LIFE
IN
SOUTHERN PRISONS;

FROM THE DIARY OF

CORPORAL CHARLES SMEDLEY,

Of Company G, 90th Regiment Penn'a Volunteers,

COMMENCING A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE "BATTLE OF THE
WILDERNESS," IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN PRISONER, IN
THE EVENING OF FIFTH MONTH FIFTH, 1864:

ALSO,

A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE MARCH TO
AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG,

TOGETHER WITH A

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.

——
"If it is never to be my lot to return to you, remember me only as one who
went to do his duty."—C. Smedley. Letter to parents, dated 8th mo. 14th, 1862.
——

PUBLISHED BY
THE LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S FULTON AID SOCIETY.
——
PEARSOL & GEIST, PRINTERS, DAILY EXPRESS OFFICE.
1865.

PREFACE.

The following pages contain a plain, unvarnished statement of facts that occurred under the notice of one who was so unfortunate as to be taken prisoner by those who sought to destroy and dissever our glorious country. As will be perceived, it is written with great care, hence its reliability.

It was thought best to print the author's diary, just as it was received, without any amplification, save that absolutely necessary for the press. To the reader we will say that Dr. Buckley was one of our surgeons who fell into the hands of the Confederates. Corporal Wm. Griffith, of Company G, 90th Regiment P. V., was taken prisoner along with Charles Smedley. He is spoken of as "Griffith."

With these few explanations we offer this little book to our citizens, feeling confident that it will be purchased and read by many of them.

In purchasing this work you contribute your mite towards alleviating the condition of those whose sufferings are so well set forth in its pages.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CHAS. SMEDLEY.

By Chas. H. Stubbs, M. D.

Charles Smedley, eldest son of Joel and Martha Smedley, was born in Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on the first day of November, 1836. Until his nineteenth year he remained at home, assisting his father in farming during the Summer seasons, and in the Winter attending the public school of the district. Having mastered the elementary branches usually taught in the district schools, and desiring to acquire a knowledge of the higher scientific studies, he entered as a student in the celebrated Friends' School at Westtown, on the seventh of May, 1855. While at this institution, he pursued the studies he had chosen with great diligence and success. By close application he attained an honorable standing in his class; and his strict deportment merited the high approbation of his preceptors and the confidence of all his companions.

On the eleventh of April, 1856, after spending nearly a year at Westtown, he returned home and again assisted his father in superintending the mills and managing the farm. This engaged his attention for the next two years.

In the Spring of 1858 he concluded to commence business for himself. That of a merchant suggested itself; but feeling deficient in knowledge necessary to success if he engaged in this business, he resolved to prepare himself by taking a mercantile course. With this object in view, on the fifth of May, 1858, he entered the Lancaster County Normal School at Millersville. While at Millersville he became an active an influential member of the Page Society—a noted literary association connected with the Normal School.

Having remained one term at the Normal School, he returned to his native place in the Fall, and on the thirteenth of October, 1858, entered into an agreement with his father to take the grist and saw mills "on the shares." He continued to have charge of the mills for two year, and met with good success. During these two years he took an active interest in every movement that would have a tendency to improve the moral condition of society.

Believing strongly in the influence to be exerted by example, he joined several associations, whose object was of a reformatory character. Uniting himself with the Odd Fellows and Good Templars, he took an active part in the business of both of these orders. In these associations he was among the first to see that the rules were implicitly obeyed and kept inviolate. On one occasion a fellow member of the order of Odd Fellows was on trial for violating one of the sworn conditions on which he entered the lodge, by persisting in getting intoxicated whenever he felt disposed. The member who was most opposed to continuing this habitual drunkard in the lodge was Charles Smedley. In his little speech made in opposition, he boldly and fearlessly asserted that it was immaterial what position the person on trial might occupy—by his late actions the accused had unfitted himself to be continued any longer in the association, and in his opinion should be expelled.

In the Order of Good Templars Chas. Smedley attained the highest position in the Lodge of which he was a member. Through his influence many other young men were induced to join and forever eschew that accursed evil which has led to the ruin of many noble youths and caused them to fill premature graves.

On the twenty-first of April, 1862, he gave up his interest in the mills, having in contemplation a visit to some of the northern cities. After traveling several weeks in central New York, and spending a few days in the great Eastern Metropolis, young Smedley returned to Pennsylvania on the twenty-first of May.

The great rebellion had now been in progress for a year. Throughout the sections of country visited by him, the young men of the North were rapidly volunteering for their country's defense. Thinking it was not right for him to travel now and spend his time, he came home with the determination of serving his country in her hour of peril.

Well knowing that the consent of his parents could not be obtained, (they being members of the Society of Friends, one of the most important tenets of which is "a testimony against war,") he bid them adieu and started for Philadelphia, where, on the 29th of May, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company G, 90th Regiment Penna. Volunteers.

For some the life of a soldier has its attractions. The sound of martial music, the gay uniform, the novelty of camp life, and the desire for fame—all contribute to allure many into the military service. None of these inducements had any weight with Charles Smedley. No one had a greater hatred of war; but like many others, he felt that this war was prosecuted on the part of the North for National existence, and as such differed from wars of aggression. Hence he thought it was his duty, as it was the duty of every man, to assist in putting down the rebellion. Maintaining these views, and from motives of the highest patriotism, Chas. Smedley joined the army "for three years or the war."

In a letter written to the author of this sketch, soon after he enlisted, dated "Front Royal, 6th mo. 16th, 1862," he says: "After traveling through the different parts of the country and witnessing the state of things caused by this rebellion, I, by degrees, made up my mind that the larger the force that we could put in the field, the sooner would this rebellion be crushed, and it was the duty of every person, who could, to volunteer. Having no business to require my attention, that I liked, and believing that if ever I lent my aid in suppressing this rebellion, now was the time, hence my present situation."

In a letter dated "6th mo. 19th, 1862," addressed to one of his relatives, in answer to the question, "how he liked soldiering?" he replied: "If I were at home, perhaps I would find more pleasure; but to take everything into consideration, it is every man's duty to try and put down this rebellion. I did not expect to like a soldier's life when I left home, but can honestly say that I like it better than I expected to."

From a letter written to his parents, dated "7th mo. 4th, 1862," we take the following beautiful and patriotic sentiments: "I am sorry to hear that you cannot help being uneasy about me. This regiment, as yet, has not been in any dangerous positions, and may not during the war. As far as myself is concerned, I have no fears and feel it my duty to go wherever the regiment is ordered. The question often comes into my mind, "have I done right?" To this my conscience answers that I have, and must continue to do my duty. The longer I remain the more firmly I am impressed that I am doing nothing but my simple duty and all will come out right in the end. And being thus impressed I move along with a light heart and nothing to fear. To be frank, I put my trust in the Almighty ruler above, and believe whatever my fate shall be, will be in accordance with His will. I know that my course is very inconsistent with our discipline,[1] but I believe that at present I owe a higher duty to my country. I hope that it may be restored to us, more peaceful and prosperous than ever; and if it is my fortune to get back safely home, I can congratulate myself upon having done my duty."

