Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: May 4, 1864

Good weather. Gen. Howell Cobb and staff came among us to-day, and inspected the prison Wirtz accompanied them pointing out and explaining matters. Gen. Winder, who has charge of all the prisoners of war in the South, is here, but has not been inside. Gen. Cobb is a very large and pompous looking man. None of the men dare address his highness. Three men out of every hundred allowed to go out after wood under a strong guard.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 54

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: May 2, 1864

A crazy man was shot dead by the guard an hour ago. The guard dropped a piece of bread on the inside of the stockade, and the fellow went inside the dead line to get it and was killed. The bread wagon was raided upon as soon as it drove inside today and all the bread stolen, for which offense no more will be issued today. As I write Wirtz is walking about the prison revolver in hand, cursing and swearing The men yell out “Hang him up!” “Kill the Dutch louse!” “Buck and gag him!” “Stone him to death I” &c., and he all the time trying to find out who it is insulting him so. “I vish I find out who calls me such insulting vords, I kill the dam Yankee as soon I eat my supper!” And every few minutes a handful of dirt is thrown by some one. Wreaks his vengeance by keeping back rations from the whole camp.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 54

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 30, 1864

Very small rations given to us now. Not more than one quarter what we want to eat and that of the poorest quality. Splendid weather, but too warm; occasional rains. The Flying Dutchman (Wirtz) offers to give any two at a time twelve hours the start, and if caught to take the punishment he has for runaways. The offer is made to intimidate those thinking to escape. Half the men would take the consequences with two hours start.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 53

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 26, 1864

Ten days since I wrote in my diary, and in those ten days was too much occupied in trying to dig a tunnel to escape out of, to write any. On the 21st the tunnel was opened and two fellows belonging to a Massachusetts regiment escaped to the outside. Hendryx and myself next went out. The night was very dark. Came up out of the ground away on the outside of the guard. We crawled along to gain the woods, and get by some pickets, and when forty or fifty rods from the stockade, a shot was fired at some one coming out of the hole. We immediately jumped up and ran for dear life, seemingly making more noise than a troop of cavalry. It was almost daylight and away we went. Found I could not run far and we slowed up, knowing we would be caught, but hoping to get to some house and get something to eat first. Found I was all broke up for any exertion. In an hour we had traveled perhaps three miles, were all covered with mud, and scratched up. I had fell, too, in getting over some logs, and it seemed to me broken all the ribs in my body. Just as it was coming light in the east we heard dogs after us We expected it. and so armed ourselves with clubs and sat down on a log. In a few moments the hounds came up with us and began smelling of us. Pretty soon five mounted rebels arrived on the scene of action. They laughed to think we expected to get away. Started us back towards our charnel pen. Dogs did not offer to bite us, but guards told us that if we had offered resistance or started to run they would have torn us. Arrived at the prison and after waiting an hour Capt. Wirtz interviewed us. After cussing us a few minutes we were put in the chain gang, where we remained two days. This was not very fine, but contrary to expectation not so bad after all. We had more to eat than when inside, and we had shade to lay in, and although my ancles were made very sore, do not regret my escapade. Am not permanently hurt any We had quite an allowance of bacon while out, and some spring water to drink. Also from the surgeon I got some elder berries to steep into a tea to drink for scurvy, which is beginning to take hold of me. Lewis is sick and can hardly walk around. His days are few. Have taken another into our mess, named Swan, from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Is a fresh looking boy for this place and looks like a girl.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 52-3

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 10, 1864

Getting warmer and warmer. Can see the trees swaying back and forth on the outside, but inside not a breath of fresh air. Our wood is all gone, and we are now digging up stumps and roots for fuel to cook with. Some of the first prisoners here have passable huts made of logs, sticks, pieces of blankets, &c. Room about all taken up in here now. Rations not so large. Talk that they intend to make the meal into bread before sending it inside, which will be an improvement. Rations have settled down to less than a pint of meal per day, with occasionally a few peas, or an apology for a piece of bacon, for each man. Should judge that they have hounds on the outside to catch run-aways, from the noise. Wirtz don't come in as much as formerly. The men make it uncomfortable for him As Jimmy Devers says, “He is a terror.” I have omitted to mention Jimmy's name of late, although he is with us all the time — not in our mess, but close by. He has an old pack of cards with which we play to pass away the time. Many of the men have testaments, and “house-wives” which they have brought with them from home, and it is pitiful to see them look at these things while thinking of their loved ones at home.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 49-50

