The New York herald., 1862-01-06
THE UNION PRISONERS AT BALTIMORE.
OuR BALTIMORE CORRESPONDENCE.


BALTIMORE, Jan. A, 1862
Their Reception IN that City-Adiitionol Particulars Of
Their Confinement in Richnond-The Dark and bright
Side Of the Picture-Horrors the One Hand and Ten
derness on the Oher-Fselin0s of the Men Under These
Circums,ances-The Herads Account Of The Defences If
Richmond Correct-Absurd Rumors Concerning the War
at The Soa-Gsneral McCleltan Supposed to be Dead at
Richmond, &c.
Two hundred and thirty Union prisoners who have
confined a. Richmond arrived here this morning by
the steamer from Fortress Monroe. They received
on landing by the officers Of the Union Relief Associa-
ton Of this city, and escorted to the spacious pro-
vided sy that society These occupy the whole
space Of large four story building on South Eutaw
street. near the depot Of the Washington Railroad. On
entering these hosptablo apartments the weary and
prison worn captves found warm fires blazing, and a
welcome prepared for them which will them to
member tho warm-hcarted people of Baltimore 10 their
dying day Long tables spread covered with clean
white cloths, which abundance of the most
excellent viands that the markets afford, all
served up hot, in hotel STYLE From the time
Of their arrival till fifteen minutes to four O'Clock
in the afternoon, when they departed for wash-
ington to report themselves at headquarters, they
were the recipients Of many Of kindness and
tion. During that time conversed with large number
of thsm all Of whom found highly intelligent Thors
was disposition the part Of 10 exagrern the
surings they had undergone and the indgnties that
had visited upon them But by far the larger
Der agreed the main facts stated below, which
tainly bad enough.
Tho prisoners, according TO these accounts, were
crowded together In tobacco warehouses; with nothing
slcep but tho door, and with but scanty covering
They had 20 convsnencos for washing for personal
cleanliness Their food scany and Of tho worst pos
sbe description except the bread which fresh and
sweet From the time Of their capture, July a. until
December 49, they wero liable be shot IL seen at the
windows Al tho lator date according to the Richmond
Enquirer and the Richmond Dispatch In both Of which
papers the statement appears order issued by the
military authorities forbdding this shooting in future.
One case related 10 me Of exceeding barbarty was
that of young whose self denying kindness and
tenton TO his comrades had for him the respect
and attachment Of ell. He sitting at open
dow smoking pipe but not le anng out Of the window
without the least provocation ruan in the street
fred at him. The ball passed through his head killing
him instantly. DR.. Higginbotham mentioned hsprencd
inc scns There was swiss sergeant in charge Of tho
prisoners, whose brutality IL attcsted by them ALL It
his duty to assemble them and call the roll every
morning Ii any the least tardy In getting up he
would strika them over the head with the butt or his
musket. His language uniformly was of the most vu
Oar saamnsi ned ss Of his usual style when VIII any any
OF the prisoners died their bodies carried out
the doad house; but knew what became Of them
state that when collins provided the bodies
thrust into them without tenderness or decency and II
leg or an arm happened be shattered or broken u
rudely doubled crushed In. Such is the dark side
| of the picture.
But thcro is for the honor Of humanity brighter side
Also The prisoners all In the statement that they
occasionally visited by ladies' who never failed TO
leave behind token Of their "ange visitsv They
brought them cakes jeics and other delicacies; and
often when the stern sentnes would refuse them adms.
sion they would soize the presented bsyonet with thc
little hands turn II asde and thus eluding the guard
make ther visit Other ladies' In riding past In their
carriages threw bouquets of flowers in at the windows
One lady, with two beautiful daughters, particularly
mentioned having been kind 10 the prisoners. Some
Of the prisoners, under guard, allowed 10
eprng for water The guard remaining at distance,
would occasionally meet them nc the spring One
OF these told them that she had Union nag con-
In her house, and that the Union troops
Richl~opd she would display u from her housetop
All Cf the prisoners speak p terms Of the deepest
gratitude OF the kind attention Of Dr. Hgqinbethan,
well known physician Of Richmond. lie consssnt 10
his attentions 10 them from FIRST 10 last 20 much so
indeed that hfloyaty suspected and he placed
under arrest by Che military suthoritns. He wss sub