Diary of a Confederate

Chapter III: The Diary of A Confederate Soldier

Part 2 :

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO REBELS ON LAKE ERIE 1862 - 1865
A Diary which was kept by Dr. Maj. J. L. Stockdale from 1863 - 1864, whilst a prisoner of War at Johnson’s Island Lake Erie. The following historical article was taken from the diary of Confederate soldier, Dr., Maj. John Lark Stockdale of Talladega, Alabama and dates from the time he left Port Hudson until he arrived at Johnson’s Island. After extensive research, his diary was located at Johnson’s Island, Sandusky Bay, Ohio. From April of 1862 until September of 1865, over 9,000 Confederates passed through Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison leaving behind an extensive historical and archaeological record. Many of these officers recorded in journals or diaries the day to day happenings, emotions, and conditions they were enduring. They also spent many hours writing letters, collecting autographs from prisoners, and sketching maps. These documents give vast insight into what prison life was like, as well as the personal conflicts and hardships encountered among families and friends during the Civil War. Major John L. Stockdale, Calvary John Lark Stockdale was born August 12, 1831, in Edgefield, South Carolina. He was the son of Rev. James Seeds Stockdale of County Down, Ireland and Sarah Lark, of Edgefield, S.C. He was the maternal grandson of Honorable Judge John Lark and Precious Waters Lark of Edgefield, S.C. and the paternal grandson of John Stockdale and Ester Seeds Stockdale, both of County Down, Ireland. Dr. Stockdale was an educator, a soldier (calvary), physician, and surgeon. For many years, he taught in the Talladega Male High School. During 1961-1965, he was a surgeon in the Confederate States Army and while a Confederate prisoner on Johnson’s Island, Sandusky Bay, Ohio. Dr. Stockdale had been Registrar and Master in Chancery of the fourteenth District, N.E. Chancery Division; President of the Clay County Medical Society and was prominent in other Medical bodies. He wrote Medical articles in Our Mountain Home Newspaper in Talladega. Dr. Stockdale was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Talladega. He died at his home on North Street, in Talladega on Sunday morning,at 2:00 A.M. on August 11, 1912. Funeral services were conducted by Dr. J.H. Blaylock of Anniston at 4:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon. Interment took place in the Talladega Cemetary across the street from St. Peter’s Church. When Maj.Stockdale was released from the prison, at Sandusky Bay, he was convinced he would never see his diary again. He even makes note of this fact, as the prisoners are released and as they pass through the gates of the prison, their diaries and personal things are confiscated. Nothing has been altered or changed. It is exactly as he wrote daily, for two years, while a prisoner on Johnson’s Island, Sandusky Bay, Ohio. Where captured: Port Hudson When captured: Tuesday, July 7, 1863 Listed place of residence: Talladega, Ala. Released by order of the President on June 24, 1865. Enlisted August 13, 1861 for 1 year, as a 1st Lieutenant, Co. A, Bowie’s Mounted Rangers, 8th Div. Age 30. At the time of his release, he was listed as a Maj. Staff Dept, C.S.A. THE DIARY Historical Events by Maj. Dr. John L. Stockdale Port Hudson, La July 9th,1863 After a heroic defense continued since the 21st of May, Major General Frank Gardner surrendered the garrison today at 9:00 O’clock, the stipulations agreed upon were that the fort should be given up, the troops should lay down their arms in the presence of the Federal Army, our officers were allowed to retain their side arms and private property. General Gardner surrendered his sword to Brigadier General Anderson who received it and returned it to General Gardner. After the troops had laid down their arms they were kept between the Federal lines and the river bank and none were allowed to pass out. Field and staff officers only were allowed to give their parole not to exceed the limits of one mile from General Gardner’s headquarters. I gave my parole and received a pass from Col. Y. E. Chickering, 3d Massachusetts Calvary, and Provost Marshal. July 10th Capt. E. C. Sheldon, A.C. S. took my black horse from Mr. Jackson, but promised me to send for him and return him to me. Our troops still remain in the position where they were surrendered, they draw very short rations from the Federal