Old prisoners (some of them) will not credit the fact that
there is plenty to eat at the North They think because we are starved here,
that it is so all over. They are crazy (as you may say) on the subject of food,
and no wonder. In our dreams we see and eat bountiful repasts, and awake to the
other extreme. Never could get a chance to talk with Capt. Wirtz, as he comes
inside no more Probably just as well. Is a thoroughly bad man, without an atom
of humanity about him. He will get killed, should we ever be released, as there
are a great many here who would consider it a christian duty to rid the earth
of his presence. Disease is taking right hold of me now. Battese is an angel;
takes better care of me than of himself. Although not in our mess or tent, he is
nearly all the time with us. It is wonderful the powers of endurance he has. I
have always been blessed with friends, and friends, too, of the right sort. Had
quite a talk with Dorr Blakeman, a Jackson, Mich., boy Was not much acquainted
with him at home but knew his people. Is a thoroughly good fellow, and a
sensible one. It is a relief to see any one who does not lose his head.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
67-8
