:-^^'-. -ov^' ;} ■^^* ^M/', ^s>J^ ,/e^-i^ Fast and Loose IN Dixie. AN UNPREJUDICED NARRATIVE OF PERSONAL EX- PERIENCE AS A PRISONER OF WAR AT LIBBY, MACON, SAVANNAH, AND CHARLESTON, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF A DESPERATE LEAP FROM A MOVING TRAIN OF CARS, A WEARY TRAMP OF FORTY-FIVE DAYS THROUGH SWAMPS AND MOUNTAINS, PLACES AND PEOPLE VISITED, ETC., ETC. V^ BY ^ / J/MADISON DRAKE, CAI'TAIN NINTH NEW JERSEY VETERAN VOLS. AND BREVET BRia.-GENERAL N. G. N. J WV/^*'cof j:c..,i1.P_qM- NEW YORK : THE AUTHORS' PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1880. 7^ Copyright, 1880. By The Authors' Publishing Company, New York. all rights reserved. PREFACE While serving as an officer in the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Volunteers, it was my lot to face the enemy in a series of battles on the right bank of the James River, Va., in the month of May, 1864, where, in a day of gloom and disaster for the Union cause, I was taken prisoner. With the gallant Heckman, intrepid Belger, and other officers whose good opinion it was my privilege to enjoy, I passed a few days in Libby Prison, and was successively introduced to other gay and festive scenes in the so-called Confederate States. But to men thoroughly in earnest to serve their imperilled country, the attractions offered for our gratification by rebel officials, failed to make life happy in the " Sunny South :" in point of fact, the captives with whom I mingled despised the hospitalities tendered. Nay, more ; the souls of these brave men animated them to reso- lute action to escape from their depressing surroundings. At Macon and Savannah carefully devised plans for regaining our liberty re- ceived the hearty approval of many who owned that no peril or hard- ship should hinder them from again following the old flag as it was borne aloft on ensanguined fields ; and weeks of severe toil were cheerfully endured in constructing tunnels for escape. Though baffled by treachery in a promising enterprise for regain- ing our freedom by tunnelling, I conscientiously declare that I never ceased to cherish the hope of escape from rebel prisons. True, the prospect was gloomy indeed. Confined in fetid strongholds and sur- rounded by sleepless sentinels, the boldest at times were ready to despair. But even the horrors of Charleston jail-yard (where pesti- lence raged, and over and around which bursting shells shrieked VI PREFACE. wildly, as I lay in the shadow of a hideous gallows) were powerless to divert me from seeking a favorable opportunity for flight. In the vicissitudes of war I well knew that a brave heart and unceasing vigilance would, sooner or later, offer me an opportunity of striking for liberty, with some prospect of success. After weary waiting, a day memorable in my history dawned some- what tmexpectedly. The waning fortunes of the Confederacy were now in danger of an overwhelming disaster, as Sherman was prepared to pursue his triumphant march from the mountains to the sea, laying a heavy hand on a rebellious people. Fear reigned in Confederate councils, and desperate efforts were made to avert the threatened doom. Among other precautions taken was the hustling of several hundred captive Union officers into a train of cars, at Charleston, and a swift departure for Columbia, where, it was believed, they could be retained in bondage. Myself and many of my friends hailed with joy the pro- posed change of scene. Four of us resolved to take our lives in our hands and leap from the moving train. How we succeeded in our carefully considered enterprise is set forth in this little volume. There is no attempt at fine writing, neither is it my purpose to seek to create a sensation by drawing on a fertile imagination for my facts. Start- ling incidents are chronicled, it is true, but their authenticity is attested by unimpeachable witnesses. Portions of this narrative have been published in Harper's Weekly, in the Philadelphia Thties, Newark Advertiser, Albany Press, and other widely circulated journals, but in no instance have the interesting facts here stated caused unfriendly criticism. I have a feeling of pride in pointing to the testimonials herewith printed, from soldiers who served their country in the tented field, and of whose friendship any man may well feel proud. But for their request, seconded by many others, to print this narrative, the MSS. would probably still rest in their pigeon holes. It is but just to state that in all his rambles, from one prison to another, and during his pilgrimage from Charleston to Knoxville, through gloomy swamps, over broad savannahs, beside bivouacs in mountain fastnesses, and on the snow-covered heights of North Caro- lina and Tennessee, the writer jotted down, in a small diary, incidents of his daily life. PREFACE vii The gracious Providence that guided my feet safely when envi- roned by perils, and nerved my heart to bear up bravely when ad- versity pressed Math heavy hand, enabled me to preserve safely the "jottings by the way," and I have found the diary of great advantage in writing my narrative. The little memorandum book, though worn and faded, faithfully preserved the facts chronicled at the time of their occurrence, and I prize it highly as a souvenir. J. MADISON DRAKE. Elizabeth, N. J., 1880. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGB I. — Opening of the Great Campaign ii II. — Up the James River 12 III. — The Battle and the Capture 21 IV. — On the Way to Libby Prison 27 V. — Hard Lines 30 VI. — An Excursion Dixieward 35 VII. — Arrival in the Cracker State 41 VIII. — Digging for Liberty 46 IX. — The Natal Day Celebrated 51 X. — Another Excursion 54 XI. — A Ride to the "City by the Sea" 65 XII. — Meeting Old Friends 71 XIII. — A Change of Base and a Leap for Liberty. 73 XIV. — A Start for God's Country 81 XV. — An Exciting Adventure 87 XVI. — Fed by Negroes in the Swamps 94 XVII. — A Run for Life 100 XVIII. — In the Old North State at Last 107 XIX. — A Season of Great Distress 113 XX. — Our Best Friend a Confederate Brigadier. 117 XXI. — Crossing the Catawba River 122 X CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE XXII.— iV Wretched Family 133 XXIII. — The Elements at Work 136 XXIV. — A Blind Man in our Party : 142 XXV. — Among the Deserters 145 XXVI. — A Never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath 159 XXVII.— A Sorrowful Leave-taking 171 XXVIII.— A Welcome Guest 181 XXIX. — Barefooted in the Snow 189 XXX. — A Mutiny among the Deserters 195 XXXI. — A Battle Above the Clouds 197 XXXII. — A Friendly Settlement Reached 207 XXXIII. — A Lame Man Expected to " Fly" 218 XXXIV. — An Alarm at Midnight 224 XXXV. — A Terrible Encounter 233 XXXVI. — A Clap of Thunder in a Clear Sky 23S XXXVII. — Guerillas Catch us Napping 245 XXXVIII. — How I Obtained Shoes and Stockings 249 XXXIX. — A Noble-Hearted People 259 XL.— Hail ! Flag of the Free! 264 XLI. — Threatened with the Guard-house 271 XLII. — No Foolin' dis Time 279 XLIII. — Home Again 290 APPENDIX. I. — Documentary Substantiation 297 II. — Historic Substantiation 303 III. — Captain Seth B. Ryder 305 IV. — The Ninth New Jersey Regiment 307 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE CHAPTER I. OPENING OF THE GREAT CAMPAIGN. EARLY in the Spring of 1864, those of us who were inured to war, pronounced it folly to imagine that we were to have a pleasant Summer. From the immense preparations that were being put forth on every hand, and from the fact that the greatest soldier of the age — General Ulysses S. Grant — had been placed in supreme command of the Union forces, we became satisfied that we would speedily be engaged in fierce conflict with our foes. Confident that truth and justice would triumph, we were eager to again meet the enemy, although we knew we should often be exposed to fearful perils. If accident befel us, we would cherish the consola- tion that we were suffering in a glorious cause, and this thought alone sustained me during many pain- ful hours, spent in rebel prison-pens. Our division of the i8th Corps, which had been in Winter quarters at Getty's Station, a few miles above 12 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. Norfolk, Va., broke camp on the 26th of April, and at noon next day, disembarked at Yorktown. During our brief stay here, we were ** reviewed " by various officers, and marched toward Williamsburg and Richmond — then back again. On the third day of May, the loth Corps re-embarked, followed next morning by the i8th Corps — the vessels coming to anchor off Fortress Monroe early that evening. CHAPTER II. UP THE JAMES RIVER. A ROCKET sent up at midnight from the mag- nificent steamboat '* Greyhound," upon which General Butler had his headquarters, was the signal to weigh anchor, and when the sun on the morning of the 5th gilded the eastern horizon, the Armada, preceded by fifteen gunboats, several of them moni- tors, was many miles from the starting point. My duties as " officer of the day" were not particularly irksome. Passing City Point, we saw the flag of truce steamer which had the previous day arrived to exchange prisoners. I apprehend that the boat was sent up as a sort of a " blind," to cover the tracks of the expedition ; if so, it was a success in this respect, for the rebels on the wharf looked bewildered as they saw steamer after steamer pass beyond, in the direction of Richmond. Troops, before nightfall, were hastily debarked on Bermuda Hundred — the UP THE JAMES RIVER. 1 3 *' Star " brigade — to which I belonged — being the first to reach the low-ribbed shore. We marched a couple of miles in order to '' cover " the landing, put out piquets, then bivouaced for the night. An occa- sional shot was all that disturbed our tranquillity. The morning of the 6th broke clear and fair, auguring well for our enterprise. The order to " move forward " was given at daybreak, the writer, with Company D, 9th N. J. Vols., being honored with the extreme advance. We saw nothing of the enemy for several hours, and began to imagine that the road to Richmond was open at last, but toward noon we were aroused from our lethargy, and con- vinced by ocular proof that the enemy had left no loop-hole by which we could enter the city. We soon became satisfied that we had work to do, for now, instead of desultory firing, the Johnnies ap- peared in numbers, contesting every foot of the way. We knew, however, that it was only a ques- tion of time, so we pushed forward, with an immense force at our back. At noon, the enemy made what, at first, promised to be a determined stand at Chap- in's farm, but when they saw a flank movement threatening their left, they beat a hurried retreat in the direction of Walthall Junction. Our intrepid commander, followed by his brigade, was soon after ambushed — the brigade being badly cut up in the encounter at Walthall. It was after darkness had overspread the earth, that the force got back within the lines, leaving our dead where they were slain. General Butler, having determined upon the de- 14 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. struction of the railroad between Richrnond and Petersburg, directed General Brooks to move in that direction for that purpose, while our brigade cooper- ated by making a feint on Port Walthall Junction. We moved forward at an early hour on the morning of the 7th, and speedily occupied the battle-ground of the day previous. Here we found the bodies of several of our fallen soldiers in a state of nudity, and horribly mutilated. They were interred in the open field. Although we reached the spot at an early hour — ^just as the sun was rising — we found indubita- ble evidences of the enemy's proximity. My com- pany, acting as a support to Company I, Captain Samuel Hufty, deployed across the open field in which the battle of the previous day had been fought. The enemy, who were in plain sight, made a corresponding move. As we advanced, so did they. Finally, we reached the spot designated, and halted. The Johnnies did likewise. For an hour and more we stood, like lions at bay, glaring at each other, but during all this time not a shot was fired by either party. We could see the heads of the enemy bobbing up and down behind the breast- works three or four hundred yards in rear of their skirmish line, and we wondered when they would " open the ball." Directly, we see a battery of light field pieces unlimber at the edge of a wood on our left, when we begin to realize that the dreadful monotony is at last to be broken. Belger's Rhode Island battery, which had always shared the glories and dangers of our brigade, and which had, up to UP THE JAMES RIVER. 