Prison Records

[debwallsmith]

Does anyone know if there are records from prisons that are as extensive as those from Andersonville? I'm referring to "Images of records of Federal (Union) prisoners of war confined at Andersonville prison 1864-1865." And is described as "It is a collection that consists of prison hospital admissions, death and burial records, registers of prison departures, prisoner claims for reimbursements, and consolidated monthly reports. This collection is NARA microfilm publication M1303 and is from Record Group 249 Records of the Commissary General of Prisoners. Some records may be difficult to read." I am asking because I'm preparing an article for publication about the Camp Lawton aka Millen prison. There are no known records from the prison and I'm wondering if this is the same situation for other Civil War prisons and Andersonville is the exception.

 

[Michael C. Hardy]

Are you familiar with this: https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/249.html

 

[DixieRifles]

oes anyone know if there are records from prisons that are as extensive as those from Andersonville? I'm referring to "Images of records of Federal (Union) prisoners of war confined at Andersonville prison 1864-1865." And is described as "It is a collection that consists of prison hospital admissions, death and burial records, registers of prison departures, prisoner claims for reimbursements, and consolidated monthly reports.

I know the Prisoner of War Museum was collection service records on soldiers who confined there. I donated service records that was found on FOLD3 for 99 soldiers, mostly Tennesseans serving in Union cavalry. Nothing about their medical records except a form for those prisoners who were sent to the hospital, which was the last stop before the grave.
It sounds like you are searching for more detailed records. FOLD3 still lacks the basic records for many Federal units.

 

[debwallsmith]

I know the Prisoner of War Museum was collection service records on soldiers who confined there. I donated service records that was found on FOLD3 for 99 soldiers, mostly Tennesseans serving in Union cavalry. Nothing about their medical records except a form for those prisoners who were sent to the hospital, which was the last stop before the grave.
It sounds like you are searching for more detailed records. FOLD3 still lacks the basic records for many Federal units.

Thanks for your input. It gives me something to think about. My question is not whether I can find information on individual prisoners. I'm really just trying to figure out if the "business records" for other prisons exist. Are the Andersonville ledgers the exception? I have been able to build the Camp Lawton POW database because of the Andersonville departure records. The names of prisoners transferred from A'ville to Millen and many other destinations are listed in those ledgers. I'm not interested in specifics of any individuals, just whether similar records are available for other prisons regardless of whether Union or Confederate.

 

[debwallsmith]

Are you familiar with this: https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/249.html

Thank you for the link. I was unaware of these records. While a trip to DC is not in my future, this will help me find out the extent of records for other prisons.

 

[Allyn]

Knowing that some records for the various prisons do exist is so tantalizing, but knowing that they are basically inaccessible is frustrating! I know that a family member spent a miserable winter, 1864-65, at Crews and Pemberton, and upon release went to College Green Barracks and Camp Parole but I have always wanted to know more about his experiences. Unfortunately, a trip to NARA is pretty unlikely.

 

[debwallsmith]

Knowing that some records for the various prisons do exist is so tantalizing, but knowing that they are basically inaccessible is frustrating! I know that a family member spent a miserable winter, 1864-65, at Crews and Pemberton, and upon release went to College Green Barracks and Camp Parole but I have always wanted to know more about his experiences. Unfortunately, a trip to NARA is pretty unlikely.

I could never have compiled the Camp Lawton POW database if it weren't for the Andersonville records being available online. I'm beginning to get the feeling that those records are the exception and not the rule.

 

[milhistbuff1]

Knowing that some records for the various prisons do exist is so tantalizing, but knowing that they are basically inaccessible is frustrating! I know that a family member spent a miserable winter, 1864-65, at Crews and Pemberton, and upon release went to College Green Barracks and Camp Parole but I have always wanted to know more about his experiences. Unfortunately, a trip to NARA is pretty unlikely.

Perhaps Bob Velke's Gopher records can help re: getting copies.

