Chapter II: Part 2

_3d day, 7th mo. 5th._ To-day was very hot, with a good breeze and flying clouds. Got up this morning at four o'clock, and went to the run and washed my grey shirt and a pair of drawers, without soap. We made a pot of soup with corn meal dumplings. Had roll-call at ten o'clock. Drew meal, fresh beef and a pinch of salt. Made flap-jacks for supper, and fried some of our beef on my plate. Traded some corn meal for a piece of pork to grease the plate with.

_4th day, 7th mo. 6th._ Hot as ever. Over two hundred more men put in to-day. According to rumor, to-morrow is the day to commence paroling. A new rumor says seven thousand are to be taken out to-morrow. Got breakfast of soup off our beef, with corn meal dumplings, and supper of flap-jacks and fried pork. Drew mush, bacon and salt. _I am very well indeed._

_5th day, 7th mo. 7th._ Spent the day as yesterday. No signs of paroling. Very hot to-day. Fred. Smith, who was taken prisoner at Mine Run, came to see me to-day. Drew rotten bacon, corn meal and salt.

_6th day, 7th mo. 8th._ The heat in the afternoon was almost scorching. I borrowed a book of Hatfield, which I read half through. This is the first reading I have done since we have been here. There were one hundred more men put in to-day, all of whom were captured at the James and Morris Island.

_7th day, 7th mo. 9th._ This day was hotter than any day we have had. At four o'clock P. M. had a heavy thunder-shower which lasted until sunset. Spent the day in reading, sleeping, and walking about camp. Two hundred and fifty more prisoners put in to-day. They were mostly from the Potomac Army.

_1st day, 7th mo. 10th._ Drew rations as usual, consisting of meal, pork and salt. Cooked flapjacks and made gravy for supper. Our wood is almost out and I know not where the rest will come from; there is plenty in the place, but it is claimed by others. There were six hundred more prisoners put in to-day from Grant's army.

_2d day, 7th mo. 11th._ Hot, with a little shower in the afternoon. Drew meal, salt and bacon. I had a hard time cooking cakes for breakfast and mush for supper; the wood and roots were too wet. Six of the "raiders" were hung, inside the stockade, by our own men, at five o'clock this evening. The rope of Moseby broke when the drop fell, and let him to the ground; they made him mount the scaffold and try it the second time. One broke loose before he mounted the scaffold and ran through the crowd, but was arrested. I was down helping to draw rations and saw the execution. A large number of prisoners put in to-day.

_3d day, 7th mo. 12th._ Was busy most of the day getting wood out of the run, but could not get much. We are out of wood. I made a small furnace to put my plate on. Was running about a good deal--am as well as I could wish to be. There were two hundred more men put in to-day. I was determined to get an axe to cut some wood, but did not quite get it. I got on the right side of a rebel sergeant, who is a mason, but he could do no more than ask for me of the one who had charge of the shovels and axes.

_4th day, 7th mo. 13th._ Very warm. Could get no axe to-day, but got the promise of one in the morning. Our furnace works first rate. We gathered some roots out of the run, and both of us went down to-night and worked and fished for roots until after ten o'clock. Have got the floor of our tent raised so that the water will not flood us.

_5th day, 7th mo. 14th._ Very hot day. I was up early this morning and down at the run and spring. Got a pot of mush made before roll-call. Got the axe for an hour; we cut enough good pitch pine off a large stump to last us nearly three weeks. Could do little else but lay in the tent after cutting the wood, I was so tired. The diarrhoea shows signs of coming on me again. General Winder had the three sergeants of each detachment taken out, and he told them that he knew of an organized gang of six thousand who were going to get out, &c., and that the men must not get in crowds within one hundred yards of the gate, or he would fire on them with shot and shell; that they had tried to get us exchanged, but could not, and were compelled to keep us; and that they had plenty to keep us with. I noticed plenty of good-looking pies in market for one dollar and fifty cents, watermelons for two and three dollars, and apples for twenty-five and thirty-five cents each.

_6th day, 7th mo. 15th._ Suffered very much with the diarrhoea, which has come back on me as bad as ever.

_7th day, 7th mo. 16th._ The weather continues to grow hotter. I am some better to-day; made gruel by soaking corn meal and boiling the water of it. Yesterday drew a ration of wood which was only half enough to cook a meal.

_1st day, 7th mo. 17th._ The hottest day we have had. I lay in the tent, very weak from the diarrhoea, which is getting better. Made some corn meal gruel for my breakfast. Drew meat, salt and molasses, six spoonsful of the latter as a ration. Had flapjacks for supper.

_2d day, 7th mo. 18th._ Cloudy and cool all day, with rain in the afternoon. The diarrhoea has left me, but I am very weak yet. Had a pot of mush for breakfast. Drew nothing but corn meal to-day; they issued bacon to some of the detachments, but it did not get to us. Some of the men are trying to get up a petition to be sent to the United States, asking its influence towards getting us released.

_3d day, 7th mo. 19th._ Cloudy and pleasant; last night was very cold. Am getting over the diarrhoea again. Drew yesterday's pork at nine this forenoon; then got a breakfast of flapjacks, fried pork and gravy. There was a meeting held to-day in reference to the petition to our Government for our release. The committee appointed at yesterday's meeting reported. General Winder gives his hearty co-operation to the movement, and suggests that six instead of three be sent to our Government with these petitions, which the meeting took steps to appoint. Last evening I got a pint of beans for five postage stamps, and this morning got a _dagger_ for five more.