1 5 this moment, been covered by a hill near Dr. Wal- thall's mansion, was now run up, and unlimbered, and in less time than it takes me to write it, Belger had commenced the engagement, which proved to be one of the prettiest I ever witnessed. The Con- federates promptly replied, and in a moment the air was heavy laden with hissing, shrieking and bursting shells. The explosion of a caisson, belonging to the enemy, caused them a deal of trouble, and the loss of a number of men. During this duel between the two batteries, we lay in the open field — part of the time conversing with the Johnnies on the skirmish line. I must confess that the conversation was not particularly edifying. The Confederates had no sooner hauled off their battery, than we saw a move- ment on the part of their infantry. We knew they outnumbered us at this point, and some of us began to feel uneasy. At this moment, however, when so full of anxiety, we hear heavy firing away on our right front, and directly after see a double line of blue coats moving hurriedly across an open field, directly in the right rear of the force which had all day been confronting us. We can restrain ourselves no longer, and break out with hearty cheers which cause the enemy's skirmishers to turn all sorts of colors, and roll their tobacco quids nervously in their mouths. Brooks has gained the enemy's rear, and is now tearing up the railroad, and severing telegraphic communication between the rebel capi- tal and the south. The strength of his column ena- bles him to act with almost perfect impunity, 1 6 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. although he is kept quite busy with a foe who ig vigilant on all sides. The '' object of the expedi- tion having been accomplished," the forces returned to camp, well satisfied with their day's work. Next day, the 8th, many of us bathed in the dark waters of the Appomattox, notwithstanding the close proximity of the Johnnies, who fired upon us as opportunity offered. The army was put in motion at three o'clock next morning, 9th, but the enemy was not encoun- tered in force until we reached Swift Creek, about three miles from Petersburg. The battle was opened without delay, the fighting being severe during the entire day and night. It was here that the 25th and 27th South Carolina Regiments were opposed in hostile array to the 25th and 27th Massachusetts Regiments of our brigade. The Palmetto regiments made repeated charges on their brethren from the Bay State, and were as often driven back with frightful loss. The Confederates were here in strong force, most of them having just come from South Carolina, with Beauregard, who now was skillfully directing the enemy's movements. Next morning, loth, the enemy feeling very bit- ter, vigorously renewed the battle, both armies hav- ing slept upon their arms during the night. In making an examination of the battle-ground, we found in one spot, the bodies of a captain, two lieutenants, or- derly sergeant, a corporal and a number of privates, belonging to one company in the 27th South Caro- lina, which proved, if such a thing be necessary, the UP THE JAMES RIVER. 1 7 desperate -character and staying qualities of the enemy, and the fierceness of yesterday's conflict. We were glad to. leave the ensanguined field, reach- ing our camp late in the afternoon. nth — Everything within sound is quiet to-day, for which we are devoutly thankful. But what will the morrow bring forth ? Daybreak on the 12th, found us on the march again — this time our point of direction being to the right, inclining toward the James river. It soon leaked out that we were on the way to Drewry's Bluff or Fort Darling — an impregnable place on the river — seven miles from Richmond. On the way up the turnpike, we *' gobbled " several cavalrymen, bearers of dispatches to General Beauregard. Dur- ing the afternoon, Generals Heckman, Brooks and Wistar engaged the enemy near the turnpike — driv- ing him from a number of positions, which successes served to cheer and nerve us for whatever might be in store for us. We fought hard all day on the 13th, pressing the enemy steadily back. Towards the close of the afternoon, while " resting," we heard all sorts of rumors — not one of which, as I afterwards learned, had any foundation in fact, although they served their purpose well. We received orders to make coffee, which we greatly needed, and were about to enjoy its fine aroma, when our Adjutant, Carroll, di- rected me to take Companies D and G, deploy them and move forward in the woods in our front. I disliked very much to leave my coffee, and started l8 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. away with a quart cup in one hand, and a sword in the other. Just before entering the woods I was halted, and while a Western regiment, armed with sixteen-shooters, blazed away in my immediate front, I sipped my coffee, and it was well I did so, for directly afterwards, while climbing a fence, I missed my footing, and went over in a hurry, coffee and all — my men laughing heartily at my misad- venture. The rain now fell in torrents, and we speedily became drenched, our situation being very disagreeable. It was impossible to see anything, owing to the darkness in those dreary woods, and how I ever managed to keep my men together, is more than I am able to explain. I was thankful that the enemy did not molest us in the early part of the night, for we could not have made any de- fence — besides, we were just as likely to shoot one another as the rebels. I was told the next day by a prisoner whom we captured, that the only reason we were not attacked, was because the rebels believed us to be armed with sixteen-shooting rifles. Of course I slept none that night, such a thing was utterly impossible — besides, we were supposed to be a breastwork for the entire army, our duty being to "■ cover" it. At a late hour word reached me that Captain Samuel Hufty, with a picked force, was about to make a reconnoissance on my right. I had consid- erable difficulty in finding my men to notify and caution them of the movement, owing to the intense darkness. Captain Hufty penetrated the enemy's UP THE JAMES RIVER. 1 9 lines and gained valuable information without firing a shot, and without losing a man. The field '' officer of the day," belonging to a Massachusetts regiment, failed to put in an appear- ance that night, and next morning, when Adjutant- General Abel came in to order my command " for- ward," he was surprised to learn that the one who had been charged with the duty of inspecting the line, had been remiss in his duty. I will merely add in this connection that this officer was subse- quently dismissed from the service which he had disgraced. I had proceeded but a short distance on the morning of the 14th, when I saw through an open- ing in the woods, strong fortifications, surmounted by the flag of the " stars and bars." I halted my command and apprised General Heckman, who was coming up in the rear with his brigade, of my dis- covery. We made a reconnoissance of the enemy's position, and while thus engaged, were fired upon by his sharpshooters. The general made prompt dispositions, and ordered me to advance. The rain continued, which materially interfered with the movements of the infantry, as well as the artillery. When the brigade had gained the position coveted, I was ordered to charge the enemy, who were snugly posted in the abattis. This movement was executed with a dash that surprised the Johnnies, who quickly crawled out from behind their logs, and hastily fled — springing in all haste over the formidable earthworks which were the crowning glory of the fort to which 20 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. they were but auxiliary — yet a necessary defence. We followed to within a few yards of the fortifica- tions — then, under cover of the abattis, which the enemy had just deserted, we '' popped " away, when- ever we saw anything worth " popping " at. The Confederates replied to the fire of my skir- mishers as opportunity offered, but their temerity in showing their heads or arms above the breast- works was fearfully punished — my men being able to take deliberate aim — shots seldom being wasted. My first sergeant, Hulsart, solicitous concerning my safety, insisted upon the removal of my shoulder straps. He also protested against my wearing a gold cord on a fine regulation hat, presented to me a few days previously by Lieut. Colonel James Stewart, jr. The sergeant would listen to no re- fusal, insisting that the '' ornaments " were drawing the enemy's fire. It was amusing to watch the Johnnies in their efforts to discharge two or three light field pieces whose muzzles pointed in a threat- ening manner directly towards the orderly and my- self. The reader may rest assured we kept a sharp eye on those guns — neither of which were fired until we fell back at two o'clock in the afternoon, when we were relieved by two other companies, E and K. Just as the sun went down, my command was sent in again, remaining an hour or so, when we made our way out of the abattis to the ravine where the regiment lay. During the night we rested but ht- tie, owing to the heavy firing of the skirmishers. THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE. 2 1 CHAPTER III. THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE. SUNDAY morn we received a mail from Jersey, — letters from my father being directed to me at *' Richmond, Va., or — elsewhere." The colonel jocosely remarked that the letters had reached me one day too soon, for we all believed that we would be in the rebel capital on the morrow. We passed the day in cleaning our rifles, instead of listening to the chaplain, or worse still, hearing the articles of war read, and assisted in throwing up a breastwork, which later in the day we left for the benefit of others. There was nothing in the surroundings to remind us that the day was the Lord's. We did not even have the customary inspection. Just at dusk, when the breastwork was about completed, we marched silently to the right, in the direction of the James river. We felt pleased to think that our ar- duous labors had been appreciated, and that we were at length to go where we could obtain sleep and needed rest. But alas, for human calculations, espe- cially when made by soldiers. Instead of turning to the rear, we suddenly found that the movement just executed was simply a prolongation of the battle line. Between the right of our regiment and the James river, was an intervening space, which was immediately occupied by several regiments of colored cavalry. During the long night which followed, we busied ourselves in stretching wires upon the ground 22 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. in our front, and in collecting branches of trees, stumps, etc., which, placed in a line, served admira- bly for protection. Of course we felt that we had not been fairly treated, for had we not fought almost continuously for a week, besides working on en- trenchments which we should have been allowed to defend ? The Confederates, evidently suspecting a battle on the morrow, kept up an incessant fire from their small arms, as much to keep us from sleeping, as to prevent any movement on our part. To add to the horrors of this never-to-be-forgotten night, the rebs yelled all along the line. The yell of a Comanche is child-like in comparison. To vary the monotony, they made occasional attempts to charge, but our skirmish line was sufficient to hold the Confederates in check — that is, for the time being. Just before daybreak on the memorable morning of the i6th, a dense fog enveloped the earth. I never before had seen such a fog — not even in Vir- ginia. It was impossible to see fifteen feet in any direction. I could not see the entire front of my company, so heavy and pall-like was the mist. Down behind the frail breastwork of logs, we anx- iously awaited the approach of the infuriated enemy, who we knew had made every arrangement to come out from his works for the purpose of attack. Sat- isfied that the Confederates had received large re- enforcements, and that his brigade was in a posi- tion of extreme peril. General Heckman begged for assistance, — at least that the gallant Belger and his THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE, 23 battery might be sent to his relief, but for some reason never explained, " Baldy " Smith, in com- mand of our division, failed to comply, leaving our brigade, which had become decimated, to withstand the shock of the rebel army under General Ransom, of North Carolina. I have heard a great many sol- diers express the opinion that Smith wanted Butler defeated, so that he could supersede him in the com- mand, hence his action in withholding the assist- ance so importunately asked for. I do not know why we were allowed no artillery, although a dozen