live in hopes from day to day weather is good.

Saturday 8^th     Nothing new only that it is cold and dry & with us who are

 

                                                           

 

not half clad it is uncomfortable but few have shoes & socks some nothing but pants & shirt and take but little rest. Corn bread & soup as usual Our old guard have been sent to Richmond and replaced by some of the home guard who are poor specimen of Soldiers. boys who but small boys hardly old enough to leave their mother.

Oct 9^th It is cold and uncomfortable to day one has to keep on the move to keep warm and even then tis hard work Corn cake and soup I can only eat the crust of mine grow poor each day as do all

Monday 10^th    Still cold and dry most of the men suffer very much and are obliged to keep on the move. I am thankful that I am well clothed as I am God grant that I may live to return to home & friends again with life & health

 

                                                           

 

Tuesday 11^th   Corn bread & soup still All quiet to day no news of any kind I often feel as though this dull life would be the end of me but hope & the thoughts of sweet home buoy me up. Corn & Beef to day we get Beef once in each week ¼ of a lb To day has been scrub day.

Wednes Oct 12           Nothing new this day only a little warmer Olney is quite unwell, a little inclined to be homesick I think so far I am doing far better than I expected and I am hopeful that the end is not far distant Corn bread & bean soup to poor for the Hogs

Thursday 13^th  A man died of the 1^st RI Cav, died at three Oclock of the erysypalas and neglect of proper care of himself So goes the world.

 

                                                           

 

A little cooler some complain very much of the cold so far I get along bravely it is said we go to Saulisbury in the morning Starvation rations God grant them mercy for they show none to us.       Friday 14^th

did not go away as was expected no news such a dull life is quite unbearable many of the men are sick and ere many days I shall be obliged to chronicle more deaths I fear I am well as usual Corn bread & fresh beef I have not seen a paper in over a week the guards will not get us any.                               Oct 15^th

The Dansville paper makes a great ado about victory over Gen Sherman in the South but I guess more wind than truth I feel as

 

                                                           

 

well as usual and if I could have my liberty I would give anything Corn bread & soup weather warm It is reported that we go to Saulisbury tomorrow dont know.

Sunday 16^th     The bread did not come till ten oclock so that we took breakfast & dinner together but there was some wheat flour in it so it was better good news for us in the Richmond papers weather is very fine and favors Armys

Monday 17^th    Great excitement in the house to day A portion of the numbers of back floor made an attempt to escape but failed two were wounded badly none got away our rations are reduced to water

 

                                                           

 

Alone A lot of sick sent off no news weather still good

 

Oct. 18^th

            [?] – busy at day light took all day to go to _____ a distance of 48 miles camped for the night out of town and drew  three hard breads office no water, very cold to be out

            Wed 19^th Started again at day-break on a little faster train arrived at L_____ at three AM & came into our present way poor Prison no loaves no water even to wash our hands drew no rations to day.

 

                                                           

 

I wish I was under the old Flag it would be the proudest day of my life & one to be remembered as a bright rea in my history when I steped once more a free man from the inside of a loathesome Confederate charnal house May God in his mercy grant me a speedy release as well as all others in like situation No more

                        Sunday Oct 16^th 1864

Home home sweet home what would I not give to enjoy thy blessings once more & to see Parents & Sister, Great heaven how long. Salisbury North Carolina Febuary 1^st/65 No news of home or friends My God how long must this last

 

                                                           

 

Dreams of home Last night I dreamed of sweet home again that a certain one & myself were married & made my parents a visit Oh! what a good old time we did have & the rich viands that were set before us it seemed almost a reality but when I awoke nothing but my Prison walls & comrads were about me It made me feel sad, but cheer up for better times are coming. besides it is near time for my bread again As the day passes away I often think of how different I would spend it were I circumstanced that I could. perhaps a portion of it would with Dell & May be a share with the dear folks at home, but tis all very nice to think & talk about, but when we try to carry out the reality

 

                                                           

 

there impedements in the way, one is the walls of Dansville Prison another the long cheer distance between us Cheer up good times will soon be here I hope

 

            Went to Church this day eve with Dell & Ella at Anne Arbor Mich. Am waiting to start for the seat of war again When will this chance occur again.

Oct 9^th             Over seven months ago I attended church Dell with you & Ella in the evening & was much pleased now how different are my circumstances the thoughts then occured to me, when will a like chance afford itself & to this day it has not. I have listened to the church bells to day & wondered if I was in a civilized country & if so what I had done to deserve this such treatment.