_4th day, 7th mo. 20th._ Was up soon after four this morning. Cooked G. Hatfield a pot of gruel before roll-call; got our own breakfast after roll-call. Washed a pair of drawers and stockings this morning. The rebels threw up some earthworks as if they expected to be attacked. They appear to be getting reinforcements here. The rumor is that the railroad between here and Macon is cut, and that they are expecting a raid by our cavalry, and that Atlanta is ours.

_5th day, 7th mo. 21st._ Got breakfast after roll-call--had "corn dodgers" and gravy. Drew meal and molasses; got wood for three days. Traded a ration of pork for twenty-five cents worth of wood, and traded a ration of pork for tobacco for Griffith. The rebels seem to be busy fortifying outside. They put a few prisoners in every day.

_6th day, 7th mo. 22d._ Very cloudy and hot. Lay in the house most all the time. Have contracted a cold. More prisoners put in to-day. The rebels are still busy at their earthworks. They find out a tunnel every day and fill it up. Drew meat, salt and meal.

_7th day, 7th mo. 23d._ I caught a bad cold last night, and suffered considerably all day from it. To-day the weather was rather cold.

_1st day, 7th mo. 24th._ Last night was the coldest we have had for some time. My attack of bronchitis has extended far into the chest, and is going to bring on that terrible "army scourge" again. The day was very warm with a good breeze. Drew fresh beef and rice only.

_2d day, 7th mo. 25th._ Suffered last night very much with the cold. This night was the coldest yet. The diarrhoea has returned and is very bad. The day was warm with a good breeze. Drew rice, raw bacon and no salt. I sold a ration of pork and bought two spoonsful of salt.

_3d day, 7th mo. 26th._ Was a pleasant day. Made corn meal gruel for breakfast and supper. Borrowed Clark's infantry tactics and read and slept all day. Drew meal, salt and bacon.

_4th day, 7th mo. 27th._ Was rather pleasant all day. Spent the day as yesterday and drew the same kind of rations. There are a great many rumors about our going to be paroled about the fifth or sixth of next month. There were over two hundred prisoners, mostly one hundred days' men, from the Shenandoah valley, put in to-day.

_5th day, 7th mo. 28th._ To-day is pretty warm. Eat nothing but gruel and boiled rice. About two hundred prisoners put in to-day from Sherman's army. Just as they were ready to enter, the rebels fired a shot across the camp.

_6th day, 7th mo. 29th._ To-day some of the detachments drew molasses; I traded a ration of pork for molasses for supper. Had gruel for breakfast, and boiled rice with the molasses for supper. To-day was warm, with a heavy shower in the evening.

_7th day, 7th mo. 30th._ Was warm. I sold two rations of my meat for twenty-five cents worth of soap, and after roll-call, washed my red shirt. Sold a piece of meat, which Griffith and I had a dispute about, for five cents, and got him a chunk of tobacco.

_1st day, 7th mo. 31st._ Eat my breakfast and lay in the tent most all day. Am very weak from the diarrhoea which I cannot get rid of. J. Matthews is a prisoner here and has come to see me.

_2d day, 8th mo. 1st._ Lay in the tent most of the time. Took a pill which "Gad" got for me to-night; he got one opium and two other pills.

_3d day, 8th mo. 2d._ Took the rest of my medicine to-day, and think I am better. They commenced taking the sick out and away this morning--suppose they have gone to Macon. During fifteen minutes this evening, we had the heaviest shower I ever saw; Griffith was at the spring and got caught in it. Have been drawing rice, salt and bacon this week.

_4th day, 8th mo. 3d._ They have been busy taking the sick away. Drew meal instead of rice to-day. Borrowed Roberts' Bible and read some. Took an opium pill last night which made me sleep until roll-call this morning.

_5th day, 8th mo. 4th._ Was in the shade under the tent most of the day reading the Bible and getting to sleep. Helped to wash Dr. Buckley this evening; he has been very sick all day. Drew pork and rice. Had no roll-call for the first time since we have been in the new stockade. Some sick were sent out to-day--rumor says they are being sent into our lines. To-day was a warm one.

_6th day, 8th mo. 5th._ Spent most of the time in the house. Dr. Buckley is some better; we were going to carry him out. The sick of the first eleven detachments were taken out this afternoon. Drew fresh beef, salt and rice. The diarrhoea has left me again; am pretty stout. Ate only rice soup. Occupied in reading the Bible to-day.

_7th day, 8th mo. 6th._ Was very hot; lay in the house, slept and read. Drew fresh beef, salt and a pint of meal.

_1st day, 8th mo. 7th._ Lay in the tent most of the day, slept and read. Dr. Buckley still keeps poorly.

_2d day, 8th mo. 8th._ Had a heavy shower this afternoon. Spent the day as I do most of them. Read almost through Deuteronomy to-day. Dr. Buckley is no better, but gets worse. Have been drawing fresh beef, meal and salt. We make soup. Reports are favorable to our being paroled, but as yet we know nothing certain about it. The Quartermaster came in yesterday, and told it around among us, that a parole or exchange was to take place soon, and they were going to commence in a few days.

