John L. Ransom

Civil war Union soldier, POW. Diary excerpt entries from the Rebel prisons, mainly Andersonville. Related accounts: @_JohnMcElroy @RobertHKellogg @POW_Yanks

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

"For without hope, the heart would break.... and I am hopeful yet." ~ John L. Ransom - Brigade Quartermaster, 9th Michigan Cavalry - Age 21

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

The ground is fairly alive with lice. They're an enduring species, even in this cold weather. It requires continual labor to stave them off.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

The work of hunting lice resumes each morning with daylight. All about the camp the men nearly stripped, pick off and kill large gray backs.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

We tell stories, dance, sing and keep as clean as we can without soap and try to make the best of a very bad situation.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

Such is the case here on Belle Island. I am grateful for my blanket and for being accepted in the mess we now have. A good bunch of fellows.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

A man froze to death last night. He did not have any shelter to protect him from the cold. His body lay until early evening, then removed.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

General Dow assisted by Sergeant Robinson, will hand out clothing sent to Belle Island prisoners from the Sanitary Commission at the North.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

December 5th, 1863. Belle Island, Virginia~General Neil Dow today, came over from Libby Prison on honorable parole to help issue clothing.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

E. P. Sanders, 20th Michigan infantry. George Hendryx and myself, both of the 9th Michigan cavalry.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

C. G. Strong, 4th Ohio Calvary. Corporal John McCarten, 6th Kentucky. U. Kindred, 1st East Tennessee infantry.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

W. H. Mustard, hospital steward, 100th Pennsylvania. Joe Myers, 34th Illinois. H. Freeman, hospital steward, 30th Ohio.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

There are mine others in the mess, myself making it ten. Their names are as follows: W. C. Robinson, orderly sergeant, 34th Illinois.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

I have succeeded in getting into a tent with Hendryx. One of his mess was sent over to Richmond hospital. I am now to fill the vacancy.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

A big fight among the prisoners. Like so many snarling dogs, cross and peevish. Rebel crowds gather to watch the Yankees bruise themselves.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

I'm very hungry and not having a good time of it. Dream constantly about something good to eat. Such plenty at the North and starving here.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

Trains move slowly across the bridge. There was a big fire across the way in Richmond. Housetops covered with people looking at it.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

The bridge that I've heard so much about, crosses the James river just below Belle Island. It is very long and has been condemned for years.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

We are strongly guarded here with artillery bearing on every part of the prison.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

I can't get discouraged where he is. We talk a great deal of making our escape but there is not much prospect.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

December 3rd, 1863. Belle Island, Virginia~I met E. P. Sanders from Lansing Michigan today, and a jolly old soul is he.

[John L. Ransom @JohnLRansom]

What a terrible place and narrow escape I had of it. Seems to me that fifteen thousand men died while I was there, an army almost and as many men that would inhabit a city of fifty thousand. #Andersonville