From Philadelphia, after enlisting, Charles Smedley was sent to Washington, and from thence to Front Royal, a small town west of the Blue Ridge, where the 90th Regiment was then encamped. He joined it just previous to the advance of our forces sent to intercept "Stonewall" Jackson, in his progress down the Shenandoah Valley. He continued with the regiment, and was with it up to the time of the second battle of Bull Run. For more than a week previous to this engagement, he had made application to be sent to the hospital, being weak and exhausted from disease. On the morning of the battle,[2] he declared he would not send in his application to be sent to the rear, because the impression might exist that he was trying to evade his duty in time of danger. By almost superhuman exertion he managed to go into the fight, but in the retreat of our forces, becoming fatigued and prostrated, he was compelled to remain in the rear, and the consequence was he fell into the hands of the enemy.

In a few days he was paroled and forwarded to our lines, and then sent by the Federal authorities to Annapolis, Maryland. He arrived home on the 29th of October, 1862, and remained until the 18th of February, 1863, when he was regularly exchanged.

Joining the regiment a second time, he continued with it over thirteen months. While in the service he participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Rappahannock Station, Chancellorsville, Thoroughfare Gap, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. In all these battles young Smedley performed his duty nobly. In the first day's fight at Gettysburg he narrowly escaped with his life—a ball grazing him on the neck and another on the hip. In the second and third day's fights the 90th Regiment was engaged on the memorable Cemetery ridge. After the defeat of the rebel hordes on the heights of Gettysburg, our army followed the remainder of the enemy's forces to the banks of the Rapidan. While encamped on this stream, the subject of our sketch received the sad news of affliction among "the loved ones at home." His mother, brother and sister being dangerously ill—the two former dying soon afterwards.

From a letter written to his sister on the reception of the sad intelligence, we copy the following: "It is a great trial to me to have to be separated from you when I think of the present state of things. Perhaps all is for the best, and we should not complain. We are but poor creatures and must submit to the Almighty Ruler who holds our fate in the "hollow of his hand." In the language of the christian, "why should we not put our trust in Him, and pray for Him to bring us out of all our trials and afflictions?" Perhaps we have not been thankful enough for all the blessings we enjoy. Give my love to all my old friends. I often think of the many pleasant times we have had at home. I hope I may again have the pleasure of meeting you all there, and not say, as Byron, of home,

At the battle of the Wilderness, on the 5th of May, 1864, Charles Smedley was captured a second time, and, as we are informed in his diary, was taken by the Confederates to Gordonsville, thence to Danville, from Danville to the prisoners' pen at Andersonville, Georgia, and lastly to Florence, South Carolina. At Andersonville he remained nearly four months in a stockade filled with thousands of Northern patriots. Here he suffered untold hardships, being exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, the cold atmosphere of the night, and to frequent storms of rain. The premeditated, gradual starvation process of his vile captors, together with the constant exposure to all kinds of weather, did its work effectually. His health at last became impaired and his physical constitution forever shattered. On the thirteenth of September, along with many others, he reached the town of Florence, where he was placed in another pen, in every respect similar to the one he had left at Andersonville. Here his sufferings increased. Being much reduced, and possessing hardly sufficient strength to assist himself, he was at last admitted into what was termed a hospital. In this hospital he lingered along for a few weeks, when his system gradually succumbed from the effects of hunger and exposure.

During the night of the sixteenth of November, 1864, the spirit of Charles Smedley left its mortal tenement for other realms. His body was prepared for burial by a few of his fellow soldiers, and was interred in the burying ground a short distance north-northwest of the stockade, in Florence, South Carolina.

In the person of Charles Smedley there were nicely blended many of the noblest traits of human character. As a religious and moral young man he had few equals. From his early youth he had a strong aversion to all those evil habits which have so often been the stepping stones to vice in its most hideous forms. Profanity and the use of that filthy narcotic weed, proved harmless as tempters to him. Still less powerful was that subtle enemy of mankind, which "quickeneth and giveth color to the cup, and stingeth like an adder."[3]

In all his transactions his rule was to do that only which his conscience told him was right. His goodness of heart, his amiable disposition, gained him many friends, and wherever known, whether at home in his native township, or in the army of his country, none knew him other than the noble young man and soldier.

To-day the remains of Charles Smedley, along with those of thousands of other patriotic martyrs, lie in the trenches near Florence. No marble pile or grass covered mound will, in all probability, ever mark his last resting place, but his name will be ever cherished and held in remembrance by his friends, as one who was willing to offer up his life that his country might live.

DIARY.

1st day, 5th mo. 1st, 1864. Camp near Mitchell's Station, Va. Had regimental inspection this morning at ten o'clock by Capt. W. Davis. The parade was formed, then moved to the rear into columns, and as we were critically inspected yesterday, we were dismissed. I was busy the rest of the day helping Johnson to fix up the clothing books, and as the pay rolls were not right, we had to go to work and make out three more, leaving out ten deserters, which were taken up wrong on them at first. J. C. Kimball wrote one while Johnson and I wrote the others. Received my Baltimore American.

2d day, 5th mo. 2d. Done nothing of any account all day. Was nice weather.

3d day, 5th mo. 3d. This was a nice warm day. Each company was out at target practice one or two hours this afternoon. Each of us shot five rounds. Some talk of us moving.

4th day, 5th mo. 4th. We were told at nine last evening to have everything packed, as we would likely have to move. Drew six days' rations of coffee, sugar and crackers and two days' rations of pork. We were called up at twelve o'clock last night, packed up, and by three o'clock were on the march. Marched towards Piney Mountain, where we arrived about sunrise, and made a short halt. We were in the rear of the first brigade. Marched past Stephensburg, thence crossed the Rapidan at twelve o'clock on a pontoon bridge. There were two bridges of canvas-covered boats at Germania ford. After stopping a short time, took up the march and followed the plank road, and after going five or eight miles, halted and bivouacked for the night on a high hill near the right of the road. The day was very warm after the sun rose. We were forced as fast as it was possible for us to go—stragglers fell out by hundreds—no brigade or regiment seemed to be together in the after part of the day. I had to fall out, and threw away my mess kettle, some of my clothes, pork, and several other things, and then could no more than keep up. Halted with the little part of the regiment, took a good bath, and made supper of bread, pork and coffee. We seemed to be in the rear and with the General's headquarters. Went to bed on the ground about 8 P. M.