_3d day, 8th mo. 9th._ Was cloudy until about four o'clock this afternoon, when there came up one of the heaviest showers of rain we have had since we came here; it flooded the run and washed some of the stockade above and below, and moved it in several places. They fired off two guns as a signal and out came a large guard. Drew no rations to-day for our detachment; they ceased to issue after getting up to the twentieth. Tried to sell my red shirt, but could not get more than half I asked for it, so I kept it. They have got the frame of a large barracks, large enough for a detachment, at the upper end of the stockade.

_4th day, 8th mo. 10th._ Rather warm. From 9 A. M. to 3 P. M. had a very hard rain, which did not stop until midnight. We got wet, the tent leaking very badly. Did not draw rations until this morning, when we got beans and half a ration of bread. This evening drew half a ration of bread, salt, and a _very small_ ration of beef. Had beef and bean soup for supper; nothing to eat before of any account. I was detailed to draw rations. I carried up a hind quarter of beef. Went and gave Dr. Buckley a sponge bath and washed his shirt in the run.

_5th day, 8th mo. 11th._ George Hatfield died last night or early this morning. Dr. Buckley is getting better. The "Rebs" have got the stockade almost repaired; they are busy putting up a stockade outside of ours. They have some of our boys putting up barracks near our detachment. Had a heavy rain this afternoon. Did not get our rations until very late; got fresh beef and half a ration of bread, but no salt.

_6th day, 8th mo. 12th._ Spent the day reading the Bible and sleeping; it was warm and pleasant. Gave Buckley a sponge bath this afternoon; he is improving rapidly. Have had roll-call the last two mornings. Drew a little meal, a ration of beans, a small ration of beef and a half ration of salt. They are cutting down the rations. The committee of six which were to go into our lines with the petition, went last First day.

_7th day, 8th mo. 13th._ Was cloudy most of the time and pleasant. After roll-call, got five others to help to carry Dr. Buckley to the gate to sick call. The person that Gad sent to attend to his man, ran off, and we did not get him out. Dr. Buckley fainted twice in our hands; carried him part of the way, and helped him the rest. I washed him this evening--he is better. I am busy reading the Bible. There are many rumors about the parole commencing on the 15th. Drew a ration of beans and half a ration of bread and fresh beef. We ate only two pots of bean soup. Sold a ration of beef for ten cents and bought two spoonsful of salt.

_1st day, 8th mo. 14th._ Was a very hot day. Buckley was much worse during the day, but seemed to get better in the evening. I wrote a note to Dr. White, on the outside, asking relief for Buckley, and took it to the Doctor outside, at Doctor's call. Some one told me to put it in the letter box, which I did, after consulting two Masons I had found; one belongs to Ohio and the other is a sergeant in the ninety-eighth detachment. I washed Buckley this evening. Drew beans, half a ration of beef and bread, with a little salt. Ate bean soup for breakfast and rice soup for supper. Have the diarrhoea.

_2d day, 8th mo. 15th._ Spent the day as we did yesterday.

_3d day, 8th mo. 16th._ Was very warm, like yesterday. No signs of a parole yet--rumors are all false about it. Have given Buckley a washing every day; he seems to grow better.

_4th day, 8th mo. 17th._ The weather has been extremely warm. Have been drawing half a ration of bread, fresh beef, salt and beans. I have quit eating beans.

_5th day, 8th mo. 18th._ Was out and got prescribed for. After roll-call got six pills; am very weak; am busy reading the Bible. Still give the Doctor a washing every day; he continues to improve.

_6th day, 8th mo. 19th._ Suffered very much with the diarrhoea. Am getting weaker. Went to the Doctor's and got my medicine continued. Did not get any medicine to-day. Sold my ration of bread and Griffith's for twenty cents, and two and a half rations and one of my own for twenty-five cents, which made me twenty cents in cash. Had a heavy rain this evening.

_7th day, 8th mo. 20th._ Was very warm, with a heavy rain in the evening. Was so weak that I only got out of the tent four times. Buckley was worse. I was not able to bathe him to-day.

_1st day, 8th mo. 21st._ Was in the tent most of the day. Went to the run in the evening and took a bath; gave Dr. Buckley a washing. Had some rain. The Doctor gave me his photograph.

_2d day, 5th mo. 22d._ Very warm. Diarrhoea no better--am very weak--lay in the tent most of the day. Buckley is worse, and has a prospect of getting out to the hospital, through the influence of his friend Rickers.

_3d day, 8th mo. 23d._ Drew rice, molasses and a little pork yesterday, and an old ration of beef, beans and bread, with a little salt to-day. Carried Buckley out of the gate at seven o'clock this morning; got him out among the first, but could not get him in the hospital on account of too many being admitted yesterday.

_4th day, 8th mo. 24th._ About as hot as ever. Went to the Doctor's call and saw Rickers, but there was no chance for Buckley, except by his own surgeon. Have got no medicine for three days. Drew fresh beef, a mouthful of bacon, corn meal, beans and salt. Ate two rations of beans to-day, which is going to make me worse. Some of the commissioned officers, who have been passing off for privates, were taken out to-day, it is said, to be exchanged. Rumors are favorable to a speedy parole.

_5th day, 8th mo. 25th._ Did not go to the Doctor's to-day. Diarrhoea something better. Lay in the house most of the day. Bathed Buckley, who is still very low. Drew one-half ration of bread, salt pork, boiled beef and rice; they are going to give us cooked rations now, and some other detachments raw ones.

