From the Richmond Dispatch, 9/15/1862
Departure of Yankee Prisoners. – Three thousand
three hundred of the Yankee prisoners left Richmond on Saturday for Varina to be
exchanged. – Such as could not walk were conveyed away in wagons. The
officers, of which there were 61, went in carriages, provided for the purpose.
As the long line filed past the C. S. Prison, on Cary street, they greeted their
less lucky compeers with a feeble cheer. A small cavalry escort accompanied them
down. Another large gang were started for Aiken’s landing, on James river,
yesterday morning. During Saturday and Sunday five thousand two hundred and
twenty-eight were sent away. This leaves on hand only about seven hundred, a
good many of whom are in the hospital under treatment for wounds or disease, who
were unable to bear removal. Three Yankee women and eight Yankee deserters, or
rather men who came over to us and professed to be such, were sent from Castle
Thunder. Though these deserters professed to have left their brethren in great
disgust, they were very willing to be sent back to the North. The departure of
the prisoners will save the Confederate Government an expense of about $4,000
per day, which was the average that their food as soldiers cost.
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