January 1863
January , 1863
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 293
Joined During Month: 587
Total: 880
Transferred to other Stations: 0
Delivery or Exchange: 144
Died: 2
Escaped: 2
Released: 0
Total Loss: 148
Sick: 83
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 279

February 1863
February, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 732
Joined During Month: 344
Total: 1,076
Transferred to other Stations: 1
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 11
Escaped: 0
Released: 157
Total Loss: 169
Sick: 61
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 200

February 2, 1863:
Monday 2: We arrived in Columbus at six in the morning. I went to the Soldiers Home and took breakfast. Then went to Camp Chase. Saw Norman and George. Took dinner with them. Wrote a letter home-reported myself as a paroled soldier. Was assigned to Co. H. 1st Paroled Forces. [BM]

March 1863
March, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 907
Joined During Month: 276
Total: 1,183
Transferred to other Stations: 1
Delivery or Exchange: 639
Died: 8
Escaped: 1
Released: 0
Total Loss: 649
Sick: 22
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 90

April 1863
April, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 534
Joined During Month: 421
Total: 955
Transferred to other Stations: 479
Delivery or Exchange: 39
Died: 3
Escaped: 0
Released: 0
Total Loss: 521
Sick: 30
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 117

April 2,1863:
Delaware, Ohio, Democratic Standard, page 2, col. 2
Brigadier General James Cooper, Commandant at Camp Chase, died at Columbus, on Saturday, after a short illness of Congestion of the lungs. He was born in Frederick County, MD., May 8, 1810. His remains were taken to Frederick City, Maryland, for interment.

April 23, 1863:
Official Records. Series II , Vol. 5, page 514-5
OFFICE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER,
Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, April 23, 1863.
Maj. L.C. Turner, Judge -Advocate:
As to Miss Fannie Battle, aged nineteen years, of Davidson County, Tenn., arrested on the 7th day of April, A.D. 1863, by order of Col. Truesdail, chief of police at Nashville, and brought to Camp Chase on the 15th day of April, 1863, charged with being a spy, with smuggling goods and with getting a forged pass, I have the honor to report that the prisoner denies the allegation of having been a spy but admits that she is a rebel and she had a forged pass. She further denies that she was smuggling goods at the time she was arrested. There can be no doubt from the manner of the prisoner in replying to inquiries that she has been engaged in smuggling. The prisoner is affable and attractive and well qualified by manners and mind to be influential for evil to the loyal cause. She is a daughter of the rebel General Battle. I recommend that she be exchanged and sent beyond our lines as soon as it may be convenient to our Government.
Respectfully,
Saml. Galloway, Special Commissioner.

OFFICE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER,
Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, April 23, 1863,
Maj. L. C. Turner, Judge -Advocate:
As to Miss Harriet Booker, aged twenty-four years, of Davidson County, Tenn., arrested on the 7th day of April, A.D. 1863, by order of Col. Truesdail, chief of police at Nashville, and brought to Camp Chase on the 15th Day of April, 1863, charged with being a rebel, a spy, with forging a pass and altering the same and with smuggling goods through lines and conveying letters and information to the enemy, I have the honor to report that the prisoner denies the charge of smuggling, of being a spy or conveying letters to the enemy, but admits herself to be a rebel and to have altered a foraged pass, knowing the same to have been forged for the purpose of being fraudulently used. The prisoner is less intelligent than Miss Battle and more ingenuous. She has been obviously under the control of Miss. Battle. There can be no doubt as to her active and cordial co-operation in the acts of Miss Battle. If she could be removed from the influence of [that] designing woman she would be harmless. I recommend that she be exchanged and sent beyond our lines, and if convenient and practicable that she be separated from the companionship of Miss Battle.
Respectfully,
Samul Galloway, Special Commissioner

April 24, 1863:
Ohio State Journal
General Mason [ commanding at Columbus ] has under his control the female rebel prisoners at this post and the arrangement of the new hospital. The upper story of the residence in front of the Heyl Seminary [ commonly so called from the name of its Principal, Lewis Heyl] has been fitted up for the females, of who, there are now five in number: Mrs. Samuels, of Nashville, Tennessee, and two daughters [Anna and Roberta]; Miss Booker and Miss Battles. The two latter occupy a separate room furnished with two single beds, chairs ,&c. They are permitted to write letters, subject to inspection, to their friends, read papers and books, walk in the open air under guard, and enjoy more than the ordinary comforts of prison life. These young belles persist that the southern army contains braver boys than northern, and that there is no danger of their long imprisonment, for, say they, Morgan will be in Columbus before two years. They are directly under charge of Mrs. Powers, who, though firm in her government, exercises every possible kindness to them.

May 1863
May, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 434
Joined During Month: 519
Total: 953
Transferred to other Stations: 0
Delivery or Exchange: 385
Died: 6
Escaped: 0
Released: 0
Total Loss: 391
Sick: 23
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 174

Official Records. Series II , Vol. 5, page 943:
Winchester, Tenn., May 4, 1863,
Hon. I.G. Harris,
Dear Sir: A rumor reached me some days since that one of my daughters, Fannie, has been arrested by the Federal authorities and would probably be sent to a Northern prison. Yesterday I learned for the first time that report was certainly true and that she was confined closely at Camp Chase in a room adjoining a hospital. Another young lady, Miss Harriet Booker, a daughter of one of our friends in my neighborhood, was arrested at the same time and is confined with my daughter. I have no personal acquaintance with either General Johnston or General Bragg and I would take it as a very great kindness in you if you will see them and know if anything can be done by which my daughter and Miss. Booker can be exchanged or the Federals induced to give them up. I am not advised as to whether we have any ladies prisoners in the South, but if their newspaper accounts are true there are some in our lines who ought to be if they persist in their policy of incarcerating our women and burning our houses. A copy of the Nashville Union now before me of a late date gives an account of the cordial reception of Federal prisoners by ladies of Shelbyville. For a less offense my daughter is to be closely confined in a loathsome Northern prison. Will you do me the favor of attending to the foregoing request at your earliest convenience and write me at this place?
Respectfully, your friend,
Joel A. Battle.

