Excerpt from Care of Prisoners of War, North and South: A Paper Read Before the Ohio Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, October 5, 1887

At the North blind prejudice was rapidly fading away under the effulgent light diffused by the common school system, whose steady rays had about dispelled the ignorance and bigotry which had subjected helpless fellow-creatures, under popular disfavor, to the most brutal ferocity. No longer anywhere north of Mason and Dixon's line, by general sanction, could there have been a recurrence of such scenes as were witnessed at Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, or in New York City in 1741. Universal education had not only confirmed the immortal declaration that all men are created free and equal, but it had also inculcated the sentiment that all men had claims to care and regard, and that, while they lived, whatever may have been their derelictions, they were not to be deprived of any of the common necessaries or con solations of life with which it was possible to provide them Animated by such feelings, the men of the North did not war against those of the South as against hell - hounds, or baboons, or hellish brutes; but as against misguided men, seeking to destroy the life of the Nation. The columns of blue, marching southward under the panoply of war, were terrible to behold; yet few hearts there were beneath the glorious colors they bore which could not be touched by human suffering. Or moved by appeals of woe. In the shock of battle stern determination heeded not death, or wounds, or physical agony; but when the conflict of arms was over, no resentment was cherished to be expended upon defenceless captives which the fortunes of war had delivered over.

Prisoners captured by the Federals were not murdered, robbed, insulted, or subjected to harsh treatment. Isolated instances where rough usage was experienced very likely didoccur. But such treatment was rare, and was bestowed generally, in retaliation for wrongs perpetrated by the rebels upon their comrades or upon Southern Unionists. After capture, instead of meeting with violence, abuse, and jeers, the rebel prisoners found their captors kindly disposed toward and interested in them. They generally bear testimony to the fact that rations were shared with them, and such gener ous offices of relief and assistance as were not inconsistent With their position as prisoners were freely rendered, where the need existed. When not to be immediately paroled or exchanged, the captives were sent to some of the large prison camps at the North which had been prepared for their accommodation. The largest of these were located at Indianapolis, Ind Columbus, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Elmira, N. Y Fort Delaware, Del.; St. Louis, Mo.; Finn's Point, Md.; Point Lookout, Md.; Rock Island, Ill.; Johnson's Island, Ohio; and Alton, Ill.

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