January 1865

January, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 5,289
Joined During Month: 4,134
Total: 9,423
Transferred to other Stations: 3
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 293
Escaped: 1
Released: 126
Total Loss: 2,128
Sick: 495
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 121

January 13, 1865: Note: written as 1864 in error
Delaware Gazette
From the 88th Regiment
Camp Chase, O.
Jan. 4th, 1864 [sic 5]
Messes Eds. Gazette;- Being solicited, will you allow me through your columns, to tender the thanks of Co.:D." 88th O.V.I. to those good ladies of Delaware Co. (Ashley) and others, for their recent visit to Camp, and a sumptuous repast given to the Company as a holiday festival? It was indeed a magnificent entertainment and the entire day passed off in high conviviality and social converse by the whole party, over two hundred in all, the tables in the dining hall groaning beneath a copious supply of the richest luxuries, and, to highten the entertainment, the Camp Chase Band poured forth some of their most mellifluous and sole-stirring airs. The whole affair was grand and happy success, and if those ladies should ever again contemplate the idea of visiting Camp, may they be assured that they will receive a cordial reception and the best possible entertainment.
About 2,400 prisoners have arrived here since Thomas' recent victories and more are expected soon. They are the most destitute and spiritless of any perhaps that have ever arrived here, many of them being entirely barefooted and others suffering from scarcity of clothing. There are now nearly 8,000 of the chivalric sons of mars in the prisons here and mortality among them at present is rather on the increase, over 500 having died since the 1st of Sept. last, or about 4 per day! many from contagious diseases and many from the mere "rust of inactivity."
Groaning Hospitals eject their dead and many groan for entrance there."
ol. Hawkins and two other rebel officers are agents for the reception of clothing and provisions from Dixie sent the prisoners; the Col. lady and child are living in Camp and boarding at J.N. Marple's, our officers regular boarding house.
portion of the literati of Camp recently organized a literary society, under the title of "The soldiers Union Reform Society," having for its object the suppression of vice and immortality and the improvement of the mind. Its principle moral features are temperance and anti-profanity, each member pledging himself to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, profanity, &e,&c.-
he society had a public meeting or exhibition recently, the Chapel in which the meeting was held being filled to overflowing by an intelligent audience of ladies (there are ladies in camp the elite society, too) and gentlemen. She literary efforts of the participants were a perfect success, highly moral, amusing, and entertaining. By the invitation of the society two very interesting lectures were delivered at the chapel for the benefit of all who might attend, and other able lecturers are engaged. The outward phase of Camp Chase have undergone an entire renovation, and, doubtless in point of morality and good order it surpasses many villages of a like number of inhabitants. In summiting the above I am respectfully &c.
J.P.Preston."

January 27, 1865:
Delaware Gazette
"Our former Camp Chase correspondent Sergeant D.W.C. Lugenbeel, of the 88th Ohio, has been honorably discharged from the service on account of physical disability, and has resumed his former occupation."

February 1865

February, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 9,045
Joined During Month: 371
Total: 9,416
Transferred to other Stations: 1,503
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 499
Escaped: 0
Released: 272
Total Loss: 2,878
Sick: 384
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 116

