The following diary was kept by Hiram Luther Sibley who summed up his own war-time experience in the following, brief abstract.
“I was a lieutenant in Co. B, 116th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I resigned [my position in] the County Common Pleas clerk’s office in Meigs County, Ohio, to go into the service under the second call for 300,000 men in 1862. I was captured with part of General R. H. Milroy’s command, near Winchester, Va., on June 15th, 1863, by the advance (Ewell’s corps) of Lee’s army. On June 22nd I went to Libby. May 7, 1864, I went out, going to Danville, Virginia, about a week, and thence to Macon, Georgia, where I stayed till July 30th, when I was taken to Savannah. There I was kept till September 13th, when I was carried to Charleston, S. C., and put “under fire” (from our bombardment of the city) until October 5th, when I was taken to what came to be known as Camp Sorghum, about three miles from Columbia, S. C. There I stayed until December 9th, 1864, when, as one of the sick or wounded, I was taken back to Charleston and the next day (the 10th) was exchanged, being a prisoner eighteen months, lacking five days.”
Sibley was the son on Rev. Ezekiel Sibley (1814-1885) and Phebe Simons (1815-1896). He was married to Esther (“Ett”) Ann Ellis (1835-1916) in April 1858 in Meigs county, Ohio, and after the couple had one boy, Willie (b. 1860) at the time that Sibley entered the service.
[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Don Andrew and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
January 1864
[intro. been in captivity 7 months—Other claim that the prison authorities granted the privilege of burning candles until midnight. Normally pitch black after nine at night.]
Friday, January 1, 1864—In Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Still blessed with health. I opened my eyes on the first morning of the New Year. Weather is fine, but cool, and the atmosphere delightfully pure. Am still reading “Kent.” Day generally passed off quietly for New Year’s Day. 1
1 Sibley writes that day passed off “quietly for New Years Day” and perhaps it did in contrast to the customary day-long celebrations in peace time. One source, however, claims that at midnight, after the sentry shouted, “Twelve o’clock! Post No. 1—all’s well!” a solitary voice began singing the Star Spangled Banner which was joined by others until the “the swelling strain” rose from “every room in the building.” [Libby Life, page 125]
Saturday, 2—Health good. Last night the coldest of the season. Did not sleep warm. Very cold with sharp wind during the day. Water pipes frozen and all the water brought up in pails. Some “rumors” on exchange but, although good, they are little relied on. Still hope for the best.
Sunday, 3—Weather more pleasant today. Wrote letter to my wife and to A. E. McL. Passed the day pleasantly as could be expected. Read (as my daily pass time is) a portion of scripture. Did not read any law, although I did some miscellaneous reading. Am in fine health.
Monday, January 4, 1864—Pleasant weather. Signs of rain toward night. Got two letters—one from Ett; the other from Will. Some rumors on exchange. They gain but little credit. Had a sermon in our room this evening by one of the officers. City papers in bad spirits on the “prospect.” Health good.
Tuesday, 5—Weather “murky” with some sprinkling in the morning. Lots in the day. Became quite pleasant. But little news. Papers despondent and gloomy over the prospects of Confederacy. My health good. Continue reading law.
Wednesday, 6—Weather cool and a light fall of snow—the first of the season. Wrote letter to Will and to Ett. A list of names verified by calling it over and having each officer answer as called. Some hope [that] it indicates exchange. Fear they will be disappointed but wish, most earnestly, the contrary.
Thursday, January 7, 1864—Cold night and pleasant morning. Very cool, however, this evening. But little news today. [Gen.] Early is said to be in the Valley with 9,000 men—foraging, I think. Rebels are hard pressed for food as the adjutant of the prison says the guards have not had meat for four days! Health good. No [exchange] boat up yet.
Friday, 8—Night cold with a light snow. Day also cool but pleasant in the afternoon. Col. [Abel Delos] Streight 2 and Capt. [J. E. B.] Reed 3 released from their cells. They look thin and careworn. No rumors today! But little news and no boat. Extracts from Northern papers look unfavorable for exchange. Health good. Am reading law.
2 Col Abel Delos Streight (1828-1892) of the 51st Indiana Vols. commanded a cavalry raid (known as Streight’s Raid) in 1863 which was a failure. He was taken prisoner on 3 May 1863 at Cedar Bluff, Alabama, and taken to Libby Prison where he remained ten months. He was one of dozens of soldiers who escaped the prison on 9 February 1864 by passing through a tunnel that had been secretly dug below the prison and under the adjoining street.
3 Capt. J. E. B. Reed of the 51st Indiana Vols.
Saturday, 9—Cold night and pleasant day. Meetings called in each room to devise measures to prevent selling of U. S. Sanitary Commission goods at auction. A good deal of felling manifested. Generals John Morgan and A. P. Hill visited prison. Did not see them as they did not come in our room.
Sunday, January 10, 1864—Another cold night followed by a pleasant day. Papers say this is the coldest winter of many years. Read nine chapters in Isaiah and several Psalms. Also begun Capt. Szabad’s “Theory and Practice of War.” Harpers publisher. Rumored that Gen. Burnsides is in command at Fort Monroe.
Monday, 11—Warmer night and pleasanter day. Commenced 2nd Volume of “Phillips’ Evidence,” 4 for second reading today. Read 49 pages with my valued, highly esteemed, educated, and talented friend, Adj. B. F. Blair of 123rd OVI. I regard it as both a privilege and pleasure to study with such a friend.
4 The book Sibley was studying was “A Treatise on the Law of Evidence” by Samuel March Phillips. It was published in 1829. Sibley informs us that his studying partner was Lt. Benjamin F. Blair, the Adjutant of the 123rd OVI who was taken prisoner with his Colonel, William Tecumseh Wilson. In a letter dated 1 November 1863, Col. Wilson wrote his wife that About 1,000 of us are confined to seven rooms in which we cook, wash, eat, sleep, and do everything else, not being permitted to go outside the door for any purpose. The building is full of vermin and a portion of each day is devoted to skirmishing, as we call it, but which vulgar people would probably term “hunting lice.” We’re an interesting looking set of pets when this part of the daily labor is performed…Most of our time is spent in reading when matter can be had, playing cards, checkers, chess, fighting our battles over, and talking about the loved ones at home, that is, when not engaged in cooking or washing clothes. It is very monotonous, and as one of my companions frequently remarks, “a hard way of serving the Lord,” but the proud consciousness that we are suffering all this for our country enables us to bear it with comparative cheerfulness.” [See Dan Masters’ Civil War Chronicles, “A Hard Way of Serving the Lord.”
Tuesday, 12—Night still warmer and day more pleasant. Read 55 pages in Phillips. It is rumored that a fight is progressing at Wilmington, S. C. Some little snow yet on the ground and the canal is still frozen over though the river is cleared of ice.
Wednesday, January 13, 1864—Warm night and warm day. Promise of rain tonight. Read 70 pages of Phillips with my friend Blair. Rumored fight off Wilmington proved correct. Rebels lost another vessel. She was owned by Richmond. Rebel Major on parole here today. He has to return unexchanged.
Thursday, 14—Day warm and very like spring. Read 60 pages Phillips. Papers confess loss of another “Blockader.” Boat said to be up and I wrote a short letter to Ett. Rumors afloat about exchange. Am in fine health.
Friday, 15—A little colder today. Read 60 pages in Phillips. Boat did come up and also brought dispatches to the Rebel commissioner of exchange. He sent down to City Point. Seven months today since I was captured. Will it be as long before I am free? May God forbid!
Saturday, January 16, 1864—Cool morning and pleasant day. Boat load of boxes came up and a “monstor” mail is said to be on hand. This gladdens the hearts of all as it has been more than two weeks since we had any letters. Read 50 pages in Phillips. Exchange stock low; health good.
Sunday 17—Weather pleasant but cool—more like early spring than winter. Wrote a letter to “Ben” and Col. Wildes. Day passed off quietly. A rumor is afloat this evening favorable to an exchange. God knows I wish it may prove true!