5th day, 5th mo. 5th. Five o'clock A. M. Slept well last night. Were called up at three this morning, got our breakfasts and made ready to move. Are now awaiting orders. The birds are playing around us and the day promises to be a pleasant one. Seven A. M. Have moved out and halted to the right of the road—are six miles from Mine Run and fifteen from Fredericksburg. Gen'l Warren's headquarters are near us. We appear to be pretty well in the rear. Col. —— commands the first brigade. Have not heard of any rebels yet in front. Gen'l Burnside is said to be in the rear guarding fifteen hundred wagons. The sun is coming out hot—the weather clear and sultry. Twelve M. Have been laying down since six o'clock. The Sixth Corps has passed down the plank road to take position on our left. Heard some heavy musketry firing towards our left. It is said to be all cavalry fighting. From what I know we are in the reserve. Gen'l Robinson's headquarters are within a hundred yards of us. There is also a signal station near the headquarters. This is near the Wilderness tavern. There is a house on the hill near here where "Stonewall" Jackson was taken after he was wounded at Chancellorsville. The sun is burning hot.

6th day, 5th mo. 6th. Nine o'clock A. M. At one o'clock yesterday we advanced as a forward guard centre, we being the third regiment in line from the position we occupied at 12 M. Kept on through woods for a half mile, then the other regiment halted and deployed, and helped us on the second line, with our right resting on the turnpike. The front line was busily engaged as we advanced—the bullets flew thick and fast around us, mostly high. About two o'clock we advanced the second time, about two hundred yards, and lay down under a heavy fire where we remained until six o'clock. All the time we lay under a fire from the rebels, who were less than a quarter of a mile off. They had a battery on the left of the pike which occasionally threw shells and solid shot in good range over us, cutting off the limbs of the trees; only a few were low enough to come near us. One solid shot lit in the centre of our company, and plowed the ground up under Audenreid's feet, bursting his canteen and throwing the dirt over the men around him, without doing any more damage. At six o'clock P. M., an officer, I do not know who, came up and gave us the order to "advance with the 39th Massachusetts." After the order was repeated twice, we started, going over dead and wounded who had been slaughtered by hundreds, and lay thick on the ground we went over. The rebels did not fire a shot until after we got out into the open plain, and then they opened with grape and canister and volleys of musketry. After going to the bottom of the hill and up halfway towards the enemy's battery, the Colonel gave the order to "about face." I had stopped to cap my piece, and before I got it done the regiment was going back on a double-quick. I followed in the rear, and coming to a ditch, fell into it, and on looking up saw our fellows going up the hill towards our line. The bullets flew so thick that I thought it next thing to getting shot to get out of the ditch, and after a few moments concluded I had better stay where I was until after dark, and then get up the hill into our lines. I soon noticed that the ditch was full of men. After hallooing to those above and below me, I found that Griffith, Edwards and Fry of our company, and one of company B's men were near us. We all thought we had better stay where we were until after dark. I went to Edwards and there found a man who told us to lay still and he would take us off after a while. Edwards asked him who he was. He said he was a Confederate officer. On looking up the ditch, which was deep above us, I saw some of the enemy's sharp shooters and skirmishers, and it was plain to be seen that we were in their power. The officer ordered us to disarm ourselves and it would be all right. We were taken about half-past seven o'clock into the Confederate lines, to the pike, then to the rear for about half a mile and kept under guard. As we were going off I found Sergeant M., of company —; picked him up and took him with us. He had been knocked down but was not hurt. Sergeant Riley I also picked up. I told him how we were situated. Griffith gave him a canteen of water, and then we were ordered to come on. He was trying to play it, I thought. I am certain half our regiment was lost. Griffith and I went to work and made some coffee in a pot that I picked up in the morning. About nine P. M., twelve of our company and some more of the 90th were brought in. Everything, while I was awake, was quiet. Griffith and I made a bed and slept together. I did not get to sleep until after twelve o'clock. At day-break this morning I was awakened by artillery firing. I got up and went to the creek, got a pot of water and made some coffee, and then awakened Griffith and we took our breakfast. At six A. M. we were ordered to fall in; we got our things, and were marched to Robertson's Tavern, where we are at present. From seven to half-past eight there was some very sharp musketry up the pike. The guards are busy trading with the boys; there are about fifty of us here. Ten A. M. All seems to be quiet in front. Night—Lay under guard all day; heard no fighting of any account to-day. Things appear to be quiet in front. The ambulances brought in a great many wounded men all day.

7th day, 5th mo. 7th. Were marched, some two hundred and seventy of us, to Orange Court House, then put aboard the cars and taken to Gordonsville.

1st day, 5th mo. 8th. Kept here all day. Where we were last night we drew one day's rations of corn meal, beef and salt. I was commissary for a squad of twenty-five men. Sent a letter home. The sun was burning hot.

2d day, 5th mo. 9th. We were put into a house forty by fifty feet square last night and came near smothering. We were taken out this morning. Made mush for breakfast. Had to stay out in the sun all day. Part of us were sent to Lynchburg yesterday—some more came last night. Griffith and I laid down after supper to rest for the night. Drew one ration of corn meal and herring—three of the latter to each man.

3d day, 5th mo., 10th. Soon after we got to bed last night we were ordered to pack up. Left Gordonsville in a train of cars at eleven o'clock at night, and after a hard night's travel got to this place (Lynchburg) about ten this morning. Were put in a deep ravine with a stream of water running through it. A heavy guard of citizens, consisting of old men, "played out" soldiers, and boys were around us. Two pieces of artillery are planted in range of us. I was with the first one hundred of our squad that came in to-day. We were put in charge of a Sergeant-Major, who drew rations for us. There was about one thousand came here yesterday. I got seven "hard tack" and some bacon for one day's rations. There are about 2500 of us here. To-day was burning hot.

4th day, 5th mo. 11th. Had a good sleep last night. This was a very warm day. There were seventy-five loaves of soft rye bread, half a peck of rice, and a little salt issued to a squad to-day. There were one thousand men sent away to-day.

5th day, 5th mo. 12th. It commenced to rain about nine o'clock last night. Griffith and I had a rough night of it—had to sit up a good part of the time, till the after-part of the night, when we laid down under the woollen blanket. About daylight it commenced to rain rapidly. The water ran on us and caused us to get up and sit with the gum blanket over our shoulders. It rained pretty much all day; we had to sit most of the time with the gum blanket over us. With hard work we made some coffee for breakfast and some mush for supper. Carried some flat stones to lay on to-night. Drew seventy-five loaves of bread for the balance of yesterday's rations; also for to-day, six "hard tack," pork and rice, to a man, for two days' rations.

