The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-10-13

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PRIs0NERs.-On the 9th instant at the Libby
prison in Richmond there were 1856 Federal
prisoners, including S26 general, regimental and
other commissioned officers. :. of this number,
1880 received from Chickamauga, which,
including $500 sick, wounded &c, paroled on the
field make the total number captured by Bragg's
army 1850, including 298 officers There are also
in the Libby prison 20 yankee surgeons and 9
chaplaius. They are kept, wesuppose, to admin
lister to the wants Of their fellow prisoners.
There are also in Castle Thunder, Richmond
900 prisoners, among whom deserters, negroes,
traitors, spies, bushwhackers, &c.
A TRUE MAN.--We have been furnished for
publication the following letter enthusiastically ers
Esq, of Mississippi, but formerly citizen Of Arson
county, \. G.. 1t is addressed to his son, VIM. r.
Myers, Esq, of this place Reports having been cir
/ culated that Mr. Absalom Myers had taken the Lin
coin oath of allegiance this letter is published main
ly for the purpose of correcting such falsehoods,
and for the further purpose of letting his old friends
in Arson hear from him once more, among whom he
occupied high position for many years.
BYHALIA. MISS, Aug. l6, 1868.
DEAR Son: l received your letter inclosing one
account from the boys for some months, as we have
mail facilities, the only chance for correspond
ence being by private conveyance We have had
reliable verbal accounts that Albert is again
ly wounded and Calvin slightly wounded. | should
like very much to go and see to them, but being
situated almost within the yankee lines, and they
making weekly raids near me, can't leave home.
Within the last few months two Of these rading
parties passed my house and several others within
hearing distance. The first that passed. about $50
i'll number, took off two boys, four mules,
horse, and two colts, a had before lost two mules
and horse and poney,) and about 100 hams The
officers took possession of the dwelling house and
forbid the privates entering, which saved from
pillage; but the soldiers went to the negro houses
and robbed the negroes of what little money they
had clothing, knives, forks. spoons, &C. The next
raiding party, composed of about 1000 yankees,
made no stop, except few straggers who took the
buggy; the carriage being broken they took the
cushions and portion of the harness. Since then
some Of my negroes have gone to try yankee life.
In all have lost25 negroes. How long the rest
will remain is doubtful.
am informed that it is reported in North Carolina
that had taken the oath to the Lincoln Govern
ment. Should such report reach you you may
give it the lie. Nothing short of death will induce
me submit to such degradation. Let property go
but let preserve good conscience and never be
guilty of an act which mi ht at some future day
cause u of mine to hang his head and blush at
the mention of my name when L am gone. No,
never. | have five sons in the Confederate army
who hope are discharging their duty manfully;
the youngest of whom (the only one who has es
capped severe wouuds) wrote me a lew weeks ago
in such strong terms protesting his determination to
stand I'D under all circumstances in defence Of his
country that had been the least wavering before
i'll support of the southern cause, would have been
stimulated to renewed efforts for independence from
INC ''''A'' '''''OD' ~ A. MYERS.
The following is an extract from the letter of Mr.
Myers son alluded to above. 1t was written from.
the Mississippi army:
Il heard Of the treatment you received at the
hands of the enemy, and was not surprised, cOnsid
ering the previous outrages committed citizens
who have fallen into their power. | will be glad if
you escape well for the future. At any rate,
Whatever may befa you, feel confident that you
will always meet the scoundrels in the right spirit,
with determination never to bend particle to
them whatever threats they may make. | learn it
is reported in North Carolina that you have taken
ther accused oath. but | know it is lie. Let
them burn and destroy; let property aid life too, if
| necessary, go, that honor and good conscience
is preserved. | fear that many have done this to
save their property but would rather lose my life
than believe such thing of you DON'T imagine
that this report has troubled me at all further than
wish to find the author of it.
| fear that Mississippi is lost to US for while,
but do not despond. The enemy may overrun ev-
cry southern State, still will continue to fight
them. and all will be well in the end. very
anxious to hear from my brothers in the Virginia
army. Let us hope that if they have fallen it was
while inficting upon the robbers Of Pennsylvania
at least of the miSfortunes they have brought
upon our homes. desire no more pleasant death
than to die in defence Of my country; and when
say this | mean it. The time for fowery express
sons has passed away. At any hour on day we
may be brought facet face with death, and so help
me God would ~t day take a furlough or a
release from the army to my life. Therefore,
though trust that the boys safe. shall be the
better prepared to lose them if they have fallen
while doing their duty.
cd fha+,r &c n mr.
leave when the yankees went to your house. SO
that you and mother and sister do not suffer care
but little for the negroes. Let US but conquer
peace and all will be well in the end. [ fear since
Nicksburg has fallen shall have long war, but
soldiers prepared to fight it out, and are as
fully confident of success ever. We must not
and cannot fail.
Don't believe any reports you may near of Mis-
sissippans i'll this army being dissatisfied. democrat
For the Hestern Democrat.
Mr.. EDIToR:-If it will not be intruding on
T 10 ,ordiD