superb batteries were idle in our rear, and no one can convince me that treachery did not underlie the action of some officers, high in rank though they were. It was about a quarter before five o'clock in the morning, when four brigades of the enemy, in line of battle, emerged from their works, and moved noiselessly across an open field. Our skirmishers, seeing the futility of attempting to check such a force, crawled out of their " gopher " holes, and dis- charging their rifles as rapidly as possible, retreated upon our line, which they had hardly gained, when the battle of Drewry's Bluff had been opened in dreadful earnest. The Confederate artillery made the earth tremble, while the shriek of the shell mul- tiplied the horrors of the contest. On, on, came the sanguine Confederates, until they reached the wires which befouled them. Our opportunity came at last, and we embraced it with all the zeal of which we were capable. A constant sheet of flame from 24 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE, the brazen muzzles of our trusted rifles, proved to the enemy that the Yankee was still there, with no thought of surrendering the advantages gained by the previous ten days' fighting. The fog still re- mained, and to its kindly shelter the enemy owed a great deal. Charge after charge was made by the maddened enemy, who was as often driven back to the field where his shattered lines would be reformed. During the lulls, we heard the groans of the dying, some of whom uttered bitter imprecations. It was, perhaps, eight o'clock when I imagined that all was not as it should be. I heard heavy fir- ing in my rear, but could not account for it, nor for the solitude in my immediate proximity. I could not see more than a few yards away, owing to the fog which hung like drapery over the landscape. I peered to my right and to my left, but could see no troops anywhere, not even in front. While in a state of wonderment, I was surprised by an excla- mation of Sergeant Tom Hazleton. Turning quickly I saw a number of Confederates springing over our logs. Having no desire to cultivate their acquain- tance, I picked up my sword, (I had been using a rifle), and patent-leather haversack, and calling upon my men to " retreat," started on a run for the rear. We got along finely ; no one interfered with us, but I confess the further I went, the more I was con- fused. A short distance to the right of a road upon which I was hastening along, I saw a battery, the pieces unlimbered and pointing in the direction I This seemed strange, but I could not THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE. 25 bring my mind to realize that that battery belonged to the enemy. I continued on, walking slowly, meditating on the singular turn affairs had taken, when I was suddenly halted by a ragged looking fellow. I thought he was a "bummer" on a thieving expedition, so I bade him get out of my way. He put a revolver to my head, and told me to " surrender." At this moment, for the first time that morning, the sun put in an appearance, speedily dissolving the fog. I was bewildered when asked to surrender, but now, on looking about, I found myself surrounded by rebels, and directly in rear of their battle-line. I lost no time in present- ing Lieutenant Sherwood, of the 31st Alabama regi- ment, with my sword, belt, revolver and haversack. It must not be understood that I insisted upon his accepting the latter article, but it was all the same to the Lieutenant, who placed his services at my dis- posal for the purpose of showing me about, more particularly to conduct me to the rear, where he as- sured me it would be much safer, especially as the battle was about to be renewed. On the way to Fort Darling, the Lieutenant chatted pleasantly with a view of getting my Na- poleon boots, which he was anxious to obtain, be- cause, he said, they were handsomer than the boots worn by "Archie Gracie," the commander of his brigade. I thought I had been liberal enough to the Lieutenant, especially upon so short an acquaintance, and I made up my mind to resist his overtures for the boots, which I determined to stick to as long as 26 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. they lasted. On the way to the fort we passed over what had but recently been the battle-ground. Along a stream I saw hundreds of poor fellows washing in and drinking the now blood-stained water. I was very thirsty, but my stomach revolted at the thought of quenching thirst in that brook, so I passed along — several of the wounded Confed- erates anathematizing me. I pitied the unfortunate soldiers who would doubtless soon be free from all pain. I had never before seen so many sufferers in so limited a space — the ground everywhere was dotted with the dead and dying. The spectacle was heart-sickening, and its incidents will never be blotted from my remembrance. Reaching Fort Darling, an impregnable position on the water front at Drewry's Bluff, myself and comrades (second Lieutenant George Peters being among the number), were transferred to the custody of a provost-marshal, who was quite willing to allow us to go "• on to Richmond " when he had satisfied himself that we had no articles of value about our persons. His search not being rewarded with success, he sent us down the one hundred and fifty steps to the wharf, and in a few minutes, in an- swer to a signal, a steamboat came up, which, we were politely informed, would convey us to Rich- mond, a city, he remarked, we were doubtless anx- ious to visit. ON THE WA Y TO LIBB Y PRISON. 2/ CHAPTER IV. ON THE WAY TO LIBBY PRISON, MY heart almost ceased its pulsations as I stepped on board the vessel, over whose deck lazily floated the Confederate flag. It was not till this moment that I realized my condition — the horrors of the rebel prison-pens suddenly burst upon me, making me wretched indeed. The terrible scenes through which I had so recently passed, seemed like a dream, and I could not believe in their reality. While contemplating the loneliness of my situation, and wondering how our regiment could have moved away without my knowledge, I was suddenly startled. Seated on a bench, near the wheel-house of the steamer, sat an officer whose form was familiar to me. I watched him closely. His head was bowed, resting upon his hands, which prevented me from obtaining a clear view of his fea- tures. The sudden explosion of a torpedo in the river, by a passing vessel, caused him to change his position, when I discovered his identity. He proved to be my brave and intrepid commander, General Heckman. He extended his hand, grasping mine with much warmth, and congratulated me upon my safety. He had been captured quite early in the engagement by General Archibald Gracie, who com- manded an Alabama brigade. Gracie formerly lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and when the rebel- 28 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. lion broke out, for expressing disloyal sentiments, he was invited to leave the place, which he had good sense enough to do, thus saving the Unionists of that city the trouble of procuring him a novel ap- parel — tar and feathers. General Heckman said the Ninth had stood its ground until it was swept away by an irresistible line, when it slowly moved to the rear, firing in two different directions. It was while riding to where he knew me to be posted, that he was captured. His staff officers had been placed hors de combat soon after the battle opened, leaving him alone. He had heard that Colonel Abram Zabriskie, and Captains Edwin Stevens Harris, Edward S. Carrell and J. B. Lawrence had been killed, Lieut. Col. James Stewart, jr., and other officers wounded, and he feared that the Ninth had suffered terribly in the loss of other brave men. The sail up the river was almost devoid of inter- est to us, although we noticed that the stream was filled with gun-boats, torpedoes and other submarine appliances of modern warfare. Almost before we were aware of it, the boat drew up and was made fast to the wharf at " Rockett's." Here we found a motley crowd, who manifested unmistakable delight on seeing the " Yankee general " walk ashore. The mob hooted and howled, and for a moment I was afraid that some of the cowardly wretches would strike the general, but these brave citizens of Rich- mond contented themselves with showing their courage and following us at a respectful distance, LIB BY PRISON REACHED. 29 until we were halted in front of a large three story- brick building, over the door of which hung a small weather-stained sign, bearing the ominous words : ** Libby and Son, Ship Chandlers and Grocers." It was not necessary for any one to tell us that this was the Confederacy's loathsome prison-house, which I could not look upon without shuddering. Entering and turning into a small room on the first floor, we were invited to " register," after which Dick Turner, a deep-dyed villain, escorted us to another apartment, where we were peremptorily bidden to bring forth and deliver to him any articles of value which we might happen to have about our persons. The general protested against this larceny, but Turner carried his point, by suddenly thrusting a huge revolver at his face, which had the desired effect, and the general handed over some one hun- dred and fifty dollars in lawful money of the United States. Lieutenant Peters was the possessor of some forty dollars, which he had by some means managed to keep from his captors on the battle- field. It made me smile to see him transfer his treasure to the biggest thief in Richmond, especially as he insisted on having the amount carefully counted and placed to his credit. Turner told the Lieutenant that he could *'draw a certain amount each week," which he knew to be a base lie when he uttered it. Turner, after placing our valuables in his desk, inquired whether, on our honor as offi- cers and gentlemen, we had given up everything in our possession. I believe most of us bowed as- 30 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. sent, but this did not satisfy the leech, who gave a signal, whereupon in walked a squad of lank-looking soldiers (?) who, from their appearance, had not had a square meal since the war began. They under- stood the nature of their errand. We were com- pelled to disrobe, each article of our apparel being carefully examined. Lieut. Col. Bartholomew, of the 27th Massachusetts regiment, had retained a pair of field glasses. He begged hard to be allowed to keep these, but the inhuman keeper was inexora- ble. He refused the request, although the colonel informed him that the glasses had been presented to him by a lady friend, who had but recently de- parted this life. Donning our apparel we were pi- loted to the second story of the building, where we were left to our sorrowful meditations. I had kept a large and handsome seal ring (a gift from my wife), as well as a small pocket diary and some other arti- cles, and I congratulated myself upon having fooled the Johnnies, who were not always as smart as they imagined. CHAPTER V. HARD LINES. DURING our stay in " Libby," we suffered many indignities, which galled us more than the privations to which w'e were systematically sub- jected. Turner, and his ready tools, embraced every HARD LINES. 33 opportunity to annoy us, even directing the senti- nels in and around the building, to cry out the hour during the long nights, to prevent us from enjoy- ing sleep, which was the only consolation to be had. I think I can convey a better idea of how we were treated, by copying from my diary, in which I made the following entries, viz. : May 17th — Nothing to put in my mouth to-day, save two chews of poor tobacco, with an abundance of very dirty water supplied from a hydrant in the room, but for this I was thankful. 1 8th — Made an attempt to obtain a portion of the money which we had deposited with Dick Tur- ner, in order to purchase some food, which we began to feel we could not very well get along without. I need hardly say that our petition was treated with scorn by our ** banker." At dusk he had the good- ness to send up a piece of dry corn-bread, which we divided equitably ; but this only served to increase, rather than appease our appetite. 19th — We awoke long before the sun rose, be- cause it was impossible to sleep with hunger gnaw- ing our vitals. At a late hour in the morning several loaves of corn-bread were thrown into our room, which we devoured with avidity. At noon we received some corn-meal, with which we made mush — a palatable article. For the evening repast we had — well, we had nothing, not so palatable. 