May 16, 1863:
Civil War Times Illustrated November 1964
pages 16-22
A Family in Prison
An Eyewitness Account by Dr. Thomas Bland Camden
BRIGADIER GENERAL Benjamin Roberts, the Federal cavalry leader opposed to Jones and Imboden during their raid [CWTI, May 1964], impressed his superiors as being timid, easily stampeded, and generally ineffective. They transferred him out of western Virginia. Before he departed, Roberts took a sort of vengeance, for his own failure against Confederate armed forces, against the civilian Southern sympathizers in his district. One of those who, with his family, suffered from this action, was Thomas Bland Camden, M.D., of Weston, a town 25 miles south of Clarksburg.
The following portion of Dr. Camden's unpublished memoirs, edited by William E. Parrish, Professor of History at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, tells of the calamity that befell the Camdens and their friends after the Confederates withdrew.
THE SOUTHERN forces remained quietly for a few days, arresting or molesting no one, and departed at their leisure. Again that ominous quiet settled on the town, a shadow of the storm that was soon to break upon us. We had not long to wait. Like a clap of thunder, the returning Federals came. I was just getting on my horse, with one foot in the stirrup, to go on a sick call, when I heard a yelling, like a band of Indians, and firing of pistols, and clash of sabers. I looked down the street and saw a troop of cavalry coming in full charge, with sabers drawn and firing right and left with pistols and yelling. My horse was a wild and spirited one, and I knew that he would bolt, if I mounted, and I would be a target for these braves and likely killed. I hurriedly brought him through my front gate, and back into the smoke house, where he remained as quiet as a mouse. I kept close until the clash of the mimic battle had somewhat subsided, viewing the charge from the window. The dash of the horses and firing could still be heard around town, as they pretended to be hunting for Southern soldiers, who they knew were miles and days away.
Gen. [Benjamin S.] Roberts and staff soon rode into town, a conquering hero! He took Dr. W. G. Bland's residence, where Mrs. Bland was alone, for his headquarters. He at once sent across the lines all who had relatives in the South, and Southern sympathizers to Camp Chase, Ohio. The good Union element must be separated from their Southern friends, neighbors, and even relatives. Yet the Federal authorities must have realized that the men, women, and children they were going to imprison had not, and could not, have influenced the Confederate forces in making the raid. On May 16 I received the following order:

Headquarters Indept. Brigade, Mid. Dept. Provost Marshal's Office, May 16, 1863

Sir:--I have the honor to notify you that you will be sent to Camp Chase May l9th, 1863. The charges against you are Treason against the Government of the United States. By order of Brig. Genl. B. S. Roberts. L. Markbrit, A. D. C. Pro. Marshal.

To T. B . Camden & Family:
The grown members of your family are included in this order and will be sent to Camp Chase.

This order was intended to include my two sisters, Amanda and Tillie, and John [a brother], and to exclude our children at first, but subsequently they were included, when I pled with Gen'l Roberts that the order might be modified on account of our sick one, a year-old child, Richie. He replied, "It would do him good to go"-so very considerate was he.

I HURRIED my sisters and John up to M. W. Harrison's (our relative) and they were overlooked, and escaped imprisonment. My wife and children, Jessie aged nearly seven, and Harry, not five, and Richard, aged one year, and myself were hastily gotten ready to go in two days. Soon after this order was received, two Dutch soldiers, who could not speak English, were placed in our doors with muskets, and the inevitable bayonets crossed, and we realized that we were prisoners indeed. We were notified that we had to leave our home and everything in it, in less than three days, to go to prison, in another state, not knowing that we would ever see our home or friends again.
Our youngest son Richard was quite sick with cholera infantum, and had to be cared for in my wife's arms. General Roberts had said it would do him good to go. I saw his surgeon, from whom, as a brother physician, I expected some consideration. But he replied, "A Rebel has no right to the air he breathes." Disheartened, I retired in disgust. Some of our lady friends who managed to pass the guard aided my wife in the quick preparations for leaving. I obtained permission to go out to make what collections and arrangements I could. I sold, for $148.00 in Confederate money, my nice horse that I had hidden in the smoke house, collected what I could for doctor bills, and drew what money I had in the bank. I took a draft on New York for $600; and ripped the lining of a velvet vest I wore, and sewed them in. I wore both boots and vest while I was in prison and away, throwing them around carelessly. I also had some gold and silver, weighing two or three pounds. My wife made a bag to tie around her waist, and she wore this weight all the time she was away, as there was no other safe place for it. Though we were not told where we might land, we knew the coin would be acceptable anywhere.
ON THE MORNING of the 19th an ambulance drove up for my wife and children. Large government road wagons were sent for the male prisoners, among whom were myself, A. A. Lewis, Father O'Conner, a Catholic priest, Jos. Darlinton, Irving ("Toke") Bailey, Rev. Clawson, Matthew W. Harrison, and John Morrow, who was so ill he had to go in an ambulance (he died at Camp Chase).
All were booked for Camp Chase as prisoners of war, men, women, and children, all charged with treason. Some 80 men were sent across the lines, many being separated from their wives and children. The train of ambulances and road wagons moved off amid tears and lamentations of the children and parents and friends of those who were left behind. It reminded us of the children of Israel going into captivity.
The roads during the war will ever be remembered for their deep mud holes and ruts and roughness, and they were at their worst from constant use and recent rains. In the ambulances the ladies and children were knocked from side to side and their heads bumped so that the children kept up a constant wail. The government wagons were worse and we had a lively time holding on. If the road had not been headed toward Camp Chase it might have been amusing to see these gymnastic exercises.

