1 50 1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/62a9fbdaff43e8dc4709e34913c98387.jpg faf80cddc29fec32993ff5e8b368d694 PDF Text Text Part 3rd. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ed8b04cecdb4d590dd2e80cce3000d3e.jpg 08ca6b668616337d4f456951a03bb67c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8548fb02ddb156be92830344e161299c.jpg 592b19426bf4c9f589d8a2ede1706249 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1718211bc88e99587f92bc386a419f10.jpg 7a969de887a68cc790f5b9ae3daa4155 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5b3af029814341917f1c722f1ffae200.jpg eb237b5508abcf94d158d02f2ce5c38e PDF Text Text Bragg’s Retreat. from Shelbyville marks an epoch in my prison experience, from which shall be dated many varied hopes. Rosecrans out flanked Bragg on the right and on the left. Thus the rebels were routed and retreated toward Tulahoma, June __ “/63 At midnight ( ) we who were prisoners at Wartrace were ordered in double quick toward Tulahoma. Wartrace was evacuated to remain as a trace of the war. I sincerely hoped that we she might fall into Rosecran’s hands before they (the rebels) would get us back to Tulahoma. Very often on https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b47f10458c26bfe801b7061d78611cd0.jpg 83233acb87b3d044061c8ec1f03c8ada https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/318283c5a17c5b954d8aaa68319a02e8.jpg 3125dec11c3530959a7935fcc0bbbca3 PDF Text Text the retreat s<s>h</s>uch hopes were <s>made</s> raised to lively expectation; <s>by the rattling, rambling wagon trains as they mired and broke down in great confusion.</s> The rebels left Shelbyville in such a panic (I am told) that they ran their horses off of the bridge and high bluff there, into Duck River and many of them drowned. Their wagon trains and whole army were marked by the same wild excitement. I and the other prisoners were made <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-2-corduroy-road" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 2, Corduroy Road footnote" rel="noopener">Corduroy the road</a> via Roseville for the wagons. We worked just as we were made do it. We sought opportunity of escape but were closely guarded. Several thousand troops mostly Tennesseeans deserted the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4091547f64e7a9b1b3568f9ed11e3cc2.jpg 4abc0c511972589d3c104010d6195132 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78039edcab04ef32b56cbc55df16f70b.jpg 53d6dfbabb61abc0d942edbf6ea3337c PDF Text Text Rebel ranks before Bragg’s army reached Tennessee river. We got nothing to eat till we arrived at Tulahoma, except some wheat which we plucked as we were marched through the fields. It afforded me exquisite pleasure to witness the confusion, loss and defeat of the rebel army of Tennessee, which had held the Union men of that State in duress so long. At Tulahoma I had the opportunity <s>delight</s> of seeing a grand concentration of their grey, ragged, confused multitude. <s>It lit up my whole nature with cheerfulness.</s> The roar of Rosecrans’ artillery had no terror for me. My soul vibrated to its https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9ea2f89c54ae6ca2587404e4381ddbe0.jpg 90a8f0ed4b15a05271d4fff8e69a37d9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/407342fa6c27a7864b84baa615d04ba7.jpg c99f07213e4e14aee65d3d4692f80dc1 PDF Text Text advancing thunders, as doth the heart to the sweet music of friends.—But alas, this sanguine hope must again be disappointed. My patience must be tried further and further still. I was placed aboard the cars and taken back to that dreaded prison at Chattanooga.—There were many prisoners crowded to this point, and the whole rebel bombast was in an uproar.— <div class="tooltip" title="While there was no standard designation for hospital flags, Civil War armies typically used either red or yellow flags to mark their hospitals, which were considered unacceptable targets for enemy fire.">Yellow flags were floating over the Chattanooga hospitals,</div> for they (the rebels) expected that some dashing Union cavalry would attack the place. By this Retreat the rebel power in Tenn. was circumscribed to the city of Chattanooga and the Knoxville line. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78ffec1d85f382a492235d213606f752.jpg 33a2b912617d423a60602c206995953f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/462a04a6eb2c405020a215fb92d018c9.jpg 5ede24506df476788cd7ed2ec720c9b3 PDF Text Text During my imprisonment I have observed many rebel follies, but one was so manifest while they held Chattanooga that I mention it. viz— <div class="tooltip" title="As mentioned in a previous volume, Robert L. Caruthers was a judge, politician, and cofounder of the Cumberland School of Law that Woods attended. Although he was elected governor of Confederate Tennessee as Woods mentions, he never took office due to growing Union control in the state.">Hon. R.L. Caruthers</div> who had in times past been an excellent man rendered himself ridiculous by being elected Confederate governor of Tennessee when they only held Chattanooga. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-5-tennessee-and-missouri" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 5, Tennessee and Missouri footnote" rel="noopener">Clabe Jackson</a> committed a like folly by issuing a proclamation as governor of Missouri when his “traveling Legislature” was in Mississippi. The whole rebellion made itself an object of ridicule and contempt, by enacting “conscriptions,” and “tax-in-kind” for Tenn. Mo. +c. when these states were of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-5-tennessee-and-missouri" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 5, Tennessee and Missouri footnote" rel="noopener">right and virtuely <s>out</s> from under rebel <s>jur usurpation</s> rule.</a> Such assumptions of power and such proceedings point to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1be82bcd1470645bb3bff8becc9018cf.jpg 5814ef0f6044e746451c809098375ed5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4f22b6a9b578392844cecff795a77219.jpg f920d8fa33ad9a6a8337481d15a706e8 PDF Text Text their supporters as fit subjects for the lunatic asylum, or penitentiary.—Under the excitement of the retreat Chattanooga was considered an unsafe place to keep prisoners; so we (about 200) were transferred to the Atlanta Prison. which was decidedly the best regulated military prison with which I became acquainted, in the South. It was a large lecture room in the heart of the city, and in sight of the depot. The lower rooms of the <s>bul</s> building were occupied by the commander and guard and the second and third stories by the prisoners, of whom there were several hundreds. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/486ee8fcb57c5970c1537892ca481b15.jpg c804b9ae80dc9bf1011eee6e67124fd1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ce0ca47d1c80a8ae454cc81bceb3cff4.jpg 39455f595b411bdbf70e753e1572504a PDF Text Text Atlanta Ga. was an important rendezvous for Confederate purposes.—This prison building was inclosed nearly all round by a high plank wall, and the prisoners were allowed to remain in the yard thus formed, during the daytime. On the 4th of July 1863 I was <s>here</s> in this prison. —I felt disposed to celebrate the day, but I soon discovered that I was rather awkwardly situated to celebrate it in the old fashioned way. Then I celebrated it in spirit. I fasted and prayed. I penciled my prayer on the fly-leaf of my Bible and have preserved it till now (Sept. 8, 1865) Prayer O Lord thou art the architect https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/88eed24b3aaf70cf2a967ccc0494f9aa.jpg 982fba84b81b397862abf640fc24092a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7bd7a0a401907592e9d9595346f3360b.jpg 3c1a97af0b8c7037eb46a2694ffb8659 PDF Text Text of the Universe;—the director of all things, physical and spiritual.—Thou dost send thy blessings upon the just and unjust +. We are taught by thy word that thou dost chastise those whom thou lovest. The world is ready at thy command to wake to war and revolution, or to sing the songs of peace and happiness. Thy humble servant doth + on this memorable day recognize the power and right of God to rule and reign over all his creatures as doth please him. The will of the Lord be done.—Lord be not offended at thy servant in this his humble petition, and he will venture with full faith to thank the sincerely for all the blessings of this life and for the unspeakable gifts and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/66ad5c480bcdc8230926b8529df9dfb3.jpg 436625528fe109c9d5e0a95f8077eadc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d327150ca25c89d04708461600d25183.jpg 6ab7bf50bbdf74a3869380424cedb655 PDF Text Text promises of <s>the Holy Ghost</s> Eternal Life <s>to come</s>, through the merits of our Lord and Savior. Thy Servant, as becometh all thy followers, asketh pardon for all past offenses against thy Holy Law.—Clothe thy Servant this day O Lord with the holy garments of righteousness. Oh, for the faith and zeal of the Holy ones of inspiration. Bless, Oh, bless those near, and dear unto thy unworthy servant. I ask not fame, long-life, nor riches, but wisdom, Lord, from thy plenteous grace. Lord I entreat thy smiles upon the land of thine own choosing. Give us again, the balmy breezes of peace, to waft our souls to thee. Save at last through Father, Son and Holy Ghost—Amen. Atlanta Ga. (Guard House) J.H.W— July 4th 1863.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b0923956de6263c73d7748746fc2b72d.jpg e7ad9a253017888de86d74df4f865720 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/530830d75bbf55a06c90dbb9577e4d17.jpg 4ad6bbf92bc8b50c7d550a1236efc187 PDF Text Text I did not realize, that at the very hour of my prayer and fasting, that Pemberton at Vicksburg was capitulating to Grant, and that Lee was reeling under the mighty thunders of Meade at Gettysburgh. After this day’s meditation my mind was calm, and from then I had but little fear of being put to death by the rebels or that they would ever succede <s>against the Union</s>. My greatest anxiety was to be where I could be counted one, in the service of my bleeding country. Yet [text underneath: indeed], I almost considered my imprisonment a means for the preservation of my life. I read daily of the thousands who were falling beneath the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9d2ef1b4158b516bfb33c26af24620f2.jpg 9a19136cd268ca6317e37de3c3988e99 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/310348b9d0777fd682bff59ce45a8109.jpg 6580fe85f9fcaeca1ad55afba3609bf4 PDF Text Text flag of Washington. I prayed that monuments of American gratitude might ever keep their memories alive. In Hospital There was a Barracks completed at Atlanta about the 8th of July 1863, to which the prisoners were all to be removed and the building we were in was to be fitted up immediately for hospital purposes. I heard some descriptions of the “Atlanta Barracks” which caused me to recoil at the thought<s> decide not</s> of going there. <s>if I could possible avoid it.</s> I thought my best, and only chance to escape it, was to get assigned to the hospital by some means. I had already been in prison so long that I was pale and weak. I feigned https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1c67759851cb3c9a8e78dd7d30617850.jpg bb7739947707917c149a1a14a81560a8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/175ced57038ce1a802777c4000d01045.jpg d4bcde0b301df6beb9c7814e16c4235a PDF Text Text to be very sick indeed. By exciting my pulse and the action of my heart I just before the surgeon came to examine me, I so deceived him that he allowed me to remain with the sick. It was not common for the rebel surgeons to send a sick prisoner to the hospital until it was about certain that he was past recovery. There were several of this class left for the hospital with [text underneath: well as] myself. Among them were three or four Union Tennesseeans, old men, who were abused and neglected until they died on the floor where they lay.—The doctor said “let them go—they are damned Union men anyhow.” So I began https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cc987786853c8fd3c5dfb380994cb18d.jpg 105207444a2340cbc0f673d6a3bbc2d6 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/396fcf505014f5cb699268e24e28eb0e.jpg 608d47ef3a6983e4e2138f3f0a0d89ad PDF Text Text to think I was likely going to recieve but poor consolation myself by remaining in the hospital; <s>but I passed as a soldier and fared better.</s> The doctors soon forgot that I was a prisoner at all, I talked rather smoothly to them and gained their confidence. I kept myself just well enough to be up, and the doctors allowed me to walk about the streets for my health. I spent some time in the stores, printing offices +c, listening to rebel officers and taking notes.—I was too weak to travel or I might have made a journey. Thes hospital was well furnished with nice clean beds and our old dirty garments were https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c6e639245044feb2acba8adfde2e05d7.jpg 52768fd3cc657f2b1671ffdacaa7853b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/51a60ffc49f5ab946828a646b26f485a.jpg 04eae1ac95fd9f342c3f83678da0e0a7 PDF Text Text exchanged for new and clean ones. The hospital was soon filled with sick and wounded. There was in the city an association of the ladies, called the “Soldiers Relief Association” (?) Those “good angel women” visited the sick and brought them many nice things which the Confederacy did not issue,—milk, vegetables, +c. Many of those visiting ladies were young and pretty and <s>quite</s> disposed to conversation <s>talk when they could find a man capable of holding conversation.—I could do that—hence</s> The ladies showed considerable partiality <s>toward</s> for me: And in confidential talk with them I found that many of the Southern women loved the Union better than the Confederacy, <s>and</s>. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e0eaee272006898cdffa1e8387a02cd0.jpg 9624bf792913110f4722305245da732b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0f7beddb2e9e043e97c48ca0296afb58.jpg 2971a67e2ef55136983f0dd7e1f29bdc PDF Text Text <s>just here</s> My readers will allow me to make an apology for the zeal the Southern ladies manifested in the welfare of the rebel soldiery. Those soldiers were their husbands, sons and brothers—many of them unjustly and unfairly forced into the rebel service, and the women knew it. The Confederacy could neither clothe nor feed the <s>soldiers</s> them well. <div class="tooltip" title=" For more information on the experience, role, and motivations of Confederate women during the Civil War, see Drew Gilpin Faust’s book Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War (University of Northern Carolina Press, 1996).">Hence the women worked with their own hands to feed and clothe their husbands sons, and brothers rather than see them suffer.