Rebels At Rock Island

[RLQ1]

I've just got through reading Benton McAdams' book, "Rebels At Rock Island". Personally speaking, I really enjoyed reading this book. It provided a good look into the US policy regarding Confederate POWs, and the politics involved from Washington down to the local politics that the camp commandant had to deal with.

After reading this book, I came away with the impression that the camp commandant really tried his best to alleviate the suffering of the prisoners, but had to deal with orders from General Hoffman, especially regarding financial matters.

I would recommend this book for those that are interested in POW issues of the Civil War.

[larry_cockerham]

One of my Confederate ancestors was a 'guest' at Rock Island in late 1863. He survived and was transferred to Point Lookout, MD. The staff at the arsenal is very helpful with answering questions and distributing information about the camp. Seems the thing needed most was heat!

[ole]

Seems the thing needed most was heat!

That seems to be a commonality of all prison camps, north and south. Although the heat situation in Andersonville would not have been as critical as at Elmira or Rock Island or Camp Douglas, it looks like the last thing on the camp commandant's mind was the comfort of their charges.

To really experience cold, you need to sit in the northers sweeping unobstructed across the Mississippi. Not even the northernmost inland prisons can produce a cold like that.

Been there; done that.
Ole

[RLQ1]

Originally Posted by larry_cockerham

One of my Confederate ancestors was a 'guest' at Rock Island in late 1863. He survived and was transferred to Point Lookout, MD. The staff at the arsenal is very helpful with answering questions and distributing information about the camp. Seems the thing needed most was heat!

I found this book by chance at the bookstore at the Chickamauga Battlefield. The title got my attention as an ancestor was a guest at Rock Island from January 1864 through May 1865.

[larry_cockerham]

Actually, I believe Rock Island and it's commanders did their meager part to provide as many comforts as possible under the situation. The buildings were new and food was available as well as better medical care than was the case in the rest of the country for the most part. Part of that comfort factor was due to the fact that the 'staff' had to survive the bitter cold as well. Ole, your experience rivals my own youth in the mountains of North Carolina. Many an outhouse is insulated to this day.

[ole]

You had an insulated outhouse? Pampered rich kid!
Ole

And I believe there were barracks at Camp Douglas and Elmira as well. But, as usually happens when the government is there to help you, there were not enough, and they were drafty and not heated (?) On the other hand, Andersonville had no buildings at all.