Monday, October 10. — Three officers were brought in last night who escaped from the depot. There are now 1400 officers at the stockade, some two miles from here. We are now kept locked up all the time, I suppose from fear of an outbreak. Gave the letter I was going to send by Lieutenant Ware to one of the hospital stewards who is going to Richmond to-morrow, to be exchanged, with the sick and wounded. Doctor examined several sick to-day and sent them off to be exchanged. Captain McChesney was sent to the hospital to-day. Heard that our privates were dying at the rate of 100 per day at Charleston, of yellow fever.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Sunday, October 9. — Last night was the coolest of the season. Managed to keep pretty warm. Dr. Marks called in the morning and gave me a copy of the New Testament in Greek, and promised to send me a comforter. Sewed my blankets together with paper between them. Quite chilly so that we had a fire all day.
Saturday, October 8. — Weather was quite cool towards morning. Had a fine day. Room scrubbed out. An officer from Charleston came to the prison to-day with letters for Charlie Amory and me. Five for Captain A., and one for me from Hannah. All well at home, and was glad enough to get it. Second one I have received.
Friday, October 7. — Wrote to Mr. Caldwell for some money and sent it by Captain Senn. Captain McChesney was sent for by the commandant of the post, and questioned as to any intended outbreak amongst us. As there was none intended, no information could be given. Four cannon were fired towards evening. Some officers from Charleston came by here in wagons about noon. Spent most of the day mending my trousers. Day rainy and cloudy.
Thursday, October 6. — Wrote a letter to Alice, to go by Lieutenant Ware. Had a heavy rain in the afternoon. A Mr. Caldwell called with a letter from a Mr. Coleman, 80 Wall St., New York, and offered to cash any of my drafts on Father. He lent me $50 for temporary use. Some more car-jumpers came in. Nothing new in papers.
Wednesday, October 5. — The men dug a tunnel and were all going last night. Lieutenant Belcher was officer of the day and discovered the affair. Had another concert this evening. Captain Senn told me Dr. Marks had written General Ripley about my exchange.
Tuesday, October 4. — My Charleston paper of yesterday—came this A.M. It is the first time I have received it since subscribing. Lieutenant Gear received an order to go to Richmond, probably for exchange. Had a concert at the City Hall. Sent a letter by Lieutenant Gear.
Monday, October 3. — Rained hard all night. Morning dark and gloomy. Cleared off for a little while during the clay. Dr. Marks called to see me. Said he sent me a basket of books, which did not reach me. Is going to write to General Ripley for me. Received particulars of the fights near Petersburg and Richmond.
Sunday, October 2. — Two officers escaped last night. Their names were Williams and Peirce. Wrote Father and finished Pelham. Day passed very slowly. Had a skirmish with cornbread in the evening.
Saturday, October 1. — Lieutenant Bell escaped last night, and was brought in this morning. He wandered round the town and played billiards. He got on a train, but was put off by the conductor. About 100 sailors and some officers came up from Charleston. They are to wait here and go on with the navy officers to Richmond and be exchanged. Rained during the night. Had our room scrubbed out. Had a fire in our room in the evening. Lieutenant Sterling received a letter.
