
A former Union private offers a vivid, on‑the‑ground view of life inside the Confederate prison system, from the cramped stockades of Andersonville to the harsher camps at Savannah and Millen. His journal entries capture the stark realities of overcrowded barracks, scarce rations, and the constant threat of disease, while also revealing moments of unexpected camaraderie among the captives.
Interwoven with sketches of daily routines—tunneling attempts, makeshift meals, and the rhythm of guard calls—the narrative paints a human picture of soldiers striving to retain dignity amid deprivation. The author’s candid reflections on leadership, morale, and the lingering hope for release give listeners a personal connection to a chapter of the Civil War that is often told only in statistics.
Through straightforward, unembellished prose, the account invites listeners to hear the voices of those who endured one of the conflict’s most infamous prisons, offering insight into both the physical hardships and the resilient spirit that persisted within its walls.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1080K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1846–1929
A Union Army veteran and longtime newspaperman, he turned his Civil War imprisonment into some of the era’s most widely read writing about Andersonville. His work blends firsthand witness, journalism, and a strong sense of outrage at what soldiers endured.
View all books