_6th day, 8th mo. 26th._ Very warm. Changed our sergeant of mess by putting out Warner and electing George Suson. Went out to the Doctor's and got prescriptions for Buckley, who has the scurvy. My complaint is almost well. The cooked rations agree with me very well. Drew one-half ration of bread and salt, about a pint of boiled beans, and a ration of molasses. Took a walk over to see Mathews this evening.

_7th day, 8th mo. 27th._ Was out to the Doctor's call for Buckley. Spent the day in the old way. Drew some extra molasses this forenoon, and boiled rice, beef, pork and salt for our rations this evening. There was only a mouthful of bacon and the rice only half cooked.

_1st day, 8th mo. 28th._ Was extremely warm. Spent the day as usual.

_2d day, 8th mo. 29th._ Was not well the fore-part of the day and did not get out to the Doctor's. Repeated the vote again for Suson, which elected him, as before. Put Warner in for sergeant of detachment, in place of the sergeant-major, who went out on parole to take charge of ration wagons.

_3d day, 8th mo. 30th._ No Doctor's call. Buckley was worse; I bathed him and washed a shirt for him.

_4th day, 8th mo. 31st._ Washed my drawers this forenoon, and lay about most of the day afterwards. Drew bread, boiled beans, beef, salt and a bit of bacon. Traded my beef for a ration of beans; ate my beans and pork for supper; traded Griffith's bread for tobacco. Was a warm day.

_5th day, 9th mo. 1st._ Was out to the Doctor's call--no medicine--no prescription. Lay in the house most of the day reading the Bible--have got through Jeremiah. The news in the Macon papers is favorable to a speedy exchange. Buckley gets no better. Traded half my bread and beef for beans; ate nothing but a ration and a half of beans for breakfast. Drew the same kind of rations except beans--rice only partly cooked. Last night was so cold that I could not sleep.

_6th day, 9th mo. 2d._ Lay in the house--slept and read most all day. Drew the same rations as yesterday--got a piece of pork as large as my fist for a mess of thirty.

_7th day, 9th mo. 3d._ Was cloudy and pleasant to-day. I am rather bad yet. No news about the exchange to be relied on. Griffith has a lame back; complains of the rheumatism.

_1st day, 9th mo. 4th._ I am very ill indeed; lay quiet all day.

_2d day, 9th mo. 5th._ Seemed to be the warmest day; suffered terribly from the heat; lay in the tent most all day; am very weak. Drew bread, pork, a large ration of molasses, and boiled rice.

_3d day, 9th mo. 6th._ My disease is better. Lay in the tent most all day. Eighteen detachments were ordered to be ready to leave at any moment--commencing at the first, going up to the eighteenth.

_4th day, 9th mo. 7th._ Lay in the tent most of the day and am better. They commenced at the first detachment at seven o'clock this morning and by night got as many as six, and gave orders up as high as eighteen to be ready to leave at a short notice. They ordered at first eighteen detachments to be ready, but could not find transportation for all to-day. They say they are ordered to Charleston to be exchanged.

_5th day, 9th mo. 8th._ Lay in the house most of the day. Helped Dr. Buckley all I could. Drew beans, boiled beef, salt and corn meal. They send off prisoners as fast as they can get transportation; have not got more than twenty detachments away yet; they took some of the higher detachments after getting up to the eighteenth--seventy-six to eighty. Mathews got off.

_6th day, 9th mo. 9th._ Was extremely warm to-day. Helped to carry Buckley up to the barracks; was busy waiting on him until near noon; he is very ill; at noon he was admitted to the hospital; I went outside the gate with him; the rebel sergeant would not allow me to stay out with him. The barracks were vacated and filled up with the sick of the detachments which have left. The Drs. commenced and admitted large numbers into the hospital. I have the diarrhoea very bad. About two thousand more were taken away; they ship them off as fast as they can.

_7th day, 9th mo. 10th._ Had a severe spell of chills and fever last night; being so bad the day before, was the cause of it; drank plenty of water, which soon stopped the chills, and threw me into a fever. Was so weak to-day, could hardly go about. About the same number as yesterday were sent off; they mostly started in the night. Drew bread, boiled rice, molasses and salt.

_1st day, 9th mo. 11th._ This was a very warm day. There was not so many got away except this morning. About all the old prisoners are gone. Yesterday evening, all from 19 to 23 were ordered to be ready. About three, o'clock this afternoon, all from 23 to 33 were ordered to be ready. No sooner was the order given than the "boys" packed up and moved off to the gate. Each detachment took up its position, ready to go. Here we lay, anxiously waiting for the cars to come, which were expected at five o'clock, but they did not come. We lay down on the ground. Drew boiled rice this forenoon. After getting to the gate, got boiled beef. I am some better, but so weak and thin, I can just get along. Griffith has such a lame back, he cannot get along much better than I.

_2d day, 9th mo. 12th._ We lay ready to go until almost five o'clock. Drew rice, molasses, and bread, for two days rations. I am very weak, hardly able to walk. At five the trains began to come in; we moved out and got in the cars; sixty to a car. About six o'clock they gave us two days rations of corn bread and pork; started about dusk and arrived at Macon about the middle of the night.

_3d day, 9th mo. 13th._ Lay in the cars until daylight; then started and got to Augusta by evening; stopped there about two hours, then changed cars and started again about dusk.