Monday, 18—Weather warm, drizzly, disagreeable day. Bad for work, either of body or mind. I therefore rested; or more plainly, did nothing. Papers represent “Exchange Stock” as “gone up.” They are such notorious liars that I am half inclined to take them contra, or think stock good.
Tuesday, January 19, 1864—Weather cool, clear and windy. Papers say all the Sanitary Commission goods received per last boat are “confiscated.” Letters came once more this evening and I was so happy as to get two—one from home, one from W. City. Read 50 pages of Phillips.
Wednesday, 20—Weather pleasant but cool. Wrote letter to Ett and to Cons F. J. J. Also read 58 pages in Phillips completing 2nd Volume. Papers say boxes are not confiscated. Am glad to hear it. Got another letter from Ett of December 25th. Me well.
Thursday, 21—Morning warm and pleasant but evening cool. Wrote a “line” to Ett to be carried by Col. Powell, 2nd Virginia Cavalry, who goes North by first boat. Read 56 pages in 3rd Volume Phillips. Also McBeth. This is the fifth day since meat has been issued to us.
Friday, January 22, 1864—Morning cold and day very pleasant. Really like spring. Read 50 pages in Phillips and half of Hamlet. No meat today. Our only rations are half loaf of cornbread and a little rice. Am in good health and anxiously hoping for good news on exchanges.
Saturday, 23—Weather warm and spring-like. Read 50 pages Phillips and finished Hamlet. List of names of all the officers taken for the third or fourth time. Rumored that 400 of us go to Salisbury, North Carolina. Rebels moving troops on railroad.
Sunday, 24—Weather most delightful. As warm as a Northern April. Felt miserably bad all day. Read the “Sedges,” “Gleason’s Pictorial,” Burns, Shakespeare, Waverly Magazine, and the Bible. Day dragged heavily, however, and never felt a stronger desire to see the dear loved ones at home.
Monday, January 25, 1864—Again, most beautiful weather & little more breezy than yesterday. Read 45 pages of Phillips. Also a little more Shakespeare and a Tale or two. Do not feel quite as well as I did a few weeks back. Hope to keep along, however, till the good time does come.
Tuesday, 25—The finest sort of spring day if it had not been in the middle of winter. Read 53 pages Phillips besides some miscellaneous reading. Took a good gymnastic exercise in the evening along with Capt. Davis of 18th Connecticut. Have felt quite well today.
Wednesday 27—Day like yesterday. Capt. Sawyer son Ould today who says there is no prospect of exchange in consequence of refusal of government to parole the excess nigger as no bar and Butler would soon be disposed of if [ ] are paroled.
Thursday, January 28, 1864—Weather same as yesterday. Have “power of attorney” to Col. H. H. Powell, 2nd Va. Cavalry, to draw my pay from February 28th 1863 till January 31st 1864. He goes North tomorrow. Gave him note to Cons. J. W. City. Read 58 pages Phillips. Wrote letter to E. H. and to [ ]. Crossbars of wood taken out and iron bars put in our windows.
Friday 29. Weather still like spring. Did not read much owing to a chat with friend Blair which consumed most of my reading time. Major Bates and Capt. Porter escaped today. The former going by the guards in citizen’s dress and the latter in Confederate soldier’s clothes. 5
5 “Some officers in the Libby having, notwithstanding the vigilant eye of Major Turner and the fidelity of his guards, discovered some flaws in his precautions for the safe-keeping of his prisoners, arranged their plans accordingly—they were ready for the opportunity precisely at the critical moment when it was ready for them, and five in number, they coolly walked out of the prison one fine afternoon. The first flaw was this: that visitors, mostly citizens of Richmond, were permitted to enter the prison and to leave it without being challenged by the sentries. The next flaw was, that when the invalid officers attended “sick call,” every morning, they passed through the same door on their way to the doctor’s office, through which these visitors passed in and out unmolested. It was no difficult matter for them to attire themselves in citizen’s clothing, or like workmen, or Rebel soldiers, and to avail themselves of this door as a means of exit, not toward the doctor’s office, but up the nearest street into the city.” [Libby Life, pp. 139-140]
Saturday 30. Weather cooler with signs of rain. A good deal of excitement about escaping and three men gone! Rebs found it out, however, [ ] in the day and put [ ] out at once. Rumor that Maj. [Erastus Newton] Bates has been caught. Roll calls…[illegible]
Sunday, January 31, 1864—Weather a little cool with sprinkling in the morning. Roll call again by Major [Thomas P.] Turner, but it is said he found 40 too many! Maj. Bates, poor fellow, was retaken. He had gone 15 miles, was taken sick, went to a house and was there captured. He is in the cell sick. 6
6 Erastus Newton Bates (1828-1898) was a lawyer practicing in Centralia, Illinois, when he mustered into the 80th Illinois as Major. He was captured in May 1863 by Forrest’s cavalry and held in Libby Prison. He escaped briefly in January 1864 but was quickly recaptured. Illness prevented Bates from participating in the escape of 109 of his fellow officers from Libby on Feb. 9, and he was soon transferred to a prison in South Carolina. Released in Sept. 1864, Bates returned to his regiment as lieutenant colonel in Jan. 1865, and was mustered out in June with the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers.
February 1864
Monday, February 1—Weather clear and warm. Read 70 pages in Phillips and began to read John Brent by [Theodore] Winthrop who was killed at Big Bethel early in the war. Order read by Maj. Turner limiting prisoners to one letter each per week to their friends.
Tuesday 2—Weather warmer and quite pleasant. Got two letters…[remainder illegible]
Wednesday, February 3, 1864—Finished John Brent—a book containing passages of great power and the most thrilling interest. [ ] Culp, one of the lately escaped prisoners was brought back today. He is the third one recaptured. The others are yet at large.
Thursday, 4—Weather clear, cold and pleasant. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st Volume, 22 of 2nd Volume, and began The Life of Douglas Jerrold by his son [Blanchard Jerrold]. Papers say a boat is expected up today. Give “Peace Resolutions” to resolve the Negro exchange to Rebel Congress. Also Lincoln’s last call for 500, 000 men.
Friday, 5—Weather clear and pleasant. Read 42 pages [illegible]
Saturday, February 6, 1864—Cool. cloudy morning but rather pleasant mid-day with signs of rain in afternoon. Read 40 pages 1st, and 10 pages Kent’s 4th Vol. Also more of Jerrold. Maj. Sterling and Capt. Ives and Reed sent to Salisbury, North Carolina. Some letters were distributed today but I failed to get any to my great sorrow.
Sunday, 7—Weather cold and [ ]. Excitement in city [illegible]
Monday 8—[Illegible]
Tuesday, February 9, 1864—[illegible]
Wednesday, 10—Weather clear and cold. One hundred and nine officers escaped last night by a tunnel from the prison under a street into a yard near. Only seven retaken this evening. As soon as roll was called, the escape was known and then another roll by name which occupied most of the day.
Thursday 11—Same kind of weather as yesterday. Twenty-two of escaped prisoners retaken and two killed up to date. Read 48 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. Am in fair health and spirits although chagrined that I knew nothing of the “escapade” until too late to take part.
Friday, February 12, 1864—Weather clear and rather warm toward evening. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st, and 15 in 4th Vol. A few more of the escaped prisoners brought in and put with their recaptured comrades in the cells. Rumored that Meade is flanking Lee while force is gathering on Peninsula.
Saturday 13—Weather pleasant and warm. Read 43 pages Kent’s 1st and 14 of his 2nd Vol. Received two letters from Ett; one of 11. The other of 24 Jan. Forty of the escaped prisoners recaptured to date. Am in good health for such a life as this. Thanks to “Our Father.”
Sunday, 14—Weather pleasant and quite windy. Several more prisoners brought in today. Twenty released from their cells last evening and more tonight. Wrote a letter to Ett. Read no law today as it is contrary to “established rules” so to do.
Monday, February 15, 1864—Weather cool with slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and 15 of 4th Vol. Prospects very gloomy as regards exchange. Have almost ceased to hope for it while the war lasts. Am in fair health.