 

                                                           

 

Journal of Duane L Collier

written by himself while

confined in Rebel Prisons

 

It is now three weeks since I became a prisoner of war. I was captured by Mosbys men. they took everything I had, money knife my canteen haversack cap & rations, besides I had a quantity of mail for the company that was lost a new pair of gloves that I had just bought paid $5 dollars. they ware so obliging as to allow me to keep my diary & picture & papers. the picture will not part with so long as life lasts for it is one

 

                                                           

 

of value above all others

 

Another day has passed in Libby Prison & what a day nothing to do but lay & sleep or talk for thare is no chance to walk about so that thare we cannot rest ourselves in that way. our breakfast did not appear untill about ten Oclock & then it was a quarter of a loaf & small piece of salt beef. Oh how long will this last I wonder not long I hope for I am sure that verry many of us cannot stand out much longer against this fare

 

                                                           

 

Our Prison & what it is, a short discription

It is a large brick about one hundred feet in fifty feet in length & three stories in hight the inside is divided into three compartments makeing makeing in all about nine large square rooms about fifty feet wide & 150 feet in length. thare are gratid windows at each end of the rooms so that they are quite well ventilated betwen two & three hundred men are confined in each room they lie upon the flore some with & some without blankets I have no blanket not even

 

                                                           

 

a rubber or piece of shelter tent to lay upon we have a good suply of watter & if we could obtain soap we could keep verry clean as it is we cannot wash our clothes in fact thare are but few men that have a change of under clothes I am quite in luck for Mosby alowed me to keep my change that I had with me

this morning I have had a skermish with the lice but this is a daily afair & one that is very necessary for the wellfare of the men it is a shame how little some of the men care

 

                                                           

 

for themselves do not wash nor comb nor will they hunt the lice & the concequence is others have the more to do. some of them are so lousy that their hair & clothes are full the floor is also coverd with them so that one sits down he is sure to have good company.

 

All that were taken the same when we came to enter a Rebel Prison we formed a squad or mess & agreed to help each other & divide as far as was possible for us to do so far it has been done. Our mess consists of Doyle of Co E Olney of Co M Brown

 

                                                           

 

Co L King Co E Russell of Co B. besides myself makes six there is but one blanket amongst the whole number so that we cannot but suffer some

 

Our trip from Richmond Va we took the cars at three O'clock in the afternoon about 600 in number fifty ware put in each box car beside the guard so that we ware verry much crouded after we ware loaded, the order was given to let no man out on any pretext whatever, so that thare was a poor prospect for a 24 hours with out rations or water

 

                                                           

 

& so crouded. at four Oclock we started & the next morning at six we arrived at Danville unloaded & drew rations.

 

Set 27^th                        Some of the boys are quite sick this morning. Sgt Russell & Doyle, I hope they will get better, for it would break up our mess, some of the men feel down harted & should they be obliged to stay here any length of time would die. for my part I do not mean to give up so long as there is a chance to live. my powers of endurance is good & my spirrets likewise—

 

                                                           

 

It will be no small matter that will bring me down I am in hopes that the future will bring better days & that soon. O that I could see Dell.

 

About noon some of the Ofisers in charge of us came in & made a search for Green Backs I suppose but with poor success. they took all the money they could find both of ours & their own. this is the third time that I have been subjected to a search by the Southern Shivalry. but in the two last they have not taken any thing of

 

                                                           

 

value. I hope the time will soon come when I will be free from such fowl acts & from such men No they do not deserve the name of man.

 

Our Prison at Dansville Va. It is a large Tobacco factory house of three stories about 75 ft in length by 30 in width. most of the windoes are out & board slats nailed across. the prisoners are confined to the two upper floors, three hundred being on each floor. Each floor being divided into fifteen squares of 20 each with a set in charge whare buisness is to draw &

 

                                                           

 

isshue rations, but that is a small matter with us, for they are barely enough to sustain life

 

No one is allowed to stand close or or look out of the windows a disregard of orders is a shot from guard & perhaps a ball in the body. some of the guard are verry strict & will hardly converse with any of the prisoners & the reason is a fear of their Offisers as near as I can find out

 

Sept 28^th          Three days ago an offiser came up to get men to work on the entrenchments

 

                                                           

