Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/greble-charles-e/
Regiment: 8th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Libby Prison Richmond VA Jan 4th 1864
Dear Brother
Thinking a few lines from me might interst
you I embrace the present opportunity. I rec a letter from
John this day which found me emjoying good health
Although I was much disappointed in not rec one from Martha
As you have ere this heard the particulars of my capture I will
give you a slight discription of Libby Prison the building in which
we are confined (
[ ? ] Officers in the number of 1,000) The Prison is a brick
Structure of three ground floors bsides basement consisting of 9 rooms
each 120 feet in length & 43 feet in bradth. Seperated by
[ ? ]
The building was famaly occupied by Libby & Sow as whole sale
[ ? ] & Ship
Chandlers the lower middle room is occupied as cook & dining room & work
room. The lower east room as hospital for wounded officers. Water is conveyed to
every room in the building by lead pipes from the city waterworks there is a
privy in every room with a stream of water running through it. We nearly all
make our beds on the floor Myself & Partson have seven blankets which make us
very comfortable. Our rations are cord brad fresh beef & rice a plenty such as it
is there is 24 in my mess No 22 we sent out & brought a second hand stove for $350
which could be bought at home for 4 or 5 dollars you can send your washing out or do it
yourself The messes have a chance to send out for any thing they want twice per week
I sent out for $185 00 worth & you could put it all in a 2 bushel bag. Oysters are
Cheaper here than at home. It is a sight to go through the different room some are
playing chess cards sand exercis
[ ? ] French some working
[ ? ] & every thing that you
can imagine Write & let me know how you make it on the farm
& all the news From your BrotherCharles E Greble 1st Liet Co E
8th Mich Cav
[On Envelope:]
From Prisoner of War
Richmond
Mr George Greble
Battle Creek
Mich