Tuesday, February 16—Cool night and cold day. Snow melted however about the middle of the day. Read 40 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and 15 of his 2nd Vol. Rebels claim in papers to have captured Gen. [Eliakim P.] Scammon and party on boat on the Great Kanawha. Feel decidedly “blue.” [See Capture of Gen. Scammon on the Ohio River, Feb. 2, 1864]
Wednesday, February 17—Very cold night and day to correspond. Rebel guard patrolled the prison once an hour during the night. Evidently afraid of another tunnel. Read 44 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. Prospect of another cold night. Boat looked for.
Thursday, February 18, 1864—Weather very cold and quite windy. Read 40 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and continued reading Kames’s Elements of Criticism.” Larger rations of bread with a few turnips and a little cabbage now issued. Brig. Gen. Scammon and staff arrived in Libby.
Friday 19—Cold morning but day more pleasant. Read 40 pages Kent’s and more of “The Elements.” Boat up this morning with 20 tons freight and news from North. Col. Streight and 17 others in our lines on 8th. Rebels evidently troubled about Mobile.
Saturday, 20—Weather warm and pleasant. Read 30 pages Kent’s and more of Kames’s Elements. Several surgeons ask to go North on boat now up. Sent note by one—Dr. Robinson. Rumors afloat about exchange. Do not rely on them.
Sunday, February 21, 1864—Very pleasant day. Air balmy as spring. Read considerably in the Bible—in Exodus. Boat that came up Thursday said to be still at City Point. Rumors of exchange rife. Wrote letter to Ett and to Milt.
Monday, 22—Morning cool but a pleasant day. Read 30 papers Kent which completes second reading of the first volume. Also more in Kames’s which, by the way, I like very much. Another boat said to be up though forst one not gone.
Tuesday, 23—Weather very pleasant. Added, if possible, to the [ ] one’s [ ] the “courts of freedom.” Read 40 pages, 2nd Vol. Kent and more after. Rebels claim to have captured 65 of the escapees, thus leaving 45 still at large.
Wednesday, February 24, 1864—Weather still like the finest spring. Read 40 pages, 2nd Vol. Kent. Also put out a washing of 1 pair drawers, two shirts, and 1 pair socks. Played chess evening with Lt. Col. [John J.] Polsley of 8th Virginia. Had word that L. Col. Powell had collected my pay, &c.
Thursday, 25—Pleasant, but not quite so warm. Read 40 pages Kent and more of Kames’s. Received a letter from Ben. Rumored in evening that a boat is up. Roll call about 11 o’clock last night. Rebels feared someone had escaped.
Friday, 26. Weather cool and windy like a Northern March day. Read 42 pages Kent. Received several more letters—one from Father, two from wife, one from Flors, Ben, and Milt. They make my heart glad. Maj. [Alfred B.] Wade, 73rd Indiana Vols. went North today by special exchange. More to go soon. Boat up with ten tons freight.
Saturday, February 27, 1864—Weather very spring-like. Read but little as we ewre all confined in one room used as a kitchen, while all the other rooms were searched for arms. However, began Bulwer’s “Strange Story.” Col. N[ichols] received a box which adds materially to our comfort and well being.
Sunday, 28—Day unusually fine and warm. Finished the Strange Story which I regard as a powerfully written work. If I live, shall read more of Bulwer’s works hereafter. Was at prayer meeting in the evening. Forcibly carried back to similar meetings at home.
Monday, 29—Day warm, damp, and rainy. Willie’s birthday. God bless him. Col. N[ichols] got another box. It was a very good one from his wife. Was so interrupted by its arrival that I read but little law. Read some of Kames’s and finished Book of Exodus in the Bible.
March 1864
Tuesday, March 1, 1864—Day rainy and dismal. Papers give an account of large bodies on each flank of Lee, one of which had cut the Virginia Central Railroad. Read 40 pages of Kent and some of Kames’s.
Wednesday, 2—Day clear and cool.Union troops in vicinity of Richmond and great excitement prevailing in the city. The militia all out. Last night we went to bed prepared to stir at a moment’s warning in case our forces dashed in the city…
Thursday, 3—Weather very pleasant. Raiders said to be gone. From 50 to 150 prisoners brought in by rebs including several officers. Letters came today. I got one from Will. Read 40 pages Kent.
Friday, March 4, 1864—Late “raid” proves a failure as far as capturing Richmond is concerned. 7 Read 40 pages Kent and some of Kames’s. Heard by Col. Nichols that the prison is undermined and that we will be “blown to atoms” if we attempt to escape.
7 Sibley is referring to what has been called the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (February 28-March 3, 1864) which attempted to penetrate the light Rebel defenses around Richmond. It proved an utter failure due to weather delays and miscommunication between the separate forces and accomplished nothing but the minor destruction of railroad and buildings. One of the stated objectives of the raid was to release the Union prisoners at Libby Prison but the troopers never made it into the city. If anything, the raid worsened the relations between those responsible for brokering exchange of prisoners as papers found on Col. Ulric Dahgren’s corpse suggested that the raiders also intended to assassinate Pres. Jefferson Davis. Curiously, Sibley stops recording diary entries shorty after this raid for a period of time leaving us to wonder if he had lost all hope for securing his freedom once again. Years later, Sibley would write of the failed raid on Richmond, “The whole affair comes very vividly to my memory in going over the paper. Besides, the night following, we could at times hear the boom of cannon which told that the raiders were in the vicinity of Richmond, and if they got in, I with three others alone [Col. Nichols, General Neal Dow, and Gen. Eliakim P. Scammon] knew the facts which Dr. [W. A.] Smith gave Colonel Nichols expecting the springing of the mine. A more uneasy night I never yet have passed. [Source: Record of the 116th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Thomas F. Wildes, page 130]
Saturday, 5—Weather clear and cool. Boat reported up with 80 men and 60 officers for exchange. Read 40 pages Kent. Raid entirely over and our forces away from the city. Dr. W. A. Smith—the man who said we will be blown up.
Sunday, 6 March 1864 through Tuesday, 3 May 1864—[no entries]
May 1864
Wednesday, 4—Read four letters from home—latest April 21st. All contained good news. Were most gladly received as they were the first for several weeks.
Friday, May 6, 1864—Rumored this evening that we are to go to Americus, Georgia, tomorrow. 8 Roused at 11 o’clock p.m. with orders to get ready for a march to Petersburg, Va. All confusion and bustle rest of day.
8 “Commonly known as Andersonville, the military prison facility was officially named Camp Sumter, in honor of the county in which it was located. Construction of the camp began in early 1864 after the decision had been made to relocate Union prisoners to a more secure location. This decision was made because of the battles taking place near Richmond, VA where many prisoners were being held, and as a way to procure a greater food supply. The first prisoners arrived at Camp Sumter in late February 1864. Over the course of the next few months approximately 400 prisoners arrived daily. By June 1864 over 26,000 prisoners were confined in a stockade designed to house 10,000. The largest number of prisoners held at one time was 33,000 in August 1864.” [Source: History of Andersonville Prison]
Saturday, 7—Left “Libby” forever, I hope. An hour after day[light], crossed river and took cars for Danville, Va. Here put into box cars like so many hogs, 50 to a car. Weather very hot and the confinement almost intolerable. Distance 140 miles. Two or three escaped from train.
Sunday, 8—Arrived at Danville a little before day. Here taken to two buildings and put 500 in each. Conveniences very few but rations better than at Richmond. Rumored news from Grant good. Same of Gen. Smith south of James River.
Monday, May 9, 1864—Weather very warm. News (by rumor) good so far as fighting is concerned. My health quite good. Rations better here than at Libby although we are more crowded and subject to many inconveniences. Wrote a letter home yesterday.
Tuesday, 10—Weather rather more pleasant than yesterday. Got “war news” from Richmond Enquirer of 9th. Think Grant will yet be victorious notwithstanding rebel “jubilations.” Rumors of our going to Georgia tomorrow.