_4th day, 9th mo. 14th._ Kept on all night, going on the Columbia road, and came to a junction which went to Charleston; and, at noon, came to another junction, one leading towards Wilmington, which we took, after changing cars, and started about five o'clock, and continued going on pretty steady all night.

_5th day, 9th mo. 15th._ Arrived at a village called Florence, South Carolina, and encamped here. Arrived here about two o'clock last night; lay in the cars until eleven o'clock to-day, then were moved out about a mile from the place. Clark, Joice, Griffith, and I, put up a snug tent of two blankets. The day, and, in fact, the weather, has been very warm since we started; we are almost worn out.

_6th day, 9th mo. 16th._ Slept very cold last night; have the diarrhoea very bad, and am so weak that I can hardly go about; did not get any rations until twelve o'clock at night, and then only a pint of meal and a little piece of pork. The rebel Captain called the roll this evening. The camp is divided into messes of one hundred, and detachments of three thousands. I am in mess sixth of our detachment.

_7th day, 9th mo. 17th._ Was a very warm day; I got no better; am so weak, can hardly help myself. Last night was so cold I could not sleep until we took down the blankets and put them over us. Drew a pint of rice for two days' rations.

_1st day, 9th mo. 18th._ Drew a pint of beans, pork and salt. Had roll call; all that were sick and not able to go, were excused; and, after roll call, were ordered to the hospital. I was put on the sick list. About noon we were taken outside of the camp for the purpose of drawing better rations. In the evening drew a good ration of sweet potatoes, a leaf of cabbage, a little beef and salt. I have Griffith's overcoat, which is the only shelter I have. Close, Roberts, Clark and I are together.

_2d day, 9th mo. 19th._ Lay under our tree, and sit by the fire all night; it was very cool. Drew same rations as yesterday, excepting the cabbage; got a square inch of pumpkin. About noon got orders to move to the opposite side of the camp, when the most able men, the nurses, and those who wished, were sent back to camp; the rest put in detachments of one hundred. I am in the seventh detachment; are in the woods, with water handy.

_3d day, 9th mo. 20th._ Had a cool night of it last night; lay in the woods until five o'clock; then were taken up to the shedding, in the field. Clark and I went back to the woods to sleep. It was cloudy all night, and in the evening rained. Drew same rations as yesterday.

_4th day, 9th mo. 21st._ Lay under our tree all night and were up at daylight; had a cold night of it. The nurses put up some boughs over poles for us, but they made poor shelter, excepting from the sun. We were worse off here excepting the rations. Drew a sweet potato, five spoonfuls of flour, the same of rice, and half a tablespoonful of salt. My diarrhoea is almost checked, but my strength is poor yet.

_5th day, 9th mo. 22d._ It rained last night, but I lay in my overcoat and kept dry. Drew the same rations of flour as yesterday, two spoonsful of corn meal, rice, salt and a mouthful of bacon. Make gruel and rice soup mostly for Close and I. Am decidedly better to-day. Had a good deal of rain this evening.

_6th day, 9th mo. 23d._ Was cloudy all day; rained in the fore-part of the night; made out to sleep a little. Got some dead pine leaves and spread on the ground for my bed. My overcoat kept me from getting "wringing wet." Got everything dry to day, and went to the creek and took a bath. All who were able were sent to the creek to bathe, and before they got back the doctor sent three hundred and fifty of them back to camp. I cannot gain strength. Drew hominy, rice, flour and a pinch of salt.

_7th day, 9th mo. 24th._ Lay about all day and cooked. Had a heavy rain in the evening. Drew corn meal, rice, fresh beef, and a pinch of salt. My old complaint is back on me as bad as ever.

_1st day, 9th mo. 25th._ Was a clear, warm and windy day. My diarrhoea gets no better. Drew fresh beef, a good ration, and salt only. Made soup of rice. I cook for Close. All who could walk were sent back to camp; I was left out, being able to walk only a little. Clark was sent in. Had a cool night.

_2d day, 9th mo. 26th._ Last night was very cold--cold enough for frost. To-day was fine and clear, but rather cool. Am very weak and prostrated. There are some rumors of an exchange going on.

_3d day, 9th mo. 21th._ Was warm; last night was cold. All excepting the worst cases were sent to camp. I got some medicine this evening--a pill of camphor and opium; some with dysentery got oleum ricini and spirits of turpentine. The scurvy cases, a decoction of Sumac berries, which was pleasant to drink. Some kind citizens sent some boiled sweet potatoes, ham, cabbage and bread for the worst cases. The steward, who seems to notice me considerably, gave Close and I some of all the above named articles, so we wanted no supper. Drew corn meal, fresh beef and salt. I cooked beans until eleven o'clock at night for our breakfast. Am no better, but have a good appetite.

_4th day, 9th mo. 28th._ Was very warm all day; spent the day as yesterday. Drew meal, beans and salt.

_5th day, 9th mo. 29th._ Was a warm night; I slept well. My complaint is no better; am very weak. Drew meal, rice, salt, molasses, and some sweet potatoes; the molasses is of the worst sorghum. They give us medicine once per day.

_6th day, 9th mo. 30th._ Spent the day laying in my shed. My disease is on the mend. Got to the creek and took a bath this forenoon. Drew fresh beef, rice, meal and salt. Got medicine to-day. The men die pretty fast.

_7th day, 10th mo. 1st._ Lay quiet as possible. Drew one-half of a large hard tack, eight spoonsful of molasses, and salt.