6th day, 5th mo. 13th. Had a rough night of it. Slept under our woollen blankets until daylight. It rained a great deal all night—got considerably wet. Showery all day. About ten o'clock A. M. we were moved out of the ravine to the cars and got aboard at twelve, and were off for Danville. We were stowed as closely as possible in burden cars. Passed through Fairville before dark. There are rebel hospitals at this place.

7th day, 5th mo. 14th. Traveling all night and until ten o'clock this forenoon, when we arrived at Danville. Here we were put into large houses. The house I am in is one hundred by forty-seven feet, three stories high. The two upper stories are only occupied by us, some five hundred in number. Here we were divided into messes of twenty each, and drawing two square inches of boiled bacon and a loaf of corn bread for two men.

1st day, 5th mo. 15th. Had roll-call at nine A. M. and were counted. Drew corn bread at ten o'clock and rice soup at four P. M., and soon after boiled bacon. Got a pint of soup to a man. Can do nothing but lay down, or walk, or stand, after going to wash. There are five hundred in this building. We hear no news.

2d day, 5th mo. 16th. Spent the day as yesterday. Drew some of our hard bread, Confederate bacon and rice soup. There was a fellow selling toilet soap at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents Confederate scrip, or two cakes for a one dollar greenback.

3d day, 5th mo. 17th. Lay about all day. In the morning darned the toe of one of my stockings and mended my pantaloons. Sent a letter home to father. We are to be sent to Georgia to-morrow. Drew a day's rations for to-day of corn bread, boiled bacon and black bean soup at three o'clock. At six drew a ration of corn bread and boiled bacon for to-morrow.

4th day, 5th mo. 14th. Got up at daybreak, left the prison at six, got on the cars at half-past eight and started at nine. At twelve came as far as the railroad was finished, (the Danville and Greensboro' road) then had to march six miles to where it commenced again, and then lay for an hour for three trains to come. After they arrived it took until long after dark to load them. I was among the last to get aboard.

5th day, 5th mo. 19th. Had a bad time of it last night—could not sit or stand with comfort. The rain came through the car so bad that I had to get out my "gum." We had only thirteen miles to go, and it was near daylight before we got to Greensborough, which was about six in the morning. Here we stopped about two hours, then went on, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, where we arrived at half-past six. The train went very slow all night, but after we left Greensborough, very fast. The country along the road was very, very poor. The only places of much note were High Point Station, Thomasville and Lexington. Greensborough is a manufacturing town, but like in all other towns and villages, business was at a stand still. Thomasville was the prettiest place. There is a seminary there. Some ladies came out to the train and threw two ginger cakes at us, also some bouquets. Crossed the Yadkin River. After we got to Charlotte, were taken off the cars and marched to the railroad crossing. Drew rations of crackers and pork; I got six crackers and a chunk of pork for two days. A thunder-gust came up which continued until ten o'clock. Griffith and I made out to kindle a little fire and make a pot of coffee. I was taken with a chill and fever of a bilious nature—can eat no supper. By eleven o'clock it cleared up and the moon shone out. Made our bed on the ground and were soon asleep.

6th day, 5th mo. 20th. Slept well last night, and got up at 6 o'clock A. M.; felt very bad and very bilious; got some hot water to make coffee, but could not find the coffee. The sun came out bright and hot this morning. At twelve M. were put aboard the cars. The cars moved past the town, backed, and moved forward and back, &c., until about six o'clock, when we were backed to the southeast end of the town. Each car load was taken off in separate squads of nineteen or twenty—drew rations for one day, three hard tack and a chunk of pork. I was sick all day with the chills and fever—no appetite; ate some souse, well peppered, but had to force it down. The day was very hot.

7th day, 5th mo. 21st. Slept well last night on the ground. The moon was full and the sky clear. We were ordered to pack up about six o'clock, and get on the same cars we got off. Griffith and I were so lucky as to get our old places in the stock cars; rode all day, and arrived at Columbia, South Carolina at sunset. After stopping there over an hour, we changed cars. We got larger cars but less of them. They crowded seventy-five men inside and on top, which nearly smothered us. The guard had orders not to let a man out, and to shoot the first person that attempted it. Our car is a close burden car, which was closed all around except one door. I was so lucky as to get near the door and have plenty of fresh air. By doubling up, made out to lie down, with my head next the door. This was a warm day, but we, being in such a good car, rode comfortably. The country for two days' journey was poorer than any yet passed. Did not see much of Columbia. I felt very well all day; my disease is better. Took two doses of "composition" in cold water.

1st day, 5th mo. 22d. I made out with difficulty to lay on my back all night. The guard, "the first half," sat on my head, and then laid down with his head on my breast for a pillow—could not sleep. My feet and legs were doubled up, and I was laying on them part of the time, while others piled theirs on top of mine. This morning got a good seat by the door; rode there until we stopped at Augusta. Changed cars at this place at 12 o'clock M. Did not pass any place of importance after Charlotte. Stopped at dusk and had a loaf of bread and a chunk of pork issued to us. I had been rather bad with the diarrhœa—was very weak and dizzy, with no appetite; but after drawing rations, felt like eating, and ate a bit of bread and pork; the bread is rye. When we changed cars I got a seat in the middle of the door. My door was shut at dark, so I had to set with my back against it.

2d day, 5th mo. 23d. Did not sleep much in the night, had to sit all the time. There were sixty-five men inside the box and some on top. At daylight the door was opened. I then rode with my legs out. Get to Marion about the middle of the day. Three trains were made of two, and we went at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. Arrived at Andersonville, Georgia, at five o'clock P. M., when we were taken off the cars, counted off into squads with a sergeant, who took our names on a piece of paper which a rebel officer gave him. Then we were ordered into a large stockade and halted in the northeast corner of it. There we had the ground for our quarters. We concluded that it was hard to move about. Made our bed on the ground. Weather clear and hot. Yesterday passed Wanesville. To-day passed Fort Valley after leaving Marion.

3d day, 5th mo. 24th. Slept very well on the ground last night; arose at daylight, went to the run and took a good wash. Had roll-call and were counted by a rebel sergeant, whose name is warmer. There were ninety men in our mess. Drew rations at 5 o'clock P. M. Half a loaf of corn bread and half a square inch of bacon to each man. The bacon is excellent. There were three or four hundred more men put in here to-day. The place was too much crowded before. They brought them in on the main street and told them to go and find places wherever they could. Griffith and I having but fifteen cents in money, and that being mine, we are bad off. Bought two split pieces of pine, six feet long and two and a half inches square, to put up a shelter. These I purchased for my fifteen cents. These not being enough, I traded my looking glass for two more. Put up my woollen blanket over our ridge pole and now have a good place to stay in. This place contains about fifteen or twenty acres of ground, enclosed with a stockade twenty feet high, with a sentry stand every one hundred and fifty feet. There is a stream of water running through it with a hill extending up from each side of it. For thirty or more yards from the run the ground is swampy and has a bad smell coming from it.