Wednesday, 11—Still fine dry weather. News still seems good both north and south of Richmond. Received orders to be ready to move at 2 o’clock a.m. tomorrow. Destination not known, but suppose it to be Georgia. Heard shower late in evening.
Thursday, May 12, 1864—When called up as per notice, and, about 8:30 o’clock a.m., took cars for Greensboro, North Carolina. Found the road incomplete 25 miles from Danville which cost all a walk of 6 miles. Laid out on the wet ground till 12 M [noon] when took train and reached Greensboro at sunrise.
Friday, 13—Weather wet yesterday. Fair today. Passed through Salisbury, North Carolina, and saw rebel military prison there. reached Charlottesville, N. C., where we drew rations and changed cars. Left about 12 M after being several hours in the rain.
Saturday, 14—Weather fair again although night was rainy. Reached Columbia, S. C. today. Changed cars near there and proceeded, night being rather rainy. Country poorer and more sparsely settled than the section of N. C. which er passed through.
Sunday, May 15, 1864—Weather fair and quite warm. Reached Augusta, Georgia, toward night where we changed cars, with orders to remain until morning. Were guarded by “home guards” who treated us well. This is a very beautiful city with some 20,000 population—many Union.
Monday, 16—Weather quite warm. Left city about 9 o’clock a.m. in route for Macon or Americus, we know not which. Stopped about 10 miles out until 4 p.m. when we proceeded on our journey. Country swampy in places and evidently owned in large tracts.
Tuesday, 17—Reached Macon a little after sunrise. Here put into a new prisoners’ camp of about [ ] acres, without tents—no shelter if any kind. We numbered in all 801—a loss of 54 since we left Libby—mostly by escape. My health better than when left Libby though not very. 9
9 The lesser known Union officers’ prison established at Macon, Georgia, sometimes referred to as “Camp Oglethorpe,” was approximately 90 miles northeast of Andersonville. It was sited on the Bibb County fairground. It consisted of a tree-acre open field that would eventually be surrounded by a 12-foot high wooden fence. Any shelter for the prisoners would have to be constructed by the prisoners themselves with scrap lumber made available to them. Much of what is know of this prison comes from the letters of U. S. Army Chaplain Henry S. White, a recent captive who arrived at the camp a few days before Sibley in May 1864. He wrote of their arrival” “One day we saw a column of the roughest looking men pass us toward the stockade. They were the captives from Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Toward night our company was turned into the stockade with them. A new class of suffering was before me. The men were old prisoners, and pale and haggard. They were ragged, and som partly naked. They were filthy, and covered with vermin. Prison life makes men hard, selfish and rough.” [Source: Ten Weeks in a Macon Prison, 1864: A New England Chaplain’s Account, The Georgia Historical Quarterly, Vol. 70, No. 4 (Winter 1986) pp. 669-702]
Wednesday, May 18, 1864—Weather quite warm. Camp becoming organized. Ten thousand ft. lumber given to make shelter and floor for 942 men! Most liberal Confeds. Day passed away without anything startling unless the rebel news that two brigades of Lee’s army had whipped Grant with 20,000 loss may be called so.
Thursday, 19—Weather warm and dry. Johnson still “falling back before Sherman. Rebels claim that Lee gained victory over Grant in Virginia in which we lost 47,000 men. They say our papers admit this. Don’t believe it!
Friday, 20—Weather warm and dry. Military [news] much as yesterday. Sherman is said to have come after evacuated it of course. Gold said to be $2.10 in New York by our own papers. Don’t believe it!
Saturday, May 21, 1864—Weather warm and dry. Military news much as yesterday. Very misty from Va., however, although rebels still claim the advantage. We believe they were whipped. Begin to build sheds to shelter prisoners today. Am studying Tactics and reading Draper’s Physiology.
Sunday, 22—Warm and dry again. Some new prisoners came in bringing cheering news from Grant and Sherman. Grant whipped Lee in all fights up to the 16th, taking from 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners, but no general engagement. Gold $160-1. Sherman after Johnston. Within 20 miles of Atlanta. Preaching which I attended.
Monday, 23—Weather still dry and warm. But little news. Some of the “escapees” recaptured and brought in. Lt. Wood of regiment died in the night.
Tuesday, May 24, 1864—Signs of rain but still none. Brig. Generals [Truman] Seymour and [Alexander] Shaler 10 with 109 other officers captured by Lee, came in. Funeral and burial of Lt. Wood today. News brought by prisoners still good—confirming what we heard from other sources.
10 General Truman Seymour was an 1846 graduate of West Point. He was serving under Major Anderson’s command at Fort Sumter in 1861. He was considered a brash officer—often successful in battle but at a severe human cost. He was captured in the Wilderness in May 1864. Alexander Shaler, was not a career military officer but had extensive militia experience before the war and proved a capable officer. Ironically, Shaler commanded the POW Camp at Johnson’s Island during the winter of 1863-64 while his regiment, the 65th New York Infantry, served as prison guards. During the Overland campaign, Shaler was captured early in the fighting in the Wilderness when his regiment was flanked.
Wednesday, 25—Weather pleasant although it rained during the night. News still favorable both from Grant and Sherman. Rebels call Grant a greater liar than Pope because he still claims victories over Lee. Their own accounts of the battles admit a substantial victory for us. Grant’s masterly strategy is also admitted.
Thursday, 26—Weather warm although a little rain during the night. Helped build shed today and went into one but not until I got a good wetting from a driving summer shower. Built a good bunk with help of Lieut. [Ezra D.] Carpenter, 18th Connecticut—one of my mess. 11
11 Ezra D. Carpenter was a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B, 18th Connecticut Infantry who mustered into the regiment in August 1862. The regiment’s first major battle was at Winchester in mid-June 1863 where he was taken prisoner and marched to Libby Prison. His story and eventual escape from captivity after 21 months is described here: “Escape from Libby Prison.”
Friday, May 27, 1864—Very warm today. The thermometer has shown 90o in shade since we have been here. New comers still bring good news from Grant and Sherman.
Saturday, 28—Weather same as yesterday. Tunnel discovered which caused some stir amongst the rebels. good news from both armies by new comers. Wrote a letter home. Asked for box with coffee, sugar, molasses, flour, shoes, socks, and dried or canned fruit.
Sunday, 29—No change in weather. Attended preaching by one of our chaplains in forenoon. A good sermon. Subject: Trial of Abraham’s faith when he was ordered to sacrifice Isaac. Also attended service in the evening. Oh what would I not have given to be at church with my loved ones.
Monday, May 30, 1864—Weather warm and dry. No news of special importance. A few prisoners come in every day or two. All agree that the campaign is going favorably, north and south. Some new comers in from Sherman and Sigel. Learn that our regiment is with Sigel’s in the Valley.
Tuesday, 31st—Warm and dry weather. Some new comers from St. Johns, Florida. Two pieces artillery mounted so as to bear on the camp. Nobody scared, I guess! Stood picket first part of night.
June 1864
Wednesday, June 1—Morning quite warm with light rain afternoon. A fine day for the first of summer. Roll call showed 1,172 officers here this morning. Four of them are Brig. Generals to wit: Wessells, Scammon, Shaler, and Seymour. The last two from Gen. Grant’s army. War news good.
Thursday, June 2, 1864—Fair morning with wind and a dash of rain toward evening. War news good, both by forced admissions of rebel papers, and reports or prisoners. A new Captain (Gibbs) in command of prison. 12 A few letters came but none for me.
12 Capt. George C. Gibbs, former commander of the 42nd North Carolina Infantry, replaced Capt. W. Kemper Tabb of Maryland who ran the prison with an iron hand. Prisoners had nothing good to say about him; he even broke up religious services because the prisoners prayed for President Abraham Lincoln. When Gibbs took over command, he became convinced that the prisoners intended a breakout and so he hardened the perimeter and set up the cannon hoping to deter thoughts of escape. [See “That Thing of Infamy, Macon’s Camp Oglethorpe During the Civil War, by Morton R. McInvale, Georgia Historical Quarterly, Vol. 63, No. 2 (summer 1979), page 285]
Friday, 3—Weather a repetition of yesterday. Wrote a letter home. Am feeling deeply disappointed at the waning prospect for an exchange. Am led to think that prisoners have been most unjustly treated by our authorities. Thousands have already gone to premature graves in consequence.