THEY HALTED US at Lost Creek for rest and lunch. Some of the prisoners had brought food, and there was nothing else to be had. It was the most weird and solemn of "picnics," with guards and muskets on duty to watch. We were soon loaded in again and reached Clarksburg near night. The men were put in the Old Lurty House, a prison. My wife and children were permitted, by request of Caleb Boggess, a relative, to stay all night with them, and report next morning. I had one of my terrible sick headaches, brought on by the excitement, worry, and fasting, and could not eat that night. No blankets were provided and we slept on the bare floor, but fortunately for me, Father O'Conner's church friends brought him a blanket, and he very generously shared it with me. Next morning some Dutch soldiers came to the door where the guards were and threw in square chunks of uncooked army bacon. I don't know that any ate it. I did not. Fortunately for me again, Father O'Conner s friends brought him eggs, bread, and coffee, which he divided between us. I shall ever remember his kindness. We had often been called to attend the sick on Sand Fork, he for spiritual comfort, I for medical aid, and we had always been good friends. Now he was one in need.
Just before we formed in line to march to the train William Bragg, a Federal soldier, came to the door and handed me a small package, saying, "This is vaccine. You will be on the train with a smallpox case today, so vaccinate your family and friends," which I did. The case turned out to be one of measles, but they did not know it. I never forgot Bragg's kindness. Nine years afterwards, when I was elected Superintendent of the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane, I gave him the night watchman position, and he discharged his duties faithfully for years. Perhaps he never knew that he had been repaid for his little act of kindness.
WE WERE put on the train for Grafton, where we parted from our friends, who were sent across the lines. Then we were headed for Wheeling, arriving there early in the morning, and marched to the Atheneum Prison. My wife and children and other ladies were worn out after the night's ride on the train, for we had no sleepers. The car soot and dirt was thick on their faces. The officials took our description, height, age, color of eyes, hair, etc. I shall never forget the mortification and indignity my wife showed when they told her to step on the measuring machine to take her height. Tears ran down her soiled cheeks, washing away the soot, leaving streaks down her face like tattoo lines. They did not measure the children. I presume our ladies were the first female prisoners ever in the Atheneum, and as there were no female attendants to attend to the ladies' and children's needs, a guard had to perform that duty.
We found Judge G. W. Thompson of Wheeling, Mrs. J. N. Camden's [a sister-in-law] father, a prisoner there. When I started to step over a white line on the floor, he said, "Don't do that." I asked why. He said, "That is the dead line, and if you pass it, the guard will fire." Later I noticed a similar dead line at Camp Chase, some distance from the high fence. I did not pass [it] either. The judge gave us a can of peaches, saying, "You'll need them." I carried them to Camp Chase, and my wife and children enjoyed them in their prison a few days after we got there.
There was a large, well-built young fellow in prison, named Ball, from Ball's Bluff, Va., who was wearing a ball and chain to his leg. He expressed himself freely about the war and was bold and defiant. I did not learn why he wore his decorations. I heard afterward he escaped by jumping through a car window, when they were moving him to another prison.
IN THE AFTERNOON we were ordered to get ready to move to Camp Chase. The men were formed in line, each with his bundle, and we marched through the streets of Wheeling up to the suspension bridge and across the island to Bridgeport, Ohio, to take the train for Columbus. I remember how daintily A. A. Lewis walked, and how Uncle Joe Darlinton would grumble and say, "Dod blast 'em, Stonewall will pay them for this." Mat Harrison had a long stride and was a good walker. Rev. Clawson was older and took it slowly, until urged up. "Toke" Bailey carried his bundle with easy grace, but none of us enjoyed the tramp and publicity, as no doubt many onlookers thought we were convicts going to prison, and we did not present a prepossessing appearance. Father O'Conner had been released through Bishop Whalen's influence soon after he got to the Atheneum. The ladies and children and John Morrow, who was still quite ill, were sent over in ambulances.
The children were hungry, and I bought bologna sausage, the worst thing I could have done, as it made them very thirsty and the inhuman guards on the train would give them no water. I heard the children crying for a drink, but I was not permitted to be with them, and was in another coach. I started in to them, but the man with the gun said "No." I managed to buy some lemonade from the car boy and sent it in to them. Going through Ohio, we were very naturally objects of curiosity, especially to women and children, and I heard them ask at the station, "Well, what did these women do?" "Climbing telegraph poles and cutting the wires" was the answer. WE ARRIVED at Columbus near midnight. The women and children were marched through the streets, my wife carrying Richie, some of the ladies leading Jessie and Harry. Where they were housed that night they never knew, but they were much alarmed at having to march on foot through a strange city at midnight. The men were put in some kind of barracks, where they slept on the floor.
Next morning we were formed in line and took up the march for Camp Chase, four miles along a dusty road. It was hot and we became very thirsty. Wells and pumps were all along the road and we naturally stopped to drink, but the guards would not permit us to take a single drop, and would say, "Hurry up, hurry up!" with their bayonets dangerously near behind, as they ordered "Close up, close up." Uncle Joe Darlinton would whisper, "Never mind, Stonewall will pay 'em for this such inhuman treatment keenly.
We at last arrived at Camp Chase, where a large gate was opened and we were turned in like sheep (or goats) and our journey ended. The prison was a lot of an acre or two, enclosed by a 17-foot fence, with a parapet or walk near the top for the armed guards to walk their beat. There I saw another dead line to prevent anyone coming near the fence. There were rows of shanties for the prisoners to eat and sleep in. There were near 700 prisoners in the Bull Pen, as it was called. The shanties were provided with shelves or bunks, one above the other, to sleep in. I fortunately got next to a lower one, and a good mattress that Maj. Printiss of Louisville had brought when he was a prisoner. With some of his soldiers he had dug out under the fence and escaped. My wife and children and the other ladies and children, and John Morrow, who was still very ill, were brought out in ambulances from Columbus. The ladies and children were put in an enclosure-fenced prison similar to ours, about half a mile from ours. The only way I got to see them was when they called for volunteers to clean up the "women's prison." I was one of the first to volunteer and shoulder my broom and fall in line. I must confess to shirking and stacking my broom while there, and spending the time with my family. I saw them on two occasions, when not in the broom brigade, once when Richard was ill with croup, and once when Charley Darlinton accidentally threw lime in Harry's eyes, blinding him for a time, and I was sent for, to see him. When the ladies entered prison, they were given tin plates and cups to eat and drink out of. My wife has her plates yet, as souvenirs s. Capt. Sankey, who had charge of the ladies' prison, changed the tin later for white ware. They were furnished with corn shuck beds, with the end of the cob left in. Rats were in abundance, and of course the ladies had to jump and scream. The guards on the parapet were kind to Harry and Charley and threw them bullets; they had a pound or so when they left. Richard was too young to enjoy them, but he tells of his remarkable prison experience now, chiefly from a good imagination, as he was only a year old.
PRISON LIFE became very irksome and monotonous as day by day we wandered about the inclosures. Charley Harrison and others would crack a dry joke now and then. One day he said, "Boys, I came near being shot today." Of course we were much interested. "How?" we asked. "Well," said Charley, "I was just walking around not suspecting any danger, when I saw a fellow with his eye cocked on me, and if it had gone off, you see where I would have been?" Rev. Clawson listened with one eye closed and mouth wide open, and as he was so matter-of-fact, he did not take it in for some time.