</div> I don’t believe <s>all</s> the zeal shown by the Southern ladies in clothing + feeding the soldiers signified <s>their</s> devotion to the rebel cause. I know the intelligent poor attributed their sorrows and partings to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/93a65bca1b9c22afc02bce7b6fec501e.jpg fc9d108b0f9deb05f495053898cfec8f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/576dbb05646124302cf3b4b575f9a422.jpg dc7c6ea17892863c82f237b2d03df31f PDF Text Text the <s>willfull</s> treason of secessionists. I can love the Southern lady still, who candidly confesses that her zeal was for <s>the sake</s> of comfort of her loved ones and not for the love of the Confederate cause. I was fairing so well in the hospital that I was uneasy for fear of being lest I should removed to some worse place <s>worse</s>.—Now earnestly, after <s>a man</s> one endures the hardships, and abuses of prison and makes his bed at night on the ground or floor, and maddens with hunger, four or five months he will be well prepared to appreciate a soft bed, clean clothes, good things to eat, and the sweet voice of <s>a kind lady</s> woman. —And Some ladies are very https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/636d4daeb8faed158a676ebc120cfd15.jpg 7d81be233e18056fa649269d10a0b94e PDF Text Text So it was with Mrs _________ living near, Atlanta, she said to me, that her husband had been forced from her, that she knew not where he was, but that she would be kind to me hoping that some woman would meet her husband and be kind to him. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6491446b3606d83c8aa920c1972249bd.jpg 09b9292f45259107660ec5d825ee72fb PDF Text Text thoughtful too. While their husbands +c. were at Vicksburg or Richmond wasting under fever and loneliness they could not administer to them, but they could lay their gentle hands on the brow of some Mississippi or Virginia lady’s loved one, <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-17-women-and-the-war" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 17, Women and the War footnote" rel="noopener">hoping that the kindness might be reciprocated.</a> But I must part with this interim of semi-pleasure and try again the prison cell. An order came for me, to be sent to Chattanooga, (Aug. 4/63) to await my trial. If you are in military custody you must <s>just</s> meet bravely whatever <s>you</s> may be imposed upon you; for I assure you, you will seldome have changes just as you desire. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8872e0bc659222041055c2bc26dff7f2.jpg aaead391b94fbdb9dfa46d377e287dd8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/915a9a1823bef0c3f0db675b73d18b62.jpg 316e0cb81ea2b8e8fc00387d6ba61d21 PDF Text Text Chattanooga. The Guard House at Chattanooga was so forbidding in all its characteristics that I confinement there would almost produce weeping despondency. The treatment of prisoners there was scarcely better than at <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-18-pow-camps" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 18, POW Camps footnote" rel="noopener">Libby, Castle Thunder, or Andersonville.</a> In the first part of August 1863 Bragg held the country South of the Tennessee river and Rosecrans the country north of it. They were both making preparation for battle. There was a few weeks of quiet along the lines, which the rebel court siezed upon to bring deserters and accused Union men to trial. There were about two hundred of these, (and I was one of them) awaiting trial at Chattanooga. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f9794695735d777211301beb59053c11.jpg afb0360c443b69efcb80c6e8de498e40 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bcbb8ee61c9dae1e709f1b6d8f83c5c9.jpg f00accf532b3d40209a09c866fff2785 PDF Text Text The military prison was on the Main St.—It was a large, brick building three stories high. We were closely guarded and kept in the accumulated filth of the prison.—We suffered severely for food and water. Chattanooga is not well watered except by river water, and the presence of so large an army kept the wells all mudy. A very scanty supply of water would be brought into us once a day. The men were so dry they would crowd around the buckets as if their lives depended upon a drink. The sick and the weak <s>often</s> could not hold their own in the press, consequently, they suffered, till death would have been a welcom visitor; especially https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0513dd9dc04769e03fddafbc05690cea.jpg ff6752c8d5ce08d19317bbf42d7704e3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/94128d2ade0eb7d78ca41ab2681bfd85.jpg da150078b76e7d20256bc647cf56d788 PDF Text Text to those who were <s>sick and</s> in chains. There were a number of these prisoners under sentence of death. The clanking of the chains upon their emaciated and haggard forms, covered with lothesome vermin created in my mind, a double sensation of pity and horror. There was a dark dungeon in which those under sentence of death were locked: for men under sentence are more apt to “break the guard” than those who do not know what their punishment is to be. I have watched those most unfortunate victims, as their forlorn visages appeared through the grated windows. Their ghastly paleness and looks https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/147af0114b405f807546b176f74998ee.jpg e938aedd22837654b7db4ce1a0899994 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cced2ae97d76f3f8ce5a729b8b75c71f.jpg 02d681c8a87dad043623f6f4dab938ba PDF Text Text of despair haunted me like ghosts even in my waking hours. Their conditions were so much worse than my own, at that time, that I almost forgot my own imprisonment,—I thought myself fortunate while contemplating their most excruciating sufferings.—( <div class="tooltip" title="As mentioned in a previous volume, William Gannaway Brownlow was a Methodist preacher, Senator, and newspaper owner who was arrested and imprisoned by the Confederate government for treason. He returned to Tennessee after the war as the post-bellum governor of the state during Reconstruction.">Gov. Brownlow</div> saw some of these things at Knoxville while the rebels held him prisoner.)—I beheld these horrid scenes for fifteen long months and experienced them to their bitterest degree, <s>save the sting of a guilty conscience, which I never experienced in prison.</s> Oh Lord, deliver me from beholding again such sufferings among my fellow men as I https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/19ca4ffcdadb8fe21846fd91d2a165d6.jpg addf852622d0c6eb95fc437713fc2057 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/287a1a1c5eead3de80115dc44cc857f3.jpg c5a8a4fcba0de34c637d68f09c633261 PDF Text Text beheld at Chattanooga and Atlanta There were old men and young men, starved, abused and chained hand and foot, in a dungeon, without the light of day to cheer, or the voice of a friend to mitigate their fear. Men, who only a few months before sported in all the beauty, health, and comforts of happy homes, were dragged to prison, and tortured to death by this rebel process of starvation and chains.—All for what?—Just because they had refused to serve that <s>damnable humbug</s> abomination—the Southern Confederacy. I spent a portion of my time here administering to the unfortunate sick, They had sunk under the pressure of their imprisonment, and now https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d95759d176befc152fbe5d4eaf25e064.jpg a0a46488697f12f3ef6c248771d5bbc5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/152e0b68fdab83ee7ac0c38ff19a927a.jpg 6ad223007a1f06b89cc72023da1089cf PDF Text Text lay helpless on the filthy floor of the prison.—I could do no more for the poor fellows, than to get them water, bathe their heads, and encourage them. I have watched the sick thus until life slowly ebbed out. I have stood by them in prison and pushed the fighting, swearing crowds off of their dead bodies—<s>for</s> when men are confined under these circumstances, so<s>on</s> many together, you may see weeping, laughing, fighting, swearing, stealing and dying all at the same time. Amnesty to deserters was proclaimed by Jeff Davis in August 1863.—This proclamation was noised throughout all the land of rebeldom https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/45b2804289e54cbbf27a5714beeba98c.jpg 17498f3487d68c4b2adb59f71d9101d0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f0155b5a801ea103f82cdc95135db15f.jpg 1cc551976aa0a748013d99c7315e8abd PDF Text Text as a great mercy showing the kind hand and Christian heart of Jeff. <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-24-amnesty-for-deserters" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 24, Amnesty for Deserters footnote" rel="noopener">It pardoned all deserters from the Confederate service, who should report within a limited time.</a> Those who were in the Union lines were limited to forty (40) days. Those who were in prison and even under sentence were included in the Amnesty unless they were under arrest or sentence for the third or fourth offense.—The real object of the Amnesty was to induce Sixty thousand men back to the rebel service. It did not spring from a tender, merciful heart, as the officers and preachers would make believe. It was only treason’s desperate desire to feed the flowing https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a84c574fc6fc47cfca9cfc7ecb1d2122.jpg adf1fc71a1fd5b410d6951ccef9df199 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0b69350bbdb9ef9bc7c54d41f79bffb8.jpg 3795a592318090e9c1291bdaa98d5566 PDF Text Text river of blood with the fresh streams from the gushing wounds of of sixty thousand more <s>in battle slain.</s> Under this Amnesty, the Provost Martial of Chattanooga sent many of the prisoners to their respective regiments. I was sent among them, to the regiment to which they assigned me. It (36 Ala) was at Tyner Station twelve (12) miles from Chattanooga on the Knoxville road. The Colonel refused to recieve me, because my crime was mutiny and not desertion I was held a few days for trial. They guarded me very closely under a tree, where the Provost guard had their quarters.—One Lieut. Baker was the Pro. Martial. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cbc9b248ef60fdea8cfc00e814c63fb8.jpg f65d6a784ef7d09614d862579c61b89f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da565ce043f85240ce05f95b6b0b3a52.jpg 1ae8fc400310eeb4a49acaf28ca1c90a PDF Text Text —He was a rebel of the meanest qualities, but more of him by and by. While I was at this place some of my League-friends who had so far escaped arrest and who had failed to get away from the rebel lines, would walk <s>awkwardly</s> by where I was under guard. They would talk with me and encourage me, (<s>for</s> some sentinels would allow them to speak to me when no officer was about). I selected a few of them to be my witnesses when my trial should be brought on. I was low spirited, and so sick and week that I could scarcely walk. Desponding and disheartened https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ddafb06130eb453e32f15ca8530de9de.jpg fc441fadaf7a9a0ef550707e1689a46c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9d9547e70f124453f971a6ffdbeff149.jpg c7037d6dffbb6ba73793b3dc14b38935 PDF Text Text I at last resolved to “Brek the Guard” and escape to the woods or die in the effort. Once from under their bayonets I intended if possible to make my way <s>ar</s> around Bragg’s pickets to the river, with the design of crossing over, on a raft, to Genl. Rosecrans. There is a state of despondency into which if a person fall life is a burden and dangers have no terror. It was Wednesday night at 11 o’clock—Aug. 12, 1863—that I arose from where I lay at the root of an oak, and fled from the guard. I had been sick several days and it was thought https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/72611c6a5c4ff38aab291cc7152725d5.jpg 3694b535514504f8273667cf39fe8bfb https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/01edde54b575276df72a681113621212.jpg abe44ada2550cb269e7c15ca2447910b PDF Text Text one sentinel over me was sufficient.—To decieve him I lay down about 7 o’clock, pretending to be very sick. To lesson suspicion if he should have any, I pulled off my coat and hung my hat on a limb—my shoes were untied upon my feet, for I desired to take them with me. The Provost Guard were all fast asleep, and while I turned <s>and groaned</s> upon my bed of leaves, the sentinel nodded. I saw that he was unsuspecting. I resolved at once to decieve him more. I put my finger down my throat to gag as though I were about vomiting—then starting recumbently as if to get a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/530c33c3f32a9dcc3504b1a5d37242fc.jpg 0497062517cc2fda408c99e105c8d65b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/87eb4ac4a68e6ec08660985e8498403f.jpg 8bd9afd7792bfb77f29a09dccdd34dfd PDF Text Text few paces from my bed. There was a fence nearby and when I had gotten a few steps from the sentinel, <s>my strength suddenly came to me,—my sickness was gone.</s> I <s>straightened up and</s> leaped the fence <s>like a wild gazelle and made for the middle of a cornfield.</s> Soon as the sentinel recovered he cried “halt” at the top of his voice—then leveled his piece, but the cap bursted—and while in excited haste he fingered for another—he cried out again in quivering fear—“You Woods”—“Stop Woods” (for he evidently expected to take my place under guard if I should escape). But before he could get another cap https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96c07345dd325d36870ee0454b6ad4a2.jpg 6bcdb55ef94fdd1ff7702acf95454327 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5a9c682f23c2ac86ebee994ce8f9d562.jpg cc9cc02674b7e45cce661d7838462d8c PDF Text Text or arouse the guards I was lost in the darkness. I ran directly to a cornfield which was some distance off, from which, after resting and listening, I ventured into the mountains. In the excitement of the hour I had over-tasked my weakness—About the time the sentinel hollowed the third time, I stumbled and fell. On rising again from the ground, I thought best to take my shoes in my hands and run with lighter foot. I exhausted my strength and being feverish I thirsted for water. My tongue was dry as grass, but while groping my way through the dark I found some <div class="tooltip" title="Sassafras is an edible, leafy plant found throughout the eastern half of the United States. It has many purposes, particularly in tea and as a flavoring. It also has a range of suggested medicinal applications.">Sassafras</div> , the leaves which I ate and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bcbcd4eec0911d6ea81abad3705a0cee.jpg 4dbd271dd833aae7a2ced66c5177af3f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8de6008f2ea633b71b53c6a6845e89f6.jpg f098d5f9ddd057b892b08f4115ff8c42 PDF Text Text slaked my thirst. I secreted myself in the woods by day and traveled by night until Sunday 16th ___ without anything to eat or drink, except one drink of water and a bunch of green grapes and on the second day and some apple peelings which I found in the road on the third day. I obtained the drink by tieing an old tin [text underneath: handkerchief] to the end of a long pole, which I let down into a well, to <s>immerse the handkerchief. I then squeezed the water out of it into my mouth.