Commissary, their arms remained for twenty-four hours before they were taken up by the Federals. It is agreed the men shall be paroled, but the officers are to be kept in confinement. July 11th The men still kept in same position and strictly guarded. Federal officers commenced to parole them today. Captain Sheldon failed to return my horse as he had promised. I found the horse hitched at the fence of the Provost Marshal’s office and requested Colonel Chickering to have him returned to me, which he refused to do. Many field and staff officers are sending out their horses, and servants, but I shall ask nor expect no more favors. Confederate money taken by sutlers at the rate of 10 cents for $100. July 12th General Beall and Captain Hempstead went to Jackson, La., on a pass and parole for thirty-six hours. Our men still in same position. Paroling goes on slowly. The Federals are sending their sick and wounded to New Orleans. Paid $5 to a barber to shave me. Heard a negro curse a white boy, a Confederate soldier, on the street and tell him he was as good as he (the white boy) was, and as free. A negro Federal soldier told Captain Ross that he would fight as long as he could stand. Captain Ross struck him two raps with a board, when he wheeled and retired at a double quick. July 13th Captain Sheldon failed to return my horse. The paroling of the men goes on slowly. Our men commenced to go out today, the Federals supplying them with rations for three days. Many negroes go out with them, carrying their baggage. The Federal soldiers and the negroes with them try hard to persuade the Confederate negroes to remain with them, but our negroes say they have seen enough of the Yankees. Bill was paroled today. Colonel Chickering gave me a pass to send my sorrel horse without the Federal lines. Editor’s note: Was this Billy Bell from Talladega or was this William (Bill) Stockdale? July 14th The First Alabama Regiment left today. Bill went with them, riding my black sorrel horse. The Officers of the First Alabama started to New Orleans. All the men except the sick and a few stragglers have left. Most of the officers except General Gardner and staff and General Beall and staff have gone. Port Hudson is now swarming with the Yanks who are collecting our artillery and scattered ammunition. July 15th , 1863 Have been two years in the service today. Weather warm and mosquitoes troublesome. Sam Albright, Bill and Hugh Donahoo were left behind by the 1st Alabama. Wrote to A. E. S. today and sent the letter out by Miss Annie E., who promised to mail it at Clanton. We are all anxious to leave here and expect to start tomorrow. July 16th Did not get off today. BIOGRAPHY OF EMINENT AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS - 1894 JOHN LARK STOCKDALE John Lark Stockdale, of Talladega, Alabama, was born in Edgefield District, S. C., August 12, 1831, the son of the Rev. James S. Stockdale, and grandson of John Stockdale, who emigrated to Charleston, S. C., from County Down, Ireland, in 1791. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Lark, daughter of John Lark, of Edgefield District, S. C. His education was acquired principally at Talladega High School, in which school he was subsequently made Professor of Ancient Languages and Mathematics. He commenced the study of medicine in 1850, under the guidance of Drs. Moore and Taylor. In 1854 he graduated from the Medical College of the State of South Carolina, with the degree of M. D. He subsequently attended lectures at the Augusta Medical College, Georgia, and at the Medical College of Nashville, Tenn. He commenced the practice of his profession near Talladega, Alabama, in the spring of 1854.... He married in 1865 Annie E., daughter of Maj. J. Terry, of Talladega... Ref: Stone, R. French, M. D., BIOGRAPHY OF EMINENT AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, 1894,Carlon & Hollenbeck, Publishers, Indianapolis, p. 486. The Confederate Cemetery, located on Johnson’s Island is currently the only publicly available part of the prison. A portion of the prison compound and all of Fort Johnson have been set aside for long term preservation by the current landowner. TOP BACK NEXT
Where captured: Port Hudson When captured: Tuesday, July 7, 1863 Listed place of residence: Talladega, Ala. Released by order of the President on June 24, 1865. Enlisted August 13, 1861 for 1 year, as a 1st Lieutenant, Co. A, Bowie’s Mounted Rangers, 8th Div. Age 30. At the time of his release, he was listed as a Maj. Staff Dept, C.S.A.
