Rumors of exchange to be effected soon. Rebels say we will
all be exchanged before many days. It cannot be possible our government will
allow us to remain here all winter. Gen. Dow is still issuing clothing, but the
rebels get more than our men do of it. Guards nearly all dressed in Yankee
uniforms In our mess we have established
regulations, and any one not conforming with the rules is to be turned out of
the tent. Must take plenty of exercise, keep clean, free as circumstances will
permit of vermin, drink no water until it has been boiled, which process
purifies and makes it more healthy, are not to allow ourselves to get
despondent, and must talk, laugh and make as light of our affairs as possible.
Sure death for a person to give up and lose all ambition Received a spoonful of salt to-day for the
first time since I came here.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
15