 

he offerd a full days rations besides the regular prison fare. this was quite an indusement but no one went the first 2^nd some went & today I hear that fifteen of our building went & one among this number thare was one from the Mich B Charles Dales of the 6^th Mich Cavelry & for shame on such men that have not this nations pride about them to resist such attacks on their charactures it showes but little moral courage in a man

 

Sept 29^th          Last night for the first time in a week

 

                                                           

 

we drew a small ration of beef. it came after dark & such a time as we had in dividing it but it was done after a while & then we had a little feast though verry small it was a sweet morsal would do so much good if we could get it every day with our corn bread. as it was we had to eat it clear—

 

Twenty days have now passed since my captivity it seems allmost an age, but I must have good patience until the end hopeing it will soon come

 

                                                           

 

The Rebel press admit a defeat in the Valley which is a good deal for them. good news continues to come in. the Herald quotes gold at $2.11 in New York. this is one of the best indications that the Rebelion is on the move. God grant a speedy termination of this cruel war & the misery it makes—

 

Sept 30^th          this is the last day of this month & is a rainy one too. last night was very warm & I did not rest well at all the hard boards was (seemed) harder than ever before. there was some theaveing going on last night, all articles

 

                                                           

 

of clothing is stolen & sold to the guard for aples bread & tobacco, some were caught in the act last night they ought to be severely punished—

 

Now that I am so confined I have plenty of time to plan for reflection & to plan for the future should it please God to grant me one—but one can form plans & think if what can be done in the future & when the time comes to act, they are generally useless & with the Soldier this is the case, more than with men of different occupations at the

 

                                                           

 

expiration of my time of service I shall have served over five years, quite long enough for me, & all I think my duty calls me to do

Oct 1^st/64        I passed a very restless night & took a severe cold & the consequences is I feel almost sick, but I trust it will be not last long for this is a poor place for one to get sick Doyle Russel & Olney are better now and I think will get along The only medicine that can be got is quinine and salts and I judge their stock has run low!

Dells Photo is now an occupant of this book for the time, how I long to see her & all the good friends at home. I fear that Mother will worry herself to death about me

Oct 2^nd            There is a rumor that Petersburg is ours beside various others that we cant place any confidence in But I am in hopes that our Army

 

                                                           

 

will soon do something and that to help us poor Devils, for we need help I feel almost sick with a cold to day and if an addition is made to it again to night I am down sick for certain. Some of the boys got letters from home to day heavens, I would give all my old boots and for a letter from home. and if I stay here long shall tell them to write to me, it would help cheer the weary hours as they come no more this day good bye—

Oct 3^rd             I feel sick weak and heart sick this morn. I can hardly get up and down stairs and if this state of things is kept up much longer shall go under like a sick kitten our room is very dirty and the stench of tobacco and other nuisances is very bad. to be awake in the night is to be in misery. very many of the men are getting down sick from filth and starvation the bread is of

 

                                                           

 

such a coarse quality that the stomach revolts against it Besides the weather is damp and unhealthy all taken together our case is a hard one. The filth and vermin that is in our room is sickening to the nerves, and to many will be death Some of the men are so shiftless and indolent to hunt and kill the lice that are on them when said lice are killing them by inches For my part I take a thorough hunt twice a day. were all to do this it would be an easy matter to subdue them. Some men from this Building went into the Rebel service for shame for shame on such men, they do not deserve a country.                                    Oct 4^th

Famine prices prevail here in this, for instance flour is three hundred dollars

$300 Per Bl. Flour—$5^dol lb Bacon

175      "   Meal Corn  7  "  Beef

 

                                                           

 

And all other things in proportion such is rebeldom the food we get is not fit for hogs let alone human beings, so much for the vaunted Southern Chivalry To steal everything of value and then starve their Prisoners it grows rank           no more

                                                Duane

                                    An agravation

and what it is for one to go to bed at night hungry nearly at the point of starvation and then to dream of being at home and sitting down to a beautiful meal, and awake to find yourself an inmate of a Danville Prison with a good prospect of staying there for months and to live on corn cake boiled rice and river water. How I wish relief would come for us soon before we are so reduced that sickness will claim some of us as victims

                                                Duane

 

                                                           

 

Oct 5^th             to day has been very warm and confined as we are with no chance for exercise and water from the river which is no better than from the streets and the filth and vermine all combine make our life the most miserable one that the imagination can form any idea of I grow weaker and am losing all my strength & energy every day. God grant that we soon be freed from this.                                 Oct 6^th