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 9, 1864

See here Mr. Confederacy, this is going a little too far. You have no business to kill us off at this rate. About thirty or forty die daily. They have rigged up an excuse for a hospital on the outside, where the sick are taken. Admit none though who can walk or help themselves in any way some of our men are detailed to help as nurses, but in a majority of cases those who go out on parole of honor are cut-throats and robbers, who abuse a sick prisoner. Still, there are exceptions to this rule. We hear stories of Capt. Wirtz's cruelty in punishing the men, but I hardly credit all the stories. More prisoners to-day. Some captured near Petersburg. Dont know anything about exchange. Scurvy and dropsy taking hold of the men. Many are blind as soon as it becomes night, and it is called moon blind. Caused, I suppose, by sleeping with the moon shining in the face. Talked with Michael Hoare, an old school fellow of mine. Mike was captured while we were in Pemerton Building, and was one of Dahlgreen's men Was taken right in the suburbs of Richmond. Has told me all the news of their failure on account of Kilpatrick failing to make a junction at some point. Mike is a great tall, slim fellow, and a good one. Said he heard my name called out in Richmond as having a box of eatables from the North. He also saw a man named Shaw claim the box with a written order from me, Shaw was one of our mess on Belle Isle. He was sent to Richmond while sick, from the island, knew of my expecting the box, and forged an order to get it. Well, that was rough, still I probably wouldn't have got it any way. Better him than some rebel. Mike gave me a lot of black pepper which we put into our soup, which is a luxury. He has no end of talk at his tongue's end, and it is good to hear. Recounts how once when I was about eight or ten years old and he some older, I threw a base ball club and hit him on the shins. Then ran and he couldn't catch me. It was when we were both going to school to A. A. Henderson, in Jackson, Mich. Think I remember the incident, and am strongly under the impression that he, caught me It is thus that old friends meet after many years. John McGuire is also here, another Jackson man. He has a family at home and is worried. Says he used to frequently see my brother George at Hilton Head, before being captured.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 48-9

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 7, 1864

Capt. Wirtz prowls around the stockade with a rebel escort of guards, looking for tunnels. Is very suspicious of amateur wells which some have dug for water. It is useless to speak to him about our condition, as he will give us no satisfaction whatever. Says it is good enough for us ------ yankees. I am deputized by half a dozen or so to speak to him as to the probabilities of a change, and whether we may not reasonably expect to be exchanged without passing the summer here. In his position he must know something in relation to our future. At the first favorable moment shall approach his highness. Prison is all the time being made stronger, more guards coming and artillery looking at us rather unpleasantly from many directions. Think it impossible for any to get away here, so far from our lines. The men too are not able to withstand the hardships attendant upon an escape, still fully one-half of all here are constantly on the alert for chances to get away. Foremost in all schemes for freedom is Hendryx, and we are engaging in a new tunnel enterprise. The yankee is a curious animal, never quiet until dead. There are some here who pray and try to preach. Very many too who have heretofore been religiously inclined, throw off all restraint and are about the worst. Tried and found wanting it seems to me. Those who find the least fault, make the best of things as they come and grin and bear it, get along the best. Weather getting warmer, water warmer and nastier, food worse and less in quantities, and more prisoners coming nearly every day.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 46-7

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: April 1, 1864

This is an April Fool sure. Saw a fellow to-day from our regiment, named Casey. Says I was reported dead at the regiment, which is cheerful. Perhaps it is just as well though, for them to anticipate the event a few months. It is said that Wirtz shot someone this morning. Often hear the guards shoot and hear of men being killed. Am not ambitious to go near them. Have completely lost my desire to be on the outside working for extra rations. Prefer to stick it out where I am than to have anything to do with them. They are an ungodly crew, and should have the warmest corner in that place we sometimes hear mentioned

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 45

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: March 28, 1864

We are squadded over to-day, and rations about to come in. It's a sickly dirty place. Seems as if the sun was not over a mile high, and has a particular grudge against us. Wirtz comes inside and has began to be very insolent. Is constantly watching for tunnels. He is a brute. We call him the “Flying Dutchman” Came across Sergt. Bullock, of my regiment, whom I last saw on Belle Isle From a fat, chubby young fellow, he is a perfect wreck. Lost his voice and can hardly speak aloud; nothing but skin and bone, and black and ragged. Never saw such a change in a human being Cannot possibly live, I don't think; still he is plucky and hates to die. Goes all around enquiring for news, and the least thing encouraging cheers him up. Capt. Moseby, of the raiders, is in the same squad with me. He is quite an intelligent fellow and often talks with us. We lend him our boiling cup which he returns with thanks. Better to keep on the right side of him, if we can without countenancing his murderous operations.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 44-5

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: March 25, 1864

Lieut. Piersons is no longer in command of the prison, but instead a Capt. Wirtz. Came inside to-day and looked us over. Is not a very prepossessing looking chap. Is about thirty-five or forty years old, rather tall, and a little stoop shouldered; skin has a pale, white livered look, with thin lips. Has a sneering sort of cast of countenance. Makes a fellow feel as if he would like to go up and boot him. Should judge he was a Swede, or some such countryman. Hendryx thinks he could make it warm for him in short order if he only had a chance. Wirtz wears considerable jewelry on his person — long watch chain, something that looks like a diamond for a pin in his shirt, and wears patent leather boots or shoes I asked him if he didn't think we would be exchanged soon. He said: Oh, yes, we would be exchanged soon. Somehow or other this assurance don't elate us much; perhaps it was his manner when saying it. Andersonville is getting to be a rather bad place as it grows warmer. Several sick with fevers and sores.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 43-4

Norton P. Chipman

Norton Parker Chipman

Norton P. Chipman, a man of state and national prominence and for many years an honored and influential citizen of California, was born in March, 1839, at Milford, Union county, Ohio, a son of Norman and Sarah (Parker) Chipman, both natives of Vermont and of old families of that state. The Chipman ancestry was identified with progress and development during the colonial days, and our institutions and social and political fabric have been strengthened by men of the name since their arrival from England during the first half of the seventeenth century. Nathaniel Chipman, an early member of the American family, wrote a treatise on the principles of government which anticipated many of the forms of the present Constitution of the United States.

