War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld

Saturday, September 10.—Had rations issued to us. Sorghum flour and six pounds of bacon were the amount issued for eight men for ten days. Next time we are to have no more meat. Day pleasant. Six weeks since we were captured.

Friday, September 9. —Scrubbing day, but as Lieutenant Sterling was unwell, had the ceremony postponed. Charlie Amory received a box and letter from Major Anderson. The box contained clothing, and Charlie gave me a pair of drawers and a shirt, which were very welcome.

Thursday, September 8. — Had the mattress taken apart and cleaned. Day pleasant.

Wednesday, September 7. — Captain Amory bought a mattress which was full of bed-bugs. Day hot and close.

Tuesday, September 6. — Encounter between Colonel Marshall and Major Filler. Was in the navy room in the evening. Night quite cool.

Monday, September 5. — Had our usual number of watermelons and dumplings. Had a very heavy thunderstorm, together with hail. Room was quite wet, as we have no window-sashes. Had a heavy thunder-shower in the evening.

Richland Jail, Columbia, S. C., Sept. 4, 1864.

Dear Hannah, — We are quite comfortably situated here, considering our position as prisoners of war. Eight of us have a room together, about 18 feet by 15. It is on the ground floor and on the corner, so that we get plenty of air, and manage to keep quite cool and comfortable during this hot weather. The occupants of the room are Colonel Marshall, 14th N. Y. H. A., Colonel White, 31st Maine, Lieutenant Colonel Buffum, 4th R. I., Major Filler, 55th Penn., Captain McChesney of a N. Y. regiment, Captain Amory of Jamaica Plain, Lieutenant Sterling, A. D. C. to General Terry, and myself. Our rations are corn-meal, bacon, tobacco and salt. We have plenty, and are allowed to buy anything that we wish outside.

I wish you would try and have a box sent on to me. Send cards (6 packs at least) and clothing and books. Also send me a bill of exchange for 20 pounds sterling. Captain Williams of the navy will tell Father what I wish. Please write and give me the news. Also any information you may have from my regiment. . Send your letter by way of Port Royal.

Sunday, September 4. — Nothing new, except that Atlanta is certainly captured, but no mention made of the number of prisoners. Had nothing to do as it was Sunday. Read The Monastery. Night warm.

Saturday, September 3. — Heard news of a great victory in Atlanta. Five thousand prisoners captured, together with all the siege guns. Such news make a prisoner feel jolly. Had quite a heavy rain to-day. Five weeks since we were captured.