35 chapters
6 hour read
Selected Chapters
35 chapters
ILLUSTRATED.
ILLUSTRATED.
To CAPTAIN ROBERT B. HOCK, THE GALLANT AND LOYAL COMRADE IN THE FIELD, THE FAITHFUL AND CONSTANT FRIEND DURING THE DARK DAYS OF MY PRISON LIFE, The Daring Companion of my Escape AND THREE HUNDRED MILE TRAMP THROUGH THE CONFEDERACY, WHO, WHEN I BECAME TOO FEEBLE TO GO FARTHER, SO GENEROUSLY TOOK OUT HIS PURSE AND GAVE ME THE LARGEST HALF OF ITS CONTENTS, THIS BOOK IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR....
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
Many books have been written upon prison life in the South, but should every survivor of Andersonville, Macon, Savannah, Charleston, Florence, Salisbury, Danville, Libby and Belle Island write their personal experiences in those rebel slaughter houses, it would still require the testimony of the sixty-five thousand whose bones are covered with Southern soil to complete the tale. Being an officer, I suffered but little in comparison with what was endured by the rank and file, our numbers being le
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
Description of Plymouth, N. C. Plymouth, in 1863-4, was a small town, situate on the Roanoke river, about six miles from where the waters of that stream enters the Albermarle Sound. The river at Plymouth is nearly a quarter of a mile wide, and with a sufficient depth of water to float the largest draught gunboats. The shore next the town was supplied with a wharf for landing steamers that navigate the river; but the gunboats, of which there were quite a number stationed there, were usually ancho
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
the battle of plymouth—the cavalry pickets driven in—hoke appears in our front with eight thousand men—a magnificent artillery duel—four days hard fighting—sinking of the southfield and defeat of the fleet by the ram albemarle. On Sunday morning, April 17th, 1864, the consolidated morning report showed eighteen hundred and fifty men for duty. The day was warm and bright, and the men were scattered about the town with no thought of approaching danger. The cavalry had scouted the day before, a dis
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
a description of the battle between the albemarle and our gun boats—death of captain flusser—captain french cuts loose from the sinking southfield and runs away. With the reader’s permission I will stop here to narrate the struggle between our gun boats and this ram, as it was detailed to me while a prisoner, by one of the crew of the Southfield, which, if correct, shows how the death of one brave officer and the cowardice and incompetency of another, served to make prisoners of two thousand bra
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
our retreat cut off—a perilous reconnoissance by the cavalry—cavalry sent to capture a boat’s crew—fleeing north carolinians—walking back into prison rather than to skulk a fight—firing the two hundred pounder at the ram—squelching a rebel sharp-shooter—a furious attack and fearful slaughter—a prisoner of war. Being now in possession of the river, the Albemarle took her station about a mile below the town, just opposite our left, which, as I have said, was unprotected by works. This was the only
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
marched off over the battlefield a prisoner—among the enemies dead and wounded—evidences of our deadly work—the rebs go a gunning for “niggers”—the johnnies appropriating my wardrobe—massacre of the colored troops—they are drawn up in line and shot down like dogs by order of general hoke—caring for our wounded and burying our dead. This attack commenced at half-past four, and at half-past six a. m. of April 20th, I was a prisoner. As we marched past Comphor redoubt to the Johnson farm, a mile to
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
on the march—an eighteen mile march—treated to a drink of our own commissary at the end of the first days march—uniform good treatment by our captors—an attempt to escape frustrated—march to williamstown—the band at foster’s mills treats us to “dixie”—kind hearted mrs. piffin gives us all the provisions she had cooked for dinner—hopes some one will do as much for her son (who is in the confederate army)—a ride in filthy cattle cars through charleston, savannah and macon—arrival at andersonville.