February 5, 1865:
Terrors and Horrors of Prison Life , or Six Months a Prisoner at Camp Chase. By WilliamH. Duff; 1907.
Duff, William H. says...
During the entire time of our imprisonment what little we did hear from the contending armies was at all times discouraging to us. The year 1865 came with no changes for the better or the worse. Sunday morning February 5th 1865 while most of us were in our barracks we were startled and surprised about 9. a. m. to hear the clear ringing voice of Lieut. Sankey "Attention prisoners" this he repeated two or three times and then what was musical to our ears, Lieut. Sankey called out," parole exchange of prisoners has been agreed upon between the United States and the Confederate States". Loud cheers went up from the prisoners.
Lieutenant Sankey and several other federals were standing on the parapet that was on the wall between prisons 2 and 3, the parapet being on the side of prison 2. The Lieut. motioned his hand and asked us all to be silent as he had good news for us and that he wanted all to listen and pay attention to what was said and in a clear voice the Lieutenant began, " General Robert E. Lee as commander in chief of the Confederate army and General U.S. Grant as commander in chief of the United States have come to an agreement as to a parole exchange of prisoners which has been approved of by their respective governments and that agreement is: That as there is a great complaint made by both North and South of the mistreatment of prisoners that it has best to exchange prisoners on parole and let them return home and remain and not bear arms until they were duly exchanged when notice would be given and all could then report to their respective commands for duty and all those who were paroled and had no homes could report to their parole camps where they could be taken care of and commencing at an early date to he agreed upon that from each prison North and South that 500 men would be paroled once a week and be returned to the nearest point of exchange or as many as transportation could be furnished to remove them. All this has been brought about by the efforts and labor of General Lee. And in closing his remarks Lieut. Sankey said "Now men I do not wish to be misunderstood, after you are out of prison and return South that you are not to take up arms that you are still prisoners of war under parole and we hope that a speedy, termination of hostilities will bring the war to a close. Now you can return to barracks." Cheer went up for Lee and Grant.
Returning to our barracks we talked of nothing but the good news We had just heard and we began to talk and plan for the future. Every evening when the weather would permit we would talk for hours around the prison so that when we returned South in walking home we would not be fatigued.
While we are waiting for the date to come when we are to leave Camp Chase I will here call the reader's attention to some facts I had omitted. As I have said that there were three prisons under one wall but was divided by partitions. Prison 1 was the smallest and was for commissioned officers, then came prison 2 larger than prison 1, then prison 3 larger then prisons 1 and 2 combined. In all there were between ten and twelve thousand prisoners and in these different prisons there were friends or relations separated from one another and were not allowed to see or communicate with each other, but by writing a note or letter and wrapping it and tying it around a small stick after night when the guard was at a reasonable distance we could approach near the wall and throw our letter over into the prison where our friend was. It would be found next day by some prisoner who would hunt up and give it to the one it was for and next day we would find a reply that came by the night mail as the men would say. We were well aware that many letters that came for the prisoners and many that were sent out by them were kept or destroyed and never reached those they were intended for. As time passed and not hearing any more of the parole exchange we became gloomy and looked upon it as a hoax and that it was done as a punishment, but time rolls on and waits for no one.

February 9,1865:
Delaware County News Thursday, ---------
A Darke County "blue-coat" an inmate of the Post Hospital at Camp Chase, writes as follows of Dr. A. Longwell, Post Surgeon: ""Maj. Longwell is in charge of the Hospital as Post Surgeon, and he is the right man in the right place. He is well thought of by all his patients, and everyone under his command. Never was an Army Surgeon more efficient or more popular then he."""
A Camp Chase correspondent writes as follows:-
We have some over ten thousand Johnnies here now to guard. They are as ragged as ever. The mortality in the rebel prisons is from ten to eighteen per day. There are about two hundred rebs in the Pest House at present, with the smallpox, and two hundred sick in the Hospital, as near as I can ascertain, The eighty-eighth, is getting along alright, with the exception of Captain Bunker, who has been dishonorably dismissed from the service. There are quite a number of recruits here helping our boys do guard duty, which makes it much easier on us. We only go on guard every third day, which is quite a change of programme to the old story of every other day. The guards are kept on the fence as usual, only twice as many of them, in order to prevent desertions. There is considerable sickness among Union soldiers, and a good many deaths occur. There are about two hundred in the Hospital and ten have died since the first of January, Three died in our Ward between the 29th of January and the 2nd of February."

February 11, 1865:
W.W. Pollard Map (information on outside cover of map.)
35
United States Qt Ms. Department
Camp Chase State of Ohio.
County of Franklin.
Location: 4 miles west of Columbus on National Road (2 miles south of (?) RR
Capacity: 5000 troops Pffrs Qrs for 4 Regts, Prison Barracks 10,000.
Stables: for 200 horses.
Material: Rough boards upright battoned.
Roof: Composition (Asphaltium)
Built: Rebuilt in 1864.
Condition: Good
Occupied. Feby 11th 1865 by 10 companies 88th OVI and three companies 37th sic[87th]Iowa Recruits 1000. Paroled Soldiers 535. Prisoners War 9050.
acres 133. 1110ft.
BK62B860

