From the National Archives, RG 109, Ch. 9, Vol. 199½, “Letters & Orders Issued, Confederate Military Prison, January, 1862 – December, 1863.” p. 68

C. S. M. Prison
Richmond, Feby 17, 1863

Capt. W. S. Winder
          A. A. Genl.

                            Sir:

                                    I have to report the escape of nine negroes from this prison; they must have gotten off at different times yesterday morning. The negroes are counted as the other prisoners are, twice every day, at night they are placed in a secure room with a sentinel at the door. At daylight they are brought to the kitchen and employed there and around the building in cooking, cleaning out, cutting wood &c &c. Their escape I think is owing to the gross neglect of duty on part of the guard.

Your Obedt. Servt.
Thos. P. Turner
Capt. Comdg.

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