The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1876-12-14
SOUTHERN PRISON-PENS.
Experience Of anAnderson-
Vile Prisoner i'm Dixie.
NO. XVI.

ANY Oh Ine Ieduefs VI luCSS VIM "eS ~
Andersonville in 1864, will recognize one or the
other of the above names, as Stanton was often
called the "Negro Irishman," and "Bully Stanton"
Stanton was powerfully built man, weight about
225 lbs. with sledge-hammer fists. BE had very
dark complexion, black eyes, short, curly, black
hair. He seemed to have very little conscience,
and believed in brute force ruling. He was Just
the kind of man to head mob, or sack town.
Stanton was Union prisoner, and he soon be-
came the terror of all his fellowprisoners. When
ever there was a chance for fight, Stanton would
pitch in, and with his sledge-hammer fists knock
down and beat without mercy any one that was in
lis way.
He got the appointment of guarding the grub
wagon, when 1t entered the prison with bread.
The prisoners had been hungry so long that they
would become almostfnsane, and about one O'Clock
P. NJ. they would commence watching for the wag-
on to load up and start into the prison. The wag-
on generally passed inside of the gates about
O'Clock and the men would have to watch and
wait for the welcome sight about three hours
and by that time they were almost crazy with hum
ger.
They knew the part of the prison where the wag-
oil would stop, and always collected at that point
not that the bread would be given out at that place
where the wagon stopped, but partly from an insane
desire to be preseut where the grub stopped, and
partly from hope that in the careless handling OF
the bread, which corn bread and somewhat
crumbly, some stray pieces might fall to the ground
and they would stand chance of getting an extra
morsel. That slim, uncertain hope brought hun
dreds of poor, weak half-s;arved half naked men
from their dens, and they collected around the
grub wagon in one solid mass.
"Bully Stanton" would order them back. but
those who were nearest to the wagon couldn't
get back for the pressure of those behind. About
the second time he would give the order he would
jump off the wagon and commence knocking down
everybody within his reach. l have seen him
knock down three at a time fast he could reach
them. 1t was reported that he killed one poor,
weak man, in one of his mad charges around the
wagon.
He became noted character and after he was
exchanged and sent to Annapolis, Nd, some of the
prisoners preferred charges against him. He was
court martialed and found guilty of mistreatment
of prisoners and sent to the Rip-raps" to at
hard labor for three years. 1t was rumored that
he disobeyed orders and was shot by guard.
| There was also another rumor that some prisoners
who had sworn vengeance, followed him to the
"Rip-raps" and shot him.
A MARINE WHO HAD GOOD TIME WHILE PRIs-
oNER.
In the spring OF '6l, one of Co. C, Marine Cava-
ry, was taken prisoner while out on a scout. He
was young man of agreeable manners, good
looking, and wen calculated to get along in any
kind of company he might meet. The command
that captured him kept him with them couple of
weeks, and as it was as much trouble to guard one
c0ucludpd send him
about 200 miles east, where there were more ''Yan
kees' under guard.
Two young rebel soldiers were detailed to take
| our Marine to his destination. They had to CROSS
the State of Mississippi, and there railroad
conveyance, so they took the trip afoot. They
would stop and stay all night with the citizens, and
during the trip the Marine and the guards became
very intimate.
The trio passed through the part of the State
where the two rebels were born and raised, and
they stopped for the night. After they had taken
supper an invitation came to the guards to attend
| a dance in the neighborhood. There was guam
dairy. The guards both wanted to go, but what to
do with their prisoner they didn't know. Neither
of them wanted to stay and do guard duty.
The Marine heard the discussion, and happy
thought struck him. He asked them why they
couldn't take him along? They could guard him,
and they would all see the fun. The guards hadn't
thought of such a move, but it helped them out OF
the difficulty and they consented.
| The three marched off together, and were soon
at the appointed place. Our Marine took his seat
back in one corner and after each one of the COM
pany had done a sufficient amount of gazing at
him to satisfy themselves that he wouldn't bite
the fiddle started up lively tune and the Johnnies
we're soon enjoying themselves in an "old-fashion-
ed hoe-down."
The guards took turns in watching their pris-
oner One would dance while the other guarded.
Our Marine was "spoing" for turn on the floor,
and ii was finally suggested to him to take part.
He gave them to understand he would be delighted
to do so if he was acquainted with any of the fair
ones present One of the guards procured him a
| himself as well as anybody.
He became very much attached to his partner,
and after the set they took seats together. When
the set was over, and the time came to go home
| our Marine asked permission to see his new lady
friend home. His request was granted, and for
moment he was happy, but his happiness was of
short duration. He happened to think he would
have to ask the consent of other parties. He had
entirely forgotten that he was under guard Nothing
daunted he went the guards and informed them OF
his arrangements. They told him if he wanted to
see the young lady home, they had no objection,
and one of them would go along He took his hat,
the young lady took his arm, the guard shouldered
his musket and off they marched, the Marine to see
the young lady safe home and the guard to see
the Marine safe home!
TTo he ronfiDre1