Rev. Clawson preached now and then for us. He was called the "Wild Preacher" at home. He and his family were sent across the lines from Camp Chase, and I don't know their later history. When he left for the South, I bought from him a white cow running loose in Maxwell's field at home, "sight unseen." I gave him $45 in Confederate money, some I got from Maj. Bailey for my horse. I found the white cow after I got home, and that was all I saved from my horse.
We cooked our meals in turn; some enjoyed cooking more than I did, although I had often bragged at home of my art, to my wife. I could, however, make good strong black coffee, which was served in tin cups, with brown sugar and no milk. We thought it just the thing, and it was for us. I always shall remember the fried toast bread Toke Bailey made by frying slices of loaf bread until brown in the grease left from frying fat bacon. Rats were abundant and very large and burrowed in the ground and were good scavengers. 'Twas said they were good eating, but we did not investigate. We bought some things from the Quartermaster at the gate, when we got tired of the everyday "flitch" fare, and enjoyed anything to break the monotonous everyday fare. A few of us made rings out of gutta percha buttons, to pass the time. I could make fair ones. Some made them out of bone and some fire-eating southerners said they made theirs out of Yankee bones, but I doubted it. A prisoner by the name of Kuhl, from Steer Creek, Braxton County, who was suspected of being implicated in the murder of a Federal soldier, was there with ball and chain to his leg, which he could slip off and on as he pleased, as the guard came and went. He was adept at ring making and inlaying with silver. He made me one with T. B. C. in silver letters, inlaid, which I have yet.
THE HARDEST and most detestable thing I had to encounter were "graybacks," a large body louse that thrived and bred in war times on soldiers and prisoners. I had noticed prisoners off by themselves in secluded places, with their shirts pulled over in front, examining very carefully the seams, and then going through a dexterous motion with the thumbs. I soon learned they were on a hunt for graybacks that would forage and then hide in the seams of the clothing. The first one I saw was hanging to Toke Bailey's ear, a big one, that made a good pendant. He was holding on with his teeth and legs, and as he could not recover himself, but hung on, I studied him. He was gray with a dark streak down his spine. They told me only smashing, or boiling water or fire would kill them, and as the usual Confederate and other prisoners had but one shirt, smashing was the usual mode of death. It never entered my mind that I would form an eating acquaintance with them, but one day I got "a bite," and oh! horrors, it was one. I shall never forget my feelings, when I thought of having to pasture these things on me. I thought of them day and night, I do not know why I did so, but I carved a likeness of one out of bone and made a stick pin of it, which I have yet. Perhaps the incentive was something like the children of Israel when they raised a brazen image to look upon, when they were bitten by fiery pests, and I had a grim consolation in having one that could not bite. I think General Sherman had been attacked and was scratching when he exclaimed, "War is hell."
I can see now my friend, A. A. Lewis, sitting in his bunk, scanning his wardrobe. He was adept at catching fleas. It is told that he was fishing in Webster County and they gave him a bag of flaxseed for a pillow and by the moonlight he took the seed as they sifted out, for fleas, and had a goodly number on the window sill next morning. But these gray pests were too sly for him and I think they had much to do in bringing about his physical and mental condition, which lasted for months after he was released. Someone said fleas and bedbugs were a luxury compared to graybacks.
Poor John Morrow wanted me to attend him at the hospital as I had at home, but the authorities would not let me. I visited him daily and saw that he was going down. The hospital was an up-and-down board shanty, like our quarters, with no conveniences and no regular nurses, only prisoners, who were assigned to look after the sick. There was no special diet for the sick. I visited him one morning, and said, "How did you rest last night?" He replied, in his half laughing way, "They rode me all night and through the briars too." I said, "Oh, that was a bad dream. Who rode you?" "The witches, just look at my legs. See how the briars scratched them." He showed me his legs, all scratched and peppered from vermin, lice, fleas, and bedbugs; he could not fight them of. My heart went out to him and in consultation with our friends we thought it best to telegraph his wife, and she came and got permission to take him out. She took him to Columbus, where he died.
Old man Day, from Buckhannon, was in the hospital, and asked me to take his fine gold watch and send it to his family if I ever got out, as it would certainly be stolen. I did not care to take the responsibility as I did not know where I would land, and refused. In a day or so, he said, "It's gone, sure enough." He died soon after. WHEN ANYONE was taken out of the prison, his name was called at the gate by an orderly. I waited day after day listening for mine, and on the 17th of June I heard my name called. I was marched to headquarters where I found my wife and children, and were told that our release was ordered, when we took the oath. The commandant read them to us; mine had the penalty of death attached and "conditioned to remain in the State of Ohio during the war, unless the Executive of West Va. gave him permission to return." My wife's oath was the same, except the death penalty, and she was not paroled to the State of Ohio. I demurred, as I had been captured and sworn by General Jenkins [during a Confederate raid on Weston in 1861], "not to take up arms against the Confederate States." He replied, "All right, I will send you back into prison." I said, "No, I will swear to anything first."
We did not get out of prison any too soon, for I was taking camp fever, and I am sure if I had ever gone to the prison barn hospital, I would never have gotten out alive, as few did who entered there. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Darlinton were released when we were, and as Mr. Darlinton had relatives at Zanesville, Ohio, we went there with them. I was sick there for nearly a month. Richie broke out with measles on the train that day, and it was fortunate for my wife and him that they were out of prison. A. A. Lewis was released in a few days and came to us, and was at Zanesville some time. Prison life, the confinement, and food and vermin had affected him physically and mentally.
WHEN WE GOT to Zanesville, we did not know how we would be received if they knew we were just out of prison, so we told Jessie and Harry not to tell where we were from. A young clerk in a drygoods store boarded at the same house, and he was fond of Jessie, and tried to quiz her, but she evaded and at last said, in desperation, "Oh, from some old bad place.
After I got well enough, we concluded to go to Bridgeport, opposite Wheeling, to see what was best to do. Mr. and Mrs. Darlinton and son Charley went with us. We hired a team there and as my wife was not paroled to Ohio, she went to Wheeling to see Gov. Boreman. She returned with P. M. Hale of Westoll, the member of the legislature from Lewis County. He said, "Jump in, jump in." I said I was not permitted to cross the Ohio River and was barred from West Va. He said, "That's all right, I have authority." We went over and saw Gov. Boreman. He gave us a lecture about how we should conduct ourselves and gave me a pass to Weston, with the provision in it that I should give bond in $1,000 with good security, that I would be good.
We got home and found that Mrs. Dunlop, Mrs. Darlinton's sister, had kept our home in good condition, and felt happy that we were home again, although my wife's health was broken by the imprisonment, and the care of the children and the worry and work. She had an attack of jaundice and did not become strong for two years, due to the physical and mental strain of her terrible experience.
We were well received by every one, and all parties, friends, and acquaintances, and the persons who were instrumental in sending us to prison, all greeted us warmly. We had learned that several petitions had been signed by all parties and classes for our release and sent to the War Department and to Gov. Boreman, and this fact was very gratifying to us, and tended to soften the wounds and scars that had been caused by the cruel treatment we had undergone, and showed that the unnatural passions and hatred and malice had been replaced by a more natural feeling, and nearly all of those who were active in sending us to prison, showed by their actions that they regretted what they had done.

