Rainy morning. We are guarded by an Alabama regiment, who
are about to leave for the front. Georgia militia to take their places. Making
preparations for a grand picnic outside, given by the citizens of the vicinity
to the troops about to leave. I must here tell a funny affair that has happened
to me, which, although funny is very annoying. Two or three days before I was
captured I bought a pair of cavalry boots of a teamster named Carpenter. The
boots were too small for him and just fitted me. Promised to pay him on “pay
day,” we not having been paid off in some time. We were both taken prisoners
and have been in the same hundred ever since. Has dunned me now about 1,850
times, and has always been mad at not getting his pay Sold the boots stortly
after being captured and gave him half the receipts, and since that have paid
him in rations and money as I could get it, until about sixty cents remain
unpaid, and that sum is a sticker He is my evil genius, and fairly haunts the
life out of me. Whatever I may get trusted for in after life, it shall never be
for a pair of boots. Carpenter is now sick with scurvy, and I am beginning to
get the same disease hold of me again. Battese cut my hair which was about a
foot long. Gay old cut. Many have long hair, which, being never combed, is
matted together and full of vermin. With sunken eyes, blackened countenances
from pitch pine smoke, rags and disease, the men look sickening The air reeks
with nastiness, and it is wonder that we live at all. When will relief come to
us?
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
57
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