4th day, 5th mo. 25th. Spent this day about the same as yesterday, laying in our tent, &c., &c. Drew the same kind of rations. More prisoners were put in to-day.

5th day, 5th mo. 26th. This was a very hot day. There are men here just like skeletons, they are so far gone with the chronic diarrhœa. The boys caught some of the raiders and punished them by shaving their heads. There are plenty of "sweat" boards in operation, and other kinds of gaming. Drew a loaf of corn bread, two-thirds of a pint of mush, and four square inches of bacon for two of us. The cornmeal is of the roughest description, not being sifted. Went to the run this morning and washed a pair of drawers and a shirt, and then took a bath myself.

6th day, 5th mo. 27th. Spent this day like yesterday, doing nothing. Drew a loaf of corn bread, three bits of meat, and nearly a pint of boiled rice. The pork to-day was all boiled jowls. The sun was scorching hot. Sent a few lines home to father.

7th day, 5th mo. 28th. Was a very warm day. One hundred and eighty more prisoners were put in here to-day from Sherman's army, making in all sixteen thousand six hundred and fifty (16,650). There are sixty-one detachments of two hundred and seventy each, not including what came to-day. Drew the usual quantity of corn bread, bacon and mush to a man.

1st day, 5th mo. 29th. Was extremely warm. Lay in the house[4] most of the time. There were about fifteen hundred more men put in here to-day. Did not draw rations until sundown, when we got pork and corn bread.

2d day, 5th mo. 30th. This day is very oppressive. More prisoners came in to-day.

3d day, 5th mo. 31st. Weather as hot as ever. Was at the stockade where the rebels throw over their produce. Greenbacks are worth twice as much as "scrip." Peas, beans, tobacco, onions, turnips, eggs, cakes, groundnuts, &c., &c., are passed over in large quantities and sold at enormous prices. My disease seems worse and I am getting weak.

4th day, 6th mo. 1st. Was cloudy until the middle of the day, then had a heavy thunder-storm, and a little rain now and then until evening. I lay in the house most of the day—was very weak. We made some burnt corn bread crust coffee this morning. There were about four hundred more prisoners put in here to-day; none of them from the Potomac Army.

5th day, 6th mo. 2d. This was the same kind of a day as yesterday, with more rain. Borrowed the "Banner of Light" from Dr. Buckley this afternoon.

6th day, 6th mo. 3d. Was cloudy until towards sundown, when there came up a heavy wind, followed by rain. The day was very warm. More prisoners put in to-day, mostly sick and wounded, captured when we were. The place is getting crowded full. Diarrhœa no better.

7th day, 6th mo. 4th. Had a good deal of rain. I lay in the house. Two hundred more men came in to-day. There were a great many rumors about us being paroled or exchanged on the sixth. We split up the last of our wood with a musket screw-driver, and traded some corn bread for another stick.

1st day, 6th mo. 5th. Had a great deal of rain. Drew one and a half pints of corn meal and a half teaspoonful of salt instead of bread.

2d day, 6th mo. 6th. I am very weak. Same rations as yesterday. Cloudy all day with some rain. Made souse of the last of our crackers. More prisoners put in to-day—the place is over crowded.

3d day, 6th mo. 7th. Had considerable rain. Made a pot of mush which we ate with our meat to-day. About five hundred more prisoners were put in to-day.

4th day, 6th mo. 8th. Rain to-day, same as yesterday. A few more prisoners put in here. I undertook to make a pot of mush this morning; got it about done, when the jaw bone of a hog, which I had the pot resting on, gave way, and upset the half of it. We made a small breakfast on the remainder. This evening we mixed up some meal and baked some cakes on my plate. Our wood is nearly out. We get corn meal and pork, but are not allowed to go out for wood, and as yet have had none sent to us. My complaint gets no worse, but still sticks to me. Can get no news that can be relied upon.

5th day, 6th mo. 9th. Drew corn bread and had a heavy shower.

6th day, 6th mo. 10th. Was rather warm. Drew bread, meat and wood. Made coffee for breakfast and supper. Commenced making a bone ring.

7th day, 6th mo. 11th. Was warm, with a thunder-gust in the evening. We got to work and finished the bone ring.

1st day, 6th mo. 12th. Cloudy, rain in the afternoon. I am as unwell as ever. Received corn bread and pork. There are many rumors of us being paroled and sent to Savannah. The news is that the officers at Macon are being sent away.

2d day, 6th mo. 13th. Was very damp and cold, with showers of rain; last night it was also raining. Griffith got sick yesterday and was very ill all last night and to-day. Had roll-call. All the sick and wounded were taken out for medical treatment. All the rumors about the parole proved untrue. Have suffered very much with the chronic diarrhœa, which gets no better.

3d day, 6th mo. 14th. This was a cold, drizzly day.

4th day, 6th mo. 15th. Took down our blanket and had it for a cover. It rained all night, and until towards the middle of the day, when it became much warmer. There were over twelve hundred more prisoners put in to-day from the Army of the Potomac. Sold a loaf of bread and meat for twenty-five cents, and bought an onion and made some soup with it. Had corn meal and pork for supper. Griffith is a little better. An old shoemaker, who had taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, came in to-day to try to raise one thousand shoemakers, to go out and do as he has, and work for the rebel government. Some of the boys caught him, shaved his head and marched him around camp.

5th day, 6th mo. 16th. There is as much rain as usual. Am getting along in the same old style. Sold a loaf of bread for fifteen cents and bought an onion. Drew boiled rice and meat. The rice is so dirty and gritty that it is not fit to eat. About one thousand more men were put in to-day, mostly from the Army of the Potomac.

6th day, 6th mo. 17th. Rained all day—lay in the house most of the time. I made some thick corn meal soup for supper. One thousand more prisoners put in to-day.

7th day, 6th mo. 18th. It rained all night and was showery most of the day. My disease is some better—am very weak and losing flesh. The number of petty hucksters seems to increase in the main street. Cucumbers are from 37 to 50 cents; onions from 25 cents to $1.00; turnips from 12 to 20 cents; rutabagas, same price as turnips; squashes 25 to 50 cents; peanuts from 20 to 25 cents per half pint; beans 20 to 50 cents per half pint; flour at the rate of $1 per pound; four ginger cakes 75 cents to $1; rice 30 to 40 cents per pint; salt 75 cents per quart; soda 25 cents per spoonful; rations of meal for 20 and 25 cents; molasses, of the poorest quality, for $2.75 per quart; tobacco, 50 cents for a small plug. These are offered for sale on the main street at the above prices. A good many have got to making corn beer, at 10 to 25 cents per drink of half a pint. There are rumors that General Winder is here, and that three detachments and all the sick are to be sent away to-morrow.