Editor's note: Shortly after his return to Weston, Dr. Camden was requested to take the position of post surgeon there by the Federal forces stationed in the town. He accepted, as "it would give me position, security, and protection with the officials and be superior to the rabid Union element, who had sent us away ."

June 1863
June, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 562
Joined During Month: 553
Total: 1,115
Transferred to other Stations: 547
Delivery or Exchange: 7
Died: 14
Escaped: 0
Released: 167
Total Loss: 735
Sick: 22
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 200

June 23, 1863:
Camp Chase, June 23, 1863
Sister Eliza,
I seat myself to drop a few lines to you to let you know that I am well hoping that these few lines may find you in the same state of health. Further I let you know that Sam, I and two others tried to get home in our soldiers suit and it happened that the Marshall from Columbus was on the train and he noticed us and sent us back and stuck us in the guard house. We have a very good room in some ways we have a cook stove and a room by ourselves, but the bedbugs took possession of this place and they don't want to give it up. They chased me out of my bunk last night, but I won't leave the room in spite of them. Sam, he ain't with us. He is a corporal. They left him outside and he can go all through camp and if (we) want anything he can get it for us, but one thing if they don't watch us very close I will try it again and I made a ring for you but not a very nice one because I could not find a very good shell. Write soon and give me all the news. I have not very much to write this time. Direct your letter to H/H H W Musselman, H? Co G,_Regiment PT?, Camp Chase, Ohio.
( They got caught going AWOL because they were wearing their uniforms on the train. They were all from Wayne Co. , Ohio. from Mrs. Donald Sheppard, Euclid, Ohio.)

July 1863
July, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 380
Joined During Month: 2,960
Total: 3,340
Transferred to other Stations: 902
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 9
Escaped: 0
Released: 43
Total Loss: 954
Sick: 17
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 159

July 3, 1863:
Delaware Gazette
100 Men Wanted To Fill Up 88th Regiment, Governor's Guard
This regiment is designed exclusively for guard duty at Camp Chase, and in no event to be taken out of the State.
Here is an opportunity to get into a very desirable branch of the service, of which young men liable to be drafted would do well to avail themselves.
The PAY, BOUNTY, &c.. is the same in this regiment as in other branches of the volunteer service, including the usual advance bounty of $25 to be paid as soon as mustered in. Apply immediately to the undersigned at Ashley, Del. Co. O.
James W. Mills
Recruiting Officer
June 26, 1863

George W. Neff 88th
George Washington Neff was born in Cincinnati January 5, 1833. He Attended Woodward College, Cincinnati, Ohio. His occupation was Wholesale shoe merchant and insurance agent. He was one of the original members of the "Rover Guards", a much admired military company, which was among the first to volunteer under the first call. In April 1861, after a few day's service as commandant of Camp Harrison, near Cincinnati, he organized the Second Kentucky Infantry, composed of mostly Ohio troops. With his regiment he served in West Virginia but a few days he was captured at the battle of Scarry Creek July 17, 1861. He spent the next 13 months in Confederate prisons before being exchanged. Soon after being exchanged, and while at home in Cincinnati on leave of absence, Kirby Smith's raid was made, and Col. Neff volunteered his services to General Lew Wallace and served on his staff. He was afterward assigned to the command of Camp Dennison, where he had the opportunity of defending the place against John Morgan. He was commissioned Colonel of the 88th Regiment OVI on July 29, 1863, and was mustered out with his regiment July 3, 1865. His brevet rank dates from March 13, 1865. He died December 13, 1892 at Newport KY. and is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio (Section 52, Lot 152)

