Escapes
Information about prison escapes in Richmond, VA during the Civil War

Written Accounts

1903-04-30, National Tribune; soldier corroborates account of breaking open the doors of Libby upon the evacuation of Richmond; also relates his imprisonment in Libby and Belle Isle; cruelty of the doctor on Belle Isle, kindness of another
1905-11-16. National Tribune; account of a civilian's stay in Castle Thunder in 1862. Gives a good physical description of the prison, and describes meeting Timothy Webster while there
1906-03-08, National Tribune; I. N. Johnson, one of the Libby tunnelers, is looking for the addresses of several of the others in the tunnel party, and gives a partial list.
1906-08-30, National Tribune; Maj. L. P. Williams’ account of the Libby Prison tunnel and escape. Gives details on the construction of the tunnel. Williams succeeded in making his escape.
1907-02-28, National Tribune; description of Col. Abel Streight’s escape through the Libby tunnel - notes he had some difficulty getting out because he was a “large man” and that he was initially helped by “Aunt Rhoda,” a local negro.
1909, Confederate Veteran, Vol. XVII (1909) p. 114; "Tunneling Out of Libby Prison;" account from John Mitchell, one of the digging party on how the tunnel was made
1909, "With Touch of Elbow"; David Wells (8th Mich. Cav.) gives an excellent account of Libby Prison and his escape through the famous tunnel.
1911-06, Harper's Monthly Magazine, pp. 86-99; Beymer, William Gilmore. "Miss Van Lew."
1912, A Chatauqua Boy, in '61 and Afterward; Parker, David B. (72nd NY), Parker relates that he was sent to the Van Lew house on April 3rd, 1865 to provide her protection.
1926-03-11, National Tribune; excellent article by Capt. A. G. Hamilton, detailing his personal experience in the Libby Prison tunnel escape, notes escaping with Col. Rose, and watching him be recaptured

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