140 Southern Historical Society Papers.
Fort Pulaski formed a portion of General Gilmore's department, but was under the immediate command of Colonel Brown, of New York, and was garrisoned by his regiment of infantry, which had seen ser- vice in the field. Colonel Brown was not only an accomplished and humane officer, but was a kind and courteous gentleman. Soon after our arrival he visited the fort and made a personal inspection of our quarters, and told us that he intended to make that prison the best one in the United States, that some of his regiment had been prisoners in the South and were treated with kindness, and that others, including himself, might be captured, and, in that event, he would expect them to receive the consideration at the hands of the Confederates that he intended to show us. He ordered full army rations to be issued, made requisition on the department quarter- master for blankets for the prisoners, and not only permitted, but urged the prisoners to write to their friends in the North for money and clothing, the latter especially. Colonel Brown's kindness was highly appreciated by us, and the prisoners became cheerful and con- tented, or as well contented as prisoners of war could well be. But, to our great disappointment, and to the regret of Colonel Brown himself, we were allowed to enjoy his hospitality and kindness but a short time. Some escaped prisoners from the Confederate prison at Andersonville came through the lines into General Gilmore's de- partment, and reported to him that, for more than a month before they escaped, the prisoners at Andersonville had nothing issued to them but corn meal and sorghum, which had caused much suffering and sickness among the prisoners. The unfortunate 600, having been selected and sent to General Gilmore for retaliatory purposes, an order was issued to place them upon like rations, and the privi- lege of receiving money, clothing, or provisions from Northern sym- pathizers be withdrawn. After this sweeping order was put in force we understood that the blankets ordered by Colonel Brown, and quantities of clothing and other articles for the prisoners were re- ceived at the fort, but were never delivered, and we were compelled to pass the winter in the damp and cold, brick-floored and brick- lined casemates, with no bed-clothing except the private blankets before mentioned, and without clothing except the scanty supply brought with us, Colonel Brown explained the situation to us, and expressed regret that the order was peremptory, and that he was powerless and without authority to modify it. The allowance of corn meal was ten ounces to the man per day, and as sorghum could not be obtained within the Federal lines, it was suggested, in some