_1st day, 10th mo. 2d._ Was busy pottering around all day. Drew one half of hard tack, eight spoonsful of molasses, salt, corn meal and flour. The men are dying off very fast all around me. Griffith was put in the third Ward. Got my cap and gum blanket.

_2d day, 10th mo. 3d._ Spent the day as yesterday. Had some rain in the evening. Drew fresh beef, beans, flour and salt. My health is better.

_3d day, 10th mo. 4th._ Lay quiet; my complaint is some better. Drew molasses, rice, flour and salt--a good ration.

_4th day, 10th mo. 5th._ Lay quiet. Took a dose of olium vicini last night. Did not eat much to-day; am getting stouter. Drew meal, beans and salt. Was a warm and pleasant day. Edward Roberts died in the afternoon. I went down to see how he was, and found him only breathing.

_5th day, 10th mo. 6th._ Am getting better; walked around a good deal to-day. Sold my knife for six dollars in Confederate money; also, five pearl buttons for fifty cents. Partly cooked some beans after ten o'clock this evening. Had a heavy rain.

_6th day, 10th mo. 7th._ Am better to-day than I have been for some time. Bought seven sweet potatoes for fifty cents and ate the half of them. Drew fifteen small crackers, sent to us by the Sanitary Commission, and some flour and salt. Wrote a letter for Close to his father; he has given up all hopes of recovery.

_7th day, 10th mo. 8th._ Was clear and cold all day. Drew fifteen small crackers, a small spoonful of beef tea, some condensed milk and coffee. Two rations made only a pint of coffee; I gave all to Close--he seemed to relish them. Shirts and drawers were issued to those who needed them; they were sent by the Sanitary Commission. I feel better and stouter to-day, and made out to draw three buckets of water and carry it. Sold a knife for Close for one dollar, and bought one dollar's worth of sweet potatoes.

_1st day, 10th mo. 9th._ Was very cool all day. Drew the usual rations. The men are dying off very fast.

_2d day, 10th mo. 10th._ Last night it was so cold that it was as much as I could do to keep from freezing. It was clear and cool all day. Drew thin half-blankets for those who had none, also socks, hats and drawers, from the Sanitary Commission.

_3d day, 10th mo. 11th._ Spent the day, which was very cool, as yesterday. Drew same kind of rations.

_4th day, 10th mo. 12th._ Was warm to-day. Have been troubled with a sore mouth, arising from a bad cold. Medicine does no good. Drew medicine, got drowsy and went to bed.

_5th day, 10th mo. 13th._ Have had a worse attack of that "terrible scourge" to-day than I have had for a long time. Took medicine to no purpose.

_6th day, 10th mo. 14th._ I am no better; worse if anything. Drew "Sanitary stuff" for the worst cases, and fresh beef, flour and corn meal.

_7th day, 10th mo. 15th._ Was a fine day; lay quiet most of the time. Sanitary stuff for Close, and the worst cases, were issued. Drew some crackers with a ration. Put Close's and mine in soup. My complaint seems to be better.

_1st day, 10th mo. 16th._ A pleasant day. Close about the same. Drank concentrated coffee and sconce. I feel better, but cannot get my disease checked. Took three cathartic pills this evening. Drew no rations.

_2d day, 10th mo. 17th._ Was the same kind of day to me as others. Close was worse all day; the ward-master got him an egg, some beef tea and coffee, which he ate and yet seemed hungry. We think he cannot live over night.

_3d day, 10th mo. 18th._ Covered Close up with all the blankets, and got permission to sleep by the nurse's fire. The night was cool. Close kept sinking until four o'clock this morning, when he died. It looks like rain again this morning. Burns, one of the nurses, and I, put up a tent of my gum blanket and one of the new blankets. I am not much better.

_4th day, 10th mo. 19th._ Warm and pleasant; was busy most of the time, but did not do much. The Sanitary Commission has been sending clothing here, but it is rather light stuff, such as red pants, gray drawers, and red and gray shirts.

_5th day, 10th mo. 20th._ Lay as quiet as possible all day. Am better.

_6th day, 10th mo. 21st._ Lay as quiet as possible all day. The nights are very cool.

_7th day, 10th mo. 22d._ Last night was very cool, but I got a good night's rest. To-day was blustery and cold, but clear. At ten o'clock the hospital was moved inside of the stockade, and to the northwest corner of it. All who were able to walk were sent ahead, and after getting in were taken across the creek and put in charge of a corporal. I took a walk around and bought two Confederate dollars worth of sweet potatoes for my dinner; traded all my beans for salt; then took a walk to the hospital grounds, and found our steward and nurses, who told me to bring my things. Burns and I put up a tent as before and prepared for a cold night; ate a little boiled rice. The steward gave me four spoonsful of canned tomatoes and a biscuit for my supper.

_1st day, 10th mo. 23d._ Was cool; lay about, and kept warm in the sun and tent.

_2d day, 10th mo. 24th._ Lay in the tent most of the time. A Mason, ward-master, came to see me. A rebel Lieutenant was looking around for us. The backs of my hands are so badly chapped I can hardly do any thing.

* * * * *

It appears that from inability or some other cause, Charles Smedley was unable to give us any further account of his trials and sufferings; and that the 24th of the 10th month, 1864, was the last day he was able to write. I have deemed it appropriate to add the following account of his last days, (obtained from Richard Dobbins, who was the steward or ward-master, referred to by Charles, and who attended him until near his last moments,) as a finale to his own history, as given in his diary.