Saturday, 4—A very rainy day. Our sheds kept water out when finished. War news good. Two officers escaped—one with a trowel in his hand by walking past the guard; the other by riding out under a wagon bed.
Sunday, June 5, 1864—Weather quite warm. Attended preaching in the morning and evening. Had good practical discourses from both services. Rose very early in the morning. Think I will try “early rising” for a while.
Monday, 6—Weather very warm. Upwards of sixty officers came in, chiefly captures from Butler and Grant. General tone of war news good. Wrote a letter home.
Tuesday, 7—Weather very warm with light shower in evening. Rebels claim to have destroyed 90,000 of Grant’s army since Va. campaign begun. They put their own loss in same time at 15,000!
Wednesday, June 8, 1864—Very warm day.
Thursday, 9—Very warm again. Began practice in sword exercise this evening. Some excitement caused by report that Gen. Fremont had been nominated for President by a “radical” convention at Cleveland, Ohio. Hope it is not true.
Friday, 10—Very warm with thundershowers in the evening. Five Brig. Generals, 7 Colonels, 9 Lt. Colonels, [and] 9 Majors ordered to be ready for taking train at 3:15 p.m. Destination unknown. Many hope it is for exchange and speculation is rife as to the real purpose of the move. Hope it is for the best for all.
Saturday, June 11, 1864—Pleasant morning with very heavy shower toward night. Rumored that the officers who left yesterday have [either] gone to Richmond, to Savannah for exchange, or to Charleston to be put in range of the batteries shelling that city. Don’t know which to believe but doubt the latter. An officer fired on the by the guard and mortally wounded.
Sunday, 12—Fair morning but wet evening and night. Wounded man died at 2 o’clock a.m. A foul murder. Attended preaching in the morning. Had good discourse on observance of the Sabbath. Nothing definite as to the officers taken away.
Monday, 13—Rainy day. Wrote letter home yesterday. A few letters came in and I got none. Have had none for nearly six weeks.
Tuesday, June 14, 1864—Cloudy and cool. About 40 officers came in from Virginia. Generally give good reports of fighting. Received a letter from my dear wife dated May 7th—the first for six weeks. Was both thankful and glad to hear that all my near and dear friends were then well.
Wednesday, 15—Clearer and warmer. Most beautiful moonlight evening. Anniversary of my capture. One whole year passed as a prisoner to traitor enemies of my country. God alone knows its sorrows and trials. Am most thankful that my life and health have been spared. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Thursday, 16—Weather fare and more like summer. Papers today say that the fifty officers lately taken from here have been sent to Charleston, S. C. to be put in range of the batteries which are shelling the city. One of them wishes all of us men sent there.
Friday, June 17, 1864—Rainy and disagreeable. Wrote a letter to my dear wife. God bless her and my darling boy. No papers permitted to come in. War news said to be bad for the rebels. Petersburg, Va., and Atlanta, Ga., reported to be in our possession. I await to hear it confirmed.
Saturday 18—Weather same as yesterday. Several prisoners came in from Virginia, among whom is Lt. [George W.] Jenkins of 9th West Virginia Vols. He was wounded in battle of Dublin Depot in Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, left of the field for dead, and subsequently made a prisoner. Was very glad to meet an old friend. Good war news received in camp.
Sunday 19—Fair most of day with showers in the afternoon. Attended preaching in morning and evening, Had very good practical discourse. But little news of any kind. Papers are still withheld. It is said, too, that our letters fail to get through.
Monday, June 20, 1864—Cloudy morning, but cleared up during the day. About 40 officers came in from Sturgis’ command, lately captured by Forrest [in the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads]. Represent the affair as one of the most disgraceful of the war on our part, owing either to incapacity or drunkenness on the part of Gen. [Samuel Davis] Sturgis. Negro troops fought badly.
Tuesday, 21—Morning fair and evening rain. But little news. Rebel paper (Macon Telegraph) admits a loss of 43 general officers in killed, wounded, and disabled, since the first of May, Grant still maintains his new position on the “south side.”
Wednesday, 22—Weather warm and strange to tell—no rain! A few more “Fresh Fish.” Generally agree that Grant and Sherman are all right. Resolutions gather up by a portion of officers here asking privilege to send a commissioner to Washington, &c.
Thursday, June 23, 1864—Very warm and still no rain. One year today sinnce I entered Libby Prison at Richmond, Va. No news from Richmond in paper today. I think Grant has cut it off. Rumored that Sherman is in general engagement with Johnston.
Friday, 24—One of warmest days of the season. Rumored that Ewell’s Corps of Lee’s army has reinforced Johnston and that a battle is now going on. More new comers—mostly from Grant’s army. They are in fine spirits and represent Grant to be all right.
Saturday, 25—Weather very warm day. Lt. Col. von [ ], one of the old Libbyites came in today. He was captured by Forrest after being only eight days with his regiment. Not very well—my stomach and bowels bring out of order.
Sunday, June 26, 1864—Again very warm. Attended preaching in the evening by Rev. J. B. Williamson, formerly agent for Hollister & Co., of Marietta, Ohio. Feel better than I did yesterday although I sigh for the society of the dear loved ones at home.
Monday, 27—Very warm most of the day with a very refreshing thunder shower in the evening. Three tunnels which were nearly completed and would probably have let out 200 or 300 officers were found by the rebels—as is generally believed from information given by a traitor in our midst.
Tuesday, 28—Quite pleasant with showers after dark. News scarce owing to not bringing in any papers. One smuggled through and very gloomy in the tone. Prayer meeting in the evening which I was at.
Wednesday, June 29, 1864—Very warm with little news, it being difficult to get papers. Communication has been for some time cut off from Virginia by raiders. Am reading Humes’ History of England; Draper’s Physiology being completed.
Thursday, 30—Very warm day—the last of first summer month. Bummer month. But little news. Rebels claim to have gained great victory over Sherman but I don’t believe them.
July 1864
Friday, July 1—Very warm with a little rain afternoon. Rebels claim to be gaining advantages all round. Report gold at 240 in New York City on the 23rd ult. Am recovered from a light attack of flux.
Saturday, July 2, 1864—Very warm but a nice breeze made the day quite pleasant nonetheless. A few officers from Sherman represent affairs as going well in that army.
Sunday, 3—A warm summer day. I attended church in the evening. Heard some very sensible and timely remarks upon the necessity of individual to national morality and righteousness.
Monday, 4—Very warm day. Early in the morning an enthusiastic spirit began to manifest itself and a miniature American flag being displayed, it soon became evident that the day was to be celebrated. This was done in animated and patriotic speeches and songs. 13
13 Sibley’s characterization of the 4th of July celebratory events, including the presence of a homemade national flag, is corroborated by the diary of another Union officer, Abram Songer of Co. G, 21st Illinois Infantry. [See “A Hidden Gem of a Civil War Diary” by David T. Dixon published on Emerging Civil War, 23 March 2021]
Tuesday, July 5, 1864—A warm day but with a slight breeze, somewhat pleasant. Rumors afloat of a victory by Sherman over Johnston. Hope they may prove true and think it not improbable that they are. My health is very good considering my situation.
Wednesday 6—Hot July weather and gathering dry and dusty. Papers smuggled in admit that Johnston has had to leave Marietta and Kenesaw Mountain. It is said also that Gen. Foster is knocking at the door of Charleston. No communication yet with Lee.
Thursday, 7—Weather warm and dry. Papers say the gridiron waved over Kenesaw Sunday the 3rd. A couple of “Fresh Fish” came in from Grant’s raiders. They say Grant is all right.
Friday, July 8, 1864—Very warm. Signs of rain in evening but none fell. Some rumors but nothing of importance which is reliable.
