All eager for news. Seems as if we were on the eve of
something. So quiet here that it must predict a storm. Once in a while some
pesky rebel takes it upon himself to tell us a lot of lies to the effect that
our armies are getting beaten; that England joins the Confederacy to whip out
the North; that there is no prospect of ending the war; that we are not going
to be exchanged at all, but remain prisoners, etc., etc. If he is a good talker
and tells his story well it makes us all blue and down hearted. Then, pretty
soon, we are told more joyful news which we are ready to believe, and again
take heart and think of the good times coming. Would like to hear the election
news. Wonder who is elected? Feel stronger every day, and have a little flesh
on my bones. As the weather gets cool, we are made painfully aware of the fact
that we are sadly deficient in clothing. Will freeze if compelled to stay
through the winter. Coverlid still does duty although disabled by past experience,
same as all of us. We talk over the many good traits of Battese and others who
are separated from us by death and otherwise. The exploits of Hendryx we will
never tire of narrating What a meeting when we can get together in future
years, and talk over the days we have lived and suffered together. Exchange
rumors fill the air. One good sign — the rebels are making no more improvements
about this prison; they say we are not to stay here long. We hear that our
troops are marching all through the South Guess that is the reason why they
think of moving us all the time All right, Johnny Rebels, hope we are an
elephant on your hands. Jeff Davis denounced by the papers, which is a good
sign. Occasionally get one in camp, and read it all up. No library here. Not a scrap
of anything to read; principal occupation looking for stray news.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
113
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