From the Richmond Whig, 12/16/1863

THE LIBBY PRISON AND THE YANKEES THEREIN. – The Richmond correspondent of the Atlanta Appeal, describes a recent visit to the Hotel d'Libby, in this city. He says that he found the passages and ante-rooms of the prison piled up with boxes and bales of clothing and provisions which had just been received from the North by flag of truce. Upon ascending to the upper stories of the building occupied by the prisoners, he saw the greatest profusion of comforts and luxuries in the way of prouant that even a riotous imagination could conceive. Hams, smoked beef, Bologna sausages hung from the rafters; tin cans of potted meat, oysters, sardines, green peas, etc., etc., were arranged on shelving against the walls; while the finest pippins rolled along the floors. Immense packages of new publications, sets of chessmen, backgammon boxes, etc., which had apparently just been opened for distribution, proved that the Yankees did not intend their unhappy brethren should die of ennui. The prisoners themselves were variously occupied, some lying at full length on the floor, deeply involved in the tragic incidents of Miss Braddon's novels, others playing whist and euchre, or deeply pondering the gambits, others asleep, others again eating their dinners. Brigadier General Neal Dow was lapping up the soup furnished by the prison cook with evident satisfaction. One man only was reading the Bible. All looked in fine health and seemed remarkably cheerful. The receipt of boxes from home had no doubt something to do with their good spirits, but before these creature comforts had begun to arrive, they were contented and hearty. Major Turner informed the writer that several of the officers of the highest rank had handed him a statement which they had voluntarily drawn up for publication in the New York Herald and Tribune, denying in the fullest and strongest manner the infamous lies about Confederate cruelty which have recently been circulated at the North.

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