</s> I expected to endure these inconveniences when I started, but I felt so disconsolate, while sick under guard that I preferred to die in the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/07a328e8e5d15737ac36a43d8a374c98.jpg 20b98dd6c69356e0d0660e3856124e07 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bebe2438d946e6883206aedb467d542d.jpg 4c757a6d7fbc7f8b0634132102ff39ae PDF Text Text woods rather than under the cold sympathy of the bayonet. I was pursued by cavalry. <s>and</s> Bragg’s army extended sixty miles up and down the river Hence I was convinced that my effort would be unavailing—and that persistence would very soon lead to me apprehension. The next Monday was the day set apart for my trial and as I found that escape would be almost impossible, I thought to return of my own accord, would be an argument in my favor.—I felt sure of worse treatment, if I should be caught and taken back to those in pursuit of me. I had endeavored to reach the river at different places, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f7a8ed1c9c465db42fe3ec876fd881dc.jpg cabbfdb38ee65542e05df1bf1b08d1eb https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e00ecb2e943aefae40359939b0fec7fe.jpg 82be32fd0fcb17959a26c1784a375124 PDF Text Text but found double lines of pickets to intercept me. So, in my extremity of weakness and hunger, I hit upon the thought of falling in with two unarmed soldiers, whom I solicited to escort me to the Provost Quarters which I had left. The provost guard and all concerned were much surprised at my voluntary return, and took it as a proof (?) <s>of</s> that I felt clear of the charges against me. Some of my friends were offended at me, and thought me foolish for returning but I being better acquainted with my strength and chances than they, I thought it the most prudent choice I could make. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d7ad4169c6d84e485153302660ab15ad.jpg 3d8a48f746e94521def11e7764dde8a3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/40b9552a10e39dd53d0e342529f5b84f.jpg cea00042a98ef968ca4ab31529e44318 PDF Text Text —There were many inquiries relative to the cause of my leaving—which I answered by supposing that fever must have been in my brain.—That I was insensible of what I had done <s>at</s> that on awaking from that state, I found myself in the mountains.—I then carelessly asked when I broke guard and how—I stated that I supposed <s>that</s> I had lost my hat and coat in the woods—<s>but</s> then they brought them to me, telling me, I had run off and left them.— But notwithstanding my apparent derangement, they brought me to trial on Monday Aug. 18th 1863. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da3127126d30841e84a79b144de742e5.jpg f298112a6c969954e93444e242802de9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c1b1c06f61f8a67466ac87aff7a0237d.jpg 14e577002068c661c5d1281d62c75f5a PDF Text Text The Trial. was prosecuted at Tyner Station, (Tenn.)—Court Martial was convened in a large “Fly-tent.”—Col. ____ president,—A committee of three or five to hear the case—and Capt____ Judge Advocate. <div class="tooltip" title="Lewis T. Woodruff enlisted in Company K of the 3rd Alabama Infantry in May of 1861 where he stayed until he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 36th Alabama on May 12, 1862, then promoted to Colonel March 11, 1863. He was promoted once again to Brigadier General after Woods’ imprisonment and was wounded through the thigh which led to his discharge in December of 1864.">Col.___ Woodruff 36 Ala.</div> was present as prosecutor. <div class="tooltip" title="Captain Andrew J. Derby of the 36th Alabama was elected captain in May, 1862 when the regiment was formed. He stayed in this capacity until his resignation on November 5, 1864 following the decline of his regiment and period of illness.">Capt A.J. Derby</div> — <div class="tooltip" title="'Silas" moseley="" enlisted="" in="" the="" 36th="" alabama="" may="" of="" 1862="" his="" service="" record="" reveals="" that="" he="" was="" asked="" to="" testify="" against="" hiram="" woods="" august="" 1863="" however="" john="" henning="" is="" not="" mentioned="" following="" testimony="" captured="" at="" nashville="" december="" 1864="" and="" then="" released="" after="" taking="" oath="" allegiance="" us="" january="" 1865="">Lt S. Mosely</div> and <div class="tooltip" title="E.W. Fox" s="" service="" record="" lists="" him="" as="" an="" ambulance="" teamster="" from="" 1863="" through="" 1864="" unfortunately="" fox="" reveals="" little="" else="" about="" his="" civil="" war="" experience="">E. Fox</div> were present as witnesses against me.—Some of the supposed members of the “League” were also intended to be brought before the court as witnesses against me; but they all escaped (safely I hope to the “Union lines”). I had a few witnesses <s>summoned</s> subpenaed for my defense—Pro. Mar. Baker said https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5d399f6d9e3e4615cbb3e00a073872ea.jpg 07b0725f2f049af8e07595bf1ef17c63 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/04e943950fa405528ea6ec19b07a4817.jpg 7331c7d2a463e3cf3fc59f7bf59a5b15 PDF Text Text tauntingly—“Enough to have you shot.” I was fearful that the testimony of my witnesses, would have but little weight with a per se rebel Court, who believed from what they had already heard that I was Union and that my witnesses were coworkers in the League:—but I was helpless in their hands and must go forward to dangers I knew not of; for behind me were <s>piercing</s> bayonets.—Life had but few attractions for me that day. There was nothing around me that appeared encouraging.—No friend that dared speak in my favor, if once I was found guilty of the Charges. Those, whom I knew to be https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96dc0f6a198ad432d8a427e042bae1d3.jpg 68217e17cbb5c58eb53acefd0fcac47d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3ba6ef8e15bfeee2ef8a7b17b62f2bef.jpg cb68550441a7a50c4df5502342a4c9e4 PDF Text Text my friends, were of necessity silent and unconcerned. It is doubtless true, that nature tunes our hearts to meet the inevitable calamities of life. So I sat with invincible gravity wrapped in stoic solitude forgetful of every tie of love and relationship, that binds man to this world. About 10 A.M. I was brought before the Court and the Charge and specifycations <s>were</s> was read—, Charge—Mutiny. Specifycation 1st—That on or about the 10th of April 1863, Private John H. Woods assigned to Co K. 36th Ala. organize a Secret Society, known as the “Home Circle” among the soldiers of the 36th, 38th and 18th Ala. Reg. Vols. for the express and wicked purpose of breaking up the Confederate Army of Mobile; + + https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6d174d708d2b300074ab1319aaf6dd21.jpg 774ea1a77ff73fafe424c9506458e7cd https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d0255ddbac6e7aba235093caedf6dd80.jpg c7d51d0d3011b582061c8bd3d4ceb999 PDF Text Text + all this at or near the city of Mobile Ala. + + + + + Specifycation 2d—That, private John H Woods Co. K. 36 Ala Regt Vols. on or about the 10th Apri. 1863, was accessory to, and knew of an intended Mutiny among the Soldiers of the 36th 38th and 18th Ala Regts. + + + and did not report the same to the proper officers and legal authorities which the intended Mutiny was designed to overthrow. + + at or near + Mobile Ala.—Woodruff Col. 36 Ala Reg. Capt. Derby Lt Mosely " Fox }witnesses According to the best of my recollection the above is the substance of the charge and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a8359dbb79e39ea48fddb01ceae5bcaf.jpg 24d2ccbac05d797c18dacca952d4956b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/db7df33a2e68511746154bcfed39682b.jpg 19f5e69bcc467ae56f664260acbdb3ef PDF Text Text Specifycations preferred against me. An official Copy of the Charge and Specifycations was handed me while in confinement at Wartrace Tenn. but in my flight from Atlanta Ga. in Aug. 1864, I left nearly all my papers behind and hence must write from memory and a very brief Diary which I brought through with me. —The Charge and Specifycations were read to me by the Judge advocate. I plead not guilty.— <div class="tooltip" title="A legal term, onus probandi means “the burden of proof,” or in this case, it was up to the prosecuting side to prove their allegations against him.">Onus Probandi</div> was therefore upon the prosecution, and I flattered myself that they would not be able with one witness (for they had but one who knew) to establish the Charge <s>clearly to the num</s> beyond a shadow of doubt https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/290847540940fccb9388e394c8e94edc.jpg 0c7475c2f9a59b17c20c4933f52b27ec https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe7f0146385ad3324fdc994fa17034db.jpg e2526348c40896b4e363b10f597fa6fa PDF Text Text to the minds of the Court. Woodruff, being called up on the Court, gave testimony concerning the dissatisfaction among the soldiers at Mobile during the Spring of 1863.—He stated that the men gathered nightly in groups on the parade ground for several weeks,—that soon afterward they becme more insolent and disobedient.—The officers observing these signs, believed that some secret disloyalty to the Confederate Cause was at work among the conscripts [text underneath: soldiers]. 2dly Capt.—Derby testified to the truth of what Col. Woodruff had said. He had witnessed the same mysterious movements among the soldiers https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f41638d5ae3b0874277e86380d452fd.jpg 710dd90a8def3cb2afcb98ff3f259ed3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9f3a29e7f9cc2c7e168e9a00a72c1a0d.jpg 7ade9defcbb6186413b3bb13cd0f0b27 PDF Text Text and thought the dissatisfactions mostly confined to the Conscripts. He believed there was a Union sympathy at the bottom of it. He also testified that he had met in Council with other officers to consult about the impending danger and to institute some means of finding it out fully,—that Lt. Mosely was used as an instrument to accomplish this.—Further this witness disposeth not. 3dly.—Fox testified that while on a scout to Pascagoula, about the 10th Apr. he heard the prisoner, advise and encourage disobedience among the soldiers. + + + + + + https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/afe7050ee16363d120d4711c5056474c.jpg 9739359c2fc8995dca26357319356963 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/74d102fc0161502225bc3735ac056489.jpg 23dbd7a0adf4c5f7099032176c5e38ea PDF Text Text Then <s>Lt.</s> Silas Mosely was sworn: <s>And to my surprise</s> He had his statement written upon severl sheets of <div class="tooltip" title="Foolscap (also known as foolscap folio) is a size of paper cut to about 8 x 13 inches that was commonly used for writing prior to the widespread acceptance of 8.5 x 11 letter size now used in the US. This paper was called “foolscap” due to a watermark of a fool’s cap that marked the paper.">foolcap [Foolscap]</div> , which had evidently been thouroughly examined already by the Court, and other officers.—I gathered this idea from the way the Court spoke of the contents of the document and their carless manner of listening to its reading. The prisoner objected to the reading process, but was overruled. Mosely read, that in February and March 1863, he thought he could discover a growing discontent among the soldiers of the 36th 38th and 18th Ala Regts then stationed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/53915de6b16fd405c5a53d831388542a.jpg f972465395d1a82ee84aaa815c5b03f9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae59fb4ea711a66bca48660cdff9b47d.jpg 23c81f783c6adde49d01798147e9938a PDF Text Text near Mobile Ala.—that he could see this discontent depicted in their countenances He concluded that there must be some cause for it: and being deeply “patriotic” and loving the good of the Confederate cause, he made known his discovery and beliefs to the commanding officers—with the opinion that something <s>scheme</s> was brewing which might if not checked injure the Southern cause. The other officers then endeavored to learn something by watching and eves-dropping the soldiers at night.—They soon became convinced that Lt. Mosely’s fears were well-founded. But all their efforts to learn something definite https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d2d4bc07ff2311a9177663ec2a1ef6ff.jpg 610b61e81634510837794cb7fb9a3938 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0d5b0cf2160a25b3bd344ea83ed4bd35.jpg 3b66726946dffe59faacd29c59766484 PDF Text Text proved abortive, until in <s>about</s> March (1863) the officers in Council at Mobile appointed him (the witness) to find out definitely if possible, the cause of the dissatisfaction among the soldiers, and report accordingly. He was to recieve full protections by the officers against my danger or accusation which might threaten him. By a feint he was put under arrest—his sword taken from him and he was then honor bound to remain in a certain limit.