From the Richmond Dispatch, 7/26/1862, p. 2, c. 5

Enjoying Themselves. – The Yankee prisoners now encamped on Belle Isle seem determined to "make the most of a bad job," and to enjoy themselves in the best fashion possible. The majority of them are quartered in tents, and between and among them, in various places, they have dug wells, either for the purpose of obtaining better water than is afforded by the muddy bed of the river or to bathe in. They are permitted to go in the river by the dozen, and there is hardly a moment in the day that squads are not vieing with the rocks in disturbing the equanimity of the "noble James." The island is approached by a boat starting from near the Tredegar Foundry, but few persons are allowed access, save those called thither by official duties.

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