20th — Mush and corn-bread for breakfast, mush and rotten black beans for dinner, with corn-bread for supper. About noon to-day, the Rev. Mr. Wil- 34 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. mer, of Richmond, entered the east room, and after learnino; that General Heckman was from New Jer- sey, handed him a valuable gold watch, which some Confederate soldier had stolen from Lieutenant Baldwin, of a New Jersey regiment. The general took the watch, and directed me to give the min- ister a receipt for the same, which I did, but neither of us held any conversation with the conscience- stricken clergyman. On reaching the pen at Ma- con, General Heckman found the owner of the watch, and returned it to him, being heartily thanked therefor. 2 1 St — Mush for breakfast, rotten black beans for dinner — a small piece of corn-bread for dessert. Boiled rice for supper. Great excitement in the city — bells rung, citizens called out, etc. Rumored that Lee has been terribly defeated, and that Gen. Grant is marching on the city. 22d — Mush for breakfast, beans and worms for dinner, bread for supper. 23d — Mush for breakfast, fried mush for dinner — beans for dessert. Sour bread for supper. Received ten pounds of bacon and maggots — too rotten and filthy excepting for cooking purposes. We used it up in frying mush. 24th — Sour cakes and corn coffee (!) for breakfast, beans for dinner, boiled rice for supper. 25th — " Intelligent contraband " informed us that Grant had defeated Lee, and was within eight miles of Richmond. Fried mush for breakfast, bread and beans for dinner, and for supper we had mush I AN EXCURSION DIXIEWARD. 35 26th — NotJiing for breakfast — (quite a change !) Small piece of corn-bread for dinner — boiled rice for supper. Lieut. Peters paid one dollar for a loaf of bread (about as large as one of Branin's doughnuts), two dollars for a common lead pencil, and two dol- lars for having the errand performed, in Confederate money. 27th — Mush for breakfast — fried bread for dinner, and for supper on this particular occasion we con- cluded to have boiled rice. 28th — For breakfast, fried mush ; for dinner, fried bread ; and for supper, mush fried. Six or seven pounds of very filthy bacon issued to sixty-two of us. 29th — Boiled rice for breakfast, fried bread for dinner, and for supper boiled rice. " Rebs " busily engaged all day in hauling locomotives and cars through the streets, from the York River R. R. 30th — Rice boiled for breakfast, bread fried for dinner, and boiled rice for supper. CHAPTER VI. AN EXCURSION DIXIEWARD. 31st — Long before daybreak we heard heavy and continued firing in a northeasterly direction, and soon after noticed unusual activity among citizens and soldiers on Carey street. A liberal supply of bread was sent up to us, immediately after which 36 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. we were ordered to " fall in." In less than two min- utes thereafter, we were marching through the street, surrounded by armed guards. At Castle Thunder several hundred of our poor enlisted men joined us — then we were hurried across the Mayo bridge to Manchester, where a train of filthy cattle cars stood in waiting. Some sixty prisoners were crowded into each car. These cars were exceed- ingly nasty, cattle having just been discharged from them. Our guardians not only refused to clean the cars, but declined to allow us to do it. The in- tensely hot weather added to our discomfort, and increased the stench beyond the power of words to express. After a delay of some two hours, the train was started, making slow progress, however. Dur- ing the night, several of our men, who descended to the ground to get a breath of fresh air, whenever the train stopped, were shot. We crossed the river Dan just as the sun rose, on the first day of June, and a few minutes later dis- embarked at Danville, where it became necessary to change cars. There was but little life here, not- withstanding the fact that there was a prison-pen, with a regiment on duty. The place was so far in the interior that its denizens had no fear of the '' in- vader." We reached Greensboro, North Carolina, about noon, over a new road, which even now was scarcely completed. We rested here until midnight, under beautiful shade trees, the people treating us kindly, although I cannot say that many opened their pocket books for our benefit. I had an oppor- FI^ISONERS INSULTED. 37 tunity, while here, of talking to some of our enlisted men, whose harrowing stories of cruel treatment tortured my soul. Some of them had come from Belle Isle, where they had endured everything but death — that would have been a blessing to many. Although I had prepared a palatable dish for the general, he refused to partake of it, saying he had lost his appetite. I then regretted that he had been compelled to listen to the emaciated men with whom I had been in converse. During the evening I kept as close to the guard as was safe, watching for any chance that might present itself for escape. The sentinels crowded us closely together and showed us no favors. I thought that if I could once get away from the town, I would be able to reach the majes- tic Blue Ridge mountains, behind which were friends and safety; but the rebs were unusually vigilant, maintaining a double line of guards, which I finally believed could not be safely or successfully eluded. It was a tedious and disagreeable ride to Charlotte, ninety miles distant, which we reached at a late hour next day. When the train halted at Salisbury, several East Tennesseeans succeeded in making their escape, and when the fact was communicated to our keepers, their rage knew no bounds. A Pennsylvania officer got out of our car to talk with a citizen, whom he had known before the war, and while standing on the ground quietly conversing, one of the guards used grossly insulting language, for which he was called to account by Captain James Belger, the ar- 38 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. tillerist. The cowardly wretch, not liking the inter- ference of the captain, attempted to thrust him with his bayonet, when the weapon was suddenly seized by Captain Belger, who, in another instant would have sent the desperado before his Maker, had not the officer in charge of the train interposed. Sev- eral of our enlisted men were killed at various sta- tions, for no other reason than that they were found on the ground. Just before we left this place, a Confederate officer came up and told our custodians to treat us kindly. He said he had been a prisoner at Camp Douglass, and that the Yankees had used him " like a man." This officer's kindness was the only redeeming feature of the trip, so far. We reached Columbia, South Carolina, just be- fore dusk, and were transferred to still poorer cars. The stench which greeted my olfactory nerves was so disagreeable that I begged permission of the lieutenant to occupy the top of a car. He accorded me the privilege, which I lost no time in embracing. I sprang up quite nimbly, glad to escape from the noisome place inside. The train finally got under way, and I was soon covered with cinders from the rickety and puffing locomotive. Notwithstanding these inconveniences, I congratulated myself upon the change which I had made. I had one unpleas- ant encounter while on the car, that was when one of the guards came running along over the " tops." He stopped when he saw me lying there, and on discovering my identity, let loose a volley of vile curses. The increasing darkness prevented me from A CONSIDER A TE KEEPER. 39 seeing whether he was armed, and I was becoming quite nervous at his outrageous conduct, when the train dashed under a covered bridge. What became of my tormentor I never learned, but he disappeared at that particular moment, and as he did not again put in an appearance on the train, I consoled my- self with the belief that he must have been too badly injured by the fall to overtake it. He came in sud- den contact with one of my Napoleon boots, which caused him to lose his equilibrium and topple off the car. Augusta, Georgia, was reached about the middle of the forenoon ; the train wound its way slovvly through the city, stopping near a large open yard, formerly used for the storage of cotton. Thousands of people, of all shades and conditions, surrounded us as we debarked, and so great was the curiosity of the multitude, that the guards made a passage with great difficulty. We occupied the cotton-yard during our short sojourn in Augusta, the hotels be- ing insufficient to accommodate so large a party. I presume this to be the reason we were not sent to the hotels. I conversed with a number of the citi- zens, some of whom were well disposed towards us. A few even went so far as to express sorrow at our unfortunate condition. Captain Bradford, son of Governor Bradford of Maryland, provost marshal of the place, was very attentive to our wants, and did what in his power lay to ameliorate our condi- tion. He provided us with an abundance of edi- bles, among which were fresh crackers and excellent 40 FAST ANT> LOOSE JN DIXIE, ham. A man (!) wearing the Confederate uniform, with a corporal's chevrons, ascertaining that I was from New Jersey, was very anxious to obtain in- formation about some of his friends in EHzabeth. Happening to be acquainted with several whose names he mentioned, I made myself as agreeable as possible, and endeavored to enlighten him. While talking to me, several Johnnies came up and saluted this redoubtable corporal, and this so pleased his excessive vanity, that every time he was thus greeted, he drew a huge roll of Confederate bills from his pocket, and presented the soldier with a V or an X, whichever came handiest. Finally, as he was about to depart, I stated my circumstances, and asked him to furnish me with a sheet of writing paper, an envelope, and a postage stamp, saying I was anxious to write to my family, as I had not been able to do so since my capture. This brave corporal straightened himself up, and deliberately told me that he would see me first, and he strutted haughtily away, without saying '' thank you" for the favor I had done him, at his request. The name of this fellow was John Clark, a native of Elizabeth, N. J., and a more despicable renegade I never met in the South. I ought to say that Clark was one of the first to meet and welcome General Sherman's troops when they appeared at Augusta, protesting in the most cowardly manner that he had always been a Unionist, and offering to prove it by appealing to his relatives in his native place. That's the kind of a man John Clark was. "FRESH FISH." 4 1 We passed the night pleasantly enough, and felt much refreshed by uninterrupted sleep. During the forenoon, we were visited by many citizens, among whom was a goodly number of ladies, who were happy or unhappy, in finding friends and relatives in our wretched looking party. One lady presented a friend of mine with a Bible. Our stay here was extremely agreeable, and when we marched across the city in the afternoon, followed by an immense concourse of people, many of us felt as if we were leaving kind-hearted friends, whose generous deeds shall always have a place in my memory, CHAPTER VII. ARRIVAL IN THE CRACKER STATE. IT was a tedious ride to Macon, which we reached shortly after daylight on the 6th. The officers were bidden to leave the cars, and while we waited at the depot, the long train moved further south- ward with our enlisted men, destined, as I subse- quently ascertained, for Andersonville, beside which no other prison-pen was at all comparable for hor- rors. A short march brought us to '' Camp Ogle- thorpe," an enclosure formerly used for county fair purposes. Entering the yard, we were saluted with loud cries of " fresh fish," '' give them air," " keep your hands on your pocket-books," " louder, pud- ding head," etc., my first impulse being that we were 42 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. in a market place, but this proved to be a delusion. Among the fifteen hundred officers of the army in this yard, I found many whom I knew. Our new home embraced some three acres of land, enclosed by a high board stockade, along the top of which paced sentinels closely posted. Cannon were mounted on platforms overlooking the yard, and they could be readily ranged to sweep the place, in the event of our keepers deeming such a proceeding necessary. A number of long sheds had been erected, but they were insufficient to accommodate or shelter all confined here. For more than two weeks after my arrival, I was unable to find any shelter from the tropical sun by day, and heavy, sickening dews by night, save that afforded by a tree on the hillside, which was quite near to the common sink. I entered this prison destitute of everything. I was without money, without a blanket, and without utensils of any kind in which to cook the