American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-04-26

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improvement in civilization, science and
architecture Then this obtrus We With
erspoon need not turn up his nose (spoon)
upon The OLD ACADEMY.
---~-s-.-< -<ae-->e---
EDITOR CITIZEN Sir At the re-
quest of a number of friends am induced
to furnish you partial narrative of sev
euteen months Imprisonment South, for
their qualification and in order that our
copperhead friends may have a Just con-
ception of the kind of christianity hu-
manity and chivalry that governs their
coadjutors.
The exchange of prisoners was inter
cepted in August, 1868, in cons equence
of the bad faith practiced by the rebels,
in relation to the Vicksburg and Port
Hudson prisoners, there being difference
of 2G,000 paroles on the books of the
Commissioners The u. S. Government
was willing to exchange man for man, re-
tanning the excess, but to this " johnny"
would not agree, as it would curtail his
opportunities for the practice of rascality.
The first Development we had of South
eln character, was in the overweening
desire tney exhibited to possess our hats,
boots, ovorcoats, blankets, and the fond
ness they showed for watches, greenbacks,
and jcwelry. They stripped us of evary-
thing. This, too, in the face of winter
exposure to the inclemcncy of the wealth
er, and a great scarcity of what they call
ed rations.
Ten thousand men were confined du.
ring the winter of 1868 on Belle Island.
with no shelter, no blankets, and about
one pound Of corn bread per day. Those
who were qumtered at Libby Jared lit
tie better as to shelter, but one hundred
and seventy Eve men were confined in one
room, having a ceiling but eight feet in
height.
We were not long in learning to ap-
preciate those excellent gentlemen, q
Gen Winder, Major Turner and Dick.
1t was their constant aim to remind us
that we, as prisoners of war, were wholly
in their power; that the practice Of every
insult and indignity was chivalrous, and
that . Yankee mudsili' deserved and
had no right to expect even as good
treatment as civilized people accord to
dumb brutes.
Let me particularize. 1t is admitted
that a prisoner of war has perfect right
to effect his escape by all honorable means
but. these gentlemen deemed this one of
the foulest crimes.
Col Straight was foiled in an attempt
to make his escape in January, 1861, and
as reward for his show of spirit, was
placed in dungeon, in the truest and
fullest sense,) for twenty one days, on
bread and water, without any fire, and |
think without his bedding !; but Straight
was a vandal and raider, so, of course,
although much respected officer in the
U. s. army, it was all right
Lieut.. Moran, captured at Gettysburg,
had in his possession piece of shell,
which killed his brother; this he wished
to retain, but, during his search the gal
liant Dick (?) discovered it, and took it
from him. Upon his asking for it, Dick
uttered an oath, and struck him rudely in
the face.
A Lieut.. of an Indiana regiment was
re-captured and taken to Augusta, Ga
Here he was stripped of good suit Of
clothing, and given an old suit Of gray
Upon his making report of it to the
Provost Marshal, he was threatened by
some soldiers from Arkansas, and after
dark was taken down to the river, made
walk out On spring plank, and deIiber-
atcly shot. An officer Of the 10th N, Y.
Volunteers was shot in cold blood, whilst
standing by the spring, at Macon, last
Juue. The ID Lieut.. of ny company,
was shot while he and we're engaged il
Oct. %, 1864
After Suaight's exit. their exbeue
kindness was signally displayed. Nine
teen OF US We're confined in loathsome
damp cell, for four days, without eyefeoats,
blankets or fire. They then instituted a
summary way Of Kidding US of trouble.
The sentinels were instructed to fire on
any oueanRroaching the windows. Thee
person wounded and one killed.
May 7f lsf, Libby for Georgia,