Was that boat full of Andersonville prisoners?
rootsweb.com
"Meanwhile, the Sultana was taking on passengers... a regular stampede of passengers. A large number of repatriated Union prisoners of war were to go North on this steamer, and the men were so desperately eager to start that the authorities decided not to make out the muster rolls in advance, as usual. Instead the rolls would be made out onboard, after the vessel had left Vicksburg."
"From: John Feagin
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 14:21:49 -0400
My gg grandfather, WINFIELD SCOTT POTTLE, survived the sinking also. He had just been released from Andersonville. He was a member of the 54th Ohio Volunteers known as Platt's Zouaves. He was taken prisoner while trying to protect General Sherman. He was attacked by the Confederate Calvary and hit in the head with a sabre. After being taken prisoner, he was first sent to Libby Prison because of suspicion that he was a spy. He was later taken to Belle Island and then to Andersonville. He was there when the "Providential Spring" burst forth. He ran for water and was pushed over the deadline where he was shot with a couple of companions who were killed. He was left to suffer for hours until his comrades were given permission to retrieve him. Several years ago, I visited Andersonville with my sons and the Providential Spring. I felt a sense of joy that he survived and that his descendents could actually play in the stream where his blood ran.
Thanks, John Feagin" |