coarse yel- low meal allotted me. Lieut. Joseph Donovan, of the 2d N. J. Vols., succeeded in obtaining a frying pan, which he kindly loaned me, and many times afterward during my captivity he showed me favors. ** Gus " Conover, an engineer in the navy, who had known me in Trenton, where I resided when the war broke out, presented me with a twenty dollar green- back, which I expended in a frugal manner, buying vegetables calculated to keep me clear of the scurvy, a disease I much dreaded. Our keepers issued wood in limited quantities, NECESSITY KNO WS NO LA W. 43 and one axe to each squad of two hundred. The axes we were compelled to return each day within a specified time, the '* Johnnies " being afraid we would attack them if allowed to retain such formida- ble weapons. Our chief staple of food here con- sisted of rice, beans and corn-meal, with the smallest possible quantity of bacon, which I never could stomach. Occasionally we received sorghum mo- lasses and vinegar. We were compelled to do our own washing and cooking, if such are proper names for operations performed under distressing circum- stances. Grumbling ! Of course there was grumb- ling, and plenty of it, for what was there in that ver- min-covered yard calculated to make us think more of the Confederates, or — ourselves? A rebel prison- pen was where human nature could be seen without any artificial appliance. Although each of the six- teen hundred officers confined in this place were supposed by the U. S. A. regulations to be " gentle- men," yet I am afraid many were only restrained from acts of pillage by the fear of summary punish- ment. No officer having a shirt or other article of apparel would wander away without keeping both eyes upon it. Necessity knows no law, especially among men thrown together and kept without proper food and without comfort, hence the care which we bestowed upon what articles still remained to us. I saw officers who had no shirts, others with- out unmentionables, while many were without a covering for their head or feet. After I had lain on the side of the hill for a couple 44 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. of weeks exposed to all sorts of weather — the rebels having refused to supply any boards for the new- comers, Peters and I concluded to dig a hole under the " fair building," in which we would at least be shielded from the sun and rain. We were progress- ing finely with our work, when operations were in- terrupted by the rebel officer of the day, who threat- ened us with all sorts of punishment in case we did not cease our labors. We informed him that we could not find cover elsewhere, and begged him to allow us to finish our abode ; but our humble peti- tion was denied, the chivalrous son of the South moving away muttering all sorts of imprecations and threats. Next day, after he had been relieved, we renewed our labors, and completed the hole without further interruption, and greatly to our joy and satisfaction. The hole, however, did not an- swer my expectations, for it was damp and cold and cheerless, and the penalty exacted was chills and fever, which made my comrade doubly wretched. Happening to have a small quantity of quinine in my vest pocket, I administered a dose to Peters, which cured him, perhaps because I had not been particular as to the quantity prescribed. Quite a number of prisoners managed, from time to time, to procure money, which they used in pur- chasing necessaries. Some were visited by relatives, others by friends, who supplied them with funds, etc. Captain Seth B. Ryder, of the 5th New York Cavalry, one of the more fortunate ones, was fre- quently visited by an old uncle, publisher of a paper I ARRIVAL IN THE CRACKER STATE. 45 in Milledgeville, Georgia, who took great pleasure in aiding him. These kindnesses were subsequently- well rewarded, for the old gentleman having lost his property at the end of the war, received assistance in the time of his need from his gallant nephew, which enabled him to pass the remainder of his days without discomfort. Greenbacks were readily exchanged for Confed- erate notes at from $6 to $15. The following is a list of the prices : salt, per bushel, $64 ; flour, per barrel, $300 ; bacon, per pound, $5 ; fresh beef, per pound, $1.50; beans, per quart, $i ; baking soda, per pound, $12 ; small loaves of white bread, each, $1.50; watermelons, $8 to $15 dollars each; black berries, per quart, $i to $2 ; four small potatoes $1 ; butter, per pound, $6 ; molasses, per quart, $6 to $15 ; four cigars for a dollar. Board could be ob- tained at hotels in Macon, for $35 per day — so the advertisements in the Telegraph announced. Games of cricket, base ball, gymnastics, sword exercise, etc., by those strong enough to engage in these pastimes, furnished useful diversions, and re- lieved many depressed prisoners from their terrible ennui. We were allowed to purchase newspapers in this camp, but seldom did our keepers deliver to us the letters and papers sent us regularly from home, a wrong which I can never teach my heart to for- give them. About the middle of June, fearing that an at- tempt would be made to overpower the guard, the rebel authorities took from our number the five 46 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. ^ general and fifty field officers, and sent them away — to Charleston, as we afterwards learned. By doing this, our keepers felt that they would be depriving us of means to act harmoniously, and so prevent the ever-dreaded emeute. It is true that one or two of the general officers would have been use- ful to us when our plans were fully matured, but their absence was not allowed to interfere with a realization of our scheme to obtain liberty. The " Council of Ten," was what we called our organiza- tion, which had for its object not only our own lib- eration, but also the liberation of 40,000 helpless and starved prisoners at Andersonville — some forty miles away. Seven hundred officers, of whom I was one, became members of the organization, being bound together by solem.n oaths, a dozen in number, administered, as opportunity offered, in the little shed occupied by the commissary. Companies and battalions were formed, properly officered, and a complete code of signals agreed upon. The only mistake that was made, so far as I am aware, was the selection of a puffy West Point officer, as com- mander-in-chief, whose chief quality was incompe- tence. CHAPTER VIII. DIGGING FOR LIBERTY. MEANWHILE labor on several tunnels was un- remittingly carried on each night. No one, excepting those who have worked in a tunnel, can DIGGING FOR LIBERTY. 47 have any conception of the immense and painful labors necessary to their construction. Of course secrecy was the first great point to be observed. We had not only to guard against surprises from the rebels, but also to keep a knowledge of our move- ments from many of our own officers, for there were Judases among our number. Digging tunnels, then, under such circumstances, was no holiday matter. The duty was attended with great hazard. An old blanket which I had picked up, I was compelled to part with. I cut out the holes and made bags of the remainder, which I used in carrying away the dirt from the underground passage. On receiving the bag from the shaft of the tunnel, I placed it under my arm, covering it as much as possible with my blouse, then walked about the yard, seeking the darkest spots, and scattering the dirt where it would do the most good. One tunnel which we succeeded in completing, was eighty feet in length, opening towards the railroad. Our main plan was, on issuing from the tunnels, for one party to overpower the camp-guard, posted in a shaded field on the southerly side of the yard, and seize the small arms and artillery ; another party was to hasten and occupy the arsenal in the city, while a third party was to rush to the round-house where a number of locomotives were kept, and after securing them, destroy the telegraph wires leading from the place. All this being accomplished, we were to embark on a train and proceed to Andersonville to secure the freedom of our brave boys, whom we knew 48 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. to be sufYerIng grievous torments. Penned up like sheep, in an inclosure, partly swamp, without shade or shelter, in the sickliest region of the Gulf, their hor- rors were only comparable with those of the ** Middle Passage." Almost daily we received heart-rending accounts from the pestilential pen. A Catholic priest, who had been among our men there, gave us relia- ble information, saying his heart bled for them. He told us that our men were dying at the rate of from seventy to a hundred and fifty a day — dysentery and scurvy being the general complaints. The bodies were dragged from the horrid place by brutal men, and carted to burial in one great pit. A riot had occurred among the wretched men, resulting in the death of several. Many had become insane, while others, grown desperate, were utterly reckless of life. Almost every morning a body or two was found — the result of a feud or suicide. Murders finally be- came of such frequent occurrence that the better class of the prisoners formed themselves into a *■' Vigilance Committee," to prevent, if possible, rob- bery and murder. It was ascertained at length that a gang of some two hundred reckless characters had perpetrated a series of murders — the object being plunder. The victims were, in most cases, newly arrived prisoners. If the gang met with resistance^ in pursuing their desperate calling, they murdered the poor unfortunate on the spot — either club- bing him to death or by strangulation — a quiet though certain means of accomplishing the object. The committee having obtained sufficient evi- SIX ROUGHS EXECUTED. 49 dence, waited upon the rebel commandant and asked his assistance in bringing the guilty parties to pun- ishment. To his credit, be it said, he listened at- tentively to the report of the committee, and fur- nished a guard which promptly entered the pen where a large number of those implicated were ar- rested and taken outside the stockade. A judge and jury were selected from among the prisoners, and the trial was at once proceeded with — resulting in the conviction of six of the murderers, who had acted as ringleaders. The evidence was positive in each case. The condemned were given twenty-four hours in which to prepare for death, at the end of which time they were hung, expiating their guilt upon a rudely constructed scaffold. It is, perhaps, needless to say that no more robberies or murders were committed after this summary proceeding. Sherman having reached Atlanta just as we had completed the tunnels, it was felt that the time for action had arrived. The time was agreed upon, and we anxiously awaited the moment of action. I almost felt the free, untainted air, and yet, while' revelling in the imaginative sweets of liberty and freedom, my hopes were foully crushed. At nine o'clock one morning the customary guards entered the enclosure, and deploying across the same, drove us to one side — sixteen hundred of us in a compact mass. We noticed there was some delay in counting the prisoners, which we supposed was the object of their presence, and as the sun, under whose rays we stood, was intensely hot, our situation was anything $0 FAS 7' AND LOOSE I/V DIXIE. but pleasant. We noticed that the rebel officers, standing in a group near the gate, acted nervously, but it was impossible to fathom their intentions. It is only when they move towards one of the sheds that the knowing ones divine the object. When they demolish a board bunk, and commence removing the bags of dirt from the shaft, we feel that every hope has fled — that we had worked in vain. The rebel officers proceeded direct to each of the other tun- nels, which proved that we had been foully betrayed — the villain being a lieutenant of an Illinois cavalry regiment, who, on discovery, was compelled to place his cowardly carcass under the protection of the prison authorities — and it was well he did so, for no earthly power could have saved his precious skin had he fallen into the hands of the infuriated mana- gers of the underground railway. Thus ended the tunnelling project in Macon. A few more hours and one of the most brilliant dashes of the war would have been made — the results of which would have won the admiration of our enemies and the thanks of the army and the people of the North. One evening. Lieutenant Gershon, a New Yorker, was on his way to the spring to procure a cup of water for a sick comrade. The lieutenant was halted by the guard, who stood upon the stockade, but whether he failed to hear the challenge, or sup- posed the sentinel was speaking to some one