Year: 1862

or the ofhcerS who were so trcacherOuSly
surrendered by Twiggs in Texas and
was released on parole, was delegated
to select sight for the purpose some-
where on the lakes. After looking at
many eligible locations he finally selec-
ted this, as combining more natural
advantages than any other. AS it was
then late in the season and as it was
necessary the buildings should be erec-
ted at as early day as possible it
required great energy on the part of the
contractors 20 complete them in the
specified time. But our old friend
West after putting, running and blowing
like the second edition of a high pressure
engine succeeded. and at the expiration
of three months had finished il all COM
plcte.


The prison yard encloses about six
acres of ground around which there is a
fence twelve feet high. Within about
three feet of the top is balastrade
uround which the solemn and mute SEN
tinel PAGES his weary rounds.


Within the enclosure there are ten
buildings, each one hundred and twenty
five feet long, two stories high, capable
of accommodating from fifteen hundred
to two thousand prisoners. And although
at the time am wiring there is not a
prisoner about the premises (notwith-
standing they have been ready 3 or 4
mon.hs) yet they have made an addi-
tional contract with the enterprising
firm who did the other work, to build
fourteen more houses. In the construc-
tion of these buildings great care has
been taken to give the captives as plea
SAINT quarters as possible. Perhaps the
reason is that the Colonel expects more
officers as prisoners than privates, as our
old friend West says he has great res.
poet for officers but ID little for pri-
Yates. However everything is fitted up
in fine style and with plenty in every
department to supply their wants, their
bonds will hang but lightly upon them.


at each end of the enclosure which
runs parallel with the bay shore, and on
the margin, is two story Block house
each containing two brass six-pounders
so arranged as to command the entire
enclosure. The upper stories are
also pierced for musketry, SO that in
case the Secesh should get obstropolous
there are ample means to bring them to
terms.


AT the west end of the enclosure is
the parade ground, containing about
three acres forming beautiful level
lawn, with slope to the bay
From the parade are huge gates entering
the enclosure, and although as l said
before there is nary prisoner, yet they
are closely guarded night and day.
Adjacent to the great entrance is the
guard house before which grim sentinel
as ever pacing.


AT the west side of the parade are the
officers quarters, which are built in cot
tage style, with their low roofs and
board verandahs, which with the addition
of a little whitewash would look very
pleasant indeed.


In the rear or near the bay is the Bakery
Commissary department, filling up the
entire back ground. Whilst at the
north of the parade is the quarters for
soldiers, of which at the present there
are but two companies. But as business
is expected to be lively in the prisoner
line they have determined to have two
more companies. To the left of the
soldiers quarters and facing the parade
is the Hospital capable of accommodating
from forty to fifty patients. And last,
though not least, in our estimation in
the rear of the soldiers quarters On an
eminence facing the opening between SOL
diers' quarters and the fence of the
enclosure, is our quarters, on the top of
which are emblasencd in prominent
capitals " Suffers Department"


As it is on the most elevated pos ition
on the island we have good view of the
bay and all its surroundings. But
enough for the present at some future
time l may write again when the prison
crs come.


But ere close I must tell you that
we have just received the news of the
taking of Island No. 10, also of the
great and bloody battle on the Ten
ncssee river. And for the first time
since we have been rcsiden of the
island those brass six-pounders were
made to open their brazen throa-s and
peal forth thirteen dtafening hurrahs
for the bright and glorious rising of the
Stars and Stripes of the American Union.


Yours, SUTLER.


P. S.-Two hundred Rebel Officers
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