 

[Michael C. Hardy]

Thank you for the link. I was unaware of these records. While a trip to DC is not in my future, this will help me find out the extent of records for other prisons.

Some of these records can be found on ancestry and familysearch.

 

[Allyn]

This is probably a goose chase, but - I know that there are a few records relating to soldiers held at Camp Chase at the Ohio Historical Connection in Columbus. I have two or three questions about that entity. Has anyone used it, or had any interaction with it? The contact information of that website is malfunctioning (the dreaded " 403 forbidden"). Does anyone know if their records include southern sympathizers/political prisoners who were held there briefly?

 

[Library Lady]

The Ohio History Connection is basically the current name for the Ohio Historical Society.

Here is the Ohio History Connection's library resource guide for their Camp Chase items, including the item call numbers. They will loan out microfilm, but the request must come through interlibrary loan (OCLC), not a personal request. Of course, you can come to their building to see their items.

About Section 106 - Ohio History Connection

Explore Ohio history through stories, photos, videos, and events. The Ohio History Connection champions all Ohio history, including the 50+ historic sites across Ohio.

resources.ohiohistory.org

Here are the hours for the Archives and Library and how they handle voicemail requests. Please notice the paragraph under the "Quick Links" concerning temporarily suspended services. There is an E-mail address provided if you have questions about that.

Archives & Library - Ohio History Connection

Whether you are a genealogist, researcher, student or simply have questions about Ohio history, our Archives & Library is here to help.

www.ohiohistory.org

Here are various ways of contacting them: In-state and 1-800 phone numbers, the physical address for regular mail and the contact form (which I did not try - is that where you got the 403 error?).

Contact Us - Ohio History Connection

Send a message to one of the suggested departments or call our general line to speak with someone at the Ohio History Connection.

www.ohiohistory.org

 

[Allyn]

Thanks, but I still immediately get "403 forbidden" for two of the three links you sent, and when you drill down one level for the other link. Guess I'll file it under "maybe later."

 

[Library Lady]

Maybe this will work.

Library Guides

CAMP CHASE

AP 129:​

Antique Photo 129, Camp Chase, Columbus, OH

SC 132:​

Small Photo Coll. 132, Camp Chase, 6 items

SERIES 86:​

Adjutant General. Prisoners List, Camp Chase, 1861-1862, 2 items

VFM 1209:​

Vertical File Manuscript Coll., Camp Chase, Ohio, 1 item


CAMP CHASE CEMETERY

SERIES 1379:​

Adjutant General. Record of burials at Greenlawn National Cemetery and Camp Chase Cemetery, 1863-1865(microfilm), 1 item


CAMP CHASE HOSPITAL

SERIES 137:​

Adjutant General. Surgeon General. Abstract of the Board of Surgeons, Camp Chase Hospital, 1862, 1 item


CAMP CHASE PRISON

SERIES 1425:​

Adjutant General. Military Prison Record, Camp Chase and Johnson�s Island, 1861-1862, 2 items


CAMP CHASE PRISONER'S LIST, 1861-1862

SERIES 86:​

Adjutant General. Prisoners List, Camp Chase, 1861-1862, 2 items

Library Hours

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Thursdays • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Fridays • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Voicemail

Our phone lines are not monitored; voicemail is returned most Thursdays and Fridays during normal business hours (EST).

Temporarily Suspended Services
Some Archives & Library procedures recently have changed and some services will be suspended temporarily. This will include death record/vital record and research requests, prison, industrial schools, and Bertillon records, and photocopy requests, as well as prison, Children's Home, mental health, legislative, and developmental disabilities research requests. Please check back for updates on when these services will resume or email [email protected] with any questions.

Contact Information

Ohio History Connection
800 E. 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211

• 614.297.2300
• 800.686.6124

 

[RedRover]

Thanks for your input. It gives me something to think about. My question is not whether I can find information on individual prisoners. I'm really just trying to figure out if the "business records" for other prisons exist. Are the Andersonville ledgers the exception? I have been able to build the Camp Lawton POW database because of the Andersonville departure records. The names of prisoners transferred from A'ville to Millen and many other destinations are listed in those ledgers. I'm not interested in specifics of any individuals, just whether similar records are available for other prisons regardless of whether Union or Confederate.