else, no one knew. At all events the sentinel shot him dead. In an instant the camp was in a state of commotion. A number of officers ran towards the THE NA TAL DA Y CELEBRA TED. 5 I Spot, but were warned away — the guards shouting themselves hoarse in their attempts to keep them back. Fearing a general massacre, our officers slowly " fell back " to their quarters, and it was an hour and more after this before the body of the slain officer was recovered and taken into the main build- ing, where it was prepared for interment. Richard Barrett, the murderer, was next morning promoted to a corporal, and given the customary furlough for ** killing a Yankee." The Macon papers, printed at times on coarse brown paper, were very amusing, even though high- priced — fifty-cents being the sum asked for a single copy. During July they kept up the spirits of their readers by publishing the silliest reports of '* Con- federate successes." In one column they acknowl- edged the every-day defeat of General Joe Johnston, but made up for this by saying in another place that Early was " shelling Washington," had captured Baltimore, and was marching upon Philadelphia. I read in the Telegraph, after this, that Early had cap- tured Bangor, Maine. A people that required news of this character to keep them up to the ** fighting pitch " were deserving of pity. CHAPTER IX. THE NATAL DAY CELEBRATED. THE Fourth of July was duly celebrated by the prisoners, the enthusiasm being raised while the officers were being counted. Captain Harry H. 52 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. Todd, 8th New Jersey Volunteers, was the happy- possessor of a miniature silk American flag, which Miss Paradise, of Jersey City, had given him when leaving for the army. The captain carried this flag in his pocket-book. Its display on the morning of the Fourth incited the heartiest cheering, leading to the rendition of the "■ Star Spangled Banner," by Adjutant Lombard, of Illinois, the chorus being joined in by the entire throng. The rebels, on hearing the cheering, strengthened the line of sentinels and manned the field pieces on the stockade. Roll-call being concluded, we repaired to the fair building, where a meeting was formally organized, Chaplain Nixon, of the i6th Connecticut Volunteers, offering a fervent and decidedly patriotic prayer. Orations were delivered by a number of officers, whose names I do not remember. The exercises, which were of a most interesting character, were continued until broken up by the rebel officer of the day, who en- tered the building, forcing himself to the speakers, followed by a company armed to the teeth. After the meeting, which was of the most enjoy- able character, Peters and myself set to work and made a blackberry pudding. We spent the last cent of Conover's twenty-dollar greenback in pur- chasing the berries, flour, etc. ; and when the dough had been prepared and everything was in readiness for cooking, we discovered that we had nothing in which to boil it. We knew not what to do, or which way to turn. It was absolutely necessary to have a bag of some sort, but where could such a thinp be AN 2MPR0 VISED P UDDING BAG. 53 had ? Those who had such articles doubtless had them in use. After fruitless efforts to borrow some- thing which would answer our purpose, we hit upon the happy expedient of extemporizing the article we so much needed from one of my woolen stock- ings, knit for me by my dear old grandmother after she had attained the age of fourscore years. I prized the stockings on this account. Running down to the brook in the lower part of the yard, I washed the one which seemed best adapted to hold the dough, and hastened back to my expectant comrade, whose bronzed face reflected great joy when he saw how clean I had made the stocking. Neither of us, however, gave it a critical examina- tion, as that was altogether unnecessary, the urgency of the case not allowing us to indulge in fastidious ceremonies. We lost no time in stuffing the dough into the capacious stocking leg, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the water boiling around it like a geyser spring. We at length removed the kettle from the fire, fished the precious stocking from the water, and ''squeezed" the pudding out upon a board ; then with mouths which watered at the tempting sight, enjoyed the fruits of our labors. I never had a dinner which I enjoyed more heartily, although I have an idea that the pudding would have been more palatable had not the berries sunk down to one corner of the dough, and had we had some sweeter sauce than that made of vinegar. 54 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE, CHAPTER X. ANOTHER EXCURSION. THE news which we received from Sherman's army grew more and more encouraging to us, and correspondingly depressing to the rebels. From what we could overhear, when the sentinels con- versed loud enough for us to distinguish what they said, we became satisfied that our early removal to another place had been decided upon. Accordingly, on the 27th of July, six hundred officers were sent off to Charleston, and two days later, six hundred others were transported to Savannah. Our keepers could not deceive us, for on every hand we saw evi- dences of Sherman's triumphant march into the heart of the Confederacy, heretofore exempt from the horrors of war. Hundreds of freight cars along the railroad contained '* poor white trash," refugees from the upper part of Georgia. These people had been driven from their hitherto peaceful homes, and now they began to suffer some of the horrors which they had provoked. How they would be able to subsist was a mystery. The ride to Savannah occupied some twelve hours. The country was a wilderness, or nearly so. Only here and there did we see a house, or a farm which looked as if it could be made productive. On leaving the train at the depot in Savannah, we were surrounded by a company called the '* Blues,'* i BETTER TREATMENT. 57 headed by a *' black" band, and were escorted to our new prison-home, which we found to be the olcT Marine Hospital grounds, property of the United States, luxuriously shaded by beautiful live-oak trees. The streets through which we marched were crowded with people anxious to get a " look at the Yankees." Many females displayed the flag of the stars and bars, and took great pride in attracting our attention thereto. Some even indulged in singing a ridiculous song called the *' Bonnie Blue Flag," which, to say the least, did not show very good taste on their part. I was fearful on leaving Macon that we might be taken to a worse place, if such could be found, but on entering the hospital grounds, my mind was happily set at rest on that score. Indeed, I con- gratulated myself on the change, when I found ample shade, green grass on which to sleep, and a well of good water, of a sulphurous taste — yet said to con- tain medicinal properties of a high order. I found the place, which was surrounded on all sides by a high brick wall, to be delightful, and I never slept more tranquilly. From the fact that no preparations had been made for our reception, we decided that the rebels must have been greatly alarmed when they sent us from Macon. The morning after our arrival at Sa- vannah a number of carpenters entered the yard and erected a " dead line," a necessary appendage to a camp for prisoners. This afforded us a chance to secure pieces of boards, which we used in con- 58 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. structing bunks on which to sleep. During the day, one hundred clean tents were issued to us, also an abundance of cooking utensils, etc., and we were further surprised a few days after by receiving boards sufficient to stockade every tent in the yard. With all these things, together with plenty of corn-meal, rice, beans, salt, fresh beef, etc., we made ourselves quite comfortable. The commandant of the camp, Colonel Wayne, of the First Georgia Regulars, and his gentlemanly officers, did all in their power to ameliorate our condition, and none who were there will ever forget the many favors so generously shown. This camp was elysium itself. I attributed the gen- erosity of our new keepers to the fact that they had been to the *' front," knew what war was, and treated us accordingly. Had they been " home- guards," our condition would have been made as unpleasant as possible, for '' home-guards " must always do something to show their importance. The tents answered a double purpose, several of them serving to screen tunnelling operations, a work which some of us at once engaged in. Two tunnels were commenced at the same time — one from the large privy vault, the other from Captain Grant's tent. I worked actively on the latter. The soil being of a light, sandy nature, we were enabled to make astonishing progress, succeeding beyond our san- guine expectations. It was while disposing of dirt from the tunnel, one dark night, that I detected a comrade, Captain John Parker, First New Jersey Volunteers, engaged in a similar occupation. We BURROWING IN THE EARTH. 59 seated ourselves under a huge live- oak tree and made an arrangement by which both parties should work in unison, and in the event of one tunnel being completed in advance of the other, the one thus finished should be used by all in common. As luck would have it, Parker's tunnel was first completed, and we were notified to get ready for flight. I lost no time in cooking what meal, etc., I had, and at about ten o'clock at night stood waiting in the vault, expecting momentarily to receive the signal to descend the shaft and enter the tunnel, the nar- row yet certain path, I fondly hoped, to freedom. Parker, Donovan, and several others had crawled in. What could the matter be ? Why so much de- lay? Our anxiety was finally set at rest by the sud- den appearance of those who had but a few minutes before gone into the mouth of the tunnel with such high hopes. Covered with perspiration — for it must be borne in mind that a tunnel of that nature is a ** close corporation" — Parker gave the following ex- planation. Reaching the farthest end of the tunnel, he '■'' probed " the opening, and was about to emerge therefrom when his attention was attracted to a sen- tinel who stood leaning against the prison-wall a few yards away. Satisfied that our designs were suspected and that egress was impossible, the gallant captain " kicked back," and the party retreated, feet foremost, to the starting-point, and a more crest-fallen crowd I never saw. We had no means of covering our tracks, it being impossible to refill the hole in the sidewalk outside the prison-yard, 60 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. and as we knew the gap would be discovered when daylight came, we slunk away to our quarters, and slept soundly till the sun rose next morning. When daylight came, the tunnel was discovered in a singu- lar manner. A cow, in passing along, had fallen into the pit, from which she was unable to extricate her- self. A vigilant sentinel, seeing her predicament, raised an alarm, which was speedily responded to by the officer of the day, who hastened to the spot, accompanied by two " reliefs." jtfhe prison commandant subsequently entered the yard : he expressed his surprise at our conduct, especially as he had shown much forbearance, and had been uniformly kind and obliging. He forbade further tunnelling. Should the attempt be made, however, discovery was certain, and would lead to unpleasant results. With this frank expostulation he retired. We congratulated ourselves upon the non-discovery of the tunnel in Grant's tent, and this we determined to push forward to an early comple- tion, although we felt that it would be necessary to extend it into a -grove on the opposite side of the street. But during the afternoon the commandant again appeared, this time with a party of officers, each of whom carried an iron ramrod. With these they probed the ground in each tent. They were about to cease their examination, when one of the officers accidentally dropped his rammer, which on being picked up, by some unaccountable means, became attached to the strap of one of the bags sunk in the shaft, and exclaiming, '' Hallo, what's SORELY DISAPPOINTED. 