Telegram to Washington, D. C., [October 18, 1859]

(Supposed 18th Oct.)

Insurrectionists have been driven into the Engine House, where they shelter themselves and hold Lewis Washington, H. P. Dangerfield, M. Alsdale and other persons as security for their own preservation; about 10 persons have been killed, among whom is Fountain Beckham, Ag’t of the B. & O. R. R. Co., and 2 members of the Martinsburg soldiers. A large military force is here under Col. R. W. Baylor; one of the rioters is wounded and has been taken prisoner. He has made a clean breast of the origin of the insurrection. A man named Brown, and three sons of Kansas notoriety are at the head. There were only 22 of them at first, some of whom have been killed, others have left. The people are terribly excited and threats are made of killing all in the morning. Col. Lee has assumed command. One of the wounded insurgents states that the object was to rob paymaster's vaults and release the slaves. There has not been more than 20 negroes under arms.

The troops are on guard and will remain so until morning. Brown has been living near the Ferry for 6 months, under the assumed name of Smith; one of his sons has been teaching school under the name of Cook, he has escaped.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 20

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: November 5, 1864

Hostages taken out Everything is bright and pleasant and I see no cause to complain, therefore won't. To-morrow is election day at the North; wish I was there to vote — which I ain't. Will here say that I am a War Democrat to the backbone. Not a very stiff one, as my backbone is weak.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 111-2

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: November 3, 1864

About a hundred convalescents were taken outside today to be sent away to our lines the officials told us. At a later hour the commander came inside and said he wanted twelve men to fall into line and they did so, myself being one of the twelve; he proceeded to glance us over and on looking' at me said: “Step back out of the ranks, I want only able bodied men.” I stepped down and out considerably chagrinned, as the general impression was that they were to go to our lines with the convalescents who had been taken outside before. He marched off the twelve men and it then leaked out that they were to be sent to some prison to be held as hostages until the end of the war. Then I felt better. It is said all the sick will be taken outside as soon as they get quarters fixed up to accommodate them. Think that I shall resign my position as nurse. Would rather stay with the “boys.” Land is no longer with the sick but has been turned into the rank and file, also Dakin. Bakin, Rowe and Land are all together, and if the sick are taken outside I shall join my old comrades and mess with them. But few die now; quite a number died from the removal, but now all seem to be on the mend. I am called, contrary to my expectations, a good nurse; certainly have pity for the poor unfortunates, but lack the strength to take care of them. It needs good strong men to act as nurses.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 111

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: June 5, 1864

Exchange rumors to the effect that transports are enroute for Savannah for the purpose of taking us home. Stick right to my washing however. A number of men taken out to be kept as hostages — so said. Raiders rule the prison. Am myself cross and feel like licking somebody, but Hendryx is gone and don't want to try to lick anybody else, fearing I might get licked myself. Some fun fighting him as it didn't make any difference which licked

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 64

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: February 17, 1864

Still on the island. Another squad taken out yesterday. It will not be our turn to go for some days, even if six hundred are taken out every day. Have not been sent for as hostages yet. Hendryx and myself have decided to flank out and go with the next that go, no matter where their destination may be. If we don't get away, with a ghost of a chance, then it will be funny.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 33

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: February 14, 1864

Had quite an adventure last night with the raiders. One of Capt. Moseby's robbers was trying to steal a blanket from our tent by reaching through the tent opening when Dad (E. P. Sanders), who is always awake, threw a brick hitting him on the arm, breaking the brick, and as he jumped, halloed to us, “Come boys, let's catch the rascal,” and out of the door he went. Dr. and myself nobly rushed to the rescue and reached the door just in time to see Had turn a short corner way up the street and close on to the heels of Mr. Robber, but he slipped and fell and the thief got away. Were soon snugly ensconced in bed once more congratulating ourselves on losing nothing as we thought But on getting up this morning I found my shoes gone and am barefoot in the middle of winter. However I can get more and have no fear on that score. Six hundred sent away to day, some say to our lines while others think to Georgia. Rebels say to our lines, and that a general exchange has been agreed upon. Great excitement among the men.  Evening. — Lieut. Bossieux called me outside just before night and told me he was called upon to furnish some hostages to be sent to Charleston to be kept during the war, and had decided to send Hendryx and myself, with some others. Said it was better to send those who were always trying to get away. Have succeeded in buying a pair of shoes, which, although about four sizes too large, are much better than none. Thanks to the Sanitary Commission I have good woolen stockings, under clothing complete, and am otherwise well dressed. Six hundred sent away this afternoon under a very strong guard, which does not look like an exchange.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 32-3

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: February 12, 1864

Lieut. Bossieux has sent a squad of men from the island composed of runaways over to Castle Thunder to remain during the war as hostages, among whom were our friends Myres and Mustard. I never expect to see them again.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 32