Saturday 9—Very warm and dry. Rain threatened toward night but none fell. A few “Fresh Fish” came in from Wilson’s Raid. Represent Grant is all OK.
Sunday, 10—A very warm day with a very grateful and refreshing thundershower in the evening. Over 100 officers came. Collection at Richmond for a long time past. Generally bring good news.
Monday, July 11, 1864—Day warm although some signs of rain in morning. Sherman represented to be across the Chattahoochee. Early said to be into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, 12—Warm and dry. Early reported on a grand raid with his Corps in Pennsylvania. Rumors once more on exchange. Hope they may prove true but have the least possible confidence in them.
Wednesday, 13—Warm and dry. But little news of any kind. Supposed, however, that Sherman is still advancing and Grant besieging. Early is undoubtedly in Maryland, if not in Pennsylvania.
Thursday, July 14, 1864—Still dry and warm, Newspaper news generally good. Steele, however, has lost Little Rock (8,000 prisoners) and gold is reported at $2.70. North said to be greatly excited over Early’s raid.
Friday, 15—Warm until evening when a refreshing shower suddenly fell upon us. But little news and that not reliable. Thirteen months today since I was made a prisoner. May God in His goodness save me from as many more!
Saturday 16—Very warm in middle of day although morning and evening were pleasant. No news of any importance, except defeat of Forrest which can regard as reliable. Rumors of raid on August railroad.
Sunday, July 17, 1864—Cool morning. Windy but pleasant. Sermon in evening founded on the Scripture which declares that Godliness is profitable in all things, having promise of the life that now is, &c.
Monday 18—Warm and dry. Roll call most of forenoon. Gen. Johnston relieved from command and Gen. Hood appointed in his place by Gen. Bragg who has been visiting rebel army in Georgia.
Tuesday, 19—Warm and dry, except a slight shower about dusk. Several officers came in from Andersonville. They say about 29,000 of our soldiers are confined there. 4,000 are now sick in hospital and they die at from 70 to 75 per day. Their condition is represented as truly horrible.
Wednesday, July 20, 1864—Day warm and dry. No papers sent in. We hear from men who came yesterday that our troops are raiding on Columbus and Andersonville, Ga., and Montgomery, Alabama. Some exchange rumor from hospital. Not credited of course.
Thursday 21—Very warm and no news of consequence.
Friday, 22—Warm and dry. A few officers came in from Richmond. Came over the Danville Railroad which has been at last repaired. Do not bring much news.
Saturday, July 23, 1864—Cool and pleasant. Night almost cold. Some reports of great battle near Atlanta. Rebels clsaim to have defeated our right, taking 22 guns and many prisoners. Also claim that Hardee is in our rear with a Corps doing great execution!
Sunday 24—Very warm day, War news conflicting and unreliable. A great deal of anxiety about result of the battles around Atlanta. Preaching in evening. Oh! how I longed to hear a sermon once more at the old church with my loved ones at home.
Monday 25—Cool morning and not so hot during day. But little news. We believe, however, that Stoneman is gradually gaining ground. A few more officers came in after dark. Did not hear their news.
Tuesday, July 26, 1864—Warm and dry. One “Division” of the prisoners notified to get ready to start for Charleston, S. C. this p.m. A slight shower.
Wednesday, 27—Warm as usual. A few “Fresh Fish” came in. Say Sherman is all right. About 600 officers left for Charleston, as we suppose. As many more are to go tomorrow, But little news.
Thursday 28—Warm with light shower during the a.m. About 600 more officers called out, self among others. Heard of Capt. [Edwin] Keyes’ death and that my regiment has lost 300 killed & wounded in Hunter’s late movement against Lynchburg, Virginia. 14 Took cars about midnight.
14 Under the overall command of General David Hunter, the 116th Ohio Infantry was ordered on 18 June 1864 to attack the Confederate defenses at Lynchburg, Virginia. In that assault, Capt. Edwin Keyes of Co. B led his men into the Confederate works and saw his colors planted there before falling back with two wounds. Later that night Keyes had both is leg and arm amputated but he died the following day. To see a map of the battlefield and listen to eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Lynchburg, see Eyewitness Accounts.
Friday, July 29, 1864—Quite pleasant. Came to City of Savannah. Entered our pleasant camp at dark. Slept outdoors all night. Said we are going to stay here and not go to Charleston. Hope it may prove untrue.
Saturday, 30—Very warm. Papers say our forces have cut railroad between Macon and Atlanta and Macon and this city. Also says fighting is going on at Atlanta. “A” tents were given us today. Prospect of rain in evening.
Sunday 31—Very hot again. Warmest climate I was ever in. Very heavy thunder shower last night. Drowned out in our tent. The thunder grand beyond description—almost terrific. Rain fell in torrents.
August 1864
Monday, August 1, 1864—Warm with slight shower. Did considerable work about our quarters. Some rumor in reference to raids but nothing very definite. Occasionally an exchange rumor also, but it gained little credence. Five days rations hard tack.
Tuesday 2—Pleasant morning but hot in latter part of the day. A good large ration of fresh beef—the first since we left Libby. A real treat to all. Our mess had beef soup and steak enough left for a nice “fry.” Surely a better day is coming.
Wednesday 3—Very hot. Cooked today and had three meals which is unusual for our mess. Wrote a letter to my dear wife. News that the 50 officers sent to Charleston are to be exchanged today.
Thursday, August 4, 1864—Very hot and getting dry. Fresh beef again in good quantity and quality. But little news in camp as the papers are strictly prohibited the officers. Are getting domiciled in our new camp and are anxiously awaiting exchange.
Friday 5—Very dry and exceedingly hot. Bacon today with promise of beef tomorrow. list of 50 officers who were lately exchanged at Charleston, S. C. as published in city papers. God grant it may be the beginning of better things.
Saturday 6—Hot and dry. But little news. Some rumors on exchange but little credit given them. I intend to exchange myself if everything works well for a few days. Am in first rate health and good spirits.
Sunday, August 7, 1864—Cool enough to be pleasant and a little rainy. Firing [has] been heard most of the day apparently from heavy guns or mortars and in direction of the coast. It is rumored that our forces attacked Fort McAllister this morning.
Monday 8—Rainy and frequently cool. Firing distinctly heard again. Rumored that 600 prisoners are at Charleston from New York City for exchange. Got all ready to go out through a tunnel last night but a line of guards interposed and defeated the plan.
Tuesday 9—Quite rainy. Much such a day as yesterday. But little news. Said our attack on Mobile is in part successful, Raid again in Pennsylvania. Our papers claim that Atlanta has fallen. Rebels don’t believe it but admit they don’t know who possesses it.
Wednesday, August 10, 1864—Weather about same as yesterday. Lt. [Ezra D.] Carpenter of 18th Connecticut Vols. and I formed mess alone in consequence of insulting conduct of one of the old mess. I hope he will do well and I am sure I shall not regret the change. Papers say Ft. Gaines is captured.
Thursday 11—Pleasant most of the day. But one hard shower about noon. But little news. Rebel Surgeon says they have begun to release Chaplains and Surgeons at Richmond.
Friday 12—Fair weather. No rain for one day after so many wet days. Reported in camp that this is a point of exchange. No papers and but little news of any kind.
Saturday, August 13, 1864—Fair weather one day more. Spent most of the day in making a chair. But little news. Rebs find it hard to hear from Mobile since surrender of Ft. Gaines.
Sunday 14—Clear and very hot. Two surgeons taken out to go to Charleston to be sent into our lines. Sent a line by one of them—Dr. Robinson—who promised to write home for me. Sermon in evening by Chaplain Dixon. Very good.
Monday 15—Warm and dry. Fourteen long, dreary months ago I was made a prisoner of war, far away in the Valley of Virginia. Oh, may I see my home before many more such months have passed away.
Tuesday, August 16th 1864—Dry and very hot. Real tropical sure. Many rumors afloat on exchange. Some of them seem to be well founded. It is said 600 officers are going to Charleston for an exchange. God grant it may be so and that we may go soon.
