Fort Donelson POWs

[Paul Morrison]

Hello, I was wondering if there is anything in the works about any living history events about pows from Fort Henry / Donelson this Spring. I know a while back someone wanted to use Conner Prairie Indiana for Camp Morton . Thanks, Paul Morrison

[dixieflyer]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

That would certainly make for an interesting event.

[csuniforms]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Hello, I was wondering if there is anything in the works about any living history events about pows from Fort Henry / Donelson this Spring. I know a while back someone wanted to use Conner Prairie Indiana for Camp Morton . Thanks, Paul Morrison

My book Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown has copius notes on the uniforms and accoutrements of the CS prisoners at Fort Donelson. It is all there.

CSuniforms
Tom Arliskas

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

John Walsh and I are working with the Fort Donelson folks about the event in Feb. We are using images from some of the captives to form the guidelines . John is meeting with the park tomorrow to iron out a couple of more details before putting out our announcement . More to follow .

[Paul Morrison]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Thanks for the info. Just tryin to think of events for midwest folks. Pows have always been an interest for me. Paul Morrison

[desotobob]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Actually the 49th TN went to Camp Douglas. My g-g-grandfather was in Co. C of the 49th. I can't wait for registration for the anniversary event.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Looking forward to it Jerry as my son and I are trying to put together impressions now.

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Robert ,
My family was in the 49th Co. G .Melville Cherry .He turned 17 during the battle. He escaped from the fort ,family was from the area before the war. Later found his way to VA wsered with his brother there until the 49th was released from prison. We will have to do more talking >>>>.

[Mark Choate]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Jerry and Robert,

This sounds like "old home week" as I had seven uncles in the 49th (five in Co. D. and two in Co. B) and two uncles in the 50th (Co. A). Perhaps we can swap stories and notes on the fine accommodations of Camp Douglas. See you there.

regards,
Mark

[desotobob]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

I will bring a copy of his article he did for the Elkton paper in the '30's. He is from what is now Adams TN and was wounded at Franklin where his future wife's brother was killed. We definitely will talk about this. Sounds good.

[markj]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Some of you might find the attached files interesting. There are more where these come from.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[csuniforms]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

From my notes the prisoners were wearing carpet blankets, had carpet bags, and some were wearing a white osnanburg issue overcoat. Most were in brown jeans, only uniform item a gray cap with a black band and a broad black stripe on the trousers.

CS uninforms
Tom Arliskas

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Some of you might find the attached files interesting. There are more where these come from.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

Thank you.

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Boy, I wouldn't wish that Chicago hell hole on anyone, then or now. For a Southern fella to have to endure that cold coming in off Lake Michigan, that makes my teeth rattle and I'm more adapted to the cold than a Tennessean. If you all do get up an event let us know... Z

[Mark Choate]

Re: Fort Donelson POWs

Zack,

I remember my great uncle telling me stories that his ancestors told him and they phrase that kept sticking in my mind was that the gaps in the shabby housing structures had holes in them that "you could throw a cat through" and the wind cut through them like a knife. Now, when you are 8 years old and you envision throwing a cat through a hole in the wall, it seemed pretty big. Heck, it seems pretty big now, too.

This topic can get on a sore subject with me pretty quick, too in that all that you hear in discussions of lousy conditions in POW camps is "Andersonville - Andersonville - Andersonville......." and Lord knows it was terrible. But, if you study it closely, you quickly realize that with the shortages in the South, the soldiers didn't have much more to eat than many of the prisoners. Plus Grant had stopped the prisoner exchange policy which hurt the South by blocking off the badly needed receipt of men back into the ranks. Then when you look at the conditions at many of these northern POW camps you see that they were horrible as well, but just don't get the pub.

Oh well, such is life.

regards,
Mark