Fort Delaware Prison Camp
October 4, 1864 The catching and eating of huge rats which infest the island has become a common thing. It is a curious sight; grown men, whiskered and uniformed officers who have already "set a squadron in the field," lurking, club in hand, near one of the many breathing holes, which the long tailed rodents have cut holes in the hard packed earth, patiently awaiting a chance to strike a blow for "fresh meat and rat soup"--for dinner! They are eaten by fully a score of the officers, and apparently with relish. I have not yet mustered stomach enough to even nibble at one. --Sgt. Randolph Abbott Shotwell Editors Note: As for the officers and gentlemen, the thousands of Southerners who suffered these hardships: was it vigor, discipline, or sheer cruelty? May I hear your thoughts in a COMMENT? Thank you. |