Wednesday 17—Very warm with a slight thunder shower. Papers say 600 officers have arrived in Charleston it is supposed for exchange. Hope it may be so.
Thursday 18—Very warm day. Some more rumors on exchange but nothing definite or reliable.
Friday, August 19, 1864—Very dry and hot again. Two or three escaped prisoners brought in. Papers represent Grant as having virtually failed at Petersburg and that Wheeler has got in Sherman’s rear and destroyed Etowah bridge.
Saturday 20—Very hot. No news of importance. Begin to read the American Statesman by A. Y. Young.
Sunday, 21—Very hot in early part of the day with a heavy thunder shower toward night. No news of any consequence. Read book Esther in Bible which I am reading daily in course.
Monday, August 22, 1864—Warm day. But little news of importance. Papers seem to think there is some prospect of an exchange being affected. Armies about status quo. Am not very well. Some indications of an attack of bilious fever.
Tuesday 23—Warm with shower in afternoon. Took a dose of calomel and felt seriously unwell and applied for medical aid.
Wednesday 24—Warm with rain again in afternoon. Took some quinine for the first time in my life. Wrote letter home but fear it will never get there. Very good exchange news if true–which may God grant.
Thursday, August 25, 1864—Very warm—one of the hottest days of season. Sick
Friday, 26 through Tuesday, 30, 1864—Sick
Wednesday, August 31, 1864—Weather very warm. Feel very badly today and began to think will have to go to hospital. Chaplains and surgeons notified that their release will take place soon.
September 1864
Thursday, September 1—Weather cool and pleasant and quite like autumn. Chaplains and surgeons notified to be ready to leave at 4:30 a.m. for the North. My health some better today.
Friday, 2—Morning cool but warmer in middle of day than yesterday. Chaplains did not go this morning but were called and went his evening. I feel a little better today.
Saturday, September 3, 1864—Morning cool and pleasant but warm in middle of the day. My health seems materially to improve. War news good from Sherman who is represented to have attacked Hood and cut his army in two.
Sunday 4—Hot day. Health still seems to be slowly improving. We miss our chaplains more especially today, Oh that I were with them!
Monday 5—Very warm. Good war news. Sherman has taken Atlanta (on 2nd) after whipping Hardee and cutting Hood’s army in two.
Tuesday, September 6, 1864—Not quite so hot as yesterday although still quite warm. Correspondence shown us on “Exchange” in which rebels propose a “man for man” exchange. Hope the proposition will be accepted by our authorities as it is fair and honorable.
Wednesday, 7—Cooler and more pleasant. All papers absolutely cut off. Hence hear but little news. Rumored that Hood is again whipped and John Morgan killed and his command of 200 men captured. Health better.
Thursday 8—Cool morning with middle of day quite warm. Papers came in from hospital with lots of good news. Hood defeated and 30 miles from Atlanta which is in our hands. Early in retreat and Wheeler whipped. Best of all, the draft will be enforced,
Friday, September 9, 1864—Cool morning and warm day. No news of any importance. Do not feel very well. May God grant me a speedy release from this long and tiresome imprisonment.
Saturday 10—Cool morning but hot day, But very little news.
Sunday 11–Warm and dry. News good from North. Said that recruits are arriving at Washington City at rate of 3000 per day.
Monday, September 13, 1864—Very warm day. News good. Rapid recruiting North and war spirit high. Notified to cook two days rations (notice after dark) and be ready to move at 4 a.m. Notice received with wild shouts, many hoping it means exchange.
Tuesday 13—Dry and warm. Started for Charleston, S. C. where we arrived about 9 o’clock p.m. there put into the jail yard without shelter. It is one of the dirtiest holes I was ever in—an abominable place. 15
15 The Union officers arriving from Savannah were confined in the enclosed yard of the City Jail–a massive octagonal fortress guarded by a 40 foot tower on Magazine Street “in the southeast part of the city, directly in te line of fire from the mortars across the harbor. Before long, the inmates included nearly 600 officers, more than 300 enlisted men both black and white, as well as local criminals and deserters from both sides. All were jammed into A-frame tents set up in the courtyard. An officer inmate described the yard as ‘A dirty filthy place unfit for human beings to live in.’ Another Federal, Lieutenant Louis Fortescue, wrote of the ‘intolerable heat’ that he endured in the cramped courtyard, which did not have a ’single shade tree.’ The full heat of high summer made the interior of the jail stifling, and yellow fever began to take a frightening toll. General Jones reacted to the outbreak of disease by issuing orders to his provost marshal to remove all of the sick and wounded prisoners who were able to travel and have them sent back to the prison at Andersonville. Furthermore, he ordered that only extreme cases be allowed to enter Roper Hospital in Charleston.Food for the Federals was poor and scarce; sanitation was nearly nonexistent. Most of the men were exposed to the elements all day and night, and the constant crash of artillery was unnerving.” [Source: Immortal 600: Prisoners Under Fire at Charleston Harbor During the American Civil War, by History Net, 12 June 2006.]
Wednesday 14—Warm day, windy and dirty. Wrote a letter home. Spent a most miserable day. Heard that Lieut. [Levi] Lupton is dead. He died since Sunday, Poor man. I hope and believe he is in a better world.
Thursday, September 15, 1864—Very hot, windy, and dirty. One year and a quarter today since I was made a prisoner. God grant me an early release. New from North cheering and good. Gold $2.19 only on 14th and Lincoln stock high. Hurrah for Abe!
Friday 15—Day same as yesterday. A good many shell go over us and burst near us day and night. We are :under fire” of our own arms in the accursed jail of Charleston. But little news. Health is better.
Saturday 17—A little cooler but dirty as ever. Quite an exciting turn this p.m. A fire started in this part of the City, the smoke of which our batteries seeing, they opened at a lively rate. A shell soon started another fire and the third one was burning before firing ceased.
Sunday, September 18, 1864—Day warm, dry and dirty as usual. But little news aside from rumors on exchange. It is reported that we are placed in this abominable hole in retaliation for the [Immortal] 600 Foster has on Morris Island—that Jones has proposed to exchange us for them &c. &c.
Monday 19—Lowry weather and a storm evidently threatening. Some conformation of yesterday’s reports but nothing very definite. Truce boat to be up today. Reported that she did not come. My health a little better. Some rain towards night.
Tuesday 20—Showery. Considerable rain fell. No truce boat up yesterday but one to be off the harbor on the 23rd. But little war news. Rebels evidently looking for a terrible blow soon from Grant. Things seem to be working well in the Valley.
Wednesday, September 21, 1864—A cloudy day without rain. But little news. We are still left in this nasty, miserable place, many without any kind of shelter and all compelled to sleep on the ground with nothing but a blanket under us. Such is Southern Chivalry!
Thursday 22—A clear pleasant day. But little news from seat of war. About 50 officers are sent out on parole to better quarters, with some of the other officers here. Hope we will all get out soon.
Friday 23—Pleasant again. News good from Virginia. Early whipped in the Valley. Flag of truce went out at 8 a.m. to meet one of ours in the Harbor. A few officers called out for Sherman’s late exchange. Rather trying to see some prisoners only a few weeks in and I remain.
Saturday, September 24, 1864—Weather clear and warm. A lot of officers called out to “take part” in Sherman’s late exchange, Rumors afloat which say we will all soon go home, God grant that may prove true. Good war news. Early was “completely defeated.”
Sunday 25—Clear and pleasant, But little news.
Monday 26—Pleasant again. By efforts of friends, and by looking out for myself, got transferred from the abominable Jail Yard to the Marine Hospital. Good quarters.
Tuesday, September 27, 1864—Pleasant day. Formed mess with Lieutenants Hudson and Carpenter. Wrote a letter to Ett. Good news. Early driven from strong position at Fishers Hill in Valley of Virginia. Health only tolerable.
Wednesday 28—Fine weather. But little news. Am well pleased with my new quarters. Got money to amount of $10 gold from Rev. T. C. Rice who is soon going North. have draft two days after eight on brother Ben.
