684 Nort CaRouina Troops, 1861-65.

place one would think that it is to be made a permanent
prison. They are enlarging the enclosure, digging reser-
voirs, putting up extra buildings, ete. It looks like there
will be no exchange at least for some time to come. I am
satisfied that we have as many men as they have, but I think
they must have double the number of officers as prisoners,
and it is astonishing that every little squad of ten or twelve
men brings a Colonel with them. I do not say this to dispar-
age our officers, but it is singular to me. I have heard vari-
ous reasons assigned for this, but I have my own private
opinion. The general impression among Yankees and Con-
federates is that the present campaign of Grant and Sherman
will end the war. We get very few letters now and no news
that we can rely upon. Everything with these people is a
glorious victory and the winding up of the Confederacy.
Time will show.

July 29.—A month has elapsed since I have written any-
thing in my journal of events. I have been sick at heart
over my long confinement. We were much gratified last
Saturday over the arrival of a Southern mail. I had two
letters from my wife, but they did not afford me much conso-
lation, as she seemed very low spirited and complained of
being unwell. My quarters now are more comfortable, as I
am in a small room with seven others. A great outrage was
committed last Saturday night by the sentinels on post.
Without any provocation they fired into one of the blocks and
severely wounded two officers. The commander expressed
much regret and assured us that there would be no repetition
of such a cowardly action.

August 11.—Still greater improvements are going on here.
They are building a large mess hall to cook and eat in, but
this will be of little advantage to us unless the amount of
rations are increased. We have been much elated at the
suecess of the Confederate arms everywhere until this morn-
ing, when the news came of the entrance of the Federal fleet
in Mobile Bay and the surrender of Fort Powell. This news
cast a gloom over us all. We have a hard time here killing
time. We read, spin yarns, read the Bible, ete., to get away
with it.

Day before yesterday a bold attempt was made by a nun-

 

Prison Lire at Jounson’s ISLAND. 685

ber of prisoners to escape. Several wagons were engaged in
hauling sand, and our men procuring blue pants with caps
would get in the empty wagons and hop out at the gate.
About forty had succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the
guards and had gotten out of the bull pen before they were
discovered. As it was the alarm was quickly given and all
but two or three were recaptured. The punishment here is
severe for attempting to escape, but as a general thing the
Yankees are good natured and usually release them. An-
other attempt was made by a young man yesterday to get out.
He dressed himself in citizens’ clothes and with a forged pass
he got by the officers of the guard and was making his way
to the boat that was about to leave for Sandusky, when he
was recognized by a Corporal and arrested. I am out of
money, but I have an abundance of good clothing. I might
say that I have an elegant wardrobe for a soldier, thanks to
my kind friends.

August 28.—To-morrow is the day set for the meeting of
the great Chicago Convention. We look forward with great
interest toward the outcome of that meeting, for upon its ac-
tion depends our release from prison and we are all convinced
that the administration does not intend to exchange prisoners.
In our prison many petty things are done to make us feel the
sting and degradation of prison life. Late orders from the
Secretary of War forbid the selling of any kind of clothing
to us; also provisions, vegetables, etc., and no one is allowed
to send us anything. If one is very sick, he can get an order
from the Surgeon (if he is in good humor), by which you
can send to some near relative for what you need. This or-
der does not prevent one from receiving anything from the
South, as they well know that nothing of any use or value will
reach the one intended for, even if sent.

September 1.—The all-absorbing topic of excitement here
is the Chicago Convention, as the future destiny of our Con-
federacy and our own release from prison depends upon the
success and harmony of that body. The nomination of Mc-
Clellan was unexpected, but we do not think we can be
worsted. The scarcity of rations is another topic that is seri-
ous with us now, and we have actually taken to eating rats.

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