Poughkeepsie Eagle Sept. 24, 1863
Headquarters, Purnell Legion Md. Vols.
Fort Delaware, Sept. 17th, 1863.
Dear Eagle:
I know of no better way to celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the rebels on the bloody field of Antietam in 1862, than by writing to you. Although not in the front, still we are in a place nearly as interesting to the historian, as being the depository of the majority of prisoners of war. There are nearly ten thousand of them here, and a motley crew they are - the only pretension to uniform being rags and dirt. The greater part of them work at different kinds of labor on the island, getting pay from the government for so doing. A loud outcry has been lately made by copperhead organs, which was refuted by the statement of the rebel surgeons (of whom there is quite a number) stationed here, over their own signatures.
The water we have on the island is taken from Brandywine Creek, and is brought here daily by means of a water boat. The island is about 80 acres in area, but the Fort itself, which is built on the same plan as Sumter, covers but about five acres. Outside of the fortifications wooden barracks are erected, capable of holding 25,000 persons.
The prisoners have a great deal more privilege than our men are allowed on Bell Island; many of them say they are better treated than when down in Dixie. Many of them want to take the oath of allegiance, but it is not allowed, except in clear cases of conscription or extreme youth. Several hundred of them have gone into our army, nearly a whole battery of heavy artillery being composed of "galvanized greybacks" as they are termed.
This place is very healthy, with the exception of the portion occupied by the rebels - and that is their own fault. They are filthy in the extreme, it being as much as the Provost Guard can do to keep them anyways decent in consequence of their disgusting habits, we bury from 18 to 20 every day. Government has purchased a lot of ground in New Jersey. Rings, fans, and other articles of small value are manufactured by them for sale among the federal troops at this port.
Saturday afternoon the cornerstone of a chapel for the use of the troops was laid. The sacred performance was under the supervision of the Bishop of Delaware, assisted by Chaplains Paddock and Ray of the Fort. Copies of the prominent papers of the day, lists of military officials commanding and on duty at the Fort, were placed in the cornerstone. All the military under command of Brig. Gen. Schoepf, was present at the ceremony and the band played several sacred airs. Quite a number of ladies did us the honor of coming from Wilmington to be present. The chapel is to be frame and will be done in about a month.
Today being as I remarked before, the anniversary of the battle of Antietam, in front of my office are two tattered flags, on the folds of which is inscribed "Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862." Our men and officers have been allowed a great deal more liberty than usual by the General Commanding.
The eyes of the whole army are watching for indications of the public sentiment regarding the elections to take place this fall. Shall the government be sustained in its efforts to put down the rebellion? Then elect the unconditional Union Ticket, and send Vallandigham, Wood, and their accomplices back to their deserved seclusion. If you wish to dishearten the brave men who have gone from you to fight your battles, then elect the ticket which bears upon its face the deadly venom of the copperhead. Keep step to the music of the Union and do not permit any divisions among you to give joy to the rebel cabal at Richmond already dismayed at the prospect ahead of them or leave a loophole for the European enemies of American freedom, with their cursed and devilish neutrality; to crawl through. Maine has nobly responded to the demands and entreaties of the army and shall New York and Ohio prove recreant to the trusts confided in them by the noble defenders of the starry banner? Show an undivided front to the enemies of our country, march overwhelmingly to the ballot box, crushing out copperheads at home as we do secessionists and rebels, and the gallant soldiers will shower blessings upon your heads, and your children will in after years thank you.
Yours, & c.
S.H.B., Jr.