The 88th O.V.I:
Ohio in the War, Vol. 2, Page 492, Whitelaw Reid, 1895.
After repeated solicitations the Secretary of War, through Governor Tod's influence, granted authority to recruit the battalion up to a maximum regiment. The order was promulgated June 26, 1863, and by the 29th of July the regiment was completed.
George W. Neff, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Kentucky Infantry (recently released from thirteen month's imprisonment in Rebel prisons, part of the time held, with Colonels Corcoran, Wilcox, Woodruff, and others, as hostages for the lives of Rebel privateersmen), was relieved from the command of Camp Dennison, and appointed by Governor Tod Colonel of the new regiment, The Eighty-Eighth Ohio. Colonel Neff at once placed his regiment under the strictest discipline, and soon had it drilled up to the highest point of efficiency; and the hope was cherished by the officers and men that they would be afforded a chance to display their acquirements at "the front." This hope was soon dissipated, orders having been received for the regiment to remain on duty at Camp Chase. A small detachment only was permitted to visit West Virginia and Maryland. It was, however, soon brought back to aid in the capture of John Morgan and his guerrillas, then on a raid through Ohio.
When Morgan's forces reached the Ohio line at Harrison, twenty-one miles from Cincinnati, it was surmised by Governor Tod and General Burnside, then in command of the Department of Ohio, that he would attempt the destruction of Camp Dennison, one of the most important posts in the West. The Governor ordered Col Neff, then in command of the post, to hold himself in readiness, and take every precaution against being surprised or overcome by the enemy. The Colonel, in obeying these orders, armed the little force of invalids and a few of the Governor's Guards on duty at headquarters, and stationed them in appropriate positions. He also called upon citizens of the surrounding country to take their axes and obstruct the roads over which Morgan's troops would be compelled to pass. The citizens performed their work so faithfully that Morgan was compelled to make a wide detour, and was thus materially delayed in his movements. One small squad did find its way to within about a mile of Camp dennison, but was so roughly handled by a force of invalids under Captain Von Doehn, that they hastily withdrew and joined the main column of freebooters.
Again the regiment resumed its monotonous guard-duty at Camp Chase, and continued it up to October, 1863, when Colonel Neff succeeded in obtaining orders to move his regiment to Cincinnati, as a relief to the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio, then performing provost-duty in that city. This change, though not so welcome as would have been orders to the field, was gladly received by all, as some relief from the excessive monotony of Camp Chase.
A detachment of the Veteran Reserve Corps took the place of the Eighty-Eighth Ohio at Camp Chase, but, from looseness of discipline and a strong disgust for the duty, a complete failure was made; so much so, that the commandant of that important prison depot informed the War Department that he should decline to be held responsible for the safe custody of the prisoners. Many of them had already escaped through the negligence of the guards.
Again the Eighty-Eighth was ordered to resume its old place at Camp Chase, and the 20th of December, 1863, found it inside its detested limits. Nothing but the most perfect discipline prevented serious disturbance on receipt of this order, so great was the antipathy of both officers and men to returning to Camp Chase. The regiment remained on the same duty until July 3, 1865, when it was formally mustered out of the service. The Eighty Eighth Ohio was complete and well drilled, and, if given the chance, would have undoubtedly performed good service in the field.

Rebels in Ohio : Morgans Raiders:
* : John H. Morgan
The Big news in the summer of 1863 was that Confederates under the leadership of General John Hunt Morgan were raiding Southern Ohio towns.
Every one including the people in Columbus and at Camp Chase were worried that he would attempt to rescue the prisoners at Camp Chase. Every available man was used to try to stop Morgan & his men citizens former their regiments to protect the towns.
But Morgan slipped through.

July 25, 1863:
"Camp Chase, Ohio
July 25, 1863 (Sunday)
Dear Brother,
According to the rules and regulations of war and the duty I owe you I sit down this afternoon to answer your kind letter. I was thankful to hear from you, also for the likeness you sent me. I received it in good order. We are all well here at the present time.
There has been a great deal of excitement here lately. The state militia was ordered out about two weeks ago. Eleven thousand men came to Camp Chase so what troops were here before made us quite a little army for a small camp like this.
In addition to this, the Morgan raid has stirred up the ideas of the timid chaps beyond all calculation. Nine hundred of Morgan's men arrived here this morning as prisoners. They were captured at Buffington's Island on the Ohio River one week ago today. Another lot has been sent to Johnson's Island. Among the prisoners taken were Col. Dick Morgan, Bagelduke [sic Bazil Duke] and others. It is supposed that John Morgan and the balance of his command will be captured.
We have about 1700 "rebs" here now. We sent 400 to Fort Delmar a few weeks ago. Recruiting has gone off quite briskly here for the last few days. Gad has authorized this battalion to be raised to a regiment. It will be the 88th Regiment. My company has been split up for the last three months. Some are at Dayton, some after Morgan, and some here. It makes it quite unpleasant to be in such a fix. I would almost as soon be in a family way.
I received a letter from Dad last week. They were all well but ma. George Hopwood has enlisted for six months , and the other boys were talking of enlisting soon. James Ingersoll is dead. Dad says he never knew it to be so dry there before as it is now. That is what's the matter here. We are almost without water here in camp.
Gid Durkee was here a few weeks ago. He was after a Captain Cornish to raise a six month's company. I do not know whether he got one or not. Tip, I have but little to write, so I'll leave this space for Nero. As ever I remain your affectionate brother. Write soon and oblige me.
Yours truly, John Lyndes

Monday Morning July 26, 1863
Brother Tip,
Well John says be has left this space for me to write on, but I think he has written about all news except that John Morgan is taken. He was taken in Columbiana County, or at least that is the report this morning. Perhaps it will be contradicted before night.
Tip, that picture came out all right, and I think it is as good as could be had, and I feel much obliged for it. Tip, we went blackberrying yesterday ; got about a quart, and I am going to make a pie of them. I wish you were here to help eat it, but I can think of another place that I would sooner see you than here- that is at your Father's under the old big pear tree. I think if we could be there now the pears have to suffer. Ally says she wishes Uncle Tir would come home for she wants to see him. Give our best respects to Bill. Tell him to write us. Write soon.
Goodbye, from ...Nero Lyndes."

In July of 1863 Morgan's brother in law Basil Duke and his detachment were captured and finally on July 26, 1863 General John H. Morgan himself surrendered to the Union Authorities.
When they reached Columbus they were met by the Mayor and Governor who shook Morgan's hand in a ceremony the Ohio State Journal wrote about.
Morgan and his officers were placed in the Ohio Penitentiary and his men sent to Camp Chase Prison #3. Basil Duke could not stand the Pen and requested to be sent to Camp Chase and was. He was given the freedom to walk around the Camp as any other man. But he missed his chance, Morgans men were later sent to Pittsburgh until exchanged.