—Thus he was able to mingle freely among the men—often complaining to them of the unjust treatment he had recieved at the hands of the field-officers +c. He https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/10875212bc105593cc1e2b05cefb74d8.jpg 4f0391d7c782f4df2023a010de8c0b6d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b6c6fa196ad59df46309f9161aa99206.jpg 2fd3e3bedb62c8e4d43b835ad9bbe12f PDF Text Text stated that the men soon became very familiar with him and <s>threw out</s> expressed some of their <s>views, and</s> opinions, which showed the grounds of their discontent—<s>and as</s> It all <s>showed</s> revealed to him a fixed principle in their hearts against the Confederacy, he therefore readily agreed with them, saying that he, himself did not like the Confederate movement, but that he was afraid to let his feelings be known, for he did not know that any others believed <s>like</s> as he did. He said such a course gained the full confidence of the men, who assured him that there were a great number of them who did not intend to do the Confederacy any good, but all the harm https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9751cadef58ebbbe9b126923def2c949.jpg 0ade86b720596aa363922c94f93e3673 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5fb373fe4d6e4b1bf2976a81423aa348.jpg 30f1f95d4898190d761663f8389107c2 PDF Text Text possible—He told them “that was right—go it, but be careful.” He says that one _________ then asked him if he thought any kind of a “secret organization could be gotten up among those who felt as he did, which would or might work their liberation from this Confederate bondage—this military despotism?” He answered that he thought such a thing could be done + and he would be very glad if he could get some smart man among them to help him organize a secret society for that purpose; but then some one thought that such a society would be crushed unless they had some place to fly for help + + adding that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0cd8cf2b3672750b60e2e092b06e818e.jpg 68cb94de29e394caf93abc6e504d87fc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/30bfa35750ee670d1f6d1284a9948da0.jpg 90543b7da5e8860414e9b2ff83c62bd4 PDF Text Text they might have to go to the Union army to save their lives if they were to undertake it—He replied that as for him he had rather go to the Union army anyhow as to remain in the Confederate service, but here he says he cautioned them to keep their conversation a profound secret,—that he would be hung if the officers were to find out that he had been talking so against the Confederacy. This was all he could learn for some days, but at least one _____ ______ came to him and told him he believed there was a League already among the soldiers and that he thought quite a number who believed the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a6d98fa98ee225b482e3999d52f33c3d.jpg c59b976bc84f01bb808da17b7eeae4fc https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a789f00e6ee564bf6142370ca2a9c354.jpg fb0e37be53a257c4499c6baaba991b38 PDF Text Text Confederacy was unjust and oppressive, belonged to it— The witness says he affected to be very glad to hear that a secret society against “this Southern oppression” had already been formed, promising too that if he could find the place where they initiate new members, he would join and do all he possible could to help it.—He says he was soon taken where there was a group of men, strangers to him, and introduced to them in these words—“Here’s Lt Mosely—he’s all right”—Some one said—“do you want to ruin the blockade Lieut.?”—A few more expressions were passed and he was initiated into a League, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/88f671831cd088e01be8ebc811e2a0e5.jpg 2f6a799c27bab4732d7542555ba85439 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e896015743c02abdf50b6c515ccac930.jpg 9059145713a1b96b3f896c1306d7fe06 PDF Text Text called the “Home Circle” He worked faithfully with the Leaguers several days, marking report of his discoveries to Genl. Cumming and to the Colonels of the regiments. He says he ascertained the objects of the “Home Circle” “to be for the Union and against the Confederacy.” His next purpose was then to ascertain who was the originator of the League. He adds that in pursuit of this purpose—now being able to give all the secret signs of the League, he passed freely among all the “Directories” of it, and found out as well as he could the total strength. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/aea1b671d8bf82cf0287dd94cb447f2e.jpg 464e20d0df9ce82ac6a806312a533653 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/793d290da36ef6188f46fd828e9779c7.jpg 43a22187731bc07025dce0dd714d8613 PDF Text Text He states further, that when plans or dificult questions were introduced they were referred to the prisoner, now before this court, and that he had been frequently, himself directed to the prisoner, here present, for information concerning the origin of the Circle, and concerning the plans of operation. He could never find out positively who originated the League; but he said the “prisoner” invariably gave him the impression that it was introduced from Virginia-Tenn. or N.C. + + + + —He had held some long and secret conversations with, J.H. Woods https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ec3344d94991147bb441c7deee38072.jpg 82928c2af4ad250ad66130c6d898feee https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/024ccaaf3f8a9a1945d8e63cda211283.jpg 63653a9fcb7f8c3186f5fa648ee4ea0e PDF Text Text the prisoner, concerning the principles, plans, and expectations of the “Home Circle” and in his possession (the prisoner’s) he (the witness) had seen copies of the Constitution, resolutions +c of the League.—that in his (the prisoner’s) hands he at one time saw a long list of names and resolutions,—“written in some kind of an outlandish handwriting, that no body could read” but the prisoner—That he had heard the prisoner instruct and lecture the members upon the principles and chances of the League.—He believed that whoever might have originated the organization https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/058c6c11e749ecfa31398244e5612ba9.jpg 9e7fc3ca5516f8480718aed6e84fba60 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9e1a663225c40493446ba2aab672bd4e.jpg 9220a454df1243637879da77d4017aa8 PDF Text Text (108) no one was so competent to propagate it and to lay its plans with success, as J.H. Woods the prisoner; whom he had heard say that he “had rather die and have the League succeed than to live and know his children must live under the Confederate usurpation” This Mosely further testifies that about eh 1st of Apr “/63, the Officers at Mobile acting upon the information which he had given concerning the progress of the league, thought it wise to scatter the troops, speedily and secretly as possible. Accordingly one regiment (18th Ala.) was ordered to cross the Bay to Pollard; and on the 7-8th of Apr. “/63, part of the 36th and 38th Ala. were sent https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3a05fc4e5cebebfc9101c945799bc835.jpg fa5275b7901bfb013bea6952976b5dd5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/97a99cbaadd2f5b4fe2369414252e13f.jpg de99d2a3b425650ca7215ea9c3f87097 PDF Text Text on a pretended scout toward Pascagoula, and the other part left at the camps.—He thinks the purposes of the League were thus delayed— —The prisoner was among the number who were on the scout, and by keeping up a correspondence between him and other Leaguers who had for various causes been left at Camps, I (Mosely) fou found out more fully the plans of the “Home Circle” viz—They were to meet soon in a general Convention to elect officers to lead them in action and to decide upon the day for the same.—They intended at a given signal to capture or kill the officers of the different regiments: the soldiers then https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f2843a41b1e780751873c42743c8d71c.jpg 0eba87ef8444607355a08808fb43c9e5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9799c602b8345705c15508207038b5ab.jpg e9e09e84c1828c78ca80910618d2bfaf PDF Text Text without commanders, were to be invited to join the League and help fight their way through to North Ala. where they had sent the organization, hence expected some recruits, as they <s>should</s> travers<s>ed</s> by ways to escape interception—They expected to capture arms and ammunition at Mobile and move rappidly northward—They even talked of pressing boats at Mobile and cars at Selma—intercepting communication and do much damage to the Confederacy and finally reach the Union lines, where they would offer their service, to the Federal government.—Another plan of the League says Mosely was to select a few trusty members to murder the officers https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fe01563c434af375a48851660e80788a.jpg 36d779d3614de373b4c30b8853835bf5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/986c33849c6a88b3d6dda2b49e0d6a03.jpg 6c3ec74a100e48d5c20ff35d391ecfaf PDF Text Text of the different regiments simultaneously—previously every Leaguer was to have his musket loaded—soon as the officers were dispatched a well known signal was to be sounded, which would rally the whole League force—They intended then to march triumphantly to the Gulf and signal the Union Fleet, before Confederate force could be brought against them. —While—Mosely was giving all this terrible testimony against me, the reader must not forget that I (the prisoner) sat near the Judge Advocate (for it was his duty to see that I had fair play), and a guard with fixed bayonet stood just behind me. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e9990bcd21a464f06a74af046406834e.jpg 2dac98005057b9257d96d12b4d3d555b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d9e72b85c4740603069ade8470c99656.jpg cffd1515822f85f69fc777f56f309743 PDF Text Text I heard all that was witnessed against me, with apparent astonishment, and as though I thought it too incredible to be believed. Now as the danger is overpassed, I must confess, at that very hour of trial, I felt inward delight at the thought that our League had already given the rebels some trouble.—They <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from the Bible, in John, Chapter 3, verse 8: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”">“knew not from whence it came nor whither it goeth”</div> —They knew neither the strength nor the extent of its influence. My blood leaped with secret pride through my veins, as the proceedings of the trial unfolded to my view, that the Still, small voice of the League had made traitors feel that they were hairhung over the gibbet of loyalty. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a4b46c6845cebe9cf7a6d0ec59270ce2.jpg 9e0b74bb7e1bd351d8c6fd2e2ead451b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cc8124c6a53002f8c553dc0d36f3a0ae.jpg 69bc2cd73b1d46db365d577f0f7ff291 PDF Text Text <s>which might stand forth to avenge the wrongs of their injustice.</s> —Mosely testified still further that while on the Scout to Pascagoula, the prisoner, one night did actually go toward the Colonel’s tent, with an ax in hand to <s>do the deed</s> dispatch the Colonel. He closed his testimony by refference to my arrest in Mobile on Apr. 14th 1863. The evidence against me <s>me</s> being given and recorded, the Court adjourned ‘till the next day. At which time I came before the Court, at an early hour.—All present as on preceding day.— I was allowed to cross examine the witnesses <s>agains</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/042d93eb72c3f6e77a12a96d5196d409.jpg adb10cd8fa54ff6240a5cf8a887bfe45 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/058fc387f632568777a759fd4f4442bc.jpg 846ecb1c8eaa392700f4d9d419ff6299 PDF Text Text who had testified against me. Capt. Derby <s>acknow</s> testified to <s>my</s> the prisoner’s good moral character and added that he had never had any trouble with <s>me</s> him—that <s>I</s> he had always obeyed his commands +c. On Cross Examination Mosely acknowledged that the officers had, employed him by promises of protection and perhaps of promotion, to obtain these statements which he had made against me. —Also that he had influenced some of the men to say things against the Confederacy which they would not have said otherwise. I insisted too that Mosely aught to be able to show some of the papers and writings https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7ea14b50ebac4f4090576e13d6177416.jpg 0eb96e7cfd229475b93073218b7e6706 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ca1409d974724dc00f9a5b271f276315.jpg 184b1e405a9b34c66e54e5f8d63d8907 PDF Text Text which he testifies he saw in my hands, or not being able to do, I contended that, <s>that and other items</s> his testimony was false. After this cross examination my witnesses were separately interrogated. The first never had known anything about a Secret Society at Mobile, except who he had heard since the prisoner’s arrest. Another had never known of the prisoner using any “disloyal language”, or of his encouraging disobedience among the Soldiers Others acknowledged that there was a Society gotten up among the soldiers in which select friends joined together https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/51b481e401d26292be862ffd61117e09.jpg e6bd9c138a93b7f43a392f48c10d5dd2 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/89992752062ce53f80d49c83e09b0543.jpg 298317edfab6bda362a7fce34cd84218 PDF Text Text to read and sing, and to encourage good moral habits, amid the wicked temptations of Camp-life, <s>which they were desirous of cultivating until they should again reach the social hoys of Home.</s> They witnessed that the Society had no<s>thing</s> object except cultivation of Social and moral sentiment among its members.—That it was called the “Home Circle” in <s>memory of their Homes, where the virtues, they seek to cheerish by this “friendly Society” will one day flourish with out such caution</s>.—That it was secret “to give its obligations an air of importance The prisoner was one of the most <s>virtueous and </s>zealous https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b6aeb8321ed05777f3aeca17104dc175.jpg 62fd239e7cc2a75f2abf5513bbe2e1e4 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ad363a4bdd18177eefa29f6bc1697dd.jpg f886c2f6a9fbdf7ad56e69d652d658f0 PDF Text Text of all the members said the witness, and at one of the meetings offered the following resolution in Substance which will prove the object of the Society. “Resolved—That we, of the “Home Circle” lovers here, well as at our home of virtue, morality and benevolence, consider it our duty to minister to the wants of any sick member of this Society, and to counsel any <s>brother</s> member as though he were a brother.” My witnesses testified that this same Lt Mosely had cause all the dissatisfaction, with which I was charged and that he had tried to stir the men up to mutiny prior to the date upon which the officers had engaged him to spie into the mattar. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f8d4c014593fd48f936fba22d54c0b27.jpg 92d2e15f7af8cff825928638a1e38a0d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/71e1879f9fc477fcf800a34356c2c94e.jpg 71efb537e45e10eafea1170669481879 PDF Text Text I argued that Mosely was the guilty man, and that the evidence proved that he had himself endeavored to excite a Mutiny, and failing in his diabolical designs, had sought to save himself by making an exaggerated and false statement to the officers getting them honor bound at the same time to protect him in his hypocracy and finally to promote him for his selfish duplicity. My Defense further was that I had been confined an unlawful length of time.—That illegality had marked the whole proceeding—that “hear-say evidence” and “hired evidence” was all that was arrayed against me. I contended that Mosely https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f22a52816d9dfdd2638b30d78620ba93.jpg c55b2238956b45f0fccc20d60a3b45de https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ddeeb18093bd556a1c9aec359c5c8d38.jpg 903791ffc0b25e9f056d24dcdb5d6133 PDF Text Text had endeavored to fasten the charge upon me, becaused he had so made the bargain for honor and promotion that he must needs fix it upon some one, and that one must be of some ability and originality or else his grand falsehood might not be more easily detected. All the witnesses deposed and my address closed and then a few moments pause was observed by the <s>whole</s> court as if in reflection upon what had been transacted. The court eyed me from head to foot.