Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 18, 1864

Have now written two large books full; have another at hand. New prisoners who come here have diaries which they will sell for a piece of bread No news to day. Dying off as usual — more in numbers each day as the summer advances. Rebels say that they don't begin to have hot weather down here until about August. Well, it is plain to me that all will die. Old prisoners have stood it as long as they can, and are dropping off fast, while the new ones go anyhow. Some one stole my cap during the night. A dead neighbor furnished me with another, however. Fast as the men die they are stripped of their clothing so that those alive can be covered. Pretty hard, but the best we can do. Rebels are anxious to get hold of Yankee buttons. “Buttons with hens on,” they enquire for. An insult to the American Eagle — but they don't know any better.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 68-9

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