1st day, 6th mo. 19th. Was up early this morning and went to the spring and got some good water, and washed myself. Took a walk up and down the street,[5] and then lay down and took a good sleep. It was cloudy most of the time. The sun came out hot occasionally. Had a heavy shower in the evening. Five hundred more men were put in the stockade to-day. Three men were shot and wounded by one of the guards. A man was on the dead line; the guard shot at this one, and missing him, shot the others.

2d day, 6th mo. 20th. Had the usual quantity of rain; was up early and got some spring water.

3d day, 6th mo. 21st. Was very warm and cloudy. I made some coffee and fried some meat on my plate for breakfast—had some gravy also. We did not eat more than half the extra bread we drew last night, and had half a loaf left, which I traded for some wood. A few more prisoners were put in to-day. The place is so crowded that it is impossible to travel without difficulty.

4th day, 6th mo. 22d. Was rather cloudy and warm. Drew mush and meat; the mush, like it always has been, was only half cooked; we did not get it until dark, and then went to work and baked it on my plate. To-day one hundred men had to fill up a tunnel which they had dug. It was eight to fifteen feet deep and commenced twenty yards inside, and run more than the same distance on the outside, and was ready for them to go out. Some of the crowd had informed on them.

5th day, 6th mo. 23d. Flying clouds and very hot. There seems to be a good breeze going, but it cannot get to us here. Over seven hundred more prisoners were crowded in to-day. Drew corn bread and bacon, and would have drawn fresh beef, but some objected to it on account of not having wood.

6th day, 6th mo. 24th. The weather was similar to yesterday, only hotter. Done nothing of any account.

7th day, 6th mo. 25th. Very warm. Drew mush and meat at dark and fried the mush into cakes.

1st day, 6th mo. 26th. The weather like yesterday. Drew the same kind of rations, and fried the mush, because it is never more than half done.

2d day, 6th mo. 27th. The weather seems to be getting warmer. My diarrhœa gets no better—am so weak that I can hardly walk about. There has been enough prisoners put in the last few days to make nearly twenty-five thousand. (25,000).

3d day, 6th mo. 28th. Had a fine shower this afternoon and night. I am very low and weak with the diarrhœa.

4th day, 6th mo. 29th. Was very warm, had a thunder storm in the evening. Am weaker than ever and can hardly get along. Did not get any rations, because some of the men took the "raiders"[6] in hand, and after knocking down, and I guess killed some, arrested sixty and gave them over to the old captain. It is said he shot one. Last night they killed a man, and an Indian killed one of them. I took two bacon rinds, and after roasting them by the fire, ate them.

5th day, 6th mo. 29th. Was very warm; lay in the tent most of the time; so weak with the chronic diarrhœa that it was as much as I could do to take care of myself.

6th day, 17th mo. 1st. Was as hot as ever. I suffered as much as yesterday; am weaker, and still very ill; my head is so dizzy; could hardly walk. The new stockade was opened this forenoon, and all above the forty-ninth detachment were moved in and crowded as close together as we were before. All of us could not put up our shelters in the place allotted to us. Griffith and I made our bed in the street, which is only six feet wide. The new place is on good high ground with plenty of wood. The rumor is that we are to draw raw rations; drew fresh beef and corn meal, of which I ate heartily.

7th day, 7th mo. 2d. There was a good breeze all day. After I got up, went to the creek and took a wash, got a canteen and coffee pot full of water, and then a little wood. Made the same kind of breakfast as we did supper last night. About eight o'clock moved down with Clark and Strong, and then crowded nearer the old stockade and towards the lower end of the detachment, and put up our blanket at the end of Strong's tent. All the wood is gathered up by the men, which leaves us with scarcely any. There have been prisoners put in here from all parts this week. Twenty-five thousand is a low estimate. I feel stouter to-day than I have for two weeks; my complaint hardly troubles me. Drew salt for yesterday and meal, beef and salt for to-day. The rumor now is that we will be paroled or exchanged soon, to commence on the seventh, &c., &c. Captain Moore, of the 72d Ohio, was in here to-day and gave this piece of news to us. He has been a prisoner at Macon, was lately exchanged, and came here to see some of the boys of his regiment.

1st day, 7th mo. 3d. Griffith and I went to the creek to wash this morning at five o'clock. The creek was dirty and full of black mud, so much so that I would not go in. I took the coffee pot and washed out of it. Got some water and prepared breakfast of beef soup, thickened with corn meal. Had roll-call this forenoon, the first time for three weeks; it was difficult to get the men together, and was eleven o'clock before they got through. Drew no rations to-day, why I know not.

2d day, 7th mo. 4th. Was very hot until three o'clock P. M., when we had a heavy thunder storm. Our house let the rain in almost like a riddle. The numbers of the detachments were changed to-day; all that were not full were filled up to two hundred and seventy; our detachment is now number thirty-two, and my mess is the second mess. We got no rations until this evening, when we received meal, boiled and raw beef, and pork. Bread and salt were issued; we got raw beef and miserable bread, with a pinch of salt. We made a pot of mush for our breakfast, coffee and stewed meat for supper; we eat only twice a day. My disease has left me and I am stouter. Was down to the creek this morning at four o'clock and took a good wash.

3d day, 7th mo. 5th. To-day was very hot, with a good breeze and flying clouds. Got up this morning at four o'clock, and went to the run and washed my grey shirt and a pair of drawers, without soap. We made a pot of soup with corn meal dumplings. Had roll-call at ten o'clock. Drew meal, fresh beef and a pinch of salt. Made flap-jacks for supper, and fried some of our beef on my plate. Traded some corn meal for a piece of pork to grease the plate with.

4th day, 7th mo. 6th. Hot as ever. Over two hundred more men put in to-day. According to rumor, to-morrow is the day to commence paroling. A new rumor says seven thousand are to be taken out to-morrow. Got breakfast of soup off our beef, with corn meal dumplings, and supper of flap-jacks and fried pork. Drew mush, bacon and salt. I am very well indeed.

5th day, 7th mo. 7th. Spent the day as yesterday. No signs of paroling. Very hot to-day. Fred. Smith, who was taken prisoner at Mine Run, came to see me to-day. Drew rotten bacon, corn meal and salt.

6th day, 7th mo. 8th. The heat in the afternoon was almost scorching. I borrowed a book of Hatfield, which I read half through. This is the first reading I have done since we have been here. There were one hundred more men put in to-day, all of whom were captured at the James and Morris Island.

