Had quite an adventure last night with the raiders. One of
Capt. Moseby's robbers was trying to steal a blanket from our tent by reaching
through the tent opening when Dad (E. P. Sanders), who is always awake, threw a
brick hitting him on the arm, breaking the brick, and as he jumped, halloed to
us, “Come boys, let's catch the rascal,” and out of the door he went. Dr. and
myself nobly rushed to the rescue and reached the door just in time to see Had
turn a short corner way up the street and close on to the heels of Mr. Robber,
but he slipped and fell and the thief got away. Were soon snugly ensconced in
bed once more congratulating ourselves on losing nothing as we thought But on
getting up this morning I found my shoes gone and am barefoot in the middle of
winter. However I can get more and have no fear on that score. Six hundred sent
away to day, some say to our lines while others think to Georgia. Rebels say to
our lines, and that a general exchange has been agreed upon. Great excitement
among the men. Evening. — Lieut.
Bossieux called me outside just before night and told me he was called upon to
furnish some hostages to be sent to Charleston to be kept during the war, and
had decided to send Hendryx and myself, with some others. Said it was better to
send those who were always trying to get away. Have succeeded in buying a pair
of shoes, which, although about four sizes too large, are much better than
none. Thanks to the Sanitary Commission I have good woolen stockings, under
clothing complete, and am otherwise well dressed. Six hundred sent away this
afternoon under a very strong guard, which does not look like an exchange.
SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p.
32-3