6 1 this ? " stooped down, and after exerting considera- ble strength, hauled out a bag filled with dirt. Al- though the occupants of that tent expressed surprise at the discovery, nothing which they could say in explanation would satisfy the Confederates, who ordered the removal of the tent to another spot. The tunnel was destroyed during the afternoon, and again were we doomed to bitter disappointment. A day or two after this we commenced two other tunnels, and had made considerable headway with them, when one night we were discovered in the act of dragging the bags therefrom. Captains Grant and Benson, acknowledging that they were the responsible parties (although none of us saw any crime in the transaction), were marched to the city prison, where they were kept in close confinement for a week. They were on the point of escaping there- from, when they were escorted back to the yard. They reported to us that there were many Unionists in the city, and that if any of us could get away, the prospect of meeting with friendly assistance was ex- tremely good. There was one amusing, if not ridiculous feature of prison-life which may be worth mentioning; that was the all-absorbing question of " exchange." This word was in every one's mouth, and but little else was thought of or talked about. Every day, through the dreary months of our captivity, we heard rumors of a contemplated exchange. It, being a question of vital importance, was debated /rd? and con by all. We credited almost everything that we heard in re- 62 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. lation to this matter, especially if the report corres- ponded with our wishes and our hopes. The sub- ject finally became a farce, and when two officers or more were seen conversing together, cries of" Louder on Exchange " w^ere sure to greet them. No term was used as much as " Louder on Exchange," and the phrase prompted the following, written by Lieu- tenant J. B. Vance, Company K, 95th Ohio Vols.: "LOUDER ON EXCHANGE." AIR — PUTTING ON AIRS. Of slang words there are many. Which this war about did bring, And among the rest, now there is one, About which I shall sing. You need not think I mean you ill, Nor take it very strange-, When I tell you that the words I mean, Are *' Louder on Exchange." Chorus — Every day, and every day, To me it is not strange. To hear the prisoners calling out, " Louder on Exchange." A group of friends together meet, With all arrangements made. Just to while away a pleasant hour, Some place in the shade. They are talking o'er the various plans Our government could arrange. When some one suddenly bellows out, " Louder on Exchange." Chorus. — Every day, etc. ''LOUDER ON exchange:' 63 Then you chance to get a paper. That contains a little news — Not enough to raise your spirits up, Or drive away the blues. A crowd gathers round you, and The first thing they exclaim, What's the news from our army, Next — " Louder on Exchange !/' Chorus. — Every day, etc. Then you hear of General Foster, And the rebel General Jones, How they swapped off fifty men. And sent them to their homes. You think the news is good enough, And nothing now remains ; You cannot help from calling out, " Louder on Exchange ! " Chorus. — Every day, etc. Our authorities at Washington, That very well we know, Will release us all in course of time, But it seems so very slow. And when we do get out of this, And have our freedom gained, There will be no more this calling out, " Louder on Exchange." Chorus— Every day, etc. This song became very popular, and was sung by all the prisoners with a vim peculiar to themselves and their condition. One morning, noticing that the Johnnies were more quiet than usual, we suspected that something had gone wrong with them, and we became decid- 64 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. edly anxious to learn the news. Towards noon the sergeant of the guard gave us a copy of the Repub- lican, which explained the cause of grief on the part of our keepers. We read with pleasure of the capture of the "Gate City " (Atlanta), by Sherman. Seeing the officer of the day passing through camp shortly after, we inquired whether there was any news from Atlanta. '' No-o, gentlemen ! I — oh ! I haven't seen a paper in a week," and he walked hurriedly away, as if he had an important engagement else- where. We felt sorry for him. While we had many comforts at Savannah that had been denied us elsewhere, we never could ac- count for the caution which the Confederates took to prevent us from ascertaining the news. We peti- tioned General McClaws for permission to purchase the papers, but he disapproved our request. During the cool of mornings and evenings we took such exercise as was available, and felt all the better therefor. Take it all in all, our sojourn in Savannah was pleasant, far better than we expecte^d, and my recollections of the place are of an agree- able character. Many a time afterward I regretted leaving it. Nothing in particular occurred to disturb the monotony of our existence at Savannah. After we found tunnelling unproductive, we settled down to the natural order of things, becoming quite philo- sophic the more we reflected upon the hopelessness of making our escape. A RIDE TO THE '' CITY BY THE SEA." 65 CHAPTER XL A RIDE TO THE '' CITY BY THE SEA." IT was at a late hour on the night of September 1 2th, when we received an order to prepare two days' rations, and "be ready for departure at day- break. Immediately the camp was in the usual state of bustle attendant upon an order to move elsewhere, and a thousand and one rumors speedily got into circulation, followed, of course, by considerable ex- citement. True enough, as a clock in a neighboring church spire struck four, we marched out of the gate and through the principal streets to the depot, pass- ing en route the Pulaski monument, the statue upon which appeared to look pityingly upon us — many of the officers being barefooted and without proper apparel. A freight train was in waiting, and as none of us had any superfluous baggage, it required but a few minutes to complete our embarkation, when the signal being given to the engineer, the locomotive puffed away, and the quiet city was soon left far be- hind. The ride to Charleston was not of a partic- ularly attractive or romantic character, the ground being low and swampy, but said to be admirably adapted to rice-growing. Few houses were to be seen between the two cities. We reached Charleston about the middle of the afternoon, and were met at the depot by large num- 66 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. bers of the slave population. While crossing the Ashley river we had a view of the harbor, Fort Sumpter, and the surrounding islands, but the train passed over the bridge too swiftly for us to observe all the beauties of the landscape. The weather was intensely hot, and several officers were overcome by the tropical heat. Formed in a column of fours we moved through narrow and dirty streets to the city jail-yard, before whose frowning walls we halted. A huge double gate at last swung lazily open, and into the filthiest place upon the American continent we marched. As we passed in an Irish woman cursed us bit- terly, expressing the wish that " not one of yees iver gits out alive." The yard, as I first saw it, beggared description, and my heart almost failed me when I saw the terrible surroundings. I took possession of an *' A tent " which had been pitched in the mud near the scaffold, but on learning that a prisoner had just died there with the yellow fever, I deserted it, and pre-empted a dry spot of ground directly under the scaffold, which place I occupied for two weeks. When night came I spread an old rotten blanket which I ha;d found, upon the ground, and attempted to sleep, but the infernal din created by the felons, of both sexes, who crowded to the grated windows for air, rendered such a luxury impossible. A heavy, chilling dew, which saturated my blanket and scanty apparel, added to my discomforts, and made me wish that we had not been forced to leave Sa- vannah. GEN. FOSTER'S COMPLIMENTS. 67 At daybreak next morning I heard the "boom" of a heavy gun, and from the conduct of the older prisoners, I suspected that the Union General, John G. Foster, had renewed his fire. Sure enough. In a few moments we heard the terrible hissing and siss- ing of a monster shell, which, passing to our right, exploded with a fearful report a few hundred yards away, in front of the jail. A terrific cheer from the prisoners in the yard, workhouse. Roper and Marine hospitals, greeted the advent of the shell. I had heard much concerning the bombardment of Charles- ton, and in April, 1863, was on the expedition sent down to aid the navy in the capture of the city. For a week, a hundred shells a day were thrown into the city — some of them being projected a distance of between six and seven miles. Their explosion prevented sleep, and a very wakeful time I had until I became accustomed to the din. Very few shots were made that failed of execution, most of the mis- siles fell crashing through buildings, or setting them on fire, which was the point most aimed at. A Catholic priest, who entered the yard one day, said his house had been struck three times within the previous twenty-four hours, and as the general was sending over his compliments a little too often and too close for his personal comfort, he had been com- pelled to remove to a point out of reach of the guns. On the 17th of September a shell exploded in a large house nearly opposite the workhouse, setting it on fire. The firing ceased for a time, but when a great column of black smoke ascended skyward, the firing 68 FAST AND LOOSE IN DIXIE. was resumed ; the shells came over with rapidity, dropping, one after the other, in nearly the same place, and preventing the firemen (negroes) from working for the preservation of adjoining property. The conflagration raged with violence all the after- noon, and till a late hour at night, when, having nothing further to feed upon, it died out, leaving the city in frightful darkness. One engine which the darkies ran by the jail, was '* smashed by one of dese rotten shot," as the foreman told us. Quite a number of persons were killed at this fire, according to the newspapers. At one time we were fearful that our gunners might possibly miss their calcula- tions, and drop a shell or two in the jail-yard, but nothing of the kind occurred, although several pieces of shell fell quite near the spot where I had my head- quarters, one piece tearing away a limb from a small tree standing near the water-closet, in the corner of the yard, which made me nervous. One day a shell demolished the rebel commis- sariat, which afforded the authorities an excuse for depriving us of three days' rations, while another shell was found bearing the label, '* Show me the way to the arsenal!' To compare our treatment received here with that at Savannah, it will only be necessary for me to say that the following rations and quantities were issued me for ten days: One pint of corn-meal, one quart of flour, one and a half quarts of beans (filled with worms, which answered for fresh beef), one tablespoonful of lard, i AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE. 69 half-pint of sour molasses, one quart of rice — half worms, one spoonful of salt. No wonder I weighed but ninety pounds at this time. During our sojourn at Charleston, the yellow fever raged with unabated violence, the city being a vast charnel-house. Several of our keepers died in the office of the jail. Although the yard was a fetid place — an awful stench constantly arising therefrom — and we had neither palatable food nor sufficient quantities of what was issued, and no water in which to wash or clean our persons, yet we were miracu- lously preserved, which fact we acknowledged was entirely due to the gracious interposition of a of Trenton, N. J. The America Hose Company, No. 2, has in its house the first Union colors* that crossed the Long Bridge over the Potomac dur- ing the rebellion, and which were planted in Fort Runyon, Virginia. Company C, Third Regiment, was organized by J. Madison Drake, foreman of the America Hose Company, thirty-two members of which organization attached themselves to the Third Regiment within two hours after intelligence of the fall of Fort Sumter was received. Drake declined to lead the company to the war, but served faithfully as Ensign of the Third Regiment during the term of enlistment — three months. Lieutenant Franklin S. Mills (ex-Mayor of Trenton) asserts that Ensign Drake unfurled the first flag on the enemas soil. * In June, 1875, the America Hose Company, of Trenton, on their way to the Eastern States, stopped at Elizabeth, and marching to the residence of their old commander, presented these colors to him, thousands of people wit- nessing the ceremony. The colors were carried by Drake in the first cam- paign of the war. APPENDIX, 305 III. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CAPT. SETH B. RYDER, Brevet Major Fifth New York Vol. Cavalry. Captain Seth B. Ryder, to whom I am indebted for many kind- nesses during my captivity, who participated in my miseries, inspired me with hope, and who was on the train of cars from which I leaped, was born in Vermont, in 1830. His grandfather served his native land in the war of the Revolution, in Elisha Sheldon's famous legion. It was from his patriotic ancestor that young Ryder was imbued with love of country — from him that he first heard stories of camp and field, and from him that he received his first lessons in the art of war. At the time the rebellion flowered into hostilities, Ryder was engaged in the painting business in Albany, New York, whither his father had removed when Seth was a mere youth. Strong love of country hav- ing been inculcated in his breast by his venerable grandparent (long since gone to his reward), Ryder promptly made arrangements to enter the service. Love of adventure being strong in his nature, and with a view of seeing all in war there was to be seen, he speedily attached himself to the Fifth New York Cavalry (First Ira Harris Light Guard), and in September, 1861, was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Company D. In Januaiy, 1863, he was promoted to a captaincy, the honors of which position he bore as modestly as when a second lieu- tenant. I cannot attempt here to follow his brilliant career in eveiy engagement in which the Fifth Cavalry took part, from the time of his maiden charge on Ashby's men in the Valley, to the battle of Russell's Ford, on Robertson River, October 10, 1863, where, after performing prodigies of valor. Captain Ryder was charged upon and captured by General Stuart's body-guard, and carried away to vile prison pens. The day following the desperate engagement at Manassas Gap, in which Captain Ryder had distinguished himself by daring deeds, he was ordered off on an important and dangerous mission — his route being a long distance through a section of country then in the hands of the enemy. His thorough knowledge of the topography of the country gave him great confidence in his ability to outwit and escape any par- ties whom he might accidentally run across. But the best laid plans 306 APPENDIX. of man " gang aft aglee " and while galloping along at the base of a mountain, near Orleans, he was suddenly surrounded by a number of wild-looking horsemen, and without ceremony escorted back over the hill into the depth of the great woods. His captor, Lieutenant Weaver, treated the captain with the utmost consideration and kindness, and on learning that Ryder had once befriended his family, Lieutenant Weaver permitted him, after a captivity of three days, to rejoin the Union army, even going so far as to escort his guest most of the way. After the battle of Gettysburg, where he greatly distinguished himself. Captain Ryder, in command of a battalion, actively assisted in the pursuit of Lee's army, and while thus engaged, found several hundred wagons belonging to the enemy, which he destroyed. A most enthusiastic soldier himself, Captain Ryder devoted his whole time and attention to his men, most of whom had grown up from boyhood with him. His great aim was to make his command effi- cient, and to this end he always led them in battle, and no men in the 5th responded more promptly or with greater courage to the noble example of their commander. I will not dwell on Captain Ryder's captivity of eighteen months as a prisoner of war. His experience was quite similar to that of his sixteen hundred comrades, except that those around him were ever encouraged and benefitted by his cheerfulness of disposition and man- liness of character. It is true his spirit was somewhat embittered because he could not share the perils and enjoy the triumphs of his companions in arms who continued to breast the iron storm of war. Shortly after his muster out of the service — the war being over — Captain Ryder was induced to take up his residence in Elizabeth, N. J., where he resumed his old profession. His great intelligence, his correct business habits, and above all, his honesty, attracted to him a large share of trade, and every man who became acquainted with him also became his friend. Although he seldom attended po- litical meetings, yet, in 1872, the Republicans of Union County, with a view of complimenting the veterans of the war, elected him Sheriff by the largest majority ever given to any candidate there. Captain Ryder served a term of three years, winning friends from all classes and conditions — then returned to the painting business. In 1878, i\iQ people, taking the matter out of the hands of the politicians, again APPENDIX, 307 elected him Sheriff by a majority of some eight hundred — his election for a second term being without precedent. Possessing in a marked degree noble traits of character, Captain Ryder wins the respect of all with whom he associates, and no other citizen of Union County has a larger circle of friends. Eminently generous and liberal, he never turns his back on a poor man, and his timely aid and wise counsels have saved many families from losing cherished homes. Numerous instances might be cited where the soldier's widow and her helpless offspring would have been turned from the threshold endeared to them by pleasant associations, but for his prompt efforts and liberal bounty in the day of adversity. While his charities, like the gentle showers of Spring, gave new life to per- sons ready to perish, he seemed to be surprised that such great results should be the fruits of what he was pleased to call his modest efforts. While Captain Ryder is noted for his unassuming deportment, few citizens exert so wide an influence in society. His genial qualities at once attract all with whom he comes in contact, the lowly and lofty alike admiring his gifts and graces. The man of culture appreciates the excellences of one so worthy of their regard, and the intelligent youth is decidedly happy when opportunity is afforded him to listen to incidents in the soldier's history, which, though narrated with great simplicity, affect him profoundly, and will be vivid pictures in his mind while life endures. IV. THE NINTH NEW JERSEY REGIMENT. This command was recruited as a regiment of riflemen, under special authorization of the Secretary of War, the recruitment com- mencing in September, 1861. On the fourth of December it pro- ceeded to Washington, nearly twelve hundred strong, creating a sen- sation as it marched through the streets of the capital. The Ninth was better armed, and more fully provided with ambulances, forges, etc., than any regiment which left New Jersey. The men had been recruited with great care, none but the strongest being accepted. It formed an important part of the Burnside expedition, and won 308 APPENDIX. undying fame by its heroism at Roanoke Island, Newbern, and Fort Macon, being the first regiment from New Jersey to engage in battle. During the summer of 1862, the Ninth overran the lower part of North Carolina, driving the enemy from its various positions along the coast, thus depriving the Confederates of a large supply of salt which had been manufactured at various points. In December, 1862, the Ninth had the advance of Foster's corps, on the expedition to Goldsboro, which movement was intended to benefit Burnside in his advance across the Rappahannock. The Ninth, supported by Major James Belger's superb battery of Napo- leons, drove the enemy back step by step, opening the battles at Deep Creek, Southwest Creek, Kingston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro, doing terrific fighting during five days. The railroad bridge at the latter place was set on fire by Corporal James W. Green and private Elias C. Winans, of Company K, despite the efforts of thousands of Con- federates who labored to prevent its destruction, the act being one of the most daring on record. In January, 1863, the Ninth went to South Carolina, with Foster's division, to join in the attack on Charleston. A portion of the com- mand was disembarked in the Edisto river, and a reconnoissance made during the bombardment to which Fort Sumter was subjected by the monitors. Failing in their object, the iron-clad fleet moved back to Hilton Head, and a few days afterwards Heckman embarked his brigade for the old North State, going to the relief of Gen. Foster, who was besieged at Little Washington — glad to escape from the re- morseless martinet. Hunter. During the year 1863, the Ninth, brigaded with the 23rd, 25th, and 27th Massachusetts regiments, made harassing marches into the interior of North Carolina, doing infinite damage to the Confederacy, by cutting railroad connections, and by destroying cotton, lobacco, etc., raised for the support of the enemy. The regiment had many encounters with the Confederates, chief among which were the en- gagements at Deep Creek, Comfort, and Winton. The year 1864, however, was the period which tried the mettle of the Ninth's war-worn veterans, most of whom had reenlisted for the second term of three years. The Ninth participated in the raid co Cherry Grove, and was among the first regiments to land on Bermuda Hundred in May. It had the extreme advance of the loth and i8th APPENDIX, 309 corps, and was the first to engage the enemy at Port Walthall, suf- fering severe loss. The Ninth had no respite from fighting from the time it landed at Bermuda Hundred until late in the fall, when it was sent back to its old " stamping ground " in North Carolina, to recruit and recuperate. In the ten days' engagements preceding the desperate battle of Drury's Bluff, the Ninth was allotted the hardest part of the work, and its ter- rible losses attest the character of its labors. In the sanguinary battle at the Bluff at an early hour on the morn- ing of the i6th, the gallant Colonel Abram Zabriskie, with Captains Lawrence, Harris, and Carroll, were killed, Lieut. Col. James Stew- art, Jr., and Captains Townley and Burnett, and Lieutenants Brown, Shepherd, and Hawk were wounded, while General Heckman and Lieutenants Peters and Drake were captured and taken to Richmond. The Ninth did severe duty through the summer in the works fronting Petersburg, often rushing like an avalanche to the aid of other commands. It participated in the battle of Cold Harbor on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of June, fighting with desperate valor in the front line, to which it marched on landing at White House. On the 1 2th, the Ninth covered the withdrawal of Grant's army, which moved to take a new position. At the mine explosion, it acted as a reserve to the Ninth Corps. The Ninth was before Petersburg sixty-four days, fighting forty days in the rifle-pits, from which it was dangerous to move owing to the contiguity of the enemy. In September, the regiment, under command of the gallant Stewart, was sent to North Carolina, where it remained until the close of the war. During the winter it was kept busy " raiding," engaging in no less than three fights during December — at Gardner's Bridge, Butler's Bridge, and Foster's Bridge. In March, the Ninth led Schofield's host in its advance to Golds- boro, having a terrific encounter with the enemy at Southwest Creek, March 7th, at Wise's Fork, March 8th, 9th, and roth, and capturing Goldsboro' March 2ist — the Mayor surrendering the city to Colonel James Stewart, Jr., commanding the regiment and division. The Ninth's colors were quickly unfurled from the Court House, amid the cheers of the troops marching up the main street. Next day the ad- vance of Sherman's army entered the city — the reunion of the two armies being a joyful event. 3IO APPENDIX. Foster's " History of New Jersey and the Rebellion " says : " New Jersey will ever be proud of the (Ninth) regiment, which thus, having helped to achieve a just and honorable peace, folded its standards and passed into history. Its story is the story of the war — its eulogy its own great deeds. During its term of service it participated in forty- two battles and engagements, and travelled by railroad and on foot a distance of seven thousand six hundred and fifty-two miles, making, while in North Carolina, some of the most remarkable marches on record. Entering the service with one thousand one hundred and forty-two men, and at various times strengthened by recruits, the mean strength of the regiment, when mustered out, was only six hundred men. Ten officers offered their lives as a sacrifice on the nation's altar, while twenty-three received wounds in battle, most of them of a serious nature. Sixty-one enlisted men were killed in battle, and four hundred wounded. Forty-three men died from wounds, and one hundred from disease. The total loss of the regiment, from all causes, was 1,646 men. The entire number of officers and men taken prisoners was about one hundred and thirty, forty-seven of this num- ber dying while in the hands of the enemy." 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