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
andersonville—separated from the enlisted men—an interview with the inhuman monster “wirz”—placed in a church—divine service sunday morning—sent back to macon—drawing rations—a blind-folded man divides them—ladies visit our camp and show their sympathy—union girls forever—bouquets and notes sent us—a drunken riot—reckless shooting of the guards—prices of provisions in macon. Andersonville, one year before, had never been heard of a hundred miles away, but is now a place whose name is associated
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
moving into the stockade—skirmishing—mr. cashmeyer’s sutler wagon—captain irsh bucked and gagged by order of tabb—captain tabb relieved—how we passed the time—the meetings—gambling houses—social and singing circles. On the 17th of May the stockade was completed and we were moved inside, where we were joined by eight hundred other officers, who had been confined in Richmond, among whom were Brigadier Generals Wessels and Scammon. Twenty-one others, who had been confined in jail in the city of Mac
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
fresh fish—arrival of col. miller—death of lieut. wood, 82nd indiana—more fresh fish. Upon the arrival of new prisoners at the gate of the stockade, there would be a cry raised throughout the camp, commencing near the entrance, and spreading rapidly to the farthest extremity of the enclosure, of “fresh fish! fresh fish!!” It was like the alarm of fire in a city, and quickly collected a crowd, and as the numbers increased, the din became more deafening, and to the new comer who did not know what
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
manner of tunnelling. The manner of digging a tunnel was this: The place selected to commence a tunnel would usually be in some shed nearest the stockade. In these sheds we had built ourselves bunks, ten or twelve inches from the ground, which would usually be movable, and, after the camp had become quiet, one of these bunks would be removed and a well sunk five or six feet, first taking the precaution to carefully lay aside the dirt that was just shoveled off, because that would be dark and loo
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
receiving and sending off the mail—attempts to smuggle through forbidden matter—samples of letters sent home—boxes of letters received—my feelings at not receiving any. We were allowed to write home, and by putting on a Confederate postage stamp costing 10 cents each, were promised that our letters would be forwarded to our friends, provided there was nothing objectionable in them. We were obliged to leave them unsealed, so they could be examined by the postoffice department, and in order to ens
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
the first division leaves camp oglethorp—plans for escape—their destination, charleston—thirty union officers and four of the “reb” guard are missing on their arrival at charleston—the story of the lieutenant in charge of the train as told to maj. lyman—departure of the second division—stopped at savannah, thus foiling our plans for escape. At roll call on the 27th of July, the first division was notified to be ready to move to Charleston that evening. The prison camp presented a lively appearan
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
the escape—i turn over my tent and household effects to colonel miller and adjutant lyman—crawling across the guard line—our escape discovered and we fired upon—captains geere and eastmond recaptured—tramp, tramp, tramp. There was one of the guard, who had come with us from Charleston, and to whom I had sold my watch, who had become quite attached to me, and had always been ready to do me a favor, when he could. From our frequent interviews, I had been led to believe that he was strongly tinctur
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
assailed by a dog—scaring a negro—free mitchell—he dare not let me into his yard on account of a yankee schoolmaster who kept blood hounds—flanking the hounds—meeting captain alban—losing my former companions i start out with him. I walked part way into town trying not to attract attention, when a large dog came bristling up, and acted as if he would like a piece of me; but his master, who was a negro, gruffly called him back, and just then coming to the railroad, I turned up the track and walke
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XV.
how to roast a chicken—a good square meal once more—on the tramp again—we meet a darkey who furnishes us supper and chickens from his master’s hen coop—surprised by two white men while eating breakfast—passing through walhalla—avoiding some cavalry. When we made camp on this, the twelfth day of my tramp, it was back of a plantation, in a large woods, near a spring. We always made our camp near good water, if possible. Here I showed the captain how to cook a chicken; and for the benefit of campin
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
back into walhalla—we run into a rebel picket in the dark and are taken in—a little judicious lieing secures our release—overtaking some wagons going from market—chatting with a company of rebel cavalry. Starting out again at dark, we walked on rapidly for about five miles, when we came to some covered wagons beside the road, and just after passing them, I said to Alban, “I believe this is Walhalla again.” He thought it impossible; so said I, “we won’t go far before we come to a carpenter shop,
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVII.
at major carters—my swollen limbs give me an excuse to cut off the conversation—rev. mr. burch gives us a hearty welcome and a good breakfast—passing a confederate soldier—recaptured—eccentric but loyal tom hubbard—taken back to fort emory. Having partaken of a good hearty supper, we were given a room, and, for the first time in many months, I enjoyed the luxury of a good feather bed. Oh, how gratefully my poor tired limbs revelled in its downy recesses. It seemed almost too bad, to soil those s
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
in prison again. We arrived at the house of Captain Sanderson about ten o’clock that night, and were treated by him like gentlemen. Late as it was, after placing us in an out-house, in which was a weaver’s loom, he brought us a good lunch, and gave us every possible privilege he could. We were strictly guarded, but were made to feel our captivity as little as possible. We were allowed to go down to a stream near the house the next day, and wash our clothes, which we had worn nearly a month, and
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XIX.
a hospitable host—franklin jail—charitable women—a thoughtful, motherly gift—a generous guard—ashville jail—attempt to break out. Upon our arrival at Franklin we were taken to the jail, but before we were locked up, Doctor Moore, of the village, invited us to his house to dinner, and upon his agreeing to be responsible for our safe return, we were allowed to go with him unattended by any guard. Although no promise had been exacted from us not to escape, we would not have attempted to leave, had
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XX.
another attempt at escape discovered—a bold plot—lack of sand in the reb deserters—a brave negro—the flogging. Being satisfied that I could remove the flooring at any time within a few minutes, I told my fellow prisoners what I had said, and what I had seen done, and that when everything had become quiet, I would guarantee to get them out with ten minutes work. Some of the rebs were not satisfied, and insisted upon loosening the floor again at once, and despite all I could do, they persisted in
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXI.
placed in an iron cage—breaking out and attempting to dig through a brick wall—an unexpected surprise. The next morning, we were all marched into a room on the opposite side of the hall, and to the south side of the jail, and were placed in an iron cage, made of flat bars two inches wide, and half an inch thick, firmly riveted together, and as I told the Sergeant, although we could not wear diamonds, we could look through them. We were packed into this cage like sardines in a box, scarcely havin
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXII.