July 31,1863:
Delaware Gazette:
Dr. A. Longwell of this place, formerly Surgeon of the 4th Ohio Regiment has been appointed Surgeon of the 88th (Governor's Guards) Regiment, stationed at Camp Chase.

D.W.C. Lugenbeel:
The History of Delaware County, Ohio 1880, Baskins, O.L. page 745.
, teacher Belle Point; was born Feb. 7, 1831, and is the son of John and Pamelia Lugenbeel who moved to Ohio when our subject was a child ; they located in Delaware Township, where they remained until the subject was about 20 years old, when they moved away; he, however, remained in Delaware, attending the university, and was one of the four first students in that institution. Mr. Lugenbeel attended the university three years, and then spent some time with his parents; returned to the university, where he remained one year, being in the class with Mrs. Hayes and her brothers; in 1850, he left the school, and connected himself with the Delaware Democratic Standard, on which he worked until; he enlisted."
[ at this point the Delaware History is in error.]
Ohio Roster Book "DeWitt C. Lugenbeel age 33 entered the 88th OVI Co. H. on July 10, 1863, many of the writings in this paper are his work., he was Discharged Dec.1, 1864 at Camp Chase, O. on Surgeon's certificate of disability. [ Baskins continued ]
" While in the army, he corresponded for seven different papers, of which two were in Cincinnati, two in Delaware, one in Marysville, one in Springfield, Ohio and one in Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. Lugenbeel has a large newspaper experience, having been sole proprietor of four, and partner in two other, papers, and for several years has been correspondent for all the Delaware papers from the townships of Concord, Liberty and Scioto; he has been in thirty-three of the thirty-eight States, having spent several years in traveling; and in that time he gave considerable attention to collecting curiosities, and now has quite a museum; about 1864, Mr. Lugenbeel commenced teaching, to which he has since devoted his time and attention; he has taught fifty-five terms of school in Delaware Co., has filled the office of Township Clerk one year, and Township Constable three years; is a member of the Reform Church, and is now prominently identified with the Sunday-school interests of Concord Twps. As a poet, Mr. Lugenbeel has gained quite a reputation, writing poetry on any subject he may choose.

August 1863
August, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 2,386
Joined During Month: 936
Total: 3,322
Transferred to other Stations: 2,060
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 19
Escaped: 0
Released: 30
Total Loss: 2,109
Sick: 34
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 57

August 24, 1863
*Delaware Gazette, Sept. 4, 1863: D.W.C. Lugenbeel
From the 88th Regiment
Editor Gazette : As Artemus Ward would remark. "things is working " here. On the 20th inst. 700 rebels were removed from here in Camp Douglas, near Chicago, and on the 22nd as many more took the same route; today nearly the same number followed suit. Men are detailed from our regiment to guard them safely to the land of "Suckerdom", but the journey is not looked upon by the guards as a very envious one, from the fact of their being while en route, in such close proximity to the lousy,dirty,filthy rebs, and thus invariably return well covered with "grey-backs" a class of vermin that cling to a person with disagreeable tenacity, rendering necessary many applications of a compound of ley and water, to remove them; but the bitter in a soldiers life generally overbalances the sweets. When these rebs get away, we will still have about 1200 left in limbo. "On Friday last, our worthy captain being officer of the day had three "nymphs du pave" who had been arrested dressed in male attire at the time of the arrest, shaved closely and under an escort of soldiers, drummed out of camp. With their bald heads they presented a grotesque appearance on the march"
"The prisoners removed from here presented a novel appearance, being dressed in every conceivable garb, one having on a vest made from an untanned calf skin, and in a good humor, telling the guards who remained behind that they were coming back again by Christmas One long-haired, uncouth reb was extended upward at least seven feet and being spare, looked more like a flagg staff than a human being. Almost daily, Kentuckians of both sexes arrive here with money, clothes, etc. for relatives and acquaintances in the prison and backed by an order from Gen. Burnside, frequently obtain interviews with the erring ones who were with the noted horse thief. John Morgan, in his John Gilpin raid through Ohio before he was so unceremoniously halted among the hills of o'd Columbiana.
Drs. Longwell and Caruthers are rendering themselves popular with the "suger boys" by their urban manners and careful attention to the wants of the sick.
Sorry am I to say that we have in the deserters prison more than one hundred who have violated their oath and deserted the old flag at a time when their services were most needed.
Sergeant H.A. Shoub has been assigned to the Invalid Corps at Columbus.
Although our company has been organized less than one month, under the exertions of our gentlemanly Orderly, seconded by Capt. Anderson, a born soldier, we have the reputation of being the best drilled company in the regiment. Bully for company H.
We have first class field officers- G.W. Neff, colonel; Weber, lieutenant colonel and Skyles, major. The latter gentleman has but one arm, the other having been lost in the service. He is a capital officer. The Sergeant major is a capital little fellow, puts on just enough style to be an officer all over. His star is still in the ascendancy.
Much sickness is prevailing among the rebs which is not to be wondered at when taken into consideration the filth amid which they live; some of them actually die from the grey-backs and other vermin with which they are covered. They have a hospital in prison No.2, attended by one of their own surgeons They say if any liquor is sent in for use in the hospital, he drinks it and rubs the bottles on the sick under his charge.
"Hucksters swarm in the camp like flies. Chalk and water retails as milk at five cents per quart. One day beggars come around begging dry bread; the next day after, having made a preparation by soaking it in cold water, they put a little apple between two pieces and sell it to our boys at ten cents a piece as pies. One old man, hump-backed and bent nearly doubled, ragged and dirty, begging old scraps around camp, is worth several thousand dollars."
Occasionally we are visited by friends from home, with all the delicacies of the season, and then we live gay. This was the case a few days since, when the Misses Beards and Robinson, of Union county, came down with enough to last our mess some time. They have the thanks of all hands in the "chebang," I take this method of returning my thanks to Misses E. and M. Thompson, of your place, for the present of a magnificent needle-book, with all the accompanying paraphernalia necessary to fix up all rents in our U.S.. toggery. Hoping that old Delaware will give an overwhelming Union majority at the October election, I remain yours,
D.W.C. Lugenbeel Sergt. Co. H., 88th O.V.I.

