The washing business progresses and is prosperous. One great
trouble is, it is run too loose and we often get no pay. Battese, while a good
worker, is no business man, and will do anybody's washing on promises, which
don't amount to much. Am not able to do much myself, principally hanging out
the clothes; that is. laying the shirt on one of the tent poles and then
watching it till dry. All day yesterday I lay under the “covered” in the shade,
hanging on to a string which was tied to the washing. If I saw a suspicious
looking chap hanging around with his eyes on the washed goods, then gave a
quick jerk and in she comes out of harm's way. Battese has paid for three or
four shirts lost in this way, and one pair of pants. Pays in bread. A great
many Irish here, and as a class, they stand hardships well. Jimmy Devers losing
heart and thinks he will die. Capt. Wirtz has issued another order, but don't
know what it is — to the effect that raiding and killing must be stopped, I
believe. Being unable to get around as I used to, do not hear the particulars
of what is going on, only in a general way. New men coming in, and bodies
carried out. Is there no end but dying?
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
69-70
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