Reminiscence of Elisha Reed, an Evansville, Wis. native, who served as a private in Company H of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment (Iron Brigade) during the Civil War. Reed, who was taken prisoner at the first Battle of Bull Run, recounts his experiences as a prisoner of war (POW) held in an abandoned hotel in Tuscaloosa (Alabama) under the control of Captain Henry Wirtz. His account includes a train ride from Richmond (Alabama) to Tuscaloosa with a discussion of the food given to prisoners. Reed's account also includes information about the way prisoners passed time during their captivity including bone filing, organizing a secret society called the Star Brotherhood, gambling with cards and dice, playing music, singing, and acting out plays, and exercising. He also writes about his friendship with Aramel Wilcox of Company D, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry and leaving Alabama. Included in the collection are two photographs of Reed in civilian dress and two photographs of reunions of Company H, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry.