Norman Chipman, father of the distinguished Californian, was a pioneer settler of Union county, Ohio, and for some years conducted a general mercantile business at Milford. The family moved to Illinois in 1848, and a year later to Van Buren county, Iowa, residing in different parts of the latter state until the time of the Civil war, at which time the Chipman residence was in Washington of that state.

It was from Washington, Iowa, that Norton P. Chipman enlisted for service in the Union army. He became a private of Company H, Second Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Samuel R. Curtis, who was afterward promoted to major general. By the choice of the members of his company, Mr. Chipman was elected second lieutenant, and Colonel Curtis soon afterward appointed him adjutant of the regiment, in which capacity he served in the Missouri campaign up to the time of the appointment of his colonel as brigadier general, at which time he became, by appointment of Governor Kirkwood, major of his regiment. Major Chipman fought at Fort Donelson and was wounded there. He returned to his regiment shortly after the battle of Shiloh. While participating in the siege of Corinth he received his promotion to the colonelcy and as aide de camp on the staff of Major General Halleck. He was ordered to report for duty to Major General Curtis, his erstwhile colonel, then at Helena, Arkansas. He was made chief of the staff and served with General Curtis until ordered to report to the secretary of war at Washington, early in 1863, and his remaining war experience was at the national capital, where he was a not less useful figure in the struggle for the Union though in a less conspicuous department of activity. At the close of the conflict he was brevetted brigadier general. Among other important duties assigned to him at Washington, was service as judge advocate of the military commission which tried and convicted the Andersonville rebel prison-keeper, Henry Wirtz, and he also served as judge advocate in other military trials.

At the close of the war General Chipman resigned his connection with the war department and entered upon the practice of law at Washington. When the District of Columbia was reorganized with territorial form of government he was chosen by the people as their delegate to Congress, serving two terms, and was the first and only representative given the District, whose form of government was soon afterward changed.

In 1875, after the close of his congressional term, he came out to California and located at Red Bluff, Tehama county. He entered upon the practice of law and various business enterprises, and was soon an influential figure in that part of the state. In April, 1897, he was appointed commissioner of the supreme court of California, which post he has since held. Before becoming identified with the courts of the state he was an active leader in the affairs of the Republican party. The industrial development of the great state has been a cause especially dear to him, and for many years he has been president of the California State Board of Trade, which is the most influential organization endeavoring to promote immigration of high-class settlers and the increase of state wealth and resources.

General Chipman was married at St. Louis, during the course of the war, in 1865, to Miss Mary Isabel Holmes, a daughter of Robert Holmes, who was a prominent merchant of that city, a strong Union man and a member of the constitutional convention which formed the new state constitution. There were two children of this marriage. One is deceased, and Alice is now the wife of Mr. Chester S. Smith of San Francisco.

General Chipman is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and with the Union League Club, of which he was president for one year. He is a member of the Ohio Society. One of the foremost members of the Grand Army of the Republic, he was adjutant general of the order at a very early period in its history, when General Logan was commander in chief. He took an active part in forming the present rules and regulations and ritual governing the Army. He wrote the order in 1868 which created Memorial day, now so generally observed throughout the Union, in both north and south.

SOURCE: Leigh Hadley Irvine, Editor, A History Of The New California: Its Resources And People, Volume 2, p. 727-8

PHOTO CREDIT: Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.

Colonel John H. Stibbs

Colonel John H. Stibbs, Brevet Brig. Gen, U. S. V. was born in Ohio March 1, 1840; was one of the first men in Iowa to sign a muster roll for the War of the Rebellion. His name was second on the roll of Company K 1st Iowa Infantry in which company he served as 1st Sergeant at Wilson's creek and all the marches of the 1st Iowa. Within a week after his discharge from the three months' service, he was at work recruiting a company for three years service and succeeded in enlisting a full company of which he was elected Captain. The company was accepted and mustered into the United States service as D, 12th Iowa Infantry. Captain Stibbs was in command of his company at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and with them was captured and shared the fate of the prisoners of war. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he was commissioned Major, and upon the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Edgington was promoted Lieutenant Colonel September 25, 1863. From that time he was continuously in command of the regiment until February, 1865. The history of the regiment during that time is his history. He received special mention and was breveted Colonel for services at Nashville; was mustered Colonel of the regiment September 18, 1865; breveted Brig. General April 20,1866, and mustered out April 30, 1866. From February 1865, he served as a member of Court martial that tried Captain Wirtz and some other military prisoners. After leaving the service he was employed as agent of the Quartermaster's Department and afterwards as Special Division Inspector of Pension office at Chicago where he is now employed.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 246