February 10th, 11th and 12th, 1865
There is a tent of sutler's supplies near the mess hall, kept by an avaricious Yankee, named
Emery, who is believed to be a partner of
General Schoeff.
Tobacco, matches, oil for cooking lamps, stationery, baker's bread, pies, cakes, apples, onions, etc., all of very poor quality, are kept for sale, and from 500 per cent. to 1,000 per cent. profit is charged.
Emery's position is a paying, if not a very dignified one.
Jolly Sam Brewer, the clever Twelfth Alabama sutler, would have rejoiced at a quarter of
Emery's huge profits.
There is very often an eager, clamorous throng crowded around his tent, checks in hand, and held aloft, eager to buy the inferior