THE DIARY Historical Events by Maj. Dr. John L. Stockdale Port Hudson, La July 9th,1863 After a heroic defense continued since the 21st of May, Major General Frank Gardner surrendered the garrison today at 9:00 O’clock, the stipulations agreed upon were that the fort should be given up, the troops should lay down their arms in the presence of the Federal Army, our officers were allowed to retain their side arms and private property. General Gardner surrendered his sword to Brigadier General Anderson who received it and returned it to General Gardner. After the troops had laid down their arms they were kept between the Federal lines and the river bank and none were allowed to pass out. Field and staff officers only were allowed to give their parole not to exceed the limits of one mile from General Gardner’s headquarters. I gave my parole and received a pass from Col. Y. E. Chickering, 3d Massachusetts Calvary, and Provost Marshal. July 10th Capt. E. C. Sheldon, A.C. S. took my black horse from Mr. Jackson, but promised me to send for him and return him to me. Our troops still remain in the position where they were surrendered, they draw very short rations from the Federal Commissary, their arms remained for twenty-four hours before they were taken up by the Federals. It is agreed the men shall be paroled, but the officers are to be kept in confinement. July 11th The men still kept in same position and strictly guarded. Federal officers commenced to parole them today. Captain Sheldon failed to return my horse as he had promised. I found the horse hitched at the fence of the Provost Marshal’s office and requested Colonel Chickering to have him returned to me, which he refused to do. Many field and staff officers are sending out their horses, and servants, but I shall ask nor expect no more favors. Confederate money taken by sutlers at the rate of 10 cents for $100. July 12th General Beall and Captain Hempstead went to Jackson, La., on a pass and parole for thirty-six hours. Our men still in same position. Paroling goes on slowly. The Federals are sending their sick and wounded to New Orleans. Paid $5 to a barber to shave me. Heard a negro curse a white boy, a Confederate soldier, on the street and tell him he was as good as he (the white boy) was, and as free. A negro Federal soldier told Captain Ross that he would fight as long as he could stand. Captain Ross struck him two raps with a board, when he wheeled and retired at a double quick. July 13th Captain Sheldon failed to return my horse. The paroling of the men goes on slowly. Our men commenced to go out today, the Federals supplying them with rations for three days. Many negroes go out with them, carrying their baggage. The Federal soldiers and the negroes with them try hard to persuade the Confederate negroes to remain with them, but our negroes say they have seen enough of the Yankees. Bill was paroled today. Colonel Chickering gave me a pass to send my sorrel horse without the Federal lines. Editor’s note: Was this Billy Bell from Talladega or was this William (Bill) Stockdale? July 14th The First Alabama Regiment left today. Bill went with them, riding my black sorrel horse. The Officers of the First Alabama started to New Orleans. All the men except the sick and a few stragglers have left. Most of the officers except General Gardner and staff and General Beall and staff have gone. Port Hudson is now swarming with the Yanks who are collecting our artillery and scattered ammunition. July 15th , 1863 Have been two years in the service today. Weather warm and mosquitoes troublesome. Sam Albright, Bill and Hugh Donahoo were left behind by the 1st Alabama. Wrote to A. E. S. today and sent the letter out by Miss Annie E., who promised to mail it at Clanton. We are all anxious to leave here and expect to start tomorrow. July 16th Did not get off today.
BIOGRAPHY OF EMINENT AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS - 1894 JOHN LARK STOCKDALE John Lark Stockdale, of Talladega, Alabama, was born in Edgefield District, S. C., August 12, 1831, the son of the Rev. James S. Stockdale, and grandson of John Stockdale, who emigrated to Charleston, S. C., from County Down, Ireland, in 1791. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Lark, daughter of John Lark, of Edgefield District, S. C. His education was acquired principally at Talladega High School, in which school he was subsequently made Professor of Ancient Languages and Mathematics. He commenced the study of medicine in 1850, under the guidance of Drs. Moore and Taylor. In 1854 he graduated from the Medical College of the State of South Carolina, with the degree of M. D. He subsequently attended lectures at the Augusta Medical College, Georgia, and at the Medical College of Nashville, Tenn. He commenced the practice of his profession near Talladega, Alabama, in the spring of 1854.... He married in 1865 Annie E., daughter of Maj. J. Terry, of Talladega... Ref: Stone, R. French, M. D., BIOGRAPHY OF EMINENT AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, 1894,Carlon & Hollenbeck, Publishers, Indianapolis, p. 486. The Confederate Cemetery, located on Johnson’s Island is currently the only publicly available part of the prison. A portion of the prison compound and all of Fort Johnson have been set aside for long term preservation by the current landowner.