Lieutenant Colonel Archer

ARCHER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/23/2013 at 07:59:06

Clinton Herald, April 16, 1864

From Libbey Prison-
Lieutenant Colonel Archer, of the 11th Iowa, who was captured at Missionary Ridge on the 25th of November last, and has been an inmate of Libby Prison at Richmond, arrived in the city last week, having been paroled by the Confederate authorities. The Colonel relates many interesting particulars connected with the treatment of prisoners at Richmond. The guard is composed of the favorite Richmond Battalion, who are frequently reduced to the verge of starvation themselves for the want of necessary food. They are frequently seen begging for a small pittance of bread from the officers who have charge of the provisions sent to the Federal prisoners. We understand that Colonel Archer will take charge of the paroled camp at Benton barracks. The 11th Iowa, to which he belongs, have reenlisted and are expected to arrive in St. Louis in a short time. From 963 when the Regiment was organized, it has been reduced to 125 men. They fought at Iuka, Corinth, Jackson, at the siege of Vicksburg, where forty men were killed by the blowing up of a fort, and lastly at Missionary Ridge.-St. Louis Union