September 1863
September, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 1,213
Joined During Month: 927
Total: 2,140
Transferred to other Stations: 13
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 21
Escaped: 19
Released: 12
Total Loss: 65
Sick: 39
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 124

October 1863
October, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 2,073
Joined During Month: 260
Total: 2,333
Transferred to other Stations: 110
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 26
Escaped: 1
Released: 45
Total Loss: 182
Sick: 31
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 167

October 18, 1863:
Delaware Gazette:
Vallandigham Elected!- Prisoners Unanimous for him.
Camp Chase, Ohio Oct. 18, 1863
Ed. Gazette:
In Prison No. 3, at this place the rebel prisoners took a vote with the following results on the 13th inst. Jacob Sipets was chosen Judge of Election:
Vallandigham Brough
Webber Precinct....... 105 1
Buttler............... 103 0
Chase................. 109 0
Lincoln............... 111 0
Brown................. 114 0
Burnside............... 99 0
Rosecrans............. 101 0
Brough................ 122 0
Gilmore................ 98 1
Giddings.............. 119 0
total............... 1,081 2
Val's.maj...........1,079

After this election by his friends, Val ought to be appointed to some position in the prison. Truly do the "rebs" know who are their friends. Bully for the Canadian Prison Superintendent.
On the 10th inst., one hundred rebel officers under guard were sent from here to Johnson's Island. While en route near Crestline the train ran off the track severely injuring some of the secesh as well as some of our guards.
We have two specimen bricks of the Southern Confederacy in the shape of two females under guard here. A number of the Invalid Corps have moved into camp, and they will probably assist us in doing guard duty. A Corporal of our company who was put in the Guard House for misdemeanor, tried "to get a furlough" by taking a dose of strychnine; unfortunately for him as well as the entire company, he took an overdose and did not succeed in killing himself.
Since the return of our boys who went home to vote, I have yet to hear of the first who voted for the exiled traitor. Thank God; our worthy Captain, Lieutenants and our bully little Orderly have a clear company to command. Traitors are at a discount in Company "H".
Captain Taylor, a brother Editor, and who holds command of our neighboring company on the left, Co. E was elected by the Union men of Guernsey County, Prosecuting Attorney, on the 13th inst. Bully for him; but if he accepts, his company will loose a capital officer.
We have now a rebel family here under guard of at least three thousand. Occasionally one attempts to gain his liberty by bribing the guards, but the attempt is not often successful, as the guards "can't see it" in that light. A company "G" boy is charged with allowing himself to be bribed, and let one of the chivalry escape.
Sometimes a prisoner refuses to work at cleaning up in prison, but a little moral persuasion in the shape of hand-cuffs and ball and chain with no rations soon brings him to his senses. Many of them die-- they live so filthy there is no wonder at the great mortality prevailing among them.
They are furnished well by Uncle Sam at a great expense, some say they live much better than they did at home -- still they are not satisfied, but want to get out so they can do more mischief. Were they treated like the treat our men in many instances when prisoners what a hiss there would go up in the North from every Copperhead den.
What is the price in old Delaware for shaving Butternuts? Here it is $1.00, and the price still on the rise. Since the election you hear the copperheads say, we are now going to have a military despotism at the North. " No rogue 'ere felt the halter drawn, With good opinions of the law."
So fully realized in this instance. Well do they know that they have forfeited all claims for protection from loyal citizens, and that mere imprisonment is too good for many of them.
Well, it is rumored again that the gallant 88th is about to be ordered into Dixie. If this be true, then we can say that we have the right kind of Regimental and Company officers to lead us on to glorious victories. We have first class material in this Regiment, and will give a good account of ourselves when ever we meet the foe, be that foe Northern Butternut or Southern Secessionist. This trouble can be put down in but in a way hemp for the leaders and grape for the ranks. They want no peace only on their own terms, and the government must never be dictated to by traitors as long as there is an arm in the North to wield a sword or fire a gun. Nobly has the old ship floated so far, and methinks the darkest hour of the Republic has been passed. God speed the time when the last armed foe has been conquered, and their mean, sneaking, contemptible, cowardly, bush-whacking, under-handed, unmanly, sympathizing friends at the North have met their doom. I write boldly but I cannot help it. If there is one thing on earth I loathe and detest more than another, it is a Northern Sympathizer.-- They are the meanest of all God's creation. But I must hasten to a finis. I remain yours in the bonds of the Union.
D.W.C. Lugenbeel Co.H.
88th Reg. OVI.

October 30, 1863:
Delaware Gazette
At Cincinnati. -- The 88th OVI has been stationed at Cincinnati, to relieve the 115th Ohio, which has been doing provost guard duty there for some months past, but has lately been ordered to the field.

November 1863
November, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 2,151
Joined During Month: 561
Total: 2,712
Transferred to other Stations: 65
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 19
Escaped: 0
Released: 43
Total Loss: 127
Sick: 25
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 157

November 13, 1863:
Delaware Gazette, Delaware Ohio.
Report of Soldiers Aid Society at Eden, Delaware County, Ohio.
The Hospital Stores sent to Dr. Burr, Camp Chase Hospital, September 9, 1863: - 15 shirts, 11 pairs drawers, 8 gowns, 7 pillow cases, 5 handkercheifs, 3 cushions, 3 papers pins, 1 package magazines, &c., 60 lbs. dried apples, 4 lbs. elderberries, 5 lbs. peaches, 3 lbs. cherries, 4 lbs. currants, 7 cans fruit, 2 bushels onions, one-half bushel potatoes.
Sent to Sanitary Commission, Nov. 9, 1863: 18 sheets, 21 pillow cases, 4 pairs drawers, 1 towel, 2 cans fruit, 4 sacks dried apples.
L.A.C.

November 27, 1863:
* John Morgan and six of his officers escaped from the Ohio pen, hopped a train and made their way back to Kentucky.

December 1863
December, 1863:
Prison Report
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 2,585
Joined During Month: 243
Total: 2,828
Transferred to other Stations: 2
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 14
Escaped: 0
Released: 49
Total Loss: 65
Sick: 29
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 123

End of 1863

Forward to Camp Chase Chronicles, 1864

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