The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-01-03
Letter from Colonel C0rcOran.
HOW THE NATIONAL PRISONERS ARE TREATED
BY THE REBELS.
CHARLESTON JAIL, S. c., Nov. 10.

privation and insult to which we have been
subjected since prisoners of war, and when
the worst passions ought to be satisfied, we
find that we have yet another ard the worst
ordeal to pass through. We are in the
common jail-having been taken from Castle
Pinckney on the 3lst ult-on an equal foot
ing with the most depraved classes, and
locked up at night like feIons. But seem
to have momentarily forgotten that 1 am
condemned. I have been selected with
three captains and ten lieutenants, to be ex.
ecuted as soon as it may be ascertained that
Smith, at Philadelphia, has suffered, and an
order has this day been published to put US
into separate cells. But if they imagine
that their cruelty or inhumanity can make
me falter, or, under the circumstances, have
any terrors for me, they are sadly mistaken.
The opportunity to accomplish the object
for which l held life most sacred not having
arrived--that of aiding to free my native
land from the calling yoke of oppression
under which she has been suffering for cen
turies--there could possibly be no other
cause to which could be more content to
freely offer up my life, as in the endeavor to
maintain the glorious flag which has Afford
ed home and protection to me and my OPP
pressed countrymen. It was with the most
perfect willingness to do this left New
York, watched for the approach Of its ene-
mics at Fort Corcoran, marched to and met
them at Manassas; but fortune did not
crown us with success. l made my last
stand around that flag, with very, very few
indeed, where from necessity we were
forced to surrender. --
hope and trust that my wife, and all
my dear friends, will as cheerfulIy submit
to the necessity of my case as do myself,
and assure all that never in my life have I
felt in better health or spirits.
l have much to say to you, but do not
deem it expedient at this time. In the
event of my execution shall endeavor to
have private letter left to be delivered TO
you. must, however, state in Justice to
the manly hearts that beat in the breasts
of the rank and file of our prisoners that
some means should, if practicable, be adopt.
cd to have them exchanged /; for no tongue
can tell, pen describe, nor imagination con
ceive, what those poor fellows have suffered
during the last sixteen weeks. At the time
ofthe arrest they were all without change
OF under garments, without blankets and
in many cases, coats, as such articles, on
account of the extreme heat, were either
left behind or thrown off while on the march
They were also without money, except
few, who were soon spared the trouble of
carrying it. The almost invariabe sauta
ton received was I" You id Yankee, &C.,
&C., what have you got" and, suiting the
action to the word, would dexterousiy, and
with the iaptation which practice alone
can give, turn the contents of the prisoners
pockets into his own. There were some
who were fortunate enough to fall into the
hands of better disposed persons, but they
we've few. For ten weeks in Richmond
they slept on the bare boards. They are
now very ragged, indeed, and many are
without shoes. They are served with two
third (nominaD army rations. Our poor
wounded who happened to be left from ne
cessity on the battlefield, what has become
of them? Where are they? Alas, only
Him who knows all things can answer.
Capt. McIvor latter my departure from
Ricbmond) was accused of being the chief
of a conspiracy among the prisoners be
was, therefore, confined in the city Jail and
finally sent to New Orleans. had $50
sent to him and the privates few days
since. Lieuts. Bagley and Cannon have
not heard from since left. Lieut.. Connol-
ly is here with me, also one of my regis
ment named Owens, whom they permitted
to accompany me.
have seen report put in circulation
that had been handcuffed while at Rich
mond, but / assure you have not had that
honor, although have been the recipient of
good many others. II had promised
not to take up arms after my release, am
well satisfied l would precede even some of
the earliest arrivals in New York to exhib.
it my parole of honor, if it could be called
such, warn all friends of our good cause
to be careful what accounts they give GRE
dence to. We are led to believe that one
fellow here has sold his country for a poor
consideration, and has sent letters for pub
LEGATION with statements that are not relia-
BILE. The Zouaves will take care of him if
he returns. =
l have written so many letters to YOU
and Mrs. O0rcoran--some of which. / have
reason to believe, never reached their desti
nation-l am at loss to know what NAV
be interesting under the circumstances and