Experience of a Confederate States Prisoner

This short work presents the raw entries of a Confederate officer who found himself a prisoner of war in the spring of 1862. Written in a straightforward, almost report‑like style, the journal records daily movements, orders, and the uneasy hope of parole that never materialized. The writer notes the scarcity of paper and supplies, yet his observations cut through the fog of battle to reveal the lived reality of confinement.

Beyond the military details, the diary captures moments of unexpected humanity: the generosity of local families who tended the sick, the courteous exchanges with Union soldiers, and the chatter of fellow captives about their leaders and the war’s outcome. Listeners will hear a voice that balances bitterness with camaraderie, offering a window into the personal side of a conflict often told in grand narratives. The account remains a vivid snapshot of a tumultuous time, inviting reflection on the costs of war.