There is a rumor that Uncle Jeff was through here on the cars last night and that he made a short speech to the crowd on the war. I presume said the war would be over in 30 days good I hope he may prove a true prophet but I fear the end is not yet. there has been a little change in our bread to day, being about two thirds wheat flour but of a coarse quality. Their papers of the 5^th inst state that there are 10 000 sick and

 

                                                           

 

wounded at point of Rocks to be exchanged You can believe that I would like to get in exchange but who can tell ones fate, I cannot                Duane

Oct 8^th Morning the weather is quite cool and dry a material change from yesterday Last night was the poorest that I have passed in Prison I could get no rest & my head and eyes ached very much, besides there was so much noise and confusion in the room that it was enough to drive one crazy. There was a continual run to the privy and often there was fifty waiting at the stairs in turn to go in such is life in Danville Our guard says that our Army is within two miles of Richmond good for that I say

                                    Duane L Colyer

Oct 9^th Tramp tramp tramp all night long over head did some of our six hundred half frozen mortals I slept quite comfortable and rested

 

                                                           

 

than the night before, it is a hard sight this morn to look upon the cold shivering crowd Loud and bitter are the curses against the Confederacy and were the men at liberty and armed they would obtain satisfaction in some way.As I sit by the post writing hundreds are flitting by me back & forth in their endeavors to keep warm talking of home & its benefits and the prospect of getting there is the one theme in the minds of the mass no more                            Duane

Oct 10^th           Still very cold over half the men came down from above to sleep and in consequence we were very much crowded A Serg't of the 25^th NY Cav was sick all night with the cholic and made a great ado but nothing could be done for him so he groaned untill day light, is better now. For some reason, not known to us there is a great excitement among the people and Soldiers of this town They are arming and rushing to the

 

                                                           

 

forts and works as fast as they can this is about dark. it looks as though the Yanks were coming, good, hope they will & liberty to us.

Oct 12^th           The food that we get is a shame to the brute creation and I would not feel ashamed to set the same before my hogs if I had any I notice that as hungry as the men are they can only eat the crust off the bread, and the soup is not as good as dish water I fear that many will go up under this treatment provided they are obliged to remain here long but I hope that such is not their fate no more to day       Adieu Duane Collier

Oct 13^th           this morning about three oclock a man died the first one that we have lost by death thus far He belonged the 1^st Rhode Island Cav He died in my opinion of neglect on his own part for he was almost covered with lice and their effects

 

                                                           

 

A man has got to exert himself here as elsewhere if he gets along in this world of trouble. It is said that we go to Salsberry in the morning. for my part I am indifferent as to our location as long as we are in Dixie. Our situation cannot be made any worse.

                                                Oct 17^th

            Last night about eleven oclock a poorly planned attempt to overpower the guard and get away was made by a few members of this Prison but it was a grand failure & proved fatal to two of the no. engaged in it for they were mortally wounded by a shot from the guard it was a foolish plan poorly worked, the parties who were engaged being more brave in words than deeds. As it was no one got away and two will lose their lives. Besides this, all the inmates are made to suffer being denied the back yard and having our rations reduced to nothing but cold

 

                                                           

 

water. Such is our fare and fate God grant it may soon end for the better

Dansville Va               Duane Collier

Oct 18  Nov 4^th           The mortality for the last few days has been awful to contemplate. from 5 oclock on the 2^nd inst to the 5—on the 3^d inst 142 died from exposure & starvation. great God how long will this last, in the storm by day and night, on the ground, with about one quarter rations it is no wonder that men die. I am not down sick yet, but cannot stand it much longer I would to God that I could see home & friends once more but the result is with my God he alone knows the final result.

Nov 14^th 1864             A long time has passed since I last wrote in this Book the time seems a blank except the suffering and hardships that we have endured during the mean time. it were as well that the Page were a complete blank as it is it can only be read in

 

                                                           

 

our memory will it ever be forgotten no never by me at all events May God in his infinite mercy grant that the like may not occur to me again

A complete history would afford a fate that language fails to express Hundreds & thousands have suffered & died from hunger & thirst exposure & starvation in the past few weeks in the course of 24 hours 142 men have died not of sickness but actual starvation Ah this is the vaunted Southern Chivalry

Our Salisberry Prison is a yard about four acres area surrounded by a board fence about ten feet in height on the outside about six feet from the ground is a platform walk on which the guard patrol on the inside is a deep ditch outside of which no one is allowed to pass there are a few brick building inside but not room enough to hold one tenth part

 

                                                           

 

the men at this post Until very lately we have had no shelter from the weather except such as we could make from the naked earth which is poor with no blankets no shelter we have sufferd indeed thousands have died. more have contracted diseases that they will never get over again. most of the time we suffer for wood & what we do get is carried from the outside on our backs.