—(I supposed after four months’ imprisonment in ragged, dirty clothes I presented a very worthless aspect to the proud aristocracy of hopeful rebeldom.) https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9dec5047389fa789e3b8b60600ee00ec.jpg e8a198355f70932e8f2e34fe6d37362a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b0a177ede3c9e3d7f4bccb8404ed4e7e.jpg 8716e0835208ccc0997b663dbcba983b PDF Text Text I feigned to be anxious to know the de verdict of the Court, as though I were confident of acquittal. I know that one’s actions and face on such occasions will have their bearings upon a jury and upon spectators. I was then delivered over by the Court to Provost Martial Reed—Rev. Reed!!! in whose hands I suffered at Wartrace Tenn. some months before; but now (Aug. 19th/63) at Tyner Station. I was to be detained there under guard to await my sentence. No doubt, in the minds of the officials a few more days and my earthly pilgrimage would end,—from some, the expression was heard—“he’ll be dropped into an ignominious grave by a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2edc64b45711500650fa9468e9adb24c.jpg d7c4607e37df27348a52e2ef1f2cb1f0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3f363216c3020b2715ae18ff1dae9272.jpg 94edc2cfb32643b80e42e37577799312 PDF Text Text voley of twelve.” I could see plainly what was in the winds of officers concerning me. I carefully noticed the manner, in which they talked to me and occasionally I could overhear remarks and instructions to the guards,—to “watch that man closely, he’s under sentence of death.”—Hence it was that the other prisoners there were allowed many privileges which were denied to me. I was guarded in a little cabin with a few others—When I reflected upon my critical situation, I could remember and fully appreciate the sad condition of those, whom I had seen under the sentence of death at Chattanooga.—I looked upon https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ac99b414b4258894c1e3df1b71f2094e.jpg 10bcde9c0c154760d998fe54a6f77f45 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a44ba9617886c586888815d83365246f.jpg 1e283f52b9b3824a91fa2705c886785e PDF Text Text their forlorn faces a few weeks before and thank God that I was not so helpless as they. But now, behold! Their execution is past, and I am virtuely where they were! These thoghts unbidden came, as if to paint my short existence and horrible end more vividly before my mind.—There was no gentle eye to look pity on me, and no lovely voice like a dove’s spirit to light upon my soul. Weary days rolled on, and dark dreamy nights, like some spectral gloom dragged away, with no animation bubt the dead monotony of military camps when armies <s>soldiers</s> are at <s>rest</s> bay. Providentially for me, on the 1863, the lumbering of Rosecrans’ artillery was heard, which https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/abe456a09b49512aa0716b8768477df4.jpg a995c70303e487e6f881ea223011cf11 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1a6f44a64fb565b9727aa623fe1b5fd1.jpg c6d1842a5229e6f7670c8c1d07e3d41c PDF Text Text suddenly startled Bragg and set his ashy columns in motion up and down the Tennessee. Now a kind of dreamy hope sprang in my mind, and I held my breath that I might hear the battle approaching nearer. The time had been when my heart was tender—when the shedding of human blood would have sickened me, but at that hour of suspense I could have cheerfully smiled at the sudden destruction of the “Confederate army,”—Could pestilence, earthquake, inundation, storm or utter annihilation at that instant everwhelmed Bragg’s volunteer army, I would joyfully have sung songs of thanks over their dying groans: not because I value my life above ten thousand, but because I desire greatly to see the triumph of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/439c2718abf4c437f3ce42b435f12cea.jpg b9ba8e8a3216e3cc9439d14692206779 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d5103376dca80384f7d8dabec28ff6c2.jpg b705cbd4d75038b23d574c8d649d7ce0 PDF Text Text the Union ‘ere I should leave the world:—I could scarcely be resigned to die without the sight. I was doomed to undergo further trial, physical, and mental. Many other prisoners were released because of the need of their help. I was sent under strong guard to Chickamauga (5—8 miles) to be conveyed from thence by rail to Atlanta. My heart began to faint within me, as I was gain, forced from the approaching colums, of which I hoped might deliver me. Late in the evening we arrived at Chickamauga, and I was “turned over” to the Provost Marshal there—He evidently was curious to converse some with “the man who had endeavored to ecite [incite] a mutiny in the Southern https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a7eda8304717ebb39aaa143bf2086db1.jpg a52418f805f10730c6f8636491ef5e7c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8f3a6f3062dc4915f022cdef8dc55b99.jpg 5f90efa42eb0890d3bd78d565258fa70 PDF Text Text ranks” for he came to me and asked me many questions.—He asked me if I had heard of the execution of a certain Captain who had been found guilty of some crime against the Confederacy. I told him I had, but at the same time I affected to be unconcerned about the subject, for I anticipated his design to find ou whether or not I knew of my own sentence. (It seemes that all the officers had instructions not to let me know my sentence lest I might endeavor to elude them.) He wondering, said, “I don’t see what induces men to commit these enormous crimes against the Confederacy:—there is something about it, I can’t understand.” I was then left to myself, to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4a83941134d494f7c0a9e4ab21457279.jpg 76526238a3e0b0ffe3ac0ab7f9160629 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4193cb4cb2447294c49d12c3d527cb43.jpg 11e66d693be620875ecc1ca92b011b2f PDF Text Text take another mights reflection. From the side remarks of that Provost Marshal I was fully convinced that my sentence was death: but I did not know when it was to come. The next morning it was ascertained that <s>a great</s> the Union army was still advancing, and that probably a great battle would be fought near Chicamauga. Then I was placed aboard the train to be conveyed to Atlanta for “safe keeping” again. I was there locked in the Atlanta prison, where I found a very large number of others, consisting of Conscripts, deserters from the rebel ranks, and Union men from nearly every Southern State: about 900 in all. There were also some Federal prisoners there. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9642daf7af89050cfcf8d98ae827a35d.jpg 46597ed556d6bb262db3f318cfb9dc09 PDF Text Text The rebel authorities and the slavers holders throughout the South were on tiptoe of excitement to know the results of the movements at Chickamauga. When the wires flashed the news of the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-70-battle-of-chickamauga" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 70, Battle of Chickamauga footnote" rel="noopener">Chicamauga battle (Sept 19-21 ’63)</a> throughout the South, claiming it as a decided victory for the South, wild exultations went forth from every rebel assembly and I did hear a few of the prisoners shouting over it; why they did I never cold tell. My heart was sad for I had fondly hoped that fruitful victory would perch upon the Union standard. But I had met with reverses ‘till I had leared [learned] well the scriptureal adage— <div class="tooltip" title="This is a quote from the Bible in Second Corinthians, Chapter 5, verse 20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”">“By ye reconciled.”</div> I still waited + hoped to see https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cf2920d0ef206954cfad5d96bc3357b1.jpg 4a7c7c756a432f3319005277df6a1674 PDF Text Text light + power <s>the light and power which should</s> break forth from the North to and burst asunder the chains, that bound us in dismal suspense <s>solitude.</s> About the 1st of Oct. “/63, I was called for, ironed and taken to Missionary Ridge (5-6 miles from Chattanooga), to be executed before <div class="tooltip" title="The Brigade that Woods is talking about here is the brigade to which he belonged, including the 18th, 36th, and 38th Alabama and the 1st Arkansas Battery. While Woods was correct on the name of the Brigade and Division, these regiments belonged to Buckner’s, rather than Breckinridge’s Corps.">“Clayton’s Brigade, Stweart’s Division, Breckenridge’s Corpse, Bragg’s Army.”</div> Clayton and all his subordinate officers were bitter against me because, it was among their, duped soldiery that I had endeavored to “excite a mutiny.” Then it is easily discerned that I had not only death in that dreadful form to meet, but also all the sharp and mocking taunts which bitter rebels alone are capable of giving to a dying man. <s>My</s> All this, my friendless condition—utter helpless as https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/15937b14639cb200716c46d129ead04d.jpg 29e8eba6d77d3dbc211f65764e0cbc53 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/60cec828a626167f6a00e8c53b828945.jpg f47c1b7a28cf9640e12ababc0265eb86 PDF Text Text a sparrow in the deadly Coya’s [coyote’s?] unrelenting power,—a few intruding thoughts of my relatives whom I had left in Missouri 6 years before,—And a few unbidden thoughts of wife and children <s>flitted</s> who were ignorant of my condition;—My <s>l</s> unnumbered grave, filled with my mangled and worthless clay, All lay outspread before my mind like a map well studied. But then it was imagination yet, and I frowned and threw it off, as doth a beast, when his fellow is slaughtered first. The officers at Atlanta had no doubt contracted some sympathy for me, as all keeps do for their obedient prisoners—Such a sympathy as a man has for a horse or an ox long possessed. So it was, that as a Lt. Bates fastened the irons upon my wrists https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9f35a9b83ed2d12e4a91e9cf61b3b5fe.jpg 41ed18f0908f1f4cde5ef12d5d44214c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0bf5506971bdcb227ec414c3f7d68719.jpg 99c3924f8adec225fdd6803018dee004 PDF Text Text he said—“This is hard, is n’t Woods?”—“but” he added, “I am obliged to do it. It is the order and I must obey.” I remarked carelessly with a compressed lip, that it did not hurt me much—that I thought the day would come when those who were thus treating me would suffer more than I. (For I verily believed then that the government of the United States would one day avenge the innocent blood of her true friends) I was thus thinking and the irons were fastened, when a boisterous, self-important Lieutenant of Tenn. Giles Co. (?) walked up with a guard to take charge of me on the way to “Mission Ridge” via Chickamauga train, (Chickamauga was the terminus of the road at that time) The guard, a man whom I knew an Alabamian—(Mr. Goss) was ordered https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/bd0d9a41485937489cf6c129774ee6cc.jpg bfed0e62fa37d1a47af9f774ddbc882b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c019c8a661cd2edb3c3815716cdd53e1.jpg 10c233c45d7d74115d374c4ec11c09a0 PDF Text Text by the Lt to keep his eyes upon me. There were about 20 others prisoners taken at the same time, but they were to be released upon their arival at the army, for they had mostly agreed to be good soldiers if the authorities would but release them. When ordered to keep me close, Mr. Goss ventured to say to the Lieutenant that he was personally acquanited with the prisoner and that he had no fears of him attempting to escape, The Lieutenant haughtily answered <s>that he was not and did not</s> “I am not and do not wish to be.” Godd was very much affected to meet me under such circumstances:—he procured some whisky and drank it, I suppose to drown his kind<s>ly</s> feelings and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/cb8fda1a366b09e805736133eb0358f0.jpg f43e9cd7412f23c3057751b4313ca962 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/a31dc0f2165ec2ca6b186913a3c7c10e.jpg d5515b14af7fe54b8abcaed088386302 PDF Text Text thus fit him for any emergency; for he knew his place as a soldier. (My readers must bear in mind that military is the same absolute despotism whether in defense of the right or in the enforcement of the wrong). My Guard said to me after we were seated on the train—“Now Woods, I love you like a brother, but if you attempt to escape, I will shoot you.” I said, “make yourself easy Goss, I have nothing to fear. But he knew my sentence that I was <s>was</s> to be shot; so he watched me vigilantly.—We were on the cars all night and till the next evening when we were landed at Chickamauga, and turned over to the provost Marshal of that place, who confined us during the night in a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/05b3e346ca32d39bec7cde07e9f1fa08.jpg affbdffad1c5f20141b367b0a7178ca3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6d314c9d2fd80b7cca17fdde2251374e.jpg 109de462e3d0dfd87acee7f85a5a540e PDF Text Text guard house, with the others. We were <s>cheer</s> received of course with the salutations, which one hardened prisoner usually gives another. We were to be forwarded the next morning to Missionary Ridge. They had, had my case on hand a long time and all concerned desired to get me “shoved through.” During the night I was assisted by one of our noble Union <s>prisoners</s> prisoners, <s>“dreped</s> in blue” just “fresh from the Union side,” to remove the cuffs from my hands. For the benefit of any good person who may in the future fall into <s>im</s>prison I state, that the prisoners formed a circle around me while our “Yankee” took the cuffs off and some danced and laughed that the guards might not hear the https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3bd37bb67c5921a0c0bdc3c947bd0dcc.jpg 8180f061d7417d8717d2b6b02496d14c https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/60621cd564edbc03cf8c772f8c4abbb9.jpg 9b9c0dc9a6b3b5c3d63c383e4d60ae8c PDF Text Text noise, as the cuffs must needs be bent by heavy strokes ‘ere it could be removed. I thanked the crowd and after eating some “Ga. cow peas” for supper we lay down in the mud and took a very refreshing sleep. When I was called the next morning, I was sharply reprimanded by the officers for be taking off my cuffs. They said <s>asked</s> <s>if</s> some one had assisted me, in taking them off and demanded, who it was. I told them I did it of my own accord, for I well know the punishment which would be inflicted upon a Union prisoner for such a thing. I told the officers that I had no desire to escape, and that I only wanted to show them that I could remain <s>stay</s> without irons on. (This was one of the times, when https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/456b243ce3a00aaee94cf4947312b631.jpg 7fc0ce1bc722ff02656a2423543cba4a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5997a4fb16302936bd9c9bbd0c71ac25.jpg f09f9840cf595ce379f6234fb84f0589 PDF Text Text I thought it <s>religiously</s> right to tell a lie). Before they had time to reply to my reason I invited them to put them on again, and I am confident that my apparent indifference in the matter induced them to pur the same pair on again. I was glad of that for I knew I could, if opportunity was offered, pull them off <s>again.