Well, we are just well fixed and happy. After partaking of a
royal repast last night, served in an out-building near the main building of
the Kimball home, we were directed to this place which is on the banks of the
Big Ogechee river, in a most delightful spot. While we were at Kimball's he had
negro sentinels stationed at different points on the plantation to announce the
coming of any rebel soldiers or citizens that might see fit to come near. He
gave us an axe, a quart of salt, a ham too big to carry conveniently, and all
the sweet potatoes we could drag along; also a butcher knife. Went with us a
mile as guide and then told us so we found the place pointed out. Also gave us
some shelled corn to bait hogs and told Dave how to make a deadfall to catch them.
We left the main road going directly West until we came to a fence, then turned
to the left and followed the line of the fence, and when we had got to the end
of it kept straight ahead going through a swampy low section. After a while
came to higher and dry land and to the banks of the river. Is a sort of an
island, and as I said before, a very pretty and pleasant spot. Out in the river
grows tall canebrake which effectually hides us from any one going either up or
down the river. Tall pines are here in abundance and nice grass plats, with as
handsome palm clusters as ever I saw. Are going to build us a house to keep off
the cold and rain. Have matches and a rousing fire cooked our breakfast of nice
ham and sweet potatoes. We also roasted some corn and had corn coffee. Any
quantity of hogs running around and Dave is already thinking of a trap to catch
them. It will be necessary for we are making that ham look sick. Eat so much
breakfast that we can hardly walk and don't know but will commit suicide by eating.
Buzzards fly around attracted by the cooking. Are as large and look like
turkeys. Our government should give to Mr. Kimball a fortune for his patriotism
and sacrifices to the Union cause. About eight miles above is a long bridge
across the river and there it is thought it big fight will take place when
Sherman attempts to cross, and so we will know when they approach, as we could
hear a battle that distance. Night.—We
have built the cosyest and nicest little house to lay in. Cut poles with the
axe and made a frame, and then covered the top with palm leaves just like
shingles on a house at the North, then fixed three sides the same way, each
leaf overlapping the other, and the fourth side open to a fire and the river.
The water is cold and clear and nice to drink; just like spring water. Have
eaten the ham half up; ditto potatoes. The increased prosperity makes me feel
well bodily, and mentally am more so. It is still the “Astor House Mess.” We
all cook, and we all eat. Dave prays to-night as he does every night and
morning, and I ain't sure but all through the day. Is a thorough Christian if
ever there was one. I also wrote a letter for Mr. Kimball to the commanding
Union officer who may first approach these parts. In it I told how he had
befriended us and others. We heard boats going by on the river to-day. At such
times all we do is to keep still, as no one can see us. Rebels are too busy to
look for us or any one else. All they can do now to take care of themselves.
Eli is making up our bed, getting ready to turn in. I have just brought a tin
pail of nice water and we all drink. Take off our shoes for the first time in
some days. A beautiful night — clear and cold. And thus ends another day, and
we are in safety.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
148-9
