The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-08-22

only the worst cases were brought there. II is
simply impossible to describe the sufierings we
witnessed. Men were dying from starvation,
begging for something to eat; others with their
extremities frozen by exposure; while others
who were swarming with vermin were too weak
30 keep them down. Thank God those days
of suffering are over Wounds and death on
the battlefield were far preferable TO those
months of starvation and suffering. and in SO
many cases death, followed by a burial among
the large army Of graves marked unknown"
Jan. "a, 1864, there were D35 in the hospitals;
16 died that day, and 7SS died during the
months of October, November and December
Feb. 4, the Board having completed its labors,
they were officially disbanded by orders from
the prison commandant
The 1st of March came and no officers had
been exchanged, excepting ChRplains and Sur
geons, all non-combatants. Every day or two
il would be currently rnniored that the iag-oi-
truce boat was Rt City Point. and exchanges
would commence at onco but the days con-
trived 20 como and go-oh, how slowly land
WE WERE STILL IN DURANGO VILE.
During the afternoon of Sunday, March 8,
1864, few paroled rebel officers and quite
number of private soldiers were brought up
from City Point. As they marched past the
prison, fat, hearty and woll-clothcd no further
evidence wRs necessary to convince those who
saw them of the striking difference in the man
ner in which prisoners were cared for North
and South.
The following morning was an exciting one
in Libby. Different rebel officials had notified
q number of the prisoners that their names
We're on the list to 70. the writer's being among
the number; but wien the list was actually
called only few were taken. A few days later
was sent for by Inspector Turner for private
interview. 1t had been currently reported for
day or two that several officers had secured
thofr AbnR nlpfR
cials. Turner know that j had gold watch
that had managed TO retain, and ! strongly
suspected IL would secure my release, but l
hated to part with il; although he WIS very
courteous, Informing me that he had intended
that ] should 20 on the first boat, bnt had been
unable TO so arrange il, but assured me that
should go in the next party.
DID NOT GIVE UP THE WATCH.
The interview terminated. and ] and my
watch went back to eur quarters together, aud
when tho list was called in few days for the
next party my name was not there. About this
time il became the rage TO secure autographs of
ns many of the prisoners as possible, and many
promises were made To exchange photographs
when released. March 81, 1861, 90 Federal ofli
Gers were selected to be exchanged, the writer
being among the number. and we were marched
down 10 the landing and placed on the gunbont
Schultz; e25 enlisted men we're put on the
steamer Allison. and started for City Point.
Before leaving the prison the officers were
searched for letters they were supposed TO have
concealed about their persons from prisoners
left behind for their friends in the North. Tho
officers were kept below deck until we had
reached Drury's Blntf, that we might not sec
the Notifications about Richmond. hhout II
y. M at City Point we were transferred 20 tho
Federal steamer New York. When all were on
baard rDusinK cheers were given for tho cid
flag that once more floated over u.s. everybody
eaizing tho fact that we were again in Gods
country. An hour or two later, with full
stomaehs once again, and with thankful hearts,
we lay down To rest among friends.
fT7,r s0d