1st day, 5th mo. 15th. Had roll-call at nine A. M. and were counted. Drew corn bread at ten o'clock and rice soup at four P. M., and soon after boiled bacon. Got a pint of soup to a man. Can do nothing but lay down, or walk, or stand, after going to wash. There are five hundred in this building. We hear no news.
2d day, 5th mo. 16th. Spent the day as yesterday. Drew some of our hard bread, Confederate bacon and rice soup. There was a fellow selling toilet soap at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents Confederate scrip, or two cakes for a one dollar greenback.
3d day, 5th mo. 17th. Lay about all day. In the morning darned the toe of one of my stockings and mended my pantaloons. Sent a letter home to father. We are to be sent to Georgia to-morrow. Drew a day's rations for to-day of corn bread, boiled bacon and black bean soup at three o'clock. At six drew a ration of corn bread and boiled bacon for to-morrow.
4th day, 5th mo. 14th. Got up at daybreak, left the prison at six, got on the cars at half-past eight and started at nine. At twelve came as far as the railroad was finished, (the Danville and Greensboro' road) then had to march six miles to where it commenced again, and then lay for an hour for three trains to come. After they arrived it took until long after dark to load them. I was among the last to get aboard.
5th day, 5th mo. 19th. Had a bad time of it last night—could not sit or stand with comfort. The rain came through the car so bad that I had to get out my "gum." We had only thirteen miles to go, and it was near daylight before we got to Greensborough, which was about six in the morning. Here we stopped about two hours, then went on, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, where we arrived at half-past six. The train went very slow all night, but after we left Greensborough, very fast. The country along the road was very, very poor. The only places of much note were High Point Station, Thomasville and Lexington. Greensborough is a manufacturing town, but like in all other towns and villages, business was at a stand still. Thomasville was the prettiest place. There is a seminary there. Some ladies came out to the train and threw two ginger cakes at us, also some bouquets. Crossed the Yadkin River. After we got to Charlotte, were taken off the cars and marched to the railroad crossing. Drew rations of crackers and pork; I got six crackers and a chunk of pork for two days. A thunder-gust came up which continued until ten o'clock. Griffith and I made out to kindle a little fire and make a pot of coffee. I was taken with a chill and fever of a bilious nature—can eat no supper. By eleven o'clock it cleared up and the moon shone out. Made our bed on the ground and were soon asleep.
6th day, 5th mo. 20th. Slept well last night, and got up at 6 o'clock A. M.; felt very bad and very bilious; got some hot water to make coffee, but could not find the coffee. The sun came out bright and hot this morning. At twelve M. were put aboard the cars. The cars moved past the town, backed, and moved forward and back, &c., until about six o'clock, when we were backed to the southeast end of the town. Each car load was taken off in separate squads of nineteen or twenty—drew rations for one day, three hard tack and a chunk of pork. I was sick all day with the chills and fever—no appetite; ate some souse, well peppered, but had to force it down. The day was very hot.
7th day, 5th mo. 21st. Slept well last night on the ground. The moon was full and the sky clear. We were ordered to pack up about six o'clock, and get on the same cars we got off. Griffith and I were so lucky as to get our old places in the stock cars; rode all day, and arrived at Columbia, South Carolina at sunset. After stopping there over an hour, we changed cars. We got larger cars but less of them. They crowded seventy-five men inside and on top, which nearly smothered us. The guard had orders not to let a man out, and to shoot the first person that attempted it. Our car is a close burden car, which was closed all around except one door. I was so lucky as to get near the door and have plenty of fresh air. By doubling up, made out to lie down, with my head next the door. This was a warm day, but we, being in such a good car, rode comfortably. The country for two days' journey was poorer than any yet passed. Did not see much of Columbia. I felt very well all day; my disease is better. Took two doses of "composition" in cold water.
1st day, 5th mo. 22d. I made out with difficulty to lay on my back all night. The guard, "the first half," sat on my head, and then laid down with his head on my breast for a pillow—could not sleep. My feet and legs were doubled up, and I was laying on them part of the time, while others piled theirs on top of mine. This morning got a good seat by the door; rode there until we stopped at Augusta. Changed cars at this place at 12 o'clock M. Did not pass any place of importance after Charlotte. Stopped at dusk and had a loaf of bread and a chunk of pork issued to us. I had been rather bad with the diarrhœa—was very weak and dizzy, with no appetite; but after drawing rations, felt like eating, and ate a bit of bread and pork; the bread is rye. When we changed cars I got a seat in the middle of the door. My door was shut at dark, so I had to set with my back against it.
2d day, 5th mo. 23d. Did not sleep much in the night, had to sit all the time. There were sixty-five men inside the box and some on top. At daylight the door was opened. I then rode with my legs out. Get to Marion about the middle of the day. Three trains were made of two, and we went at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. Arrived at Andersonville, Georgia, at five o'clock P. M., when we were taken off the cars, counted off into squads with a sergeant, who took our names on a piece of paper which a rebel officer gave him. Then we were ordered into a large stockade and halted in the northeast corner of it. There we had the ground for our quarters. We concluded that it was hard to move about. Made our bed on the ground. Weather clear and hot. Yesterday passed Wanesville. To-day passed Fort Valley after leaving Marion.