The National tribune., 1884-01-24
BELLE ISLE IN ,62.
The Story OF New Jersey Soldier Captured at
Gaines' Mills.

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
On the 9th of June, 1862, at o'clock p. M,
my regiment-the 18th New Jersey-was sent
into the fight at Gaines Mills to relieve
Pennsylvania regiment. We remained until
near dark, when we were relieved by the 11th
Pennsylvania. and then retired out of the
woods where we had been fighting, into an
open field and formed line of battle. 1t was
nearly dark, and on emerging from the woods,
we faced by the rear rank which made the
left Of the regiment the right las we stood),
my company b being nearest to the troops
standing in line of battle in our front. "What
troops are those?" suddenly inquired our colo
mel Simpson, "Dont know; but will find
out" replied Lieutenant Shaw, and he started
OFF towards them on dog trot. He had gone
about fifty yards, when one of them put up his
rifle and blazed away at him, cutting his
sword belt. Now you know who they are"
he sang out, as he rejoined the company.
Left face forward by file right" sang out
our colonel, his intention being to take new
position under cover of a bush camp, but be-
fore we could execute the movement the enemy
had opened. - Lie down, 18th battalion !" sang
out our colonel, just as the 18th Pennsylvania
was driven out pell-mell on top of us, followed
by the exultant enemy. 1t seemed almost
impossible for anything to live in such fire,
and the Joi:nnies must have killed a good many
of their own men as they followed up the 18th
~ duIf ISS pIQSlOQ uS 10 lay uOHn
our arms, and it was folly to do otherwise, as
we were entirely surrounded by Longstreet's
division, and no Union troops were anywhere
near, all having retreated Just then a rebel
captain came up to Lieutenant-Colon Hatch,
lsince dead of wounds received at Fredericks-
burg, and demanded his sword. surrender
to no Inferior" he replied, as he deiantly
broke the blade across his knee and flung
away the scabbard. They allowed our colonel,
I think tn ra4aiY1 hic c4Ford oY ancnunf Of the
gallant defense he had made. We slept at
Longstreet's headquarters that night, and the
next day they marched us into Richmond,
amid the taunts and jeers of the populaee, and
up Main street to Libby, where we were
searched. They took my diary from me and a
letter containing money for birthday present
for sister, which | had failed to mail, which
was very fortunate for me, as / afterwards
found out for, after looking at them, to my
surprise, they handed them back-no doubt
thinking them worthless. After washing,
| they took orr names and we passed up stairs.
The next day, Sunday the rebs paraded with
our eoiors and those of the 18th Pennsylvania.
AS they passed Libby we gathered at the win
doYs and defiantly sang Hail Columbia and
| the Star Spangled Banner" On Monday, the
Both, we moved out Of Libby to another prison,
little further up. the, street, where we re-
manned until the 18th of July, when VIC were
marched over to Belle ISLE This was over a
year before Comrade Meadyille was captured,
according to the statement reprinted by THE
TRIBUNE, from the Pittsburg Leader, and there
were some prisoners there Though not many
when we got there.
Much has been written about prison-life and
! its suHerings, yet none but those who expe-
rienced it can realize what it cost Us to remain
true to our country through it all. kept a
diary OF daily occurrences, as also our bill OF
| fare, but will not intrnde upon your valuable
| space by going into details. Three thousand
| five hundred of Us were exchanged on the 5th
of August, 1862 Who viii ever forget that
terrible march from Belle Island to Athens
Landing, or the contrast between US and the
rebels who were exchanged for us, and whom
we passed on the way? No doubt some OF
| your readers were thers.
But must not forget TO relate little incl
| dent that happened on the Island, as showing
that the boys, notwithstanding their surround
ings, We're fond of joke. OF course We had no
| trouble to eat all the rations they gave us, so
! took the money spoken of and went into bust
ness; that is, / bought -four and made flap
jacks out of -four and water, and then sold
| enough TO pay for the -four and divided the
rest among my tent mates. One day one OF
my company. named Sam Farrell, who put UP
1 IN another tent, came to me aud wanted to
| trade drawing of tea for some cakes The
very thought OF tea made my mouth water, SO
/ the exchange was soon made and the drawing
of tea put oyer the fire. Bending over the old
tin cup, waited until my patience was ex-
/ hausted What is the matter with the tea
anyhow; there is no strength in it." I ex-
/ claimed. Over in another tent, Farrell and
/ the other boys were grinning from ear to ear al
! the sell. The fact was, they had stewed il
three times and as often dried it, and then sold
! it tome and when we met they wanted to know
how | liked my tea. Bat forgive them
JOHN P. BEECH, .
Sergeant, Co. B, 4th n. j. VI.