The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-18
A VALUABLE MEMENTo.
A Photograph OF the Johnson's Islan'
Military Prison.

N EhobokEhPh Vi tho SOhhooh Aoteha
Military Prison.
A photograph OF an original sketch Of the
celebrated but deadly military prison
known as Johnson's Island, has been
sent TnE APpEAL Office by Capt. W.
Mclean. The sketch, which is quite ac
curate, was the handiwork OF Maj. Smith,
Of the Confederate service. The picture
recalls TO mind the sufferings and hard
ships Of $500 Confederate officers who
were confined in this prison during war
times. Johnson's Island lies in Sandusky
bay, about two miles and one-eighth from
Sandusky City, o. The prison inclosed
about three acres Of ground, and was in
closed by parapet wall sixteen feet high,
and substantially built Within were thir-
teen barracks, numbered from one TO thir-
teen, for the accommodation OF the prison.
ers. The sketch shows the wall, barracks
and outhouses within. and the quarters Of
the Federal officers and men without. A
few trees grew upon this barren piece Of
land, and from the jackstah flew the
United States flag. Along the parapet
wall sentrcs marched night and day,
watching the dead line, which was
eight feet inside the wall. Across the
waters in the distance the outline Of the
Ohio shore and the city Of Sandusky are
seen. Close 10 the island IL anchored the
revenue cutter Michigan, carrying eighteen
guns, with broadside OF nine guns trained
on the prison. None but officers were
confined at johnson island, and rs stated
above, $500 Of these were there prisoners
at one time.
During the first six months OF confine-
ment the prisoners were permitted TO pur-
chase supplies from the sutler, but after
that time this privilege was withdrawn
and nothing but regulation prison fare was
allowed. The mortality among the Con-
fcderate officers was frightful, not taking
into account the number OF men who
were shot TO death by sentries tor APP
preaching the dead line, and for much
lighter causes and often for no cause at all.
II was estimated that the death rate con-
tinued for eight years would exterminate
the entire $500 prisoners. The alleged
horrors OF Andcronyille were paralleled
and even excelled at johnson island, where
now naught remains TO recall these un'
happy days save the graveyard with q
vineyard over the spot.
The Federal garrison at the time was
composed OF Iloffman's battalion, 200
strong, and who did guard and prison
duty. At the time Of the failure OF the
secret exposition, gotten up in Richmond
10 release the prisoners, the Confederates
had captured the transports Philo Parsons
and Island Queen, with which II was ex.
pccted 10 board and seize the revenue
cutter, Michigan, and then effect the re-
lease OF the prisoners and transport them
TO the Canadian shore, brigade OF troops
was sent 10 Johnson's Island 10 relieve
lIofIman's battalion. Very strict meas.
urcs were eniorced-prisonen were for.
hidden TO take the oath OF allegiance. Nc
one but President Lincoln could give q
parole. Capt McIean's roommate In
prison, Capt Chas II. Jonas. OF Quincy
| Ill.,, and particular friend OF Lincoln's
was granted parole for the purpose o.
visiting his father, who was supposed e
be dying. II was believed by hi
fellow prisoners that Jonas hac
turned traitor, had taken the oath
OF allegiance, etc, but at the
expiration OF the parole he returned "a
prison and 10 share the fate Of his fellow
soldiers. In the winter time when the
lake was frozen over, strong guard wa
put around the island ON the ice, making
escape almost impossible. Several Mem
phians who were imprisoned at Johnson'I
island. pronounce the sketch and photo
graph Of the prison and its surrounding
absolutely perfect in detail and In genera
appearance. For them the sketch has 4
deep yet melancholy interest, because II
recalls the weary days Of prison life-the
brutality Of the officials, the memory OF
their comrades who sleep In the historic
graveyard, victims 10 disease, starvation
and the bullets Of the guards who watched
the terrible dead line. Capt. Mclean oh
tanned the sketch from Col. q. w. Fraser.