Apparently there are no particularly detailed records of prisoners for the majority of the Confederate military prisons, recording Union inmates, and no record recording their deaths, etc.

By 1889 it was reported that 710 more dead US POWs had been identified since 1885, added to the 29,498 recorded POW deaths (over 28K of whom are buried in just three of the numerous prison cemeteries in the South).

By June, 1903, US Army Adjutant General Fred Ainsworth reported to James Ford Rhodes that US records by then had documented 30,218 died in Confederate captivity, but the total number unknown given there were no records at all from most CSA prisons, and but partial records from a handful of others seemed to cap the ability to discern the total, or add to the documented number.

Union veteran Asa B. Isham observed...

....

Prisoners of war and military prisons; personal narratives of experience in the prisons at Richmond, Danville, Macon, Andersonville, Savannah, Millen, Charleston, and Columbia ... with a list of officers who were prisoners of war from January 1, 1864

xii, 571 p. 24 cm

archive.org

The lack of Confederate record of Union POWs was not out of the ordinary for the Confederate military system. The Confederate Army's own personnel were poorly documented, and most of their own service deaths unrecorded as well. The "defective" and "fragmentary" Confederate Records which survived the war, documented 152,000 CSA deaths, where it was generally understood the actual minimum number was between 250 and 350,000.

 

[debwallsmith]

Apparently there are no particularly detailed records of prisoners for the majority of the Confederate military prisons, recording Union inmates, and no record recording their deaths, etc.

By 1889 it was reported that 710 more dead US POWs had been identified since 1885, added to the 29,498 recorded POW deaths (over 28K of whom are buried in just three of the numerous prison cemeteries in the South).

View attachment 573990

By June, 1903, US Army Adjutant General Fred Ainsworth reported to James Ford Rhodes that US records by then had documented 30,218 died in Confederate captivity, but the total number unknown given there were no records at all from most CSA prisons, and but partial records from a handful of others seemed to cap the ability to discern the total, or add to the documented number.

View attachment 573991

Union veteran Asa B. Isham observed...

View attachment 573980
View attachment 573981
View attachment 573982
View attachment 573983
View attachment 573984
View attachment 573985
View attachment 573986
....

View attachment 573988
View attachment 573989

Prisoners of war and military prisons; personal narratives of experience in the prisons at Richmond, Danville, Macon, Andersonville, Savannah, Millen, Charleston, and Columbia ... with a list of officers who were prisoners of war from January 1, 1864

xii, 571 p. 24 cm

archive.org

The lack of Confederate record of Union POWs was not out of the ordinary for the Confederate military system. The Confederate Army's own personnel were poorly documented, and most of their own service deaths unrecorded as well. The "defective" and "fragmentary" Confederate Records which survived the war, documented 152,000 CSA deaths, where it was generally understood the actual minimum number was between 250 and 350,000.

 

[debwallsmith]

So apparently Andersonville is the exception. I find it interesting that nowhere in the clips you provided is there any mention of Millen but that is probably due to there being very few officers imprisoned there. I'm curious as to whether the records for the CSA prisons were intentionally lost or whether they might have been destroyed by Union troops. It is reported that Millen was razed after it was found abandoned. Again, I have more questions than answers but that means more research for me to do.

Thank you for the clippings. I appreciate it.

 

[RedRover]

So apparently Andersonville is the exception. I find it interesting that nowhere in the clips you provided is there any mention of Millen but that is probably due to there being very few officers imprisoned there.

Archivist Henry P. Beers in his review of Confederate records, found none from the prison at Millen...

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31210006186488&seq=264

I'm curious as to whether the records for the CSA prisons were intentionally lost or whether they might have been destroyed by Union troops. It is reported that Millen was razed after it was found abandoned. Again, I have more questions than answers but that means more research for me to do.