February 12, 1865:
Terrors and Horrors of Prison Life , or Six Months a Prisoner at Camp Chase. By WilliamH. Duff; 1907.
Duff, William H. says..
One week later Sunday morning February l2th 1865 about 9 a. m. Lieut. Sankey appeared on the same parapet and called out, "Fall in line men" and a grand rush was made. All being quiet Sankey told us that the parole exchange went into effect that day and that Camp Chase was the first to send out 500 and for the present only the Non Commissioned Officers and privates would be paroled, the commissioned officers later, and that only certain States would be called first then others until 500 prisoners were called. In calling names Sankey said that all that wanted to go say "Go" and any that wanted to stay to say "Stay", but those that said stay Sankey told them that they would still remain in prison as they were until the rest had been exchanged, then those that staid would be allowed to take the oath but not allowed to go South of the Ohio River and that as our names were called that those that wanted to go to answer and go at once and get ready to leave at 3. p. m. and in calling names some in prison two and some in three would answer.
One in prison two said stay, a fellow prisoner hissed him and told him he should be ashamed of himself. Sankey asked the man's name who made the remarks and the number of his barrack. The man told him. Sankey told him that he would be one of the last to leave Camp Chase. Charles Harper one of our Company had gotten mad at some of us and when his name was called he said "Stay" Our entire Company were among the first to be called and we were sure a proud set of men.
Charles Harper bad been a brave and good soldier and in many hard fought battles, but in a bad humor had done what he afterwards regretted for when the time came for us to leave and as we bade him farewell he could not speak and the large tears rolled down his cheeks.
Again answering to our names and passing out of prison 2 next to prison 3 about 5 p. m. Sunday February 12, 1865. Our company who had been prisoners of war at Camp Chase, O., with glad hearts with the first 500 left with a guard for Columbus. The sun was shining bright. There was frozen snow that covered the country. Passing out of the big gate into the turnpike under a double quick, reaching Columbus some three or four miles distant about dark when there was a train of box cares ready for us which was heated up by army stoves. All aboard we were soon on our long journey to Richmond Virginia.

February 23, 1865:
Delaware County News
"Col. W. P. Richardson, formerly of the 25th O.V.I., who has been the able and efficient Post Commandant at Camp Chase for some time past, and was elected Attorney General of the State at the last October election on the Union ticket, has recently resigned the latter position. All persons doing business at Camp Chase, will be pleased to learn of his remaining at the Post, as he is the most agreeable and pleasant officer to transact business with that has commanded there since its organization. Hon. C.N. Olds has been appointed Attorney General of the State."

also:....
" DIED -
In Camp Chase, Ohio on the 19th instant, Pinckney S, second son of Col.
Geo. W. and Clara Neff, aged 3 years and 2 months.
And so little Pinky, the "pet" of the 88th Ohio, has...
Gone to be an Angel, And with the angels stand.
He will be greatly missed in Camp, where,
from the sweetness of his disposition,
he was general favorite with all. L.

February 23, 1865: 196th O.V.I. Mustered in at Camp Chase.
Among the ranks was private Albert Ruger Company E. 36 years of age, who was the artist who drew the Birdseye view of Camp Chase. Mustered out June 27, 1865.

February 25, 1865:
The Ohio Weekly State Journal
MILITARY PRISONS- President Lincoln has ordered that the Penitentiaries at Columbus, Ohio and at Jefferson City, MO. and such other prisons as the Secretary of War may designate, for the confinement of prisoners under sentence of court martial shall be deemed and taken to be military prisons.

February 26, 1865:
Augustus McGehee, Private 46th, Ga. Co.I, died at Camp Chase, of pneumonia, grave 1452 (Military Records) states the location of the cemetery is 1/3 mile South of C.C. (Camp Chase.)
From Mr. David A. McGehee, 1029 Ridge Dr., Clayton, N.C. 27520.