</s> <s>So my friends you see, I could have a little spark of gladness even at the idea of being ironed by the same pair, for I expected something worse.</s> In charge of another officer and guard I was sent afoot with others to the Ridge, about 6-8 miles from Chickamauga I had my rations and my clothes and blankets to carry, and having both hands fastened before me, I https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/abdef2522f3ec93f2e0195f3a2afd030.jpg 63d9610c2df4c2c14b8e4773ecbae3f5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/533d78362a32f10716718dba444dc184.jpg 9580a6bf9cfb0cf1f86492be408a9269 PDF Text Text <s>remember</s> it was no light task. It is here proper, that I should give you an idea of the “situation.”—The rebel army under Bragg, and the best officered and organized of any they ever had except perhaps the army of Lee around Richmond, was in line of battle behind their works, along the foot of Lookout Mountain and Mission’ Ridge Gen. Grant had recently been placed in command of the Union forces then holding the city of Chattanooga and the North of Tennessee river against the attempted siege of Bragg. <s>O</s> To guide, to plan and execute for the good of the Union, may be mentioned <s>Grant</s>, <div class="tooltip" title="Joseph Hooker (1814-1879) was a usually confident and competent general, although now he is remembered for his massive failure at Chancellorsville. Following this defeat, he and the XI and XII Corps of the Army of the Potomac were reassigned further west to Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland where he played a large role in the eventual Union victory at Chattanooga.">Hooker</div> Sherman, <div class="tooltip" title="'George" h="" thomas="" 1816-1870="" also="" proved="" his="" worth="" in="" battle="" earning="" the="" nickname="" ldquo="" rock="" of="" chickamauga="" rdquo="" after="" holding="" position="" even="" through="" union="" disaster="" at="" despite="" impressive="" military="" record="" is="" largely="" forgotten="" popular="" history="" war="">Thomas</div> and others, who were ready and waiting for Grant to say Onward! https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/98eca23d81b170dc0ed47182a77eb263.jpg df3028986c4b79a67acc070484e8a37d https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7709713eae3305b6b06d981cf37cb122.jpg 2989a52ab927e15544e1daf8b3017d44 PDF Text Text On the rebel side of the line may bee mentioned <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-80-confederate-generals" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 80, Confederate Generals" rel="noopener">Hardee, Hood, Polk Longstreet</a> and others under Bragg, who were considered the “big guns” of the South. From this <s>consise</s> statement any soldier can call <s>awake to in his mind</s> the appearance of two vast armies like angry thunder storms settling down for a moment <s>before each other</s> ready to burst with dreadful vengence <s>against</s> upon each other. <s>And</s> A soldier can easily recall the emotions which filled his breast when looking over the wide spread wings of and closing front of eager, threatening chafing armies. Such was the transcendent scene, and such were the emotions I enjoyed, though a fettered prisoner, when I was marched to the top of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/66000ae1f212f717fb58028ad587eb2c.jpg 4d5f1ee41a07c6709cd41e1d5edef150 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3a2e507b1781059c0d71ffee46e5e7a0.jpg a41cd7d01880eaeb82553cab58aad6f3 PDF Text Text Missionary Ridge, and halted for a rest. I cast my wishful eyes to the city of Chattanooga with hills covered with white tents—her streets and suburbs made dark by the solid columns of freemen keeping step to national Airs, beneath the waving banner of our country. You who were under its folds every hour did not appreciate as I did. Oh! I could not get to the city—but distance lends enchantment to the view. When I could see in the distance, the Union armies marching—the artilery shining—and when I thought of the loaves there in store I forgot me and lived awhile in joyous hope—<s>Then like the prodigal son at his father’s feet, I</s> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/fd0e57199f38b5ed71101353fa7dba0a.jpg b834043d8ba4f3e36b4ec8b191664ad9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/38d986d9e5896f212a9883f9fde60170.jpg f56f802d8e45300ba0776f3b65ca6b87 PDF Text Text I would fain have knelt <s>at the foot of</s> to honor the Stars and Stripes. Yes, had I the power at that moment, gladly would I have heaved that mighty mountain from its base to roll its crushing debris over the rebel host at its foot, and would have then quickly walked upon the rising current of their mingled groans to embrace the emblems of my country. These I know are swelling words—and those were swelling emotions I entertained—“Mine was an urgent pressing case”—Not that I valued my own worthless life so highly, but to rejoice in complete victory with the true of my country was my absorbing desire. + + But when night came and https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b53d22ad074dafa4d52e047d033e2139.jpg d045efb1b9000fe5ded21fb8091d5300 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/5dee7e068addc9d1b289b7798ab5a283.jpg 7510920826bc9be5d75cf413cf47c566 PDF Text Text I must lay me down on a bed of rocks at the feet of that infamous Lt. Baker who had charge of me when I broke guard at Tyner’s Station, and who, I was conscious, wanted me shot, was humiliating indeed. In irons—in beating rain,—with double guard over me, and with the vast army of Bragg, between me and my country and it in sight, was like starving when friends and victuals were in reach, or like clinging in despair to a board in mid ocean while the Ship is drifting out of sight. Realize friends, realize if you can. But sleep will come with its dreams. And while in pattering rain and the constant tramp of the sentinels for company, I pillowed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7da3d7ecd45b7cd45f056e99320c17c0.jpg 00f093918a4af125ebb56288bca160c8 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4360168cac35e646bb88860f3c83d3c7.jpg 1e285e63b758285b12eb87a7348439d8 PDF Text Text my head upon a rock and dreamed of security. Security for myself for my country and for my friends and innocently thought I was in some peaceful district teaching school. I was retained under guard at the foot of Mission Ridge <s>fasing</s> facing toward Look-Out Mountain and Chattanooga—A splendid situation for <s>note</s>—a <s>taking</s> reporter. The Rebel Army under Bragg was intrenched just out from the foot of the Ridge + accross the Vally to Look Out Mountain. The Union Army, under Grant, was in Chattanooga and in the Valley: alternately menacing and being menaced.— Seventeen days and nights thus passed and on the eve of the 16th of 1863 3 P.M. I was <s>dele</s> notified by the Provost Marshal that the edict had gone forth that I was to be shot https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8c2c89bb00d739de7160e595c95aaf57.jpg e313727e797501e41bc9c87be8113abe https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/18d43c2ba2f7629feb794fac403ffd67.jpg 808b817863103af48653be2316784cb3 PDF Text Text on the morrow at 2 P.M. according to the sentence of the Court Martial before which I had been assigned. This was the first official intimation of my sentence, although I prejudged that death would be the sentence. I felt a flush through my system, upon the announcement to me, similar in feeling to that of an electric current from a Galvanic battery.—The Marshal <s>said</s> addressed me thus:—“Woods, it has now been proclaimed before the 36, 18 + 17 Ala. Regs. that you will be shot before then tomorrow a [at] 2 o’clock and I am ordered to so inform you: and here are two ministers (pointing to two men who had approached) to talk with you.” I answered rather earnestly, that it was very unjust, to give me such a short notice: for I believed, under the very law they pretended to respect, that I was entitled to a new trial before a Higher Court and that right I claimed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d145b806d98906ff05820dbab75835bf.jpg abf9f827a258f23d143e48a8defc11a2 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/c4f567880857c77563a9e9cbc6e0508c.jpg 95bcb16a280ed1692c30980c4ae4540c PDF Text Text and enjoined upon him as the proper officer to so inform the Authorities.—He said nonsense—too late to talk about a new hearing. He would not interest himself any further in my behalf but gave me in charge of a guard to go aside with the Ministers “to make preparations for Eternity and to leave my last requests.” The ministers were <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-86-john-willoughby" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 86, John Willoughby footnote" rel="noopener">Rev. JH Willoughby</a> + Rev. ________, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now in the Army. The former stated very seriously that they “had heard of my sentence and had come to counsel with me and to pray for me in my dying hour. That my time on Earth was about to close + that prepared or unprepared I must in all human probability die on tomorrow at 2 P.M. according to the sentence under the law.” He then began an series of questions to ascertain my age, standing, family relationship, whether a church member, married or single +c+c. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8e8c7a363ea16c8ab3469e53f5e01f4b.jpg 69201bc9e1febd8948e7b9827115221a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7fd84acc40d6703d85814f926cfcae81.jpg b099f3cb75b2103442a3b4b6563fb301 PDF Text Text All of which I answered patiently. —His sympathy evidently increased for me, in my condition, <s>rapidly</s>, when he learned that I was a member of the same church, that I had attended the Cumberland University at Lebanon Tenn. and that I had respectable relatives, some of whom, owned slaves, I told him I felt prepared to die whenever the proper authority should call for me,—that I thought God’s power <s>in my case was</s> is above the power of the Southern Confederacy, and that, notwithstanding the apparent certainty of my pending execution, I believed he would provide means for my escape. The ministers were surprised at my hope of escape from this sentence and said I should not trust in my shadow of hope, but should prepare for the <s>worst</s> dissolution. They then desired to pray with me, I told them I had no need of nor confidence in their prayers:—that it they https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/69ea9fdd22a2176d79eb27c98f077c84.jpg 1a7c609df52df96ad91019a892bf689e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/821834837dd15d6a89c0d1b5c04712c0.jpg 5090fa1b4b0b656bd4ca0957b63d3b92 PDF Text Text would go to Gen. A.P. Stewart, (whose Head Quarters were <s>no </s>in sight) and <s>tell</s> request him to come to see me I would take it as a favor. They assented and soon returned in company with Genl. Stewart, who on approaching recognized me and shook my hand affectionately. <div class="tooltip" title="General Alexander P. Stewart was a Major General who had previously been a professor of mathematics and experimental philosophy at Cumberland University before the war, joining the Confederate Army reluctantly. He was wounded shortly before this meeting with Woods at the Battle of Chickamauga.">General Stewart</div> had been my professor in Mathematics at the University before the war, and appeared glad to meet me, but expressed astonishment and sorrow when he saw the shackles upon my wrists and considered the doom to which I was to meet on the tomorrow. I requested him to give me audience and I could relieve his mind in regard to my condition and in regard to crime the <s>crime charge</s> for which I was arrested, tried + condemned. —I told him I had no fears of the execution of the sentence, if he or some other officer would only on see that I have a justice done to me:—that an undue prejudice was exercised against me https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/111e717a5cf882e78914f12f548c9bb3.jpg 1cc18380bdc114e23edb8aa8dd5fe5a9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/155323f9830b68d0b638d781110ebf39.jpg 01d26e59ac6919d507fee3facdb65ffa PDF Text Text simply because, <s>acr</s> an act had been committed by someone, and I had been accused of that act.—that I was innocent of crime and that if he would examine the evidence adduced on trial he would find <s>th</s> nothing <s>positive</s> against me except the evidence given by one Lt Mosely, the rest of the witnesses testifying in my favor except that Col. Woodruff, Cap. Derby and Sergt. Fox had testified that the act (the organizing of a Union League) had been accomplished by some one but they did not know by whom. I told him I denied the charges against me, that I had been treated cruelly through the prejudices of inconsiderate men; that I had been in prison a long time without any investigation; that being a conscript and a stranger I was not at any time during my imprisonment treated with any degree of respect, + was given no unbiased investigation, but that https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d3f8522d6797c13b48655072bf420ff4.jpg 96b570dab0fe1ee879c5e997c6985513 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8c7689d571c99215baadaba48d43bec2.jpg e99e3de21fdce94b80a2fe9756d0216d PDF Text Text after all this unjust and unlawfull process against an innocent men, the Court finally decided that it would not be giving credence to the oath and testimony of a Commissioned Confederate Officer, if they did not condemn me upon Mosely’s testimony; for my witnesses were only privates and for ought they knew were in the <s>Union</s> League with me,—The court further asserted that this great crime against the Confederacy had been committed by some one, and consequently an example must be made of some one to deter the <s>enemies</s> conscripts + others from committing further offense against the South.