An hour before
daylight “Sam” awoke me and said I must go with him off a ways to stay through
the day. Got up, and we started. Came about a mile to a safe hiding place, and
here I am. Have plenty to eat and near good water. Sam will tell another trusty
negro of my whereabouts, who will look after me, as he has to go away to work.
The negroes are very kind, and I evidently am in good hands. Many of those who
will not fight in the Confederate army are hid in these woods and swamps, and
there are many small squads looking them up with dogs and guns to force them
into the rebel ranks. All able bodied men are conscripted into the army in the
South. It is possible I may be captured by some of these hunting parties. It is
again most night and have eaten the last of my food. Can hear the baying of
hounds and am skeery. Shall take in all the food that comes this way in the
meantime. Sam gave me an old jack knife and I shall make a good bed to sleep
on, and I also have an additional part of a blanket to keep me warm. In fine
spirits and have hopes for the future. Expect an ambassador from my colored
friends a little later. Later.—The
ambassador has come and gone in the shape of a woman. Brought food; a man told
her to tell me to go off a distance of two miles or so, to the locality pointed
out, before daylight, and wait there until called upon to-morrow. Rebel guards
occupy the main roads, and very unsafe.'
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
124-5
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