Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-08-21
RETURN OF PRISONERS FROM RICHMOND

hEIuRN UE PRlSONERS FROM RICHMOND
On the 10th quite number of our surgeons
and soldiers, and one lady, who were taken
prisoners at Bull Run and conveyed to Rich
mond, arrived here via Fortress Monroe and
Baltimore. They furnish many interesting
1acts relating to their capture and residence
among the rebels. The surgeons are here on
parole, and were allowed the liberty from the
fact that they remained ON the field to take
care of our wounded and dtd not therefore
join in the retreat with other officers. For
this humane as we'll as brave act they were
complimented by Generals Beauregard and
Johnston, and being non-com batants, have
been allowed great privileges. DR.. Stewart,
surgeon OF the First Minnesota Regiment, who
was taken prisoner when the retreat commenc-
ed, states that the surgeons were not allowed
to go on the field after the battle had conclud
ed, but were permitted to enter the hospitals
and attend to the wounded. The wounded
and their attendants were treated very kindly
by the people living in the vicinity of Ma
nassas. No distinction was made between
friend and foe, and everything was done to
alleviate suffering. After day or so, he and
his companions, together with other prison
ers, were taken to Richmond, where they
were confined in prison formed out of to-
bacco warehouse. Here they were closely
guarded, but treated kindly, being furnished
with good food and as comfortable quarters as
circumstances would permit. The surgeons
solicited permission to visit the hospitals in
Richmond, and aid in attendance on the
wounded, but this request was peremptorily
refused by the surgeon general of the rebel
amy. The only unpleasant remarks which
they heard were the most bitter invec-
tives from the women, who freely commented
on the Yankees. Richmod appeared very
lively to them. Provisions were cheap, and
much traffic was going on in country produce,
but there was great want of surgical instru-
ments, medicines, etc. The people acknowl-
edged that they felt severely the Injurious ef-
feet of the blockade, and, in fact, speculation
was almost wholly directed to removal, though
not much stress laid on foreign interfer-
ence. Hon. Mr.. Ely, Col. Corcoran. and
others, were still in prison at Richmond, but
were well cared for. There was universal
feeling in favor of hanging the most important
ones, should the crew of the Savannah suffer
DEATH With regard to the next bait lie or the
future movements of the rebels, but little was
said. The Southern soldiers were very much
wearied with their long campaign, and SEEM
ed inactive, manifeSting little or no spirit for
a renewed conflict. At first there was a dis
position to move on Washington, but there
was an under current of feeling among the
more Southern regiments, which averse
to crossing the Potomac river. The rebel Of
icers and soldiers are of the opinion that our
soldiers fought like tigers at Bull Run, and
compliment them for their bravery, but they
are severe in denunciation of our officers, who
they say acted like towards. They admit thatwe
had won the field several times, land fully under
stood how the panic came to sieze upon our
troops, and caused us to loose it. These pris-
Oners, many of whom were in the front ranks
OF our troops, say that the officers of the rebel
forces flung themselves in front OF their reg-
ments, and urged them on, while many of ours
took to their heels. There are about five
hundred wounded and SIX hundred unwound
ed, oil our soldiers at Richmond. The spirit
OF resistance is represented among the civil
ians at Richmond to be as strong as ever,
woman and children declaring that they will
join the army to defeat the federal troops.
Mrs Curtis, of Rochester, New York, who was
taken to Richmond some time since, arrived
here with the other prisoners. The meetings
of some of the returned soldiers with their
friends here to-day have been affecting.
Many of them were given up as dead. In one
instance an officer read his own obituaries in
the papers. The rebels all concur in prasing
McClelan's abilities, and state that he is the
only man that they fear in the coming contest.