Thursday 29—Pleasant again. I felt quite poorly in health.
Friday, September 30, 1864—Felt quite weak and bad.
October 1864
Saturday, Oct 1—Much as yesterday.
Sunday, 2—Passed a miserable day.
Monday, October 3, 1864—Felt a little better.
Tuesday 4—Improving slowly although much debilitated.
Wednesday 5—Early in morning were ordered to be ready to start for Columbia, S. C. in an hour. Health a little better.
Thursday, October 6, 1864—Arrived in city at an early hour. Were turned into a lot like a drove of hogs and left without anything to eat, any shelter, and without prospect of latter unless we took parole not to escape—that is, unless we would guard ourselves.
Friday, 7—Marched about three miles into the country and turned into an open field without shelter or conveniences of any kind. A small growth of pines furnish some shade.
Saturday 8—Cool and windy. Still without shelter and with short rations.
Sunday, October 9, 1864—Cool but more pleasant. No changes about camp. I feel better in health than when I left Charleston.
Monday 10—Warmer and more like Indian Summer. But little news. No papers yet and no meat isssued us since our arrival in Columbia.
Tuesday 11—Nights cold with frost. Days quite warm. Feel badly this p.m. Headache with some aguish symptoms. Hardly able to be around. Escaping from camp considerably. I would try it myself if able.
Wednesday, October 12, 1864—Pleasant. Passed bad night and am really sick today. Hope soon to be better. Rather bad news per rebel accounts which by the way, I don’t believe. Still escaping.
Thursday 13—Again pleasant and health improving. Wrote to C. W. Dennis & Co. , Hilton Head, S., C. for a small box of provisions.
Friday, 14—Warm and pleasant. Wrote to Ben for box of provisions.
Saturday, October 15, 1864—Weather as usual. Notice of an election or Monday next, in camp, for President and Vice President. Felt badly today. Suffer greatly from general debility.
Sunday 16—Pleasant as usual. Papers say Oho, Pennsylvania, and Indiana have gone Republican by large majorities. Good! Nothing, however, more than I expected. Still feel weak and bad.
Monday 17—Pleasant but a little cooler than yesterday. Good war news from Sherman and Sheridan. Election resulted as follows. Lincoln 1024, McClellan 145, Johnson 1031, Pendleton 112. Number officers in camp 1370. See back to April 24.
Tuesday, October 18, 1864—Pleasant again. Health poor.
Wednesday, 19—Weather continues remarkably fine. No rain since we came to this camp although it occasionally seems to be threatened.
Thursday, 20—Pleasant. Wrote to dear Ett. Feel weak and bad, Oh, for “rest at home.”
Friday, October 21, 1864—Pleasant and warm. But little news. No letters or boxes yet. Feel very weak and bad today. Exchange of 10,000 men soon to take place according to papers. Oh that I may be one!
Saturday, 22—Windy and cold. War news good. rebels confess themselves whipped again in the Valley of Virginia. Feel a little better in some respects but suffer very severely from rheumatism.
Sunday 23—Pleasant. No news of importance. Feel a little better. Hope improvement may be permanent.
Monday, October 24, 1864—Very pleasant. War news good. Early badly whipped. Losing 43 pieces artillery.
Tuesday, 25—Pleasant. Feel a little better although troubled with something like the flux.
Wednesday 26—Pleasant.
Thursday, October 27, 1864—Rained quite hard toward night. Stopped about dusk, however, and blew off cool, to the great rejoicing of the camp. Change was very sudden. I got quite wet while cooking some potatoes for supper. Wrote a letter home.
Friday 28—A very pleasant day with just wind enough to dry us from the wet of yesterday. Washed a pair of Lt. Hudson’s pants. Mine own having worn out entirely. Hope he is “safe at home” by this time.
Saturday 29—A very warm and pleasant day. Rumored that we are soon to be put into quarters and also that “exchange” is near at hand.
Sunday, October 30, 1864—Very warm and pleasant again. Health good except condition of bowels. But little news. Rebs claim to have repulsed Grant of course with heavy loss to latter.
Monday 31—Beginning to build “quarters” today in company with Captains Parker and McDonald and Lt. Carpenter—four of us for one house. Got out the timber.
November 1864
Tuesday, November 1—Fair day. Commenced the house. Failed to get cover on although nearly ready for it.
Wednesday, November 2, 1864—Began to rain in the night and continued nearly all day. Went to work, however, and got roof up temporarily, besides getting very wet. Health a little improved.
Saturday, November 5, 1864 through Wednesday, November 30, 1864—[no entries]
December 1864
Thursday, December 1—Weather warm and pleasant as spring. A most atrocious and brutal murder committed by one of the guard today. Lt. George Turbayne of the 66th New York Vols. was the unfortunate victim. 16
15 The muster rolls of the 66th New York Infantry state that Lt. George Turbayne was captured in action on 17 June 1864 at Petersburg and that he was “killed, December 1864, at Andersonville, Georgia, while crossing the dead line.” It should state that Lt. Turbayne was killed at Camp Sorghum three miles from Columbia.
Friday, December 2, 1864—Weather fully as pleasant as yesterday. A few out to be examined with a view to exchange as sick or convalescent. I failed to get out. Health continues poor. Sherman still stirs the rebs.
Saturday 3—Another pleasant day although rain was threatened at one time. Examination did not proceed for some reason and did not go out. So many escaped while getting wood that negroes now perform that duty,
Sunday 4—A very warm fine day—not in the least like winter. Rumored that we are soon to be removed to the City of Columbia. Wrote two letters—one to Ett and the other to Ben. Had a long walk and chat with friend Anderson.
Monday, December 5, 1864—Warm and pleasant. But little news. Thomas reported to have defeated Hood (who attacked him) with heavy loss. Said by some that we go to the City soon. Feel in only tolerable health/ Sherman reported at Milliken.
Tuesday, 6—Weather same as yesterday. But very little more news. Some rumors about our moving and more about boxes, money, and exchange.
Wednesday 7—Rainy morning but still quite warm and clear before night. Rumor from Foster, Sherman, and Hood all very favorable. Good news also about money and boxes. Felt badly most of day.
Thursday, December 8, 1864—Weather clear again and rather pleasant. A list for “special exchange” was called and to my astonishment and great joy, I was one of the “fortunates.” Was notified to be ready to go tomorrow at 4 p.m. Oh how thankful that I am thus favored.
Friday 9—Very cool and windy. Hour of starting changed to 10 a.m. got ready at once. While waiting, got letter from home which explains why I am among the “specials.” God bless the parents and friends who have saved me! Left Columbia this p.m.
Saturday 10—Night rainy, morning cloudy. Arrived at Charleston about 9 a.m. and were transferred to our own Truce Boat about 4 p.m. “Glory to God in the highest,” for this great blessing. What words could adequately express my emotions at once beholding and being under the protection of the Old Flag.
Sunday, December 11, 1864—Pleasant but windy. Expected to start for Annapolis today but did not for some reason unknown to me. Suppose, however, it was because of receipt of some more prisoners. Saw today some of most heart-rending sights I ever beheld. Curse rebels.
Monday 12—Fair weather. At 4 p.m. steamed out to sea on board the Crescent, homeward bound. Saw five monitors and a larger part of the fleet which blockades Charleston Harbor. The old John Adams was among them.
Tuesday 13—Pleasant again. Had a smooth sea all night and during day. Expect to pass Hatteras during the night.
Wednesday, December 14, 1864—Still pleasant. Passed Hatteras in the night and though there was a little blow and some “rocking about.” all went off nicely. Arrived at Fortress Monroe at dusk after passing fleet of 19 vessels going south. Passed them at mouth of Bay.
Thursday 15—Cold and wintry. Arrived at Annapolis. Reported at proper place and got mill to work to grind us a “Scare.” [?] Also got one month’s pay.
Friday 16—Still cool. Got leave and came to Washington to get rest of pay.
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The following pages contains the names of 91 fellow prisoners with Sibley that were all entered in their own hand.
Spared & Shared 23 