The Capture, The Prison Pen, and the Escape

Glazier's account of life in Confederate prisons sheds light on the horrible circumstances that many soldiers encountered. Prisons on both sides of the conflict were crowded, dirty, diseased places. They were also important for those involved in espionage. Elizabeth Van Lew, for example, visited Union prisoners in Richmond, Virginia and was able to smuggle letters for them and even help several escape.