—In this brief relation I was affected just enough, and requested Gen. Stewart to act as my friend—that time to work is short,—that he knew me at College —knew my relatives in Tenn. (I refered him to a Grand Uncle—<a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-90-james-haynes" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 90, James Haynes footnote" rel="noopener">James Haynes and to his sons,—Milton + Amos who were now officers in the Confederate Army</a>)—He remembered all and how he had https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b755fbdb9a1528a0ccaa7d073ea2aaae.jpg b881437c4ecca1ec7f78c4b6559e5ee0 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b906b75dddd6746f7ce99aa5f0e5acf3.jpg db0e60201dd59904f8b121f73a4e4e94 PDF Text Text met with me <s>and</s> those relatives of mine in College, in Sabbath School, in <s>the</s> the public worship and perchance in some other most fraternal assemblies, Turning with moistened eye to the preachers he said, “Brethren, I know this young man knew him at College—He stood high. I know his relatives and friends—They are true to the South and don’t know anything of his condition. He will not die; He has been accused hastily by strangers.—Then turning to leave he said, “Woods, I will see what I can do for you: but it is almost a helpless case,—time is so short—no chance I fear to secure you a new trial,—and perhaps it would then only be the same scene repeated—the only chance is to try for a reprieve. He then bade me not to confide in him or in anything he could do—that military law was severe and unrelenting:—prepare yourself to meet the sentence, and it will only be a pleasing disappointment if I can be able to accomplish anything in your favor.” A parting word and he was gone. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e11378f6fbca7619f00b85a3fb300db2.jpg 2e97b6b73a5e7b1f58dab3ee44958b3a https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/2b0f90c85d43df3514295de114fc296d.jpg 176dce1ad7ca5c4870211caea480cbdb PDF Text Text The ministers now began anew and with much more friendship, to condole with <s>me</s> me. They congratulated me on the respectability of my family relationship—not doubting but what there might be some hope for me if some of those influential relations of mine were here, but adding that Gen. Stewart stands very high and can accomplish perhaps as much as any man. They then exhorted me to put no confidence in man. I answered that I had not, except as a means through which work might be done. Before they should depart they desired to pray—it could do no harm and I did not wish to offend any one just then, so I consented.—Willoughby prayed—that if this young man sho was guilty of the terrible crime of which he was charged and for which he is in all probability to so soon to be sent <s>in</s> to eternity, that <s>in</s> even now pardon might be granted—but if https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0e8dcfd0d24eec40b2a5f2fe78b5e39e.jpg b3f5b94f8ddce1d5a328adfd66465d84 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ad9fe80634bad820c2308a6bf367abb.jpg 04ff58384f4bf5a131221db4f534a321 PDF Text Text as he says, he is not guilty of crime may some Providence intervene for his life—May in this case, he be spared the ignominious death pronounced against him.—May his parents, brothers, sisters, and especially his wife be rejoiced to hear of his safety instead of his death. + + +” + + + + <s>Then</s> Prayer being over, they desired me to trust them as friends. They would attend to my last requests I might have to leave for wife, parents or others—They again earnestly exhorted me to make no count on anything being done for my relief: And Willoughby now turns to me asking me to leave with him, to console my wife, and as a last request to my two little boys, “that if <s>they sl</s> this war should continue 20 yrs I desire them to engage in it to fight the hated Yankees.”—At this utterance I could scarcely restrain my wrath—Had I not been in the critical condition https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/78657d949718ec57455295e512c4a0a1.jpg 3a75feb312ebc4b27608c8e3b90277c9 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6e66d30850fa4303683400ba7f9ac832.jpg 87ecdd7ad51b962976b2917b2b9a6c39 PDF Text Text I should most certainly have been justified in dealing the rebel preacher a <s>stunning</s> blow—But my hands were doubly tied. I must accept the situation and even give him a modest answer, which was that I did not desire to trammel the minds of my family by any such request—that I was very willing to leave the <s>direction</s> education of my children to their Ma.—<s>I however wrote a farewell letter</s> The preachers then left with an appointment to see me again before the execution.—I was taken back by the guard to where the other prisoners were—I prevailed <s>that</s> upon the Provost to take off the Shackles from my hands to allow me to write my “Farewell Letter”—I wrote this following: viz. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/29578d04463be6b9561dc13daab1be30.jpg b3db275ce304537da350a9931f9ad63f https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b969fbe79f620719f703f45475005c77.jpg ecc3f5f9073ab269a3d74ba8a1e92b1f PDF Text Text That evening + next morning I sold off my blankets, clothing +c and placed the money for the same, with <s>other me</s> my Bible, pen, knife + other mementoes in the hands of https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/dd7818d5985b4c90da4f47cfc502d5b2.jpg 53f4d1016fa01333d0693c8be5a41fb5 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4edbb2646e6319f261cab00da0b50077.jpg 1c74d6e5aa0e76767b2a23bdb4b4027e PDF Text Text Rev. Willoughby (of Ala.) to convey them to my wife. Late this evening I was handkuffed again and a double guard placed over me for the night. I then lay down, pillowed my head upon a rock, and slept very sweetly; dreaming as I slept of future scenes, and enjoyments with my family at my old “Missouri Home”—Thought I was there, teaching School, riding horses, planning buildings; farms +c, and taking active part in the business of life. One most beautiful scene I witnessed this night in my dreams,—I thought I was alone traveler, going westwardly, viewing landscape, mountains, rives, everything, and dangers appeared to be mingled therewith—The day passed, the sun went down, a murky river rolled before me;—I plunged its tide, I went through it, came out safely on the other shore; and stood over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b07e0e57c63b0b7a99007b1fa7dda4e0.jpg 40d8bbd2de478e513fb84c7d93f5de78 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/3f8fa0d885c18650f2a204ad91308490.jpg 689fdbe90a827ab5403cecc3846d264e PDF Text Text upon a sunlit mountain, which arose with me in mid air, above all danger + confusion of Earth, from which lofty and happy eminence I took a birds-eye-view of the past and present—I was in an ecstasy.—But I awoke to find it all a dream, that I was in chains, guarded, hooted at by owls, <s>and</s> could distinctly hear men talking hoarsely and occasionally could hear <s>the</s> sound as of a pick striking rock, as if they were digging my grave.— Soon morning came. Its heavy fogs hung with sable sadness arround “Look Out Mountain and “Mission Ridge”—I felt somewhat refreshed by the nights’ sleep. I looked upon Camp and army routine, with indifference There was but little stir along the battle line of either army this day (the of October 1863)—Suspension prevailed.— over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/55d83793b80fa4308cfbb1dd0b725f37.jpg 60062ee32a544ad1e65880b766df049e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/0cb39bcae55c27b30c7e05ad20a757fd.jpg 3057865c8b5078e113508a805c75aa41 PDF Text Text Some of the guards who had [?] in charge were considerably affected at the thoughts of my expected execution, which was hourly looked for.—One man, Mr. when aside with me wept bitterly and said he had rather be shot himself than to assist in shooting me.—I thus ascertained that he was on the detail for execution—He told me every preparation was made and he felt there was no further hope for me. The day wore away, I ate my usual “piece” and bathed and drank from a beautiful spring near by. I desired the provost to unloose my hands ‘till I could finish my Farewell Letter, but he only remarked, “he would attend to that in time.”— At 12 ½ P.M. a courier galloped up, bearing a paper to the Provost who read the same and then coming to where I was under guard, said;—“Woods, your over https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/921f043b617cf436861c285c4ef00af2.jpg cf6feb90b65030c461463def2bc2ae52 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7c6a1179ef9cff103dc9ef06b616d91a.jpg df0da5299961f935c183273a51dd8c91 PDF Text Text execution is suspended until further orders;—and you may thank General Stewart for it, as well as your God.” I replied, that I was very thoughtful to all who had interceded in my behalf.—He continued, that if I would conduct myself properly there was some hope for me. The preachers (Willoughby + ) called 1 P.M. and encouraged me some.— My friends among the soldiers sought every opportunity to encourage me:—among them I can mention <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-99-woods-friends" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 99, Wood’ Friends" rel="noopener">J.D. Sasser, Ed Adderhalt, Jno. Rutledge, Ben. Wade, Smith, Abbott, Brown,—Goosby, Henry Sasser, Tom Curry</a> and many others of 36th Ala. Reg. C.A.S.A. and Hill— <div class="tooltip" title="This likely refers to J.H. Brickhouse, a private in the 38th Alabama. His service record reveals very little about his experience during the Civil War other than he was in service during the second half of 1863.">Brickhouse</div> and others of 38th 18th Ala. Regs. C.S.A. into which Regts. they with mysel had been conscripted in fall of 1862.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8cf13b6475edee7349b2988c03ebf23c.jpg de674b446870e5363e73ca491f286aa3 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/54fae9afa6dd4e0e42466fad819d15c8.jpg 6fd94de0b933aea7c4fd0ab6a5125af0 PDF Text Text From this date forward I was cared for with more tenderness, I spent my time in reading and in making notes of observation around me; especially the situation of the Rebel lines— We (the prisoners) were moved in a day or two from the foot of the Ridge to near the top, near Bragg’s Hd. Qrs, and toward Chicamauga. but This move gave me a commanding view of Chatanooga, the valley below, of Look Out Mountain +c— I took a landscape Sketch with my pen + pencil, as it appeared from our prison quarters:—thus: [This page includes a drawing of the Confederate position and surrounding landscape as Woods saw it]. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ed1969138bb4c9a198185adb96d8a3a8.jpg bf33441a61a34ab24660352342fefbca https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/9aee93b901e3771bfcc1d3200e12198c.jpg 23eaa17c590a189878148dad01365ebd PDF Text Text Active demonstrations began along both lines, soon after our removal up Missionary Ridge, On the of 1863, <div class="tooltip" title="The Battle of Look Out Mountain took place on November 24, 1863 in the final days of the Chattanooga Campaign. This battle began when Union general Joseph Hooker attacked high ground held by Braxton Bragg and resulted in a Union victory when Hooker succeeded in forcing Bragg to retreat back toward Missionary Ridge.">the battle of Look Out Mountains</div> was fought. It was the grandest scene I ever witnessed (of mens’ doings) The Union troops in solid phalanx from direction of Chatanooga, came to the foot of the mountain, and as they ascended it seemed that the very earth heaved them toward the top, as the clouds of heaven bowed down to kiss the flag they carried. —Very soon the retreating rebels, like a stream of ashes and lava came pouring down on the side of the Mountain toward Mission’ Ridge My heart was uplifted, and joyous in the hope that I might that night fall into the hands of my advancing friends. The shell + Shot came thick and fast and soon Bragg’s Head Quarters retreated;—the whole rebel army was in full retreat. They took as in flight https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ae10c9c5beb6a5f015fdf58aa503495d.jpg 095d49975613a9d764e5cafc9edc8261 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6c76a23002a560aa03381a60e7ab4f18.jpg 2c531e3e6c8ae7b7547bf7613bd08ce8 PDF Text Text back to Chicamauga, where we arrived about midnight. On this retreat I saw the clerk of the Court Martial (Mr ) before which I was tried + condemned. He said the Court <s>were</s> labored under much difficulty in passing sentence against me: on account of the testamony of the witnesses in my favor;—but said he, “they finally decided to condemn you, because a commissioned officer of the Confederacy had sworn positively <s>against</s> against you.”—They thought it would lower the dignity of the Confederacy not to give full credence to the testmony of its commissioned officers.— We arrived at Chicamuaga about <s>mor</s> dark and were soon set to work loading cars with bacon, hard tack +c to be shiped southward from danger of capture. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/91883f6cd0c11ad568ad704f09b3351d.jpg 66f56a47b1e834097bc4a2302a4a6a14 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/96926d96f35efb5a12c22e2b933d0d85.jpg 35e299ddb5cf2c4df4df1ccd95045a73 PDF Text Text We were thus afforded an opportunity of getting something to eat.—I had in the meantime gotten my irons off. About midnight we were <s>ord</s> ordered afoot under strong guard Southward along the Atlanta Rail Road—Two or three hundred of the bravest of the Union Soldiers who rushed up Missionary Ridge, were cut off from their Cumrades, and were borne <s>back off</s> off prisoners by the rebel ride. These prisoners were also with us. We marched under bayonet, from the fierce roar of conflict. Nothing exciting took place with us, as we passed the long line of stations along this road back to Atlanta. I made our feeble attempt on the way to excite a mutiny against the guards, but failed, because the Colonel of the Union troops, thought they might incur danger, and failing might, cause their exchange to be delayed https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e58129a1b7225158783399d4cafd58d0.jpg 665afdfacbda2fd1c7434035b7919560 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/55dcc6971a68b497a3e205f5ffdfff58.jpg 379f61a3733511691b451dbc70a610c9 PDF Text Text At Kingston we were put aboard the cars and taken to Atlanta for safe keeping. I sighed heavily as I entered the prison enclosure, lying towards Peach Tree Creek, from the Atlanta Depot. I had been here several times <s>before</s> during my already long imprisonment. Here I had been almost starved for food and water.