CHAPTER XXII.
danville prison—a cold winter—double-quicking around the room to keep warm—excitement caused by the arrival of fresh troops—they stack arms in front of our prison—plans for escape. Danville in 1864-5 was a town of considerable importance to the Confederacy, being the base of supplies for the Confederate army at Richmond and Petersburg. There were three or four military prisons there, in which were confined about two thousand enlisted men, captured from the Union forces, and four hundred officers
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
prison rules—starving in the midst of plenty—organizing for a break—trading with the guard—business in prison. Although the orders were very strict that the guard should hold no conversation with prisoners, and they were instructed to shoot anyone who attempted to approach them, their cupidity often led them to violate their instructions, which were equally well understood by us, and deterred many from attempting any familiarity. But there were those, who had tact and pluck enough to take all ri
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXIV.
organization for a break completed—the attempted break—the guard disarmed—too late, go back—colonel raulston shot. Our organization being now perfected, and our plans matured, we lay down that night, and held whispered consultations about our proposed future operations. I have already stated that the prisoners occupied the second and third floors of the building; the stairs being located in the north-east corner, and at the foot of the lower flight, was a room about twelve feet square, with a do
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXV.
borrowing seven hundred dollars of a reb. Along in January, 1865, I began to get short of money, and as the jewelry, watches, etc., were about played out, I was in danger of being obliged to suspend, for want of stock to sell from. Just at this time, the reb Sergeant came in one day and inquired if any one had greenbacks, they wished to exchange for Confederate money. He came to our mess, as it was the one most likely to be able to accommodate him, and said there was a gentleman outside who woul
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVI.
On the 17th of February we were ordered to get ready to leave for Richmond for exchange. The order was received with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy; officers who had heretofore been sedate and gloomy, throwing their arms around each other in the wildest excitement. Some laughed and shouted, some wept for joy, while others gave vent to their feelings by singing “Rally ’Round the Flag,” “The Red, White and Blue,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” and other patriotic songs. All were jubilant,
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVII.
The march from the landing to the headquarters of General John E. Mulford, was through a swampy piece of ground and the road was muddy, but, with freedom almost in sight, we tramped along cheerfully, with buoyant steps and hopeful hearts, singing snatches of army songs, though we were still inside the lines of the enemy. After a march of about five miles we passed the reb picket line, and about three hundred yards ahead, saw once more floating in the breeze, on a tall flag staff, the glorious ol
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
more about charleston—exchange on the brain—more about macon—charleston jail yard more fully described—the old privy—the gallows or gibbet—terrible suffering for want of food and shelter—a fire and how gillman helped it along. We remained in Charleston thirteen days, viz., from September 13th until the 26th, and it was thirteen days of intense suffering to many, and of great discomfort to all. This jail yard itself was filthy to a fearful degree, and was enough to create an epidemic. An old priv
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIX.
CHAPTER XXIX.
exchange on the brain. Many of the prisoners were afflicted to a greater or less extent, with what was termed exchange on the brain. This disease would manifest itself in various ways, and different persons would be differently affected by it. I remember numerous cases of this malady, (for it really was a malady) in the different prisons. Persons thus afflicted, would improve every opportunity to inform themselves of the prospects of there being an exchange of prisoners, and every paper they got
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXX.
CHAPTER XXX.
scouting in north carolina—sergeant c—— in a well—the accident prevents a fight with our own troops—a fight with north carolina troops—mrs. modlin turns a back somersault—our irish lieutenant. While at Plymouth on detached service, with “I” and “F” troops, we were in the habit of scouting ten to fifteen miles once or twice a week, sometimes in one direction and sometimes in another. We were seldom ordered out on a scout by General Wessels, but all that was necessary for us to do when going out o
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CONCLUSION.
CONCLUSION.
Reader, while I do not claim for this volume any rare literary merit, I trust a perusal of its pages may have afforded you some little pleasure, and instruction. I can cheerfully place it in the hands of my old prison associates, confident that they will testify to its truthfulness and fairness. While the language is my own, I can confidently claim that it conveys no imaginary sufferings and privations. I have endeavored to speak of the Southern prisons and of the treatment meted out to those wh
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
The author of this volume, Alonzo Cooper, was born in the town of Victory, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 30th, 1830. His father John Cooper, who was born August 15th, A. D. 1794, enlisted from Scoharie County in the war of 1812-13-14, and during his term of service, was for a time employed on the construction of the famous 110 Gun, line of battle ship “NEW ORLEANS” at Sackets Harbor, which was built and all ready for caulking in six weeks from the time the first tree was felled. Abraham Cooper, an ol
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
LIST OF OFFICERS CONFINED IN MACON, GA.
LIST OF OFFICERS CONFINED IN MACON, GA.
The following is a list of officers who were confined as prisoners of war at Macon, Ga., in 1864. I do not claim the list to be complete, but as nearly so as I can make it at this time: ...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter