What does this mean (prisoner record)?

[captainrlm]

i am researching Robert Good, the first name on this list of prisoners, apparently those released from Andersonville in late 1864. It shows $5 in the "US Money" column. Another form in his file says "money taken - $5."

Was this money he had left when he came out of prison? Or was it what he had going in, perhaps taken by prison officials?

I have never worked with prisoner records before and have not seen anything like this. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[AndyHall]

Interesting query. I look forward to knowing, too.

 

[DaveBrt]

i am researching Robert Good, the first name on this list of prisoners, apparently those released from Andersonville in late 1864. It shows $5 in the "US Money" column. Another form in his file says "money taken - $5."

Was this money he had left when he came out of prison? Or was it what he had going in, perhaps taken by prison officials?

I have never worked with prisoner records before and have not seen anything like this. Any help would be appreciated.

It is my understanding that the prisoners were relieved of their money upon arrival.The camp Quartermaster was responsible for keeping a record of what was taken -- the list you have. Prisoners could sell their US dollars for Confederate, which was the only currency allowed for use in purchasing from the sutter or civilians. The Confederate Government wanted to buy as much of the greenbacks a possible for use in blockade running purchases.

 

[captainrlm]

That makes sense, though I am a bit surprised such records were kept (and especially that at least this one survived.)

Thank you, sir

 

[ole]

That makes sense, though I am a bit surprised such records were kept (and especially that at least this one survived.)

Thank you, sir

Some were better record-keepers than others.

 

[MajGenl.Meade]

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/39584/39584-h/39584-h.htm

 

[captainrlm]

Interesting. From this one little research project, I may end up learning much more than expected

Thank you