A good work designed
to remedy somewhat the unwholesomeness of the place, began today. A squad of
men are furnished spades, hand barrows, which they themselves constructed, and
carpenter tools, and voluntarily go to work burying the filth and sinks that
have overflowed, and cover several yards and is in terrible ferment and alive
with vermin. The plan is to cover a portion of the swamp near the east part
each side of the stream, about five rods wide by 10 long, with dirt from the
banks and erect a framework over the stream for a privy. This will partially
supply the wants for the south side, but the north is separated by an
impassable marsh. This project is set on foot by persistent pleading of our men
with physicians and officers of the military post, as chances have been
offered, to get the means for doing it. Through them Wirz has been induced to
acquiesce, but like all internal improvements, humane influence has to be
brought to bear upon Wirz. He was persuaded by the argument that prison insobordination
was more likely to occur under unsanitary conditions, that there was great
libality of epidemic that would sweep both the prison and military post. A
colonel of the post was inside this morning and talked with some of us. His
opinion is that we will soon be exchanged; but I do not indulge in hopes likely
to be deferred, which "maketh the heart sick." A day ration was shown
him. He said more was allowed; that there was no reason why rations are so
small; that more is provided under the regulations; expressed a belief that
someone is speculating to our injury and, though he had no authority, he would
inquire into the matter.
Weather intensely
hot, the sick badly affected and are multiplying. Every day men die, every
morning are carried out. The average number of deaths now is said to be 40,
although 70 have died some days, the principal disorder being diarrhoea, induced
by the nature of the food; it has become chronic. Scurvy which affects mouths
and limbs, sometimes back and bowels, is increasing. One doctor speaks of an
affection of the spleen. In many homesickness may hasten disease and loss of
strength. It seems as inevitable as bodily ailments under these conditions.
When men fall hopeless and helpless, griping with pain, it is not unnatural
that nostalgia be added to the scale of misery. When these compiaints unite,
the days of victims are being numbered.
Prisoners come in
from Florida captured on the 18th. They were engaged in collecting horses and
cattle for the army. I spoke with a man, prisoner since Gettysburg, who
attracts attention, though thin and yellow, he is remarkably smart. His
clothing is all worn out. On the way from Richmond a woman gave him a petticoat
which reaches just below his knees that whops about his legs as he strolls
characteristically through the camp, a sailor's cap on his head, and not
another rag on his person.
Two wells near us
are finished which we assisted to dig; the water is excellent. Pinchen has
finished his bucket whittled from rations of wood, and hooped with knapsack
straps, and it is used to draw water. Griffith and I have sold four tin plates
for $1 each. This money helps us live.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville
and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 69-70
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