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

1st day, 7th mo. 10th. Drew rations as usual, consisting of meal, pork and salt. Cooked flapjacks and made gravy for supper. Our wood is almost out and I know not where the rest will come from; there is plenty in the place, but it is claimed by others. There were six hundred more prisoners put in to-day from Grant's army.

2d day, 7th mo. 11th. Hot, with a little shower in the afternoon. Drew meal, salt and bacon. I had a hard time cooking cakes for breakfast and mush for supper; the wood and roots were too wet. Six of the "raiders" were hung, inside the stockade, by our own men, at five o'clock this evening. The rope of Moseby broke when the drop fell, and let him to the ground; they made him mount the scaffold and try it the second time. One broke loose before he mounted the scaffold and ran through the crowd, but was arrested. I was down helping to draw rations and saw the execution. A large number of prisoners put in to-day.

3d day, 7th mo. 12th. Was busy most of the day getting wood out of the run, but could not get much. We are out of wood. I made a small furnace to put my plate on. Was running about a good deal—am as well as I could wish to be. There were two hundred more men put in to-day. I was determined to get an axe to cut some wood, but did not quite get it. I got on the right side of a rebel sergeant, who is a mason, but he could do no more than ask for me of the one who had charge of the shovels and axes.

4th day, 7th mo. 13th. Very warm. Could get no axe to-day, but got the promise of one in the morning. Our furnace works first rate. We gathered some roots out of the run, and both of us went down to-night and worked and fished for roots until after ten o'clock. Have got the floor of our tent raised so that the water will not flood us.

5th day, 7th mo. 14th. Very hot day. I was up early this morning and down at the run and spring. Got a pot of mush made before roll-call. Got the axe for an hour; we cut enough good pitch pine off a large stump to last us nearly three weeks. Could do little else but lay in the tent after cutting the wood, I was so tired. The diarrhœa shows signs of coming on me again. General Winder had the three sergeants of each detachment taken out, and he told them that he knew of an organized gang of six thousand who were going to get out, &c., and that the men must not get in crowds within one hundred yards of the gate, or he would fire on them with shot and shell; that they had tried to get us exchanged, but could not, and were compelled to keep us; and that they had plenty to keep us with. I noticed plenty of good-looking pies in market for one dollar and fifty cents, watermelons for two and three dollars, and apples for twenty-five and thirty-five cents each.

6th day, 7th mo. 15th. Suffered very much with the diarrhœa, which has come back on me as bad as ever.

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

1st day, 7th mo. 17th. The hottest day we have had. I lay in the tent, very weak from the diarrhœa, which is getting better. Made some corn meal gruel for my breakfast. Drew meat, salt and molasses, six spoonsful of the latter as a ration. Had flapjacks for supper.

2d day, 7th mo. 18th. Cloudy and cool all day, with rain in the afternoon. The diarrhœa has left me, but I am very weak yet. Had a pot of mush for breakfast. Drew nothing but corn meal to-day; they issued bacon to some of the detachments, but it did not get to us. Some of the men are trying to get up a petition to be sent to the United States, asking its influence towards getting us released.

3d day, 7th mo. 19th. Cloudy and pleasant; last night was very cold. Am getting over the diarrhœa again. Drew yesterday's pork at nine this forenoon; then got a breakfast of flapjacks, fried pork and gravy. There was a meeting held to-day in reference to the petition to our Government for our release. The committee appointed at yesterday's meeting reported. General Winder gives his hearty co-operation to the movement, and suggests that six instead of three be sent to our Government with these petitions, which the meeting took steps to appoint. Last evening I got a pint of beans for five postage stamps, and this morning got a dagger for five more.

4th day, 7th mo. 20th. Was up soon after four this morning. Cooked G. Hatfield a pot of gruel before roll-call; got our own breakfast after roll-call. Washed a pair of drawers and stockings this morning. The rebels threw up some earthworks as if they expected to be attacked. They appear to be getting reinforcements here. The rumor is that the railroad between here and Macon is cut, and that they are expecting a raid by our cavalry, and that Atlanta is ours.

5th day, 7th mo. 21st. Got breakfast after roll-call—had "corn dodgers" and gravy. Drew meal and molasses; got wood for three days. Traded a ration of pork for twenty-five cents worth of wood, and traded a ration of pork for tobacco for Griffith. The rebels seem to be busy fortifying outside. They put a few prisoners in every day.

6th day, 7th mo. 22d. Very cloudy and hot. Lay in the house most all the time. Have contracted a cold. More prisoners put in to-day. The rebels are still busy at their earthworks. They find out a tunnel every day and fill it up. Drew meat, salt and meal.

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

1st day, 7th mo. 24th. Last night was the coldest we have had for some time. My attack of bronchitis has extended far into the chest, and is going to bring on that terrible "army scourge" again. The day was very warm with a good breeze. Drew fresh beef and rice only.

2d day, 7th mo. 25th. Suffered last night very much with the cold. This night was the coldest yet. The diarrhœa has returned and is very bad. The day was warm with a good breeze. Drew rice, raw bacon and no salt. I sold a ration of pork and bought two spoonsful of salt.

3d day, 7th mo. 26th. Was a pleasant day. Made corn meal gruel for breakfast and supper. Borrowed Clark's infantry tactics and read and slept all day. Drew meal, salt and bacon.

4th day, 7th mo. 27th. Was rather pleasant all day. Spent the day as yesterday and drew the same kind of rations. There are a great many rumors about our going to be paroled about the fifth or sixth of next month. There were over two hundred prisoners, mostly one hundred days' men, from the Shenandoah valley, put in to-day.

5th day, 7th mo. 28th. To-day is pretty warm. Eat nothing but gruel and boiled rice. About two hundred prisoners put in to-day from Sherman's army. Just as they were ready to enter, the rebels fired a shot across the camp.

6th day, 7th mo. 29th. To-day some of the detachments drew molasses; I traded a ration of pork for molasses for supper. Had gruel for breakfast, and boiled rice with the molasses for supper. To-day was warm, with a heavy shower in the evening.

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

1st day, 7th mo. 31st. Eat my breakfast and lay in the tent most all day. Am very weak from the diarrhœa which I cannot get rid of. J. Matthews is a prisoner here and has come to see me.

2d day, 8th mo. 1st. Lay in the tent most of the time. Took a pill which "Gad" got for me to-night; he got one opium and two other pills.

3d day, 8th mo. 2d. Took the rest of my medicine to-day, and think I am better. They commenced taking the sick out and away this morning—suppose they have gone to Macon. During fifteen minutes this evening, we had the heaviest shower I ever saw; Griffith was at the spring and got caught in it. Have been drawing rice, salt and bacon this week.

