Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-03-27
The slaves az Uolus.bnh4.KSbsrs os Com.
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TIC eiaVea &C OoluBibnaas 6boF1 q Gem
The following Is the report Of the Commit
ieeAppOinlsd By the Ohio Senate to inquire
into the treatment Of the rebel prisoners af
Camp Chase and ascertain the frcs in rsls-
sion to prisoners being permitted to retain
their slaves in the prison;
Your committee found some thirteen hun
dred persons confined In the three prisons,
mostly iron Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri
and hississippi, and their quarters we're In all
respects as good, and some u little better than
those Of the soldiers outside, and your COM
mlttee were assured that the rations distribu-
ted were the same IN quantity and quality as
those given our own men. No complaint
was made as to any Of these things, but there
was 8 general expression Of satisfaction
herewith.
Your committee found seventy-four ne.
groes in the prisons, mostly taken prisoners
at Fort DOnelson. OF these, from what they
could learn, 3 few were free when taken,
having been hired by officers as cooks and
servants. The remainder, perhaps ffty in
number, were slaves in attendance upon their
masters, and while so employed, were taken
along with their masters. None Of them
were in arms all having been retained for
meniRl service merely. Since their capture
they have travelled with their masters, at
tending and serving them as before. On their
arrival at Columbus, they took charge of and
carried The baggage of their former masters
from the depot 10 Camp Chase, the men hsv-
ing no servants being compelled to carry
their own, as cur soldiers do on similar occa-
sions. Arrived at Camp Chase, the pFivates
we're as far as possible separated from the
officers, and, for obvioas reasons, placed in
different prisons; but the negroes were placed
in the same prisons with officers who were
their former masters. Why2 unless tlat
they might continue IN attend and serve their
former masters. And they have ever since
done so-ooOking, washing, waiting upon
and serving them Just Is before their capture,
the relation Of master and slave being as rig
orously maintained BY the master and as
fully recognized BY the negroes and the other
inmates Of the prison as ever 1t was in the
State of Tennessee.
As to rebel officers released on parole,
your COMMITTEES could rgt get much definite
information, other than that, with few ex-
ceptions, these paroles were granted by Or
der of General Halleck. That the clemenoy
so shown was mistaken, the following facts
as to the conduct of these officers while in
Columbus win show. They came, wearing
their side arms, stopped at the principal ho-
tells, registering their names nOolonel,"
"Major," or "Oaptain," with the significant
letters 40. 8. A." added; appearing from day
to day in rebel uniforms (some Of these
CANDY, all Of them noticeable) in the offices
and parlors, and at the public tables of these
hotels, in the streets and drives of the city,
frequenting the theatre and other places Of
amusement and visiting the Senate and
House Chambers, where, with marked con-
sideration, they have been invited to privil-
eyed seats within the bar. At ali these
places and on all occasions, giving expression
70 sentiments Of continued adherence to the
rebel cause and Of bitter hostility to the
Government and people Of the United
States.
While prominent officers are thus enjoy
ing the freedom Of the city and the luxuries
of hotel life, hundreds Of poor and ignorant
priVates, come of them impressed and all of
them deceived inte the rebel service; pen
isent for the wrongs they have done; ready,
willing and anxious to take the oath Of al
legiAnce, ara kept confined in the prisons at
Camp Chase. This is matter of complaint
among the prisoners themselves.
But who is to blsme2 Your committee is
satisfied that Colonel Moody has done his
whole duty in the premises. They are equal
ly satisfied that the Governor has endeavored
TO discharge his duties, honoraDly, faithfully
and impartinlly. His position has been one
of great delicscy. His control over the
Camp and prisoners being BY courtesy Of the
Federal authorities, and not by any right as
Governor of Ohio, be has probably done all
he well could in the premises. The respon.
sibility then rests with the Federal authori-
ties, and our only remedy Is by protest to
tie President. Your committee therefore
the adoption of the prsazsbls sud
re7olU IoU7g VT Il FtHIdrt