More brutality and
robbery. Half asleep I heard blows, groans of distress, and voices that combine
the savage tones of ruffianism. One man badly injured; two reported missing.
Steps are taken to organize a police force. We are doing the little we can to
assist. The safety of the camp requires it; our lives are every day in
jeopardy. We are in greater immediate peril from these villains than from the
atrocities of our keepers. At 3 p. m. a man was violently assailed in the
street, while asleep, and robbed, he said, of $85 and a watch. He had arrived
that day among others of Sherman's soldiers. With blood streaming down his face
from a gash on his forehead, I saw him hasten to the gate where he reported the
affair. A number went forward, among them several sergeants of detachments, and
an earnest, but respectful appeal was made for assistance, or that we might be
allowed to protect ourselves, or for some encouragement that the matter should
have a hearing. Meantime the robbers, not intimidated, thinking that our appeal
would avail nothing, gave out certain threats, and three of them visited the
tent of an elderly man whom they knew to have money, and presenting knives,
demanded it without one word, or they would kill him on the spot. The man
handed out a portion, less than the amount, (about $40); but they were not
permitted to prolong their visit. About 5 p. m. an order came from Capt Wirz
that if we wished to take them outside, he would furnish a guard, we to point
them out, and he would "clear the stockade." Exciting scenes followed.
Shouts went up from thousands; the whole camp swarmed like a bee-hive. The
gates open. Sergeants with revolvers, guards with bayonets fixed, enter, and
Rebel and Union soldiers walk side by side in a good work. Our boys lead the
way to the den of thieves, murderers and traitors, point them out, and put them
under their charge as fast as found. Outside the gate was another strong guard
who received them and they returned for more. There was a rush in every part of
the camp, the raiders trying to skulk, the boys hunting them. Toward night the leaders
began to resist, but under the clubs of our police they quailed. Near us one of
the leaders, a strong man, was overtaken, but swore he would never be taken
alive. He fought desperately, but one of our men struck him with a stake,
knocking him senseless. One or two others were badly hurt. We saw Sullivan
marching under three bayonets, and as he turned his eyes towards us, so full of
guilt, we almost pitied him. Still we rejoiced; our only fear was he and some
of his troop would be turned in again. At dark the work ceased; nearly sixty
had been taken out, and a few, no doubt led astray, sent in. The boys shouted,
"Bully for the Captain," for the men who took the initiatory step,
and for the guard. With the work of catching' raiders began a search for money
and lost property. In one place two stockings filled with greenbacks, another
with watches (two gold), and other things were found buried, preparatory to
being sold to the Rebels. Two men were found buried near the southwest corner.
One had his throat cut, the other had the appearance of having been beaten and
strangled. Bones of others were reported found.
The real organizer
of this body, known as regulators, that led in apprehending the raiders, is
Sergeant Leroy L. Key, of an Illinois regiment, evidently a good, brave, astute
man, very choice in choosing his adherents. The organization was made up of
western men, from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio; comparatively few from each
of these states. He seemed to have some distrust of laying his plans before
eastern men generally, but with no valid reason other than that precaution was
necessary until these organized, savage gangs could be suppressed. We New
Yorkers felt galled, at first, by this manifest distrust on the part of some
western brothers who seemed to desire credit for the move. The fact that the
chiefs were from eastern regiments, had its effect. We thought best to watch
and wait and aid when needed, realizing the necessity of curbing the outrages
of this murderous bandit, and hailed the movement with joy, perfectly willing
they should have the credit if they succeeded. Sergeant Keys had an instinct
for choosing his men and, though a self constituted leader, none better could
have been chosen for the terrible and unique duty imposed, which is not a task
ordinary men have an ambition, for; for it was known from the start, by
intelligent men, that extraordinary means would be necessary to put an end to
the leaders, even if death were required. Hence the admiration of all lovers of
men in the prison, is accorded Sergeant Keys and his efficient aids.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville
and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 80-1
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