March 1865

March, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 7,290
Joined During Month: 571
Total: 7,861
Transferred to other Stations: 11
Delivery or Exchange: 2,286
Died: 309
Escaped: 0
Released: 53
Total Loss: 344
Sick: 376
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 52

March 8, 1865.
Correspondence of Del. News.
Camp Chase, O. March 8, 1865.
Delaware County News March 9,1865-------------------
Editor Delaware County News:- General Mud is the ranking officer at present in this camp. It is found on all sides, in the barracks as well as on the outside.-- Several times when the rolls were called in some of the new companies, some of the smaller boys were missing -- supposed to have deserted -- but, to the great gratification of their officers, during the pleasant weather of yesterday and Monday, while the attachés of the Government Boarding House were engaged in cleaning up around the building, they un-earthed the little fellows from beneath the mud, who had just enough life left to call for more "sow-belly."
Five installments of Johnnies of 500 each, have recently left here for Camp Lookout,(Md.,) and Aikens' Landing, (VA.,) for exchange. About one-third of the entire number here refuse to be exchanged. A great many of the prisoners have died here -- there are nearly 1600 buried in their grave yard south of the camp besides a number have been taken to Dixie for burial.
A great many new recruits throng the camp, many of them being regular Sardines, and numerous "sells" are practiced upon them by the "vets" such as "checking their baggage " sending them to Col. Neff to "trade boots" or to the chaplain for "Kinnikinnick." Watch-trading and "selling passes" is also carried on extensively, a new recruit often giving fifteen dollars for a forged pass, or fifty dollars for an old "bulls eye" worth about three dollars. In the hands of the "old uns" their big bounties are disappearing like the due of morning before the hot arm. But the poor fellows will be wiser if they live to come home.
Many improvements have taken place in camp since I was here before, and after the mud dries away it will be pleasant here. My old "chums" of the 88th O.V.I. ( a most capital set of boys they are too.) and two companies of the 87th Iowa, "grey-beards," are "running the machine." Among the new recruits is a war correspondent of the New York World, which paper you know can beat the world in lying.
Much sickness prevails here. All the hospitals are crowded to excess. Even the chapel has been converted into a hospital. Many are dying -- some very suddenly. A number who but recently left home and friends, buoyant with hope and prospect of a safe return at the end of their term of service, are now quietly sleeping their last long sleep in "Green Lawn." But this is a nice "city of the silent dead," and they can sleep their very well. I dropped in upon Dr. Longwell and his estimable lady, and found them administering to the wants of the sick.-- The sick boys say they could not do without Mrs. L., Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Matthews, and Mrs. Jackson in the wards or in the cook-room. I was sick last fall long enough in the hospital to know that Mrs. Dr. Longwell can't be beat in preparing suitable articles for the sick to eat. Long life to Dr. L. and his better half.
I noticed that the officer who said "all that non-commisioned officers were fit for was to do the dirty work of commissioned officers," and that "no one was entitled to be a commissioned officer unless he had been born and raised an aristocrat," is keeping a "stallion." I am glad he has at last found his level.
In Columbus I called on my old "boss" G.F. Stayman, who is Foreman in the Christian Witness office, where there are several beautiful and intelligent young lady compositors, and he seems to be enjoying himself muchly.
Your strayed or stolen "jour"
D.W.C. Lugenbeel

also....

March 9, 1865:
Delaware County News March 9,1865-------------------
"Wanted.-- There are so many sick at Camp Chase, that those in charge of the various hospitals are unable to procure the necessaries for them to eat, and in consequence thereof, the poor boys are suffering dreadfully. The Chapel has been converted into a hospital for Paroled men, many of whom are almost daily arriving, just released from loathsome prisons, emaciated, sick and nearly starved, and they nearly all have to be taken to the hospital immediately upon their arrival. This Hospital is already crowded." "Can not our citizens get them up a box or two and send down ? If they do, they can direct them to Captain Allen "I" company, 88th O.V.I. Camp Chase, Ohio."

