Letter 4, Page 2

[Transcript]

soldiers, two small crackers & about two ounces of meat, for dinner & supper, about the same for breakfast- my God talk of short rations in the Confederacy you have no idea there what it means, we are promised better treatment but I am informed that every change has been for the worse. My situation is not so good as when up in the Fort, but I have company good warm hearted friends I feel much relieved & if I continue well will not complain. This afternoon a large party of Confederate prisoners arrived here I judge there is now nearly five thousand at this place they are ragged & dirty but look as if they would fight well if they had a chance. Their treatment will make them bitter, if they are exchanged, the Federals are making a great mistake in their policy.

June 16, another day is passing away- I have nothing of particular importance to note except the bad arrangements for feeding the prisoners, a large part will not receive their breakfast, before one O clock P.M. if then. The breakfast furnished the officers was a cup of coffee not worthy the name about two ounces of salt beef and two small crackers, about an ounce each, when I had swallowed mine I did not feel that I had commenced, whether this is the supply furnished by the government or our allowance is reduced by some peculation [illegible word] I do not know-