THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED
scurvy became prevalent in our prison. The doctor, whose name I cannot remember, did the best he could for us with the medicine General Foster's order allowed him to use in practice amongst the prisoners. He would often say, "Men, the medicines allowed me are not the proper remedies for scurvy, but I can get no other for you. I am doing all I can for you." On or about the 15th of January, 1865, our condition became so serious that Capt. J. Lewis Cantwell, of North Carolina, wrote a letter to some friends in relation to our treatment. If the letter ever reached Richmond I do not know. Below is a copy of the letter sent by Captain Cantwell:
Fort Pulaski, Ga., February 6, 1865.
Hon. George Davis,
Attorney-General C. S. A.,
Richmond, Va.
My Dear Sir:
Believing that it is not contraband and that the Federal authorities do not desire to conceal the facts, I write to you to state briefly the suffering and privation to which we are
138