4th day, 8th mo. 3d. They have been busy taking the sick away. Drew meal instead of rice to-day. Borrowed Roberts' Bible and read some. Took an opium pill last night which made me sleep until roll-call this morning.

5th day, 8th mo. 4th. Was in the shade under the tent most of the day reading the Bible and getting to sleep. Helped to wash Dr. Buckley this evening; he has been very sick all day. Drew pork and rice. Had no roll-call for the first time since we have been in the new stockade. Some sick were sent out to-day—rumor says they are being sent into our lines. To-day was a warm one.

6th day, 8th mo. 5th. Spent most of the time in the house. Dr. Buckley is some better; we were going to carry him out. The sick of the first eleven detachments were taken out this afternoon. Drew fresh beef, salt and rice. The diarrhœa has left me again; am pretty stout. Ate only rice soup. Occupied in reading the Bible to-day.

7th day, 8th mo. 6th. Was very hot; lay in the house, slept and read. Drew fresh beef, salt and a pint of meal.

1st day, 8th mo. 7th. Lay in the tent most of the day, slept and read. Dr. Buckley still keeps poorly.

2d day, 8th mo. 8th. Had a heavy shower this afternoon. Spent the day as I do most of them. Read almost through Deuteronomy to-day. Dr. Buckley is no better, but gets worse. Have been drawing fresh beef, meal and salt. We make soup. Reports are favorable to our being paroled, but as yet we know nothing certain about it. The Quartermaster came in yesterday, and told it around among us, that a parole or exchange was to take place soon, and they were going to commence in a few days.

3d day, 8th mo. 9th. Was cloudy until about four o'clock this afternoon, when there came up one of the heaviest showers of rain we have had since we came here; it flooded the run and washed some of the stockade above and below, and moved it in several places. They fired off two guns as a signal and out came a large guard. Drew no rations to-day for our detachment; they ceased to issue after getting up to the twentieth. Tried to sell my red shirt, but could not get more than half I asked for it, so I kept it. They have got the frame of a large barracks, large enough for a detachment, at the upper end of the stockade.

4th day, 8th mo. 10th. Rather warm. From 9 A. M. to 3 P. M. had a very hard rain, which did not stop until midnight. We got wet, the tent leaking very badly. Did not draw rations until this morning, when we got beans and half a ration of bread. This evening drew half a ration of bread, salt, and a very small ration of beef. Had beef and bean soup for supper; nothing to eat before of any account. I was detailed to draw rations. I carried up a hind quarter of beef. Went and gave Dr. Buckley a sponge bath and washed his shirt in the run.

5th day, 8th mo. 11th. George Hatfield died last night or early this morning. Dr. Buckley is getting better. The "Rebs" have got the stockade almost repaired; they are busy putting up a stockade outside of ours. They have some of our boys putting up barracks near our detachment. Had a heavy rain this afternoon. Did not get our rations until very late; got fresh beef and half a ration of bread, but no salt.

6th day, 8th mo. 12th. Spent the day reading the Bible and sleeping; it was warm and pleasant. Gave Buckley a sponge bath this afternoon; he is improving rapidly. Have had roll-call the last two mornings. Drew a little meal, a ration of beans, a small ration of beef and a half ration of salt. They are cutting down the rations. The committee of six which were to go into our lines with the petition, went last First day.

7th day, 8th mo. 13th. Was cloudy most of the time and pleasant. After roll-call, got five others to help to carry Dr. Buckley to the gate to sick call. The person that Gad sent to attend to his man, ran off, and we did not get him out. Dr. Buckley fainted twice in our hands; carried him part of the way, and helped him the rest. I washed him this evening—he is better. I am busy reading the Bible. There are many rumors about the parole commencing on the 15th. Drew a ration of beans and half a ration of bread and fresh beef. We ate only two pots of bean soup. Sold a ration of beef for ten cents and bought two spoonsful of salt.

1st day, 8th mo. 14th. Was a very hot day. Buckley was much worse during the day, but seemed to get better in the evening. I wrote a note to Dr. White, on the outside, asking relief for Buckley, and took it to the Doctor outside, at Doctor's call. Some one told me to put it in the letter box, which I did, after consulting two Masons I had found; one belongs to Ohio and the other is a sergeant in the ninety-eighth detachment. I washed Buckley this evening. Drew beans, half a ration of beef and bread, with a little salt. Ate bean soup for breakfast and rice soup for supper. Have the diarrhœa.

2d day, 8th mo. 15th. Spent the day as we did yesterday.

3d day, 8th mo. 16th. Was very warm, like yesterday. No signs of a parole yet—rumors are all false about it. Have given Buckley a washing every day; he seems to grow better.

4th day, 8th mo. 17th. The weather has been extremely warm. Have been drawing half a ration of bread, fresh beef, salt and beans. I have quit eating beans.

5th day, 8th mo. 18th. Was out and got prescribed for. After roll-call got six pills; am very weak; am busy reading the Bible. Still give the Doctor a washing every day; he continues to improve.

6th day, 8th mo. 19th. Suffered very much with the diarrhœa. Am getting weaker. Went to the Doctor's and got my medicine continued. Did not get any medicine to-day. Sold my ration of bread and Griffith's for twenty cents, and two and a half rations and one of my own for twenty-five cents, which made me twenty cents in cash. Had a heavy rain this evening.

7th day, 8th mo. 20th. Was very warm, with a heavy rain in the evening. Was so weak that I only got out of the tent four times. Buckley was worse. I was not able to bathe him to-day.

1st day, 8th mo. 21st. Was in the tent most of the day. Went to the run in the evening and took a bath; gave Dr. Buckley a washing. Had some rain. The Doctor gave me his photograph.

2d day, 5th mo. 22d. Very warm. Diarrhœa no better—am very weak—lay in the tent most of the day. Buckley is worse, and has a prospect of getting out to the hospital, through the influence of his friend Rickers.

3d day, 8th mo. 23d. Drew rice, molasses and a little pork yesterday, and an old ration of beef, beans and bread, with a little salt to-day. Carried Buckley out of the gate at seven o'clock this morning; got him out among the first, but could not get him in the hospital on account of too many being admitted yesterday.

4th day, 8th mo. 24th. About as hot as ever. Went to the Doctor's call and saw Rickers, but there was no chance for Buckley, except by his own surgeon. Have got no medicine for three days. Drew fresh beef, a mouthful of bacon, corn meal, beans and salt. Ate two rations of beans to-day, which is going to make me worse. Some of the commissioned officers, who have been passing off for privates, were taken out to-day, it is said, to be exchanged. Rumors are favorable to a speedy parole.