Wednesday, September 21. — Day pleasant. About 50 men from Wilmington arrived here to-day. 30 of them were deserters. The men in the barracks would not let the deserters in, so they had to sleep in the hall. Rained during the night. Dr. Marks wrote to Captain Senn, to see if I wanted anything.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Richland Jail, Columbia, S. C., Sept. 20, 1864.
Dear Hannah, —I send this letter by Lieutenant Barclay who is going to Richmond to-morrow to be exchanged with the sick and wounded. For the last few days I have had a good many visitors. First Dr. Marks came and lent me $200, and afterwards sent me books, writing paper, etc. Then a Mr. Saunders came with a pair of blankets for Captain Amory and a pair for me. He furnishes me anything I want, at Mr. Kidder’s request. Then last Sunday an officer called to see me, but was not admitted as the officer of the day was not present. This officer came to see if I was comfortable, at the request of General Ripley of Charleston. To-day a Mr. Eastby came at Mr. K.’s request to see if I had everything I wanted. So you may feel certain that I am as comfortable as a prisoner can be.
None of the money that Father sent has as yet reached me. I can obtain what I want from Mr. Saunders.
We spend our time here reading and playing cards. It is rather stupid and dull at times. Next door to us is the city lock-up and the City Hall. At night we are amused by concerts, etc., from bands and glee clubs in the hall, and also by drunkards in the lock-up.
Ask Father to let me know what the prospect of a general exchange is. If it is not good, I wish to try for a special exchange.
Captain Amory and I are both well. Love to all the family. Write as often as possible.
Tuesday, September 20. — Sent a letter to Alice to Mr. Kidder at Wilmington. A Mr. Eastby (?), mentioned in Father’s letter, called to see me. He is going to send me some underclothing. Had a drunken Frenchman singing to us all night in the lock-up next door. Had a fearful noise all night from the prisoners in the third story. Lieutenant Barclay spent the night here. He leaves for Richmond in the morning. Sent a letter to Hannah by him.
Monday, September 19.— Found that the officer who called yesterday thought the corporal was the Provost Marshal, Captain Hampton. He received a letter from General Ripley, commanding post at Charleston, asking whether my “status,” as Captain Senn called it, was good. He rather thought it was, on inquiry. Day cloudy. Began Mistress and Maid. We heard that men were being sent away from Andersonville.
Sunday, September 18. — About 9 o’clock the corporal of the guard came in and asked whether a Colonel Weld was here. The same thing happened in the evening. Could not find out what it was for. Had a rainy day. Shaved by the barber, who is a negro. He is allowed to come in every morning and shave any one who can pay for it. Had the navy officers in our room in the evening. Day passed rather more quickly than last Sunday. Finished Aurora Floyd.
Saturday, September 17. — Received a pair of blankets from Mr. Saunders, as did Charlie Amory. Went over to the navy room and had a drink of whiskey, the first I have tasted for six months.
Friday, September 16. — Wrote to-day to Dr. Marks and Mr. Saunders for reading matter. By the way, whenever any one comes to see us, we always have to have a rebel officer present, so that the conversation is naturally rather constrained. Received several books from Dr. Marks, with some writing paper and a bottle of coffee.
Thursday, September 15. — Mrs. Crane’s son was drowned to-day. Nothing new about exchange. Subscribed to the Charleston Courier for one month.
Tuesday, September 13. — Received letters from home. One from Father and one from Alice. It is a great relief to find that all are well and that they have heard from me. Also received a letter from Mr. Kidder. In the evening the navy officers heard that they were to be exchanged.
Monday, September 12. — Nothing new. The day passed as usual.