March 21, 1865:
Delaware County News :March 30, 1865
Camp Chase, O., March 21, 1865
Editor Delaware County "News". --
????
Camp Chase, as you no doubt know, has been the recruiting rendezvous of Ohio recruits since last call for volunteers, therefore it has been quite a stirring, place since the commencement of the great influx of "rah" recruits, ?? full regiments of which have been organized and sent to the field, another leaves to-day, and the arrivals have not yet entirely ceased.
A nobler body of men has not responded to their country's call then these same new recruits, and to them it is hoped may be assigned the honor of assisting in giving a quietus to this rebellion. So may it be. Sickness prevails to some extent in camp, more among the new recruits. One man of the 88th, two recruits and one paroled man, all died a few days since from the effects of either drinking too great a quantity of rotten whiskey or from poison therein. They took a spree one day and the next day died.
Intemperance, however, does not prevail extensively in camp. Three thousand prisoner have been forwarded from here for exchange, in lots of 500 each, under charge of portions of the 88th. -- Those desirous of taking the oath of allegiance are transferred to a separate prison. about 2,300 have signified that desire two companies of which have already been mustered into the U.S. service, uniformed, and sent to Chicago for Rocky Mountain service. They seem well pleased with their new situation, but were quite anxious to know whether they would get enough to eat.
About 6,000 prisoners still remain 500 of which leave tomorrow for exchange. About 1,000 paroled men in camp not yet exchanged. They are becoming, "weary of their monotonous life in this "fenced city" of barracks. May they soon be relieved.
The 88th has just been called to mourn the irreparable loss of its beloved Surgeon, Major Longwell, who died on Sunday last after a brief illness. The proper escort of four companies with reversed arms and band with muffled drums paid their last respects to the deceased yesterday morning as he was being conveyed from his office here to the depot at Columbus, where his remains were taken to the place of interment, near Eden, Delaware county. His wife was also conveyed from here at the same time in a critical state of health. Brevet Brigadier Gen. Richardson is still in command here, and under his orders camp is now undergoing a thorough "clean up" and everything is going on smoothly and happily.
Not wishing to be tedious, I will refrain from further details
I am, very respectfully,
Yours, &c. J.P. Preston"

March 23, 1865:
Delaware County News March 23,1865---------------------
"Dr. Albert Longwell, for several years a resident of this place, where he was very highly esteemed for his many noble qualities of both head and heart, died at Camp Chase, Ohio on Sunday afternoon last of typhus malaria. He leaves a widow and two most promising little boys, together with an extended circle of relatives and acquaintances to mourn their irreparable loss." "At the time of his death Dr. Longwell was Surgeon of the 88th O.V.I. and was also acting as Post Surgeon at Camp Chase. He was a most faithful officer, kind to his patients, administering to their wants with a gentle hand always pleasant and cheerful, having a joke to crack with all. The sick were always glad when the hour arrived for him to make his rounds. He invariably came in laughing, and would say to the boys, "Well, in a day or two more I will have you on your "pins" again, and then I, will excuse you, and let you go home for a few days," His pleasant manner and talk cured far more of the "blue coats" than did the medicine in the pills, powders and liquids. Never was a Surgeon so highly esteemed by the soldiers nor one so much like a father to them as was Dr. L., at the Post previously." "But two short weeks since while down at Camp Chase, I called upon my noble friend who had been so kind, and nursed me so tenderly while in the Post Hospital last fall, and whose many virtues will ever be green in my memory, and found him in the enjoyment of good health though kept very busy, owing to the large amount of sickness. Now he is gone to another and no doubt better world.- How inscrutable are the ways of Providence and past finding out. L."

March 24, 1865:
Delaware Gazette (Three articles)
" Tribute of Respect.- At a meeting of the medical officers on duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, March 19th, 1865, called in view of the death of Major Albert Longwell, Surgeon of the 88th Regiment O.V.I., and Post Surgeon., the following resolutions were unanimously approved:
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove by death our honored Superior, Major Albert Longwell, Surgeon of the 88th Regiment O.V.I. and Surgeon of this Post; therefore,

Resolved, That we deplore as a public calamity the death of one whose sphere of usefulness, present and prospective, was so wide.

Resolved, That while we feel deeply afflicted by this visitation of Divine Providence, we take pleasure in recording our sense of the personal and professional worth of the deceased, and in joining to honor the memory of one who, as an officer, was ever kind and considerate towards those under his command, especially to the private soldiers under his care, and whose practice of manly and Christian virtues was such as to endear him to all with whom he was associated.

Resolved, That the cause of our country becomes doubly dear to us by reason of such noble men who have, in the unflinching discharge of their duty, given up their lives a sacrifice to secure to us and to coming generations the blessings of righteous Liberty and good government.

Resolved, That while we condole with the afflicted family of our deceased friend, we can rejoice with them in those expressions of Christian resignation which marked his last illness, and which give us good reason to hope that our loss is his eternal gain.