Thank you for the clippings. I appreciate it.

I haven't seen any evidence to suggest the Confederate military prison authorities were any more thorough or efficient than in the Confederate Army generally (on the contrary perhaps). Records and returns were incomplete. Col. Robert G.H. Kean, Chief of the Bureau of War in Richmond, complained that the Army's adjutant general's office, under General Cooper, by mid-1863 had failed to compel any of the forces to produce complete returns.

"....one would suppose that the office highest in rank, the official keeper of the rolls whose specific duty it to know the state of the army and compel proper returns, would in two and a half years have got some complete returns. Yet it is notorious that the returns are not complete even from the nearest and most stationary army, while of the Trans-Mississippi forces, they have almost no account whatever. There has never been a time when the A.I. General could give even a tolerably close guess of the whole force on the rolls of the army, still less of the effective force."

Consequently, if that was the status of their own forces, it should perhaps not be surprising their record of POW's was equally incomplete.

Dr. Joseph Jones of the CS Army Medical department, during the war, toured many of the larger military hospitals and even the prisons, for data on medical conditions and mortality. This included a report about the circumstances at Andersonville, which he claimed US forces after the war confiscated from him...

Given the subsequent military trial and execution of Captain Wirz, I would imagine, rendered it unlikely any Southern officers who retained prison records, including record of the deceased, were inclined to come forward with them.

 

[Allyn]

When I was transcribing the 1890 veterans' census for Crawford Co., PA, I found one reference to "Millan" -

Vaughn, William W., Private, Co. I, 2nd. Pa. Cav., 6 Oct. 1861 – 13 July 1865; residing at Little Cooley, [Athens Twp.], right thumb cut in Millan Prison, GA; breached in abdomen, 2d​ Bull Run battle

Of course there is no further information about his imprisonment, other than the fact that he survived it.

 

[Allyn]

Whoops, sorry, I found another, this one listed as "Millin." This poor man was in three different prisons:

Luse, Mathew H., sergeant, Co. I, 2nd. Pa. Cav., 6 Oct. 1861 – 13 Dec. 1863, 13 Dec. 1863 – 12 July 1865; residing at Cambridgeboro, rheumatism and heart disease, contracted at Libby and Andersonville and Millin prisons

 

[debwallsmith]

Archivist Henry P. Beers in his review of Confederate records, found none from the prison at Millen...

View attachment 574003

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31210006186488&seq=264

I haven't seen any evidence to suggest the Confederate military prison authorities were any more thorough or efficient than in the Confederate Army generally (on the contrary perhaps). Records and returns were incomplete. Col. Robert G.H. Kean, Chief of the Bureau of War in Richmond, complained that the Army's adjutant general's office, under General Cooper, by mid-1863 had failed to compel any of the forces to produce complete returns.

"....one would suppose that the office highest in rank, the official keeper of the rolls whose specific duty it to know the state of the army and compel proper returns, would in two and a half years have got some complete returns. Yet it is notorious that the returns are not complete even from the nearest and most stationary army, while of the Trans-Mississippi forces, they have almost no account whatever. There has never been a time when the A.I. General could give even a tolerably close guess of the whole force on the rolls of the army, still less of the effective force."

Consequently, if that was the status of their own forces, it should perhaps not be surprising their record of POW's was equally incomplete.

Dr. Joseph Jones of the CS Army Medical department, during the war, toured many of the larger military hospitals and even the prisons, for data on medical conditions and mortality. This included a report about the circumstances at Andersonville, which he claimed US forces after the war confiscated from him...

View attachment 573997
View attachment 573998

Given the subsequent military trial and execution of Captain Wirz, I would imagine, rendered it unlikely any Southern officers who retained prison records, including record of the deceased, were inclined to come forward with them.

There are records from Andersonville that were seized by the US Army when they went through the prison. Best of all, they're available online which is how I was able to compile the Camp Lawton/Millen POW database. Why these records survived and others didn't escapes me. https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2019835