Capt. Wirtz sent inside a guard of fifteen or twenty to
arrest and take out quite a number of prisoners. They had the names and would
go right to their quarters and take them. Some tell-tale traitor has been
informing on them, for attempting to escape or something Wirtz punishes very
hard now; so much worse than a few months ago. Has numerous instruments of
torture just outside the gate. Sores afflict us now, and the Lord only knows
what next. Scurvy and scurvy sores, dropsy, not the least thing to eat that can
be called fit for any one, much less a sick man, water that to drink is poison,
no shelter, and surrounded by raiders liable to cut our throats any time
Surely, this is a go. Have been reading over the diary, and find nothing but
grumbling and growlings. Had best enumerate some of the better things of this
life. I am able to walk around the prison, although quite lame. Have black
pepper to put in our soups. Am as clean perhaps as any here, with good friends
to talk cheerful to. Then, too, the raiders will let us alone until about the
last, for some of them will get killed when they attack the “Astor House Mess,”
Am probably as well off as any here who are not raiders, and I should be
thankful, and am thankful. Will live probably two or three months yet. “If
t'weren't for hope the heart would break,” and I am hopeful yet. A
Pennsylvanian of German descent, named Van Tassel, and who has “sorter
identified himself with us” for two or three months, died a few moments ago The
worst cases of the sick are again taken to the hospital — that is, a few of the
worst cases. Many prefer to die among their friends inside. Henry Clayton also
died to-day. Was at one time in charge of our Division, and an old prisoner.
Mike Hoare still hangs on nobly, as also do many other of my friends and
acquaintances. Dorr Blakeman stands it unusually well. Have had no meat now for
ten days; nothing but one-third of a loaf of corn bread and half a pint of cow
peas for each man, each day. Wood is entirely gone, and occasionally squads allowed
to go and get some under guard. Rowe went out to-day, was not able to carry
much, and that had to be divided between a hundred men. One of the most
annoying things is being squadded over every few days, sick and all. It's an
all day job, and have to stand out until we are all tired out, never getting
any food on these days.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
72-3
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