Resolved, That we transmit a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and that we request their publication in the Ohio State Journal and in the Delaware Gazette.
John W. Finley, Chairman.
J.F. Brown, Secretary.

also....
"DEATH OF DR. LONGWELL.- Dr. Albert Longwell, Surgeon of the 88th Regiment O.V.I. and Post Surgeon at Camp Chase, died last Sunday, after a brief illness, of typhoid fever. He was a young man of great promise in his profession, and was universally esteemed by those who knew him. He was a native of this county, and before entering the military service a resident and practicing physician of our town. He was formerly Surgeon of the 4th Ohio Regiment, and few Surgeons in the service stand higher with those under their professional charge than did Dr. L. with the officers and men of the 4th and 88th. His remains were interred at Eden, the place of his birth, Monday afternoon.

- Mrs. Dr. Longwell died at 10:45 a.m. yesterday, at the residence of Hon. Jas. R. Hubbell, in this place. She accompanied the remains of her husband from Columbus Monday morning, and being too sick to be taken to the home of her parents, was removed to the residence of Mr. H., whose lady is sister of the late Dr. L., where she continued to sink rapidly till death ended her sufferings. Her disease was the same as that with which her husband died. Two small children are left orphans by this sad bereavement."

April 1865

April, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 4,989
Joined During Month: 350
Total: 5,339
Transferred to other Stations: 1
Delivery or Exchange: 158
Died: 132
Escaped: 0
Released: 1,665
Total Loss: 2,188
Sick: 307
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 51

April 9, 1865:
Delaware Gazette, May 5, 1865
[Published by request]
Delivered April 9th, '65, at the William Street
M.E. Church.
By Rev. P.S. Donelson, D.D.
DIED- At Camp Chase, March 19th, 1865, Maj.Albert Longwell, M.D., Post Surgeon. aged 34 years.
DIED-In Delaware, at the residence of Hon. J.R.Hubbell, March 23d, 1865, Cordelia G. Eaton Longwell. Aged 28 years.
A distance of four days only separated the husband and the wife. They were stricken down at the post the post of duty, at noon of day and noon of life, and added to the number who have fallen in their country's service. They were both reared in an adjoining township, and were acquainted from childhood.
About 15 years ago Dr. Longwell came to Delaware. After some time passed as a student in the O.W. University, he made choice of his profession.
Nine years passed since Delia, the only daughter and only surviving child of Joseph Eaton, Esq., became a pupil of the O.W. Female College. The father had marked out for her a generous culture - a thorough classical education. He met all her wants with a ready and liberal hand, hoping that soon she would be able to sit down by his side in the study of Greek and Hebrew, to which languages he had given considerable attention. Delia was an enthusiastic student, a faultless pupil, a model young women. She was amiable scholarly and Christian. I can think of none more so since the founding of the College. She advanced to nearly the middle of her senior year.
In the meantime the Doctor had finished his studies, taken his degree and entered upon his profession in this city.- preeminently needful to the medical profession - he became a Christian, and united with the William Street M.E. Church. In February 1859, the two were united in marriage. They were beautiful parallels in natural temperament and talent - in tastes, friendships and religious experiences - well suited to wear the conjugal yoke together.
Dr. Longwell is known among us as a man, highly honorable; as a friend, reliable; as a physician, faithful and skillful. When the rebellion broke out he occupied a reputable place, and had attained to a lucrative practice. At the opening of the war he entered the army as Surgeon of the 4th Ohio Regiment, subsequently of the 88th Ohio, and for the last year was assigned to duty as Post Surgeon at Camp Chase, Ohio where, taxed night and day in the care of sick and dying soldiers, he was attacked by malignant fever and died. His wife quickly followed. They sleep side by side in the cemetery of their native town. In his last hour the Doctor's thoughts wandered not from his post of duty. To himself he seemed passing from couch to couch ministering to the sick and dying.
The wife and mother, after commending her orphan boys to the fatherhood of God, is said to have given a most thrilling exhortation to the friends about her to remember and relieve the suffering soldier. In their motives and sacrifices may we not look upon them as martyrs fallen for the country, truly as the soldier that sleeps upon the field of battle? There are many relatives present - members of the profession - a College - Church - fellow citize
ns - the two little orphaned boys did they but know their loss, would be the greatest mourners of us all.. [ much more but not copied here.].