—Here I had lain on the mud sick and helpless without attendance The place had no attractions for me: but here I must remain indefinitely. Daily ingress and egress <s>was</s> went on with other prisoners, but I was destined to remain till winter, till the next Spring, yea till the next summer. In about two weeks, I was notified that I would be executed at the end of three weeks, unless I could secure the clemency of Jefferson Davis by petition. Upon receipt of this notice I wrote to Gen. A.P. Stewart C.S.A. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/91a67ac88254eff038590b2b780c7d8b.jpg de2dbd77b354aa3644fbd8db6bee14a6 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ea278b97a2f101f3c3847407dac7a45.jpg 63ee7e2ce9b3f3485d0c181f666b6e0f PDF Text Text Asking his further intercessions, and sent the letter through the prison Gate. I wrote also to my wife’s Father (Samuel Caldwell of Oxford Ala.) who very kindly and energetically got a petition for my reprieve, largely signed by my acquaintances where I had taught School. He went to Richmond himself to <s>car b carry</s> lay the petition before Mr. Davis (Pres. CSA) He passed on his way by Atlanta and gained admittance to converse with me 15 minutes. He brought me some clothes, butter, cake +c sent by my wife all of which was quite a luxury. Mr Caldwell hurried forward to Richmond, and by convenience of rail road speed, and arrived there without delay. He obtained the additional help of <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-105-james-curry" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 105, James Curry footnote" rel="noopener">James Curry (of the Confederate Congress)</a> in gaining an audience with the Rebel Chief.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ccecc4e03b5c959c2dbd2a28d7a64b34.jpg 0682fa93a14ffe09c4cf9765b753fdaa https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/581caa1185e993b30d1cbc0a2ee593a9.jpg ffa59183a498a323adae4141fd1092ba PDF Text Text After some days of postponement and consideration the Mr Davis til gave his a favorable reply, and telegraphed to the Commander at Atlanta, 1863, that “the execution of JH Woods is pusponed until further orders. I felt that this suspension would be final, as my case had now been transfered to Richmond and the war coil of the Union were drawing more closely around the vital parts of the Confederacy. I did not think Davis would have time to look after me, so I expected to be safe from the dangers of the battlefield until I might get escape.— I wrote a letter to Gen. Stewart thanking him for any efforts he had made for me, and received his reply as follows: https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/03181cd35538827a19a681152ae0233e.jpg fdc50432fe99ddf3802d7f2de589ab59 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/da1f82eb7bc0b00db05c67f8cd552e5a.jpg 2b0eb9ebe3b4a7215bc34ffcf67337c1 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f11b4c062d81b6d7f0b4a85ca1d3f7e6.jpg 1e9bb4f69a30ecd3f898a1f8568f316e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/6392e8a81a3c85b1478760b34d3effa1.jpg 95e10ffded09ac0146aa9083e1f8654d PDF Text Text During this winter (of “63 + “64) the there was a great deal of cold rain and as we had no shelter, for the great or part of the time, we were much exposed. Sickness was the consequence: Many of us contracted colds, coughs and other ailments from which we will probably never fully recover. I was so hoarse that I could not speak above a whisper for a month. Small Pox and other loathesome diseases were among the prisoners. Spring came and I we were still a prisoner. I was permitted to see a friend of mine, (Jas. Crow) at the gate, and through him could hear from my family occasionally. I planted a garden inside the “Dead Line” of the prison, by permission of the officers.—Hence spent much of my time watching plants grow. Planted peach trees, melons, corn + tomatoes.— https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/262021f22b2c5328db80557284a68b50.jpg 869cd295dcbfe44061b2def563bd499e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f608811551db22690c6ada922a1a05af.jpg cc938f1fcb60520efa9e564404395b95 PDF Text Text The 4th of July came, my 30th birthday, which brought to mind many reminiscences of past celebrations and enjoyments with friends.— I celebrated the day by reading, singing and thinking. I had ripe tomatoes from my prison garden upon this day: my corn was silking, and my melons looked promising. The approach of the Union Army under Sherman had been gradual, and the thunder of distant battle could now be daily heard. My heart revived again at the sound for I know it spoke of victory for the Union. Polk of the rebel army, was brou brought into the city dead from the battle of <div class="tooltip" title="The Battle of Lost Mountain occurred in June of 1864 immediately prior to the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain of July 27, 1864. As Woods mentions here, Confederate general Leonidas Polk was killed during this battle and the battle resulted in another Confederate retreat towards Atlanta.">Lost Mountain</div> and many such evidences I had of the victories of the Union. <s>On the 10th of July/64, a proclamation was made</s> I witnessed many cruelties to prisoners <s>wh</s> during this winter, Spring and summer. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/555610aaac4502abb01b82863589188d.jpg da45fb42c77e406e2b9931c10b1f7912 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/f3c7f94b4bd23ab4dfcfb235ecb8a3ce.jpg a4c235d54b37005d90d8b9b24fe293a4 PDF Text Text On one occasion a Union Spie was placed in “stacks” and kept there until he fainted in the hot sun. He was under the name of John Moran. (Spies often go by fictitious names).—Another under the name of Hiram Smith, whose proper name was Hiram Glazier, was kept chained in a dark cell, and poorly fed. I was at this time allowed the privilege of the Stockade, and I was thus able secretly to do many kindness for three Union Spies.— I well remember two others, Cole, and Cobb, held as spies. <div class="tooltip" title="No records can be found for this man or for any of the men listed above.">Pleasant M Smallwood</div> , a Union man who had been conscripted into the rebel services and who escaped <s>afterwar</s> to the Union lines, was afterwards caught and hung by the rebels. I was permitted to <s>go</s> write his farewell letter to his wife, just before he was taken out of his the cell to the scaffold near the prison. He died as did many others a martyr for his country. The children of such aught to https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d1c1e71049278a250f0152b5beaa1729.jpg e73fc39a529af49ef59897885e59b96e https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/8ce39b67e123b34f67cdd8555ab71ff7.jpg 4b1882b63769e9aff35fc7866b0727b0 PDF Text Text be pensioned by our government, but these like the Union men of the South generally (to this date [1814?]) <s>have</s> have not been appreciated nor rewarded in any way. On the 10th July 1864, A proclamation was made to the prisoners in the Atlanta Prison, that if they would agree to work, in the fortifycations around the city, they would be taken out of the prison and would be better fed. Several hundreds of us went out under that proclamation on the 11th of July.— Old Uncle John Stansil of Tenn. was too firm a Union man tho’ even to go out under this offer. He thought it looked like volunteering to do service for the rebelion: I reasoned with him that our government could excuse us for <s>avas</s> taking this means of escape, but he was firm and I bade him good bye. https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/b3e0426f2658c0de0d6b152dfed63c99.jpg c6cb2d85075ee8a50997f60611d9f856 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/1b559ebe34620d9982f911ec038a7621.jpg e2d11338c73c2bdb66c70be9aafa720a PDF Text Text On the 11th of July 1864, I went out of the Atlanta Prison, but was not yet free. I was taken to the Regiment in which I had been place at Mobile. The Regiments (36th Ala. C.S.A.) was now a wreck, a mere remnant, so much had it been depleted by desertion and some by casualties in battle. What was <s>is</s> true of the whole Confederacy at that –A wreck, demoralized and forlorn. I was glad to see affairs thus, consequently enjoyed myself finely making observations. The Rebel lines were drawn in South of the Chatahoochee, forming a circle 7 miles out from the city. Battles were now being fought every day: and the scenes I witness could not be written in a large volume. I with the working squad, as https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/d3dde8453095174de6bf94066f0bb3c8.jpg e12d81bc088fac32e5f91bf6d8d66f1b https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/e59be2a1484d13ee14f61667395e2f40.jpg 5356987ecfc589b43c0edb860750eba8 PDF Text Text they called us, were put to work in places between the battle lines—of extreme danger and the pickets were our guards and the Commanders our master. We worked of course, just as we were compelled. We were kept on the picket lines, digging new lines of Rifle Pits as the Rebel lines were <s>chan</s> changed from time to time. I became familiar with everything along the rebel lines, and as the Union lines were near (75 to 100 yds) at many, points I could learn many things concerning the Union Situation.—On the <a href="http://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/john-henning-woods/3-113-after-the-war" target="_blank" title="click to view Memoir 3, Page 113, After the War footnote" rel="noopener">11th Aug. 1864</a> by <s>By</s> a secret understanding between a number of us, who were thus inside the rebel lines and some of the Union troops an armistice was partially obtained https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/11130d128c7eeee60bef363309a22b0d.jpg 94c939d7e9d28c429ed981f565b040e4 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/242e05be0d75fbf2a65d2d797180535c.jpg 7843373a7a3954a6fbd805e0cfddff11 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/7953921b036eb35d2a689d3e182a536e.jpg 5038307e371d8879c3b411910767a065 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/4ed58b2f6e25aa76c0a2bf1764b28122.jpg ad85d8e58a8218800ec55721f7cb6941 https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/original/ffa7d95459697685d977e70164ac870c.jpg 60afe65aaed601afba20394599bd66c4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Henning Woods Papers, 1856-1873 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Description An account of the resource This collection includes three memoir volumes and three diaries written by John Henning Woods, a Southern Unionist, Confederate conscript, and Civil War memoirist. Woods was born in Tennessee on July 4, 1834. After spending his childhood in Missouri, Woods married Mary Emma Caldwell, the daughter of a wealthy slaveholder and planter from Alabama in 1860. In 1861, Woods moved to Lebanon, Tennessee, to pursue his law degree at Cumberland University. Despite his ties to the South, Woods hated slavery and strongly supported the Union. Following the war's beginning and interruption of his education, he returned home to farm and teach. Due to his support for the Union, Woods chose to remain at home throughout the beginning of the war until his conscription into the Confederate army in October of 1862. While at first Woods fought to remain at home, the threat of imprisonment eventually sparked him to report to the army, where he was drafted into the 36th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Company K. As a part of this regiment, Woods was trained at Talladega and then posted around Mobile, Alabama. While at Mobile, Woods and a few fellow Unionist conscripts formed a secret Unionist organization called the Home Circle and planned a mutiny. Unfortunately, Woods was discovered prior to their planned mutiny and imprisoned to be tried. While awaiting his court martial, Woods was transported behind the army, following them through the Tullahoma Campaign and was then sent to Atlanta. His trial resulted in a sentence of death by firing squad; however, his execution was delayed due to the interference of a sympathetic general who had been his professor before the war. Woods saw the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga while imprisoned by the Confederate Army until he was once again sent to Atlanta following a stay of execution, furnished at the last minute from Jefferson Davis. He was then sent to work building trenches around Atlanta until he finally escaped Confederate officials on August 11, 1864, and made his way into Union lines. Following his escape, Woods made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the 93rd New York Infantry Regiment. He served out the rest of the war as a clerk for the Union Army until his discharge on May 11, 1865. Following the war, Woods returned home and continued to teach, moving to Lawrence County, Missouri sometime before 1885. In 1885, his wife Mary died and in 1889, he married Mae Laverall of Pennsylvania. Woods died on March 5, 1901, and is buried alongside both of his wives and his daughter in the Woodland Cemetery near Springfield, Missouri. The three volumes of Woods' memoir make up the largest portion of the collection. These three books focus on the years 1861-1864, describing his experiences of sectionalism, his opposition to secession and conscription, the process of forming an underground Unionist society in a Confederate regiment, his arrest for inciting a mutiny, and the resulting imprisonment and trial. The three journals cover a much broader range of topics and years, including genealogy, religion, marriage, slavery, and Woods' childhood. These three journals serve to contextualize the journals, as Woods referenced them during the writing process. Besides this, these journals also contain highly detailed drawings done by Woods during his imprisonment and a number of short entries in Pitman shorthand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856/1873 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017-030 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Memoir Volume 3, John Henning Woods, c. 1865 (Ms2017-030) Subject The topic of the resource Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01913.xml" target="_blank">See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource c. 1865 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Permission to publish material from the John Henning Woods Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. Type The nature or genre of the resource Memoirs Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ms2017_030_Memoir_Vol3 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: John Henning Woods Papers, Ms2017-030, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Description An account of the resource This final volume of Woods' memoir describes his imprisonment, trial, sentence, postponement of punishment, and his final stay of execution furnished from Jefferson Davis. archived