JOEL SMEDLEY.

* * * * *

Having had some acquaintance with Charles Smedley--the writer of the foregoing diary--for some time previous to his decease, at the request of his father, I shall endeavor to give some account, from memory, of the last days of his existence; also, a brief account of my own experience while in the hands of the rebels, as their prisoner.

My name is Richard Dobbins, a native of western Missouri. I belonged to Company H, 18th Regiment Iowa Volunteers--was taken prisoner at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 25th, 1863--was sent to the Libby prison, in Richmond, Va., where I remained a short time--Then I was sent to Belle Island, where I suffered very much from cold and starvation. I often thought of death, which stared me in the face daily; though I was not worse off than the majority of the other prisoners. I remained there until the 16th of March, 1864, when I was sent with others to Andersonville, in Georgia, where I suffered very much; not so much from starvation as on the island, but from the rain and cold; also from smoke, from the burning of pine wood. We were of course thinly clad, some destitute of blankets, some of shoes, some of pants, while others had scarcely any clothes on them. The majority of us had been searched and robbed of all our good clothing, money, watches, boots, &c. It seemed as though we could expect nothing but death to relieve us from our sufferings. Over twelve thousand of the prisoners died at Andersonville.

On the 8th of September, I, with others, was sent from there, and in due time arrived at Savannah. From thence we were moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where the rebels made a kind of military display of us, by marching us through the city, and putting us in the prison, near the officers who were under the fire of our own guns.

We remained there only one day and night, and then were marched to the rear of the city on the race-course track, where we staid but a short time; then I was sent to Florence, South Carolina. Shortly after I arrived there, I was taken out on "parole of honor," and sent to the Federal hospital by the rebel surgeons, as master of one of the wards there.

It was there I became acquainted with Corporal Charles Smedley, of Company G, Ninetieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, (although I had frequently seen him at sick call, while at Andersonville, but did not make his acquaintance,) who was a patient in my ward.

A little incident occurred there that manifested his kind and generous disposition, which attracted my attention, and caused me to feel a deep interest in his welfare. I had prepared some food for him, the best I could get, and took it to him. He immediately gave it all to David Close, (who was a fellow prisoner with him, and very sick,) saying, "you need it worse than I."

When he first came to the hospital, he complained of chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. After a few days the dysentery left him, though he was very weak. He kindly waited on David Close, and seemed willing to do all he could for him, as he considered Close worse than himself. I think he hurt himself by over exertion. He waited on Close all he could, until he died, which appears to have occurred on the morning of the 18th of October.

A few days after the death of David Close, the hospital was moved inside of the stockade, to the North-west corner. Charles, with others, walked in. In the evening Charles came over to the hospital. We told him he had better get his things, and come back to the hospital and stay, which he did. Shortly after he came, his hands became very sore, apparently from a dropsical affection, and were bandaged up.

His walk, from the hospital to the inside of the stockade, appeared to have been too much for his strength. From that day he became worse, though he was able to walk about, almost every day, until the day before he died.

He gave me his watch some time before, saying, "he might drop off any time," and requested me, if it should so happen, to take it home to his father, and tell him all, which I promised him I would do, if it was possible. He seemed cheerful, and manifested no fears of death. In fact, he always appeared cheerful and in good spirits, and seemed confident that he would get home again. He certainly had a very hard and trying time while in prison, but was seldom heard to complain or find fault. _He was a good soldier and a true patriot._

He died on the night of the 16th of November, 1864. He was washed, shaved, and clean clothes put on him, but no coffin was provided for him. His body was wrapped in a sheet and buried in the burial ground, a short distance north of north-west of the stockade. The number of his grave was probably recorded at the rebel headquarters, as is their custom, but I do not know the number. I tried to get the number, but could not, for reasons best known to the rebel officers.

After his death I secured his Bible, diary, a small book in which he kept the photographs of his family, and a few little tools, with which he used to while away the time in making bone rings, &c.; all of which, with the watch, according to my promise, I have succeeded in delivering to his father.

I was paroled on the 29th of November, 1864, and sent from Florence, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, where I was put on shipboard, and brought, with many others, to Annapolis, Maryland, where I arrived on the morning of the 5th of December, and immediately informed Charles Smedley's father of his sad fate.

RICHARD DOBBINS, Co. H, 17th Regiment Iowa Volunteers

FOOTNOTES:

[4] His little tent as described under date of "3d day, 5th mo. 24th."

[5] The term street must be applied to the road in the centre of the stockade. It cannot possibly be a street in the town.

[6] By the term "raiders," the writer designates a set of thieves and cut-throats among the prisoners, who made a practice of robbing newly arrived Union soldiers.

MARCH TO AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.

SIXTH AND SEVENTH MONTHS, 1863.

On the march into Maryland, _5th day, 6th mo. 25th, 1863_, were called in from picket about nine o'clock; went to the old camp, and joined, or followed the division, which has been on the march for some time. Should have remained on picket, as the column passed the right of the picket line. Followed the road to Edward's Ferry, where we crossed on one of the pontoons; went on, and passed through Poolsville, and then on to Barnesville, where we encamped in a clump of thick, low pines, on the north side of the town; had a difficult time getting into the woods. It had been raining all day, and still continued; Jos. and I put up Clay's tent, and took Chaplin in with us; we were almost "wringing wet" from perspiration and rain. Had a hard march, and were almost worn out.

