This is a transcription of a 61 page paperback book privately published by D. S. Caldwell of his experiences as a prisoner of war at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia during the Civil War; it was originally printed in 1864 by the United Brethren Printing Establishment of Dayton, Ohio.

David S. Caldwell was born in Washington County, Maryland on December 22, 1820 and died on September 6, 1889 in Nevada, Wyandot County, Ohio. He was the son of William Caldwell and Susanna Curfman and spent much of his adult life as a Minster of the United Brethren Church. He married Sarah Creager on August 8, 1843 and after her death he married Sarah J. Doyle on September 20, 1860.

David Caldwell enlisted on August 16, 1862 into Company H, 123rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was appointed 1st Lieutenant on August 22, 1862; the regiment was mustered into the Federal Army on September 25, 1862 at Camp Monroeville, Huron County, Ohio. He obtained promotion to Captain on February 3, 1863.

The first major engagement of the 123rd Ohio was the First Battle of Winchester. The Union Army under Brigadier General Elliott engaged the Confederate forces under the command of General Jubal Early, who was in the process of moving north through the Shenandoah Valley to join up with Robert E. Lee for the invasion of Pennsylvania.

The outcome was that the 123rd surrendered (except for Company D) and was sent to Richmond as prisoners of the Confederacy. The officers were incarcerated at Libby Prison.

After eight months of imprisonment, Captain Caldwell, along with 108 others, escaped through a fifty three foot tunnel to freedom. Of the these 48 were recaptured and 2 drowned – the remaining 59 made it to the Union lines.

David S. Caldwell rejoined his regiment on March 30, 1864 and was mustered out on July 24, 1864.

The 123rd Ohio was reconstituted and later saw service in the Battles of New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker’s Ferry, 2nd Winchester, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek and Petersburg. On April 6, 1865 it was forced to surrender to superior Confederate forces at High Bridge, Virginia. They were taken to the nearest Rebel stronghold, Appomattox; the regiment was present for the surrender on April 9th.

The original work was in the possession of Elizabeth Schrader, a descendant of Mr. Caldwell. An index has been added.
 

Scott Baker
Great grand nephew of David Luther Baker
Late Corporal, Company A
123rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry
 

Books published by the Wyandot Tracers