Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-05-14
4 Reminiscence Of Amdersonvate.

4 ReminisCence Of AnderSonUate.
An old survivor Of Andsrsonyilie in u
talk with representative OF the EUeDtng
Post, says
There was An episode during my life at
Andersovilie that stands out in my meu-
ory above all othels. No man can con-
ceige OF the decentralization that comes
upon men confronted on all sides with so
much misery. While Andersonvllle de-
vrloped examples OF as noole her
aud selt-sacriice as the world probably
ever Witnessed, il served also 10 bring
out upon the part OF some OF the inmates
mary OF the most albion eDt and despica-
bic traits OF human nature. The grea'
est luxury tnnt coJld be enjoyed by q
prisoner was n warm blanket. Yet men
we're found among the prisoners base
enough to rob their fellows Of even these
comforts. A gang OF robbers was or
ganized, who went around ibe camp at
night and tore blankets and clothes of
from sick and dying men. kicking and
beating those who made any feeble at
tempts at resistance. Money was also
taken from the prisoners, or anything OF
value that could be found upon them. In
little while the robberies became so
frequent as TO be the worst OF our
troubles. A perfect reign OF terror ex-
isted, and we did not know what 10 do.
Finally, after consultation, we asked per-
mission of Wirtz, to investigate and see
who were the perpetrators OF these out
RACES, and punish them. Wirtz granted
1.-THE only kind act hs ever did, be-
l'eve, for the Union prisoners there-and
1 thank him for it to this day. We picked
out SIX men Tor trial before tribunal OF
oar own selection. 1t sat outside OF the
s.ockade, under Confederate guard. A
Judge, jury, prosecuting attorney and
clerk were appointed, together with q
counsel for the defence. Evidences was
heard from many of the prisoners, and
the accused we're all identified as among
the parties guilty of the robberies. A
verdict of guilty was topnd. and they
were sentenced TO be hanged, and the
entire proceedings approved by Wir'z'
who ordered the lumber to be furnished
as for scahfold We built one srtbc'ent
for our purpose in few hours. IL con-
sisted simply OF cross-beam, supported
By two uprights. A platform was con-
steuc.ed abopttnree feet fcom the ground,
toe firss plank laid at right angles with
toe uprights and parallel with the cross
beam directly above it, being so adjusted
tha. it could be withdrawn from its posi-
ton al a moments notice. The six con
demned men were escorted to this scat
fold by a guard of about three hundred
prisoners, armed with sticks and clubs
Tney were placed on this plank. In lieu
OF the customary black cap we encased
their heads in flour sacks. Notwithstand-
ing this absence of ceremony the scene
was an impressive one. The gallows
stood near the top OF the hill. and nearly
all the $4,000 prisoners were gathered to
witness the execution. They maintaine !
perfect silence, refraiDing from any in
salts to the condemned, bat their hollow
eyes, pale, pinched faces, their savage
expression of countenance were a suffi-
clent indication OF their determination
that no one should escape. The ropes
were carefully adjusted, with the knot in
each case under the lett ear, and by q