Nov 25^th          A break was made about noon to day but failed as all others such measures must do, for the plans cannot well enough understood by those interested for them all to work together. A charge was made upon the small gate of the yard & on the relief guard that came inside

 

                                                           

 

at the time. about 30 muskets were obtained & some of the guard were shot but the rest was on hand in time to prevent any of the yankees from getting out of the yard. twelve was shot dead & 40 or 50 was badly wounded the shots were fired from the cannon in the upper corner but did no damage except to scare themselves

28^th      this day has been a fine one & I have been about camp & after water, so that I have had a good amount of exercise & feel the better for it. Last night Doyle died, had been sick but a few days. He to easily give up so that with poor rations he soon run down he is the only one that has died from our Regt so far & the last I hope. One has

 

                                                           

 

to keep up good courage & take all the exercise his strength will allow. the weather is good & I do not dispair of going out of this miserable hole soon this day 150 negroes were brought in from the 9^th Corps. they expect to stay here during the War                 Duane

Dec 2^nd                        So the last month has come & still an inmate of rebeldom, so far the weather has been very good & I am in hopes that it may continue to thro my term of service in Uncle Jefs experience but let us make the best of our condition that we can. Our misery is more than many are able to stand the mortality so far is almost indescrib incredible but still the evidence is true—

 

                                                           

 

Dec 2^nd            Since we came here on the 19^th of Oct we have lost over one fifth of our men that came with us from Dansville, most of this number have died, some have got out & some enlisted in the rebel Army. this is wrong but many are forced to do it the act by the condition they are placed in here starvation will oblige men to many things they would not otherwise do, but for my part I will shall die & rot in a confedrate prison rather than turn traitor to my country now.

Dec 9^th                                    Duane

This is a dull dreary day to us mother earth is white with its winter coat All night long we suffered could not sleep for the cold sleety storm that came, and this is called the sunny south, Oh! tis anything but sunny to

 

                                                           

 

us poor prisoners We get no news of our home or of an exchange or parole many are dyeing off daily and the prospects for me are rather poor Last night I had a severe chill the second one within the week. it needs a good constitution & a brave heart to bear up under such trials as ours we are treated more like brutes than men                              Nov 15^th

            After a long time I again resume my diary, the time that intervenes between this day & when I left off seems almost a blank the suffering and misery the sights and scenes that we have endured & gone through has been enough to discourage the bravest heart Hundreds have sickened & died & gone to an untimely grave far away in a southern clime away from home & friends only to be remembered in the hearts & memories of those who loved and respected

 

                                                           

 

them at home as men who have suffered and died in the cause of justice & right. We hear to day that Old Abraham has reelected by a large majority Bully for him

 

Dark indeed are the days that we now pass but we live in good hopes that the day is not far distant when we will be free again and once more under the stars and stripes God grant it soon.

            This a fast day in Rebel in rebel dominion and a reality with us as our rations have been very scant there is now unusual stir in camp to day. weather good though cold

Lincoln is elected surely.

Every thing as usual this day except some new rumors of parole or exchange which I hope

 

                                                           

 

may prove true. rations as every day only bread a little poorer. weather very fine but cold.

            All quiet this King & myself tried hard to get out to work but failed. shall not give it up yet for a few extra rations are not to be laughed at during these times some Rebel prisoners passed through here to day, exchanged men I hear.

            To day is a very rainy day & I give up the idea of going out to work. our tent is very much crowded & smokey so much so that no one can rest a mans death is almost hailed with pleasure

            Still cold and rainy & little or no fire in our tent we suffer very much A very dreary Sunday indeed I have thought much of home to day and tis that that buoys me up from day to day

 

                                                           

 

may blessings rest on them It is yet very stormy and the stormy sufferings that the men endure are beyond description, hundreds die every week and if we remain here untill spring but few will be left to return to their northern homes

            The storm is mostly over but it is yet cloudy & cold, the men go about camp looking like specters, there is something wrong that this state of things goes on I feel almost blind to day from smoke & cold

The sun comes up clear but it is quite cold Ice formed in camp last night an inch in thickness From last night four until eight this morning 94 men died this storm seems an incredible story to believe but tis true

            Clear and cold, drew our quarter rations of bread at sunrise It seems they are trying to starve us & I guess they will make it out I am almost blind with cold and smoke

 

                                                           

 

& suffer very much with cold.