Lincoln Assassination : April 14th, 1865:

April 27, 1865:
Sultana exploded near Memphis with 2108 people aboard, 1800 died 230 survivors show up at Camp Chase in early May , their were about 1,500 paroled men at camp chase at this time.


April 29, 1865:
The Lincoln funeral procession arrives at the Columbus depot, from Cleveland. The 88th Regiment leads the parade down High St. and circle the Statehouse where the coffin sits in the rotunda and is visited by over 50,000 people. It is then removed back to the depot to its next destination.

May 1865

May, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 4,995
Joined During Month: 544
Total: 5,539
Transferred to other Stations: 3
Delivery or Exchange: 440
Died: 80
Escaped: 0
Released: 3,249
Total Loss: 3,305
Sick: 48
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 40

June 1865

June, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 3,353
Joined During Month: 0
Total: 3,353
Transferred to other Stations: 11
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 45
Escaped: 0
Released: 7
Total Loss: 48
Sick: 0
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 1

June 15, 1865:
Delaware County News
"I ran down to Camp Chase to see if things looked like they did when I was a bold soldier boy. Many things looked familiar- especially the contents of the "boys," who were cheered with the prospect of soon getting home - still strange faces, edifices, etc., met me on every hand, and, until I looked at the prisons and the fence, which stands like a grim monster between the Camp and the outer world, I wondered if I really was within that muddy, sickly, filthy hole, the namesake of the Chief Justice, or did I wander through some pleasant little plank villa. The cozy little barracks, graveled walks, and green dooryards, in which gamboled rosy-cheeked, sunny-eyed, laughing children, gave it such a home-like appearance, it seemed as though the paraphernalia of war, with its attendant evils had never been there.
At Head Quarters all hands were busy "cussing in" rebs, who were going home as it is hoped, to sin no more. "Grandmother McGrew," that good old soul, who has such winning ways, was doing as well as could be expected, and the gentlemen with the stallion had gone to West Virginia. The late efficient First Lieutenant of my old company was Regimental Quartermaster, and in the Company in his stead, was that prince of clever fellows, Lieut. Winpigler; "Major " Zinn attended to the military good standing of "H" boys, and Dave, one of the best fellows above ground, assisted by "Prof." Shan and "Officer" Harris, had an eye to the morale of the Company generally. The "salt-horse" and "bean" corps was commanded by "General" W.L. Driver, who made a good officer. I was glad to see that "regulation tiles," brass shoulder scales, and white gloves was played out. The "School marm," Miss Myra Allen, a most estimable young lady, was busily engaged in teaching the children of the regiment. The boys have not forgotten the lament Dr. Longwell, as is evident from the moistened eye at the mention of his name. Major Warner is deservedly popular. Mrs. Brown, a noble lady, and one of the best of nurses and cooks, assisted by the pretty little Miss Madden ( all the boys about the building are in love with the latter), are catering to the wants of the sick. Jackson S. from near the "reservoir", is on of the indispensables in the Hospital kitchen. Captains Anderson, Parker and Taylor were at Cambridge, Ohio as members of a Court Martial. The Camp was rapidly filling up with the boys from the front, who will be home as they get their "spread eagles" and green backs, and what happy meeting there will be between many of them and the "girls they left behind them." Some of the girls, however, who have betrayed their trust, by falling in love with citizens, will not want to see.
Johnny come marching home.
The delegates from the 88th O.V.I., to the Union State Convention, were instructed to vote for Tod provided he should be a candidate before the convention. LUGEN,&c.,"

June 30, 1865:
Earl R. Stauffer, Columbus, Ohio
Emma Waltz was born at Camp Chase. She was the daughter of Josiah and Sally Ann Waltz. Josiah Waltz entered the service from Van Wert County, Ohio on July 16, 1863 at the age of 23 years. He served in Co. F. of the 88th Ohio Regiment. " My wife's grandmother, Emma Waltz, was born to Josiah and Sally Ann Waltz on June 30, 1865. Her grandmother told her she had been born at Camp Chase. "

4th purpose: Mustering out point.

