Martial Law
Information about Martial Law in Richmond VA during the Civil War and the Provost Marshal General John Henry Winder

Written Accounts

1879-09-06, New York Times; Castle Thunder has burned down, and brief history of the building
1879-11-06, Weekly Kansas Chief (Troy, Kan.); Castle Thunder has burned down – brief history of the prison
1880-12-02, Weekly Kansas Chief (Troy, Kan.); Libby Prison sold at auction to James T. Gray for $6,725. Gives a very good history of the prison and its postwar history. Castle Godwin and Lumpkins’ Alley mentioned, along with dimensions of Libby’s rooms.
1882-09-02, National Tribune; description of harsh conditions on Belle Isle and brief account of the "dog slaying" incident
1882-10-28, Philadelphia Weekly Times; excellent article by Frank Moran relating his experience escaping from Libby Prison through the famous tunnel.
1883-04-01, Richmond Dispatch; incredibly detailed recollections of the evacuation of Richmond – gives reliable chronology of events of the fire and occupation
1884-04-13, Richmond Dispatch; account of the evacuation fire of Richmond, including extract from Gen. Ewell’s report – also notes that Gen. Anderson may have told Ewell about how the Tredegar Iron Works were spared. Ewell blames the spread of the fire on
1885, Southern Historical Society Papers Vol. 13, p. 247; Ewell, Richard S. "Evacuation of Richmond: Report of General R. S. Ewell." Letter from Ewell to Robert E. Lee, December 20, 1865. Notes on VMI cadets being some of the last soldiers in Richmond.
1886, Porter, David D. The Naval History of the Civil War; different account from Admiral Porter of Lincoln’s visit to Richmond – includes lengthy quotes about Lincoln’s meeting with Duff Green – Porter refers to himself in the third person
1888-06-12, Richmond Dispatch; long and detailed obituary notice for Franklin Stearns

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