The National tribune., 1910-05-26
A SNAPSHOT AT L1BBEY PRISON.

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were wounded and killed, but 1874 mem
bers of our regiment were captured.
The prisoners were herded together,
and compelled to march in the rear OF
the rebel ranks from Jefferson to War
renton. While on the march they
passed a crowd of Virginia bellies, and
one of them seemed to recognize Adj't
White among the prisoners, as she
called out, "Good-by, Dearie, good-by,"
and smiled.
A Confederate officer who was riding
alongside was very much amused over
the episode, and Joined in the merri-
ment, much to the disgust OF Adj't
White. Inquiry developed the fact that
he had been paying marked attention
to the young lady. He did not appre-
ciate the farewell salute, and marched
on crestfallen.
Before long another incident oc-
CURED which indicated that the
"Yanks" had been living off the fat OF
the land. A woman and two or more
Confederate soldiers came out from
private residence to survey the motley
crowd as 1t passed. The woman necog-
nized some of the prisoners. as she
pointed to them and exclaimed: There
are some of the Yanks who stole our
sheep yesterday"
Two days previously the men re-
ferred TO had been on a foragfng expe-
dition, and lived sumptuously off Of six
sheep which had been captured on the
premises of the woman, so that she had
good cause for remark.
On the following night, Oct. 13, the
prisoners were housed at White Sui
phur Springs, and occupied the entire
second floor of the hotel building. As
few guards remained, It would have
been an easy matter for all the men
to have made their escape, but being
entirely exhausted and having nothing
to eat for "a hours, they were in nc
condition to make the attempt, and
were only too glad to have resting
place for the night.
The surrounding neighborhood wa:
FULL of Confederates all the time, as the
army was shifting its position, and thai
fact might have prevented our com
rades from reaching Union lines haC
they tried to get their freedom.
The captives were taken to Culpepei
next day, and It was there that th'
first rations were received. mor'
ravenous crowd II would be difficult T.
find. After being placed in freight car
and herded as so many cattle they wer'
conveyed to Gordonsville and housed
for the nig1t in cattle pen. The foo
was made of stats, and was covered ar
inch deep with the dirt of the previous
hog occupants.
On the morning OI OCI- 10 the III
happy delegation left for Richmond
and after marching thru the Capital o
Virginia and thru crowds of people OF
each side of the road, the final hal
was made in front Of Mayo's tobacc'
warehouse. on Main street, subsequent
ly renowned as part Of Libbey Prison.
My first recollection OF Libbey Prisol
was when in a line Of unfortunates wait
ing for a description to be taken, tn
newcomers being greeted with cry o
fresh fish" from comrades then Il
confinement in Mayo's tobacco factory
There is where the cavalry were as
signed. The infantry went to Bell
Island.
The new arrivals were given quarter
on the first floor, near door leadin
into the former Office OF the factor!
and It happened that this opening 4
tho wall furnished considerable amuse
rnent to the unfortunate inmates.
Six of the prisoners formed a part
nership arrangement, with me as treas
urer, l being more youthful than tn
rest Their stock in trade consisted {
an old silver watch which had escape
the clutches of the searchers, and thos
of the party who survived will reca
to mind the many exciting incidents
which the timepiece played an impol
tant part while the owners bartere
with the guards It was sold doze
times, and brought in each instanC
from $50 to $3.50 in Confederate none
There was a stout steel chain a
tached to the watch. which we firm
grasped before exhibiting the covete
article thru a panel or slide in tn
upper part of the door to a guard o
the outside. The purchase money We
no sooner handed in than the watc
would be jerked back and retained fo
q similar deal, to the great astonist
ment and chagrin of the disappointe
guard. The trick was played often, &
the guards were changed every /
hours.
On one occasion bargain was struc
for $3.50, the highest figure reache
The article of merchandise was exhit
tied as usual after being knocke
against the wall to- make it run. Or