            Thanksgiving has come and gone and I still a prisoner. for our dinner we drew a quarter ration still cold A break was made to day but failed for want of good planning. I have thought much of home.

            All quiet to day & a little warmer, drew a quarter ration this morn the men will die under such treatment I can feel myself growing weaker every day to morrow is my birth day, would I were at home to spend it, but alas. this is my 26^th birthday and so far it has been almost an aimless life. Should God spare my life to return to my home I shall endeavor to make a better use of the powers given me nothing new to day still cold

            Again we have fine weather and many rumors of a Parole or exchange soon but none that can be relied upon quarter rations to day it seems they are bound to starve us

 

                                                           

 

fine weather & all quiet as usual I feel very sad to day oh were I in our own lines would consider that I were doing well A call was made for men to enlist in the rebel army to day about three hundred went, for shame.

            No news of interest this day I feel as usual & hopeful that the end of our imprisonment is not far distant The men of Co L 1^st Mich went into rebel service yesterday names I do not know weather fine

            Fair weather as usual but no news to cheer us on our way way. Our rations were cut down to a quarter again this morn so that I feel hungry this hope for more in the morning the men die of as usual A little cooler this day but not such cold weather as the north affords so far the weather has been very mild & favorable to our condition But at least the misery

 

                                                           

 

and suffering endured here is beyond discription. No news of interest.

            Still fair weather but cool the usual rations to day and they enough to starve one to death I feel quite well and hopeful though I see no indications of our leaving very soon.

            Sunday has come again & no change in our condition A report is about that the sick are to leave on the 5^th Green Backs are selling at 17 fr 1 to day a good sign, usual weather & rations.

            This day is very cold & to cap all I have had a good shake of the ague We hear good news from the army that Grant is fighting hard at Richmond.

            300 hundred prisoners came in to day from Richmond and about 400 enlisted in the confederate service I feel better to day but had a severe fever all night. weather good and warm

            This has been a cold rainy day and one that has caused much

 

                                                           

 

suffering among the prisoners. At night the guard shot some men about camp wounded others for no cause what ever mere deviltry.

Dec 14^th          This is a cold muddy cheerless day & to cap all we drew a quarter ration of a loaf A leaf has got torn from my book but nothing has transpired of interest during the six days I feel well except a bad cold no more

Thursday 15    Still cold & mudy no news of any interest We were made glad by the usual half loaf this morning. I ate mine for breakfast all of it We hear good news from the Army hope they may prove true and that I our time here is short.

Friday 16^th      Still mudy & unpleasant if this is a specimen of southern winter I do not wish to spend it here though I fear I shall be obliged too, about 90 Yankees came in to day captured near Welden Nov last

 

                                                           

 

Sat Dec 17^th    A little warmer but still very mudy and disagreeable to day we got good rations, there has been a good many rumors about camp in regard to our Army but nothing reliable so far I feel quite well this day         Sunday 18^th

A rainy day & a fair specimen of the southern winter. A report is about that Jeff Davis is dead. good prospect for us & of the rebellion if so, drew our bread before day light and some had it eat so goes the world.

Mon 19^th         Sunny & pleasant drew rations at 9 AM bread was as black as the ground & made of the coarsest material The officer of the day & four men made their escape last night Bully for them wish it was me

Dec 20             Stormy & cold this day nothing new of interest. We had a general count I went out but was hardly able to stand on my feet

 

                                                           

 

am troubled with the Rheumatism a thing that is new to me but any thing but pleasant.

Wed 21^st Dec  Weather about the same It is now near Christmas & we are still inmates of a Confed prison with no prospects of release that I can see It is now one year since I enlisted & more

Thursday 22^nd Cold & windy no news of interest of excitement of any kind Men die off about the same as usual out of about ten thousand that came in here only half are left some have enlisted some died & some have run away.

                                                Dec 23^rd

The sun came out this day but it is still very cold & causes much suffering amongst the Prisoners. It is so cold that we cannot sleep nights and the smoke causes us much anoyance & discomfort I am nearly blind

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