_6th day, 6th mo. 26th._ Were called up at daylight by the Adjutant, but did not get out until all the other regiments were off. We got ready, and were off by five o'clock, and went on as fast as possible, but did not catch up to the brigade until we had gone several miles. All of our things were wet, which made our load heavy to carry. We crossed the Monocacy river, went through Adamstown, and came to Jeffersonville, where we took up our camp for the night. I gave out about the middle of the day, and fell down; got a pass from the Captain, signed by the Doctor, as I could not keep up, and took my time; got to within a mile of Jeffersonville by the time the division halted. Made some coffee, and went to a cherry tree and got some cherries, which was the most I had to eat to-day. We put up our tent, and went to a stack of straw and got an armful for our bed; took the sergeant in with us. It rained some all night; our clothes were very wet--could almost wring them.

_7th day, 6th mo. 27th._ The bugle sounded about four o'clock, we got up about five, and were packed up by eight. Went to a house near by to get water and wash; then went to a cherry tree and got some cherries. Made some tea for breakfast. By half past eight were in line, and started. Went through the town, and followed the road leading towards Middletown. We made an easy march of it, a distance of eight miles. The roads were hard, which made the marching good. We got to Middletown by one o'clock, passed on through towards the mountains, and encamped. We appear to be in a valley. All of the First and Twelfth Corps are encamped around here. The country we have passed through the last two days is of the best farming land.

_1st day, 6th mo. 28th._ Last night we got one day's rations of sugar, coffee, crackers, beef and pork. The Adjutant said we would be likely to move at three o'clock this morning. Had inspection of arms and accoutrements about twelve; at one I was out on guard; about two the bugle sounded to pack up, and at three the Corps was off. The guards acted as rear guards. Took the Frederick City pike, and got within a mile of the city by night, when the Corps encamped. The rear guard had to go on guard on arriving.

_2d day, 6th mo. 29th._ The bugles began to sound the reveille about three o'clock. The third relief went oh at four, when the bugle sounded "pack up;" by five the Corps was off. The sergeant of the third relief took charge of us, and we staid behind to get breakfast. I took three hard-tacks and a piece of pork and ate them on post for my breakfast. Our camp is in a meadow, with a fine run of water in it. We passed over a very mountainous country yesterday, but very beautiful. The marching was easy, on good pike; weather cloudy and misty. We soon started, in charge of the sergeant, who had a few lines from the officer of the day. When we came to the pike, we joined the middle of the First Division, which was in the rear. After going one-fourth of a mile, the road branched off, one leading towards Frederick City and the other to Pennsylvania. We followed on, and caught up to the Second Brigade by noon. Passed the Second and Fifth Maryland Battalions. Had very muddy roads, the mist turning into rain at times. Followed a pike leading towards Hagerstown; passed through as far as Cotocton Furnace, halted half an hour, after going three or four miles past the furnace, and ate our little dinner. After the half-hour was up the column started. I joined the regiment, and kept with it past Mechanicstown, when the roads were so muddy and wet I could no more than keep up. We followed the pike, passing through Emmettsburg, amid the waving of flags and handkerchiefs by the ladies. After going one-half a mile past the town, we encamped in a field.

_3d day, 6th mo. 30th._ Slept pretty well--it rained some in the night. Got up at five o'clock, and started at eight; went back through the town, then across the Pennsylvania line, and halted and encamped. We met the Eleventh Corps coming through Emmettsburg, going the road we came. Just before we started, an old gentleman and lady came into camp, bringing bread, butter, biscuits and doughnuts, and gave them to us, saying, "poor fellows, we'll give you all we have, if you will drive the rebels off, and hope you'll not get killed." As soon as we crossed the line, we gave nine cheers. After stopping, we were told to put up our tents. My feet are very sore and blistered.

_4th day, 7th mo. 1st._ Sergeant and I slept together, the other mate was on guard. Got up at five. Had fresh beef for breakfast. The bugle sounded "pack up," and about seven o'clock we started on the road towards Gettysburg; at nine were within three miles of Gettysburg; halted to rest; heard something like cannonading ahead. About the middle of the day got to Gettysburg, and halted. There was pretty sharp fighting to the left and ahead of us. We have halted in a piece of woods; can see the firing plainly, and may soon be in it. After stopping for half an hour, we advanced by the left of the town, and halted a few minutes, then went on and formed in line of battle. I threw away everything but a few envelopes and paper, which I put in my note book. We first threw out skirmishers, and after manoeuvering around for some time, got into the thickest of the fight. I could not get my musket to work right, but fired something like twenty rounds. After near an hour's hard fighting, we were compelled to fall back; and, after manoeuvering, our brigade went up to the top of a hill and supported a battery, which did good service. After near an hour, were compelled to fall back to the town. The rebels had flanked us. We lost a great many, the most when we fell back the first time. A bullet grazed the right side of my neck, and another my right hip. We retreated through the town in great confusion, and all the time the rebels were shelling it, and some shooting from the houses. We got into some kind of order after getting out of the town, and by sundown, what was left of us, are in line of battle. Sent out skirmishers. When we were first under fire, a piece of shell struck the ground between Captain and I, throwing the sand in our faces. The whole number of killed and wounded of the Ninetieth Regiment is near fifty--of our company four or five wounded.