Ok Greg-- You made me to go to the library and get a copy of "Andersonville, The Last Depot" which I will read slowly as these old tired eyes will only stand so much at any one time. I have read the introduction and I am not sure his opinions may not clash with mine. I say this to open up a dialogue. I have visited A'ville and have felt the misery in the air. No one can experience this and not say this was not wrong for warriors, Blue or Gray. I have read all that I have come across in the CW magazines and the on line newsgroups and have been forced to read for balance, Holme's The Elmira Prison Camp" and have concluded that nineteenth century ignorance greatly contributed to the deplorable conditions, both Confederate and Union. My belief is that either side, in hindsight, would repeat their mistakes The one true blessing of Andersonville and Americas Civil War Prisons is that we have learned. Our opponents in WW II, Korea and most recently Viet Nam failed to understand that prisoners are human and long after the guns are silent, the anger of their treatment leaves a taste that never goes away. The above is from a confirmed lurker with the hope that a dialogue will develop we all can enjoy. I look forward to your best shots. Bob Farrell Researching the 123d & 169th NYV