Camp Chase Closing

July 1865

July, 1865:
Number of Prisoners
Last Day of Proceeding Month: 48
Joined During Month: 0
Total: 48
Transferred to other Stations: 39
Delivery or Exchange: 0
Died: 2
Escaped: 0
Released: 58
Total Loss: 1,074
Sick: 60
Citizens or Political Prisoners: 123

July 3, 1865:
The 88th Regiment OVI Musters out of the service.

July 4, 1865:
Private John Lyndes, age 30 who enlisted in the 88th Reg. Co. D., in Oct. 1, 1862 and who had just mustered out of the service on July 3rd, 1865 was married to Elizabeth Beers who had been working at the 4 Mile House.
John , who's letter is included in this work became ill in 1863. His wife Minerva (Terry) Lyndes came to Camp Chase to nurse her husband, leaving their daughter Alice back in Lorain. John recuperated, but Minerva took ill and died as a result of the illness.
Elizabeth was the daughter of Conrad Beers and the granddaughter of David Beers , who came to Franklin County in 1802. The Beers Farm was the location of Camp Thomas. Elizabeth had been previously married to a man named Rockey and had a son by him. He was stationed in Murfeesboro TN. and she went to be with him. He and the baby both caught measles and both died.
Elizabeth came back to the Columbus area and stayed with the Bigelow family who owned the Four Mile House. The Bigelow's were friends or relatives of the Beers family. Elizabeth was an accomplished seamstress and supported herself by sewing and mending uniforms for the soldiers at Camp Chase. It was while she was here that she had met the recent widower, John Lyndes and their courtship began. After the war John took her back to Lorain County., Ohio. They had five children.
[Information from Alice Baker Delaware County, Ohio]

July 5, 1865:
The prison Commandant notified the United States War Department that the camp was without prisoners. The Confederate Handbook, by Col. Robert C. Woods states.
Camp Chase Ohio , had 14,227 prisoners: 2,108 deaths: with a 15.0 percent fatality rate. This did not account for political prisoners.

OHIO CIVIL WAR LOSSES:
Dyer's Compendium, Vo. 1, p. 16

Killed in action 6,835 (includes 402 officers)
Died of wounds 4,753 (includes 239 officers)
Died of disease 21,721(includes 274 officers)
Accidental deaths except drowning 384 (includes 18 officers)
Drowned 784 (includes 14 officers)
Murdered 23 (includes 3 officers)
Killed after capture 13
Committed suicide 34 (includes 4 officers)
Executed by U.S. military authorities 6
Executed by enemy 9
Died of sunstroke 24
Other known causes 118 (includes 1 officer)
Causes not stated 771 (includes 2 officers)

The total deaths of Ohioians = 35,475
Total Union deaths= 360,222

319,189 men served from Ohio. Ohio numbered third to
NY= 448,850
PA= 337,936

July 15, 1865
an auction of some of the camps property such as windows and other usable items took place.

August 1865

September 1865

September 6th , 1865:
The Hanging of Hiram Oliver and John Wesley Hartup took place in old prison yard #1. the two were ex- members of the 48th OVI * and killed J.B. Cook a Deputy Provost Marshall in Cambridge, who was hunting down Union deserters.
*Note: Oliver and Hartup were members of Co. A, 43rd OVI [MP]

September 8, 1865:
Delaware Gazette
"Hiram Oliver and J.W. Hartup were hung at Camp Chase Wednesday last. They had been convicted by military commission sitting at Cambridge, Guernsey county, of murdering J.B. Cook, a Deputy Provost Marshal and resident of that town. The men executed were brother-in-law, deserters, and occupants of adjoining and recently purchased farms in Illinois. They had reason to suppose Cook had traced them up and was about to arrest them, and to prevent it they made a trip to Ohio, called during the night at the residence of their victim, called him out, and shot him in his own yard. Previous to execution Oliver confessed that he committed the murder, and Hartup confessed that he was an accessory. The murder was committed the later part of last winter."

October 1865

October 12, 1865:
An inspection of the camp was made by General Thomas M. Vincent of the United States Army.

November 1865

November, 1865:
A General Court-martial was held at Camp Chase and another one was also held in January 1866.

December 1865

End of 1865

Forward to Camp Chase Chronicles, 1866 & After

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