My Experiences At Andersonville

I read the following into the room Thursday night and thought I'd share it with you all. It is a very moving letter. PETCTR had sent me the URL. You may find it at: http://www.americanpioneers.com/26thalabama/Andersonville.htm along with some other "accounts" of experiences at Andersonville prison by members from the 26th Alabama.

Marietta, Ohio 
September, 30th, 1894 

To his Excellency, 
The Governor of Alabama 

Dear Sir, 

During the war of the Rebellion in January 1864, I was taken prisoner of war and about Feb. 1864 I was taken to Andersonville, GA. where I was confined until Sept. 1864. In a few weeks after I reached Andersonville, Lewis Jones, a private of the 26th Alabama secured permission to take me on the outside of the prison on condition that I would beat the drum for the 26th Alabama on “guard mount” dress parade & while they would remain at Andersonville on duty. Mr. Jones took me to the camp of the 26th and explained to me the conditions on which I would be put on “Parole of Honor” and given certain liberties. I refused to except the conditions and Lewis Jones gave me something to eat and put me back in the stockade explaining to me that he had no authority to keep me out only on condition to which I have referred. They soon succeeded in getting a good drummer and fifer out of the stockade to which I have referred. I was a small boy having enlisted when I was four feet in height and only thirteen years of age. In a short time Lewis Jones came to the stockade and took me out and made another proposition to me. He said he had secured permission to take me out of the stockade and that he was responsible for my safe keeping. He took me to the camp of the 26th Ala. and I slept and ate with him, and he took me hunting and fishing a time or two. I do not recollect his company, but there were five in his mess and I made six. We ate together, and I had nothing to do but behave myself and not run away. He was very kind to me and said he interested himself in my behalf on account of me being a mere child and that seeing me a prisoner of war had aroused the tender feelings of his heart. In that mess of six was a brother of Lewis Jones who was a Lieut. in the company to which Lewis belonged.  

In a few weeks the 26th Ala. was ordered into active service again and during all the time until they took their departure I stayed in camp with Lewis Jones and he treated me, and cared for me, as if I were his own child. Before they left he went to Captain Wirz, the commandant of the prison, and arranged for his to keep me at his office and run errands, and not put me back into the stockade. I stayed with Capt. Wirz a good while, but one day he flew into a rage and put me back in the stockade. When I tell you that I went into Andersonville with nineteen of my company and I was the only one to reach home alive you will readily see how Lewis Jones saved my life. The better treatment at Wirz’s office and the kind treatment from Lewis Jones, and it was due to the efforts of Lewis Jones, built me up in health so that I was able to live through it. Lewis Jones saved my life.

When you were in Marietta, Ohio a few years ago returning a flag, you were at the home of Genl. Rufus R. Dawes of that city. I was relating this incident to Genl. Dawes recently and he said it would not surprise him to learn that the Lieut. Jones to whom I have referred was none other than the present Governor of the State of Alabama, and he urged me to write you a letter to ascertain if you are Lieut. Jones of the 26th Ala. and where my good friend Lewis Jones can be located. I have never seen or heard of Lewis Jones since he waved good bye to me on the cars at Andersonville Station. He may be in heaven long ago for no other place would be fitted for his generous soul. Although I have always intended to try and locate him this is the first effort that I have made in that direction. Do me the kindness to favor me with a reply and I will very highly appreciate it. I am 45 years of age, I was a private and drummer in Company I, 10 W. Va. Vol. Inft. 

Very truly Yours, R. T. Powell

Lewis Jones was a private of Company I, the brother he is referring to is 2nd Lt. John W. Jones. Both men survived the war and surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina on April 26, 1865, two of only 31 that accomplished it. The Governor he was writing to was not a member of the 26th Alabama Infantry Regiment. Drummer Powell was referred to in camp as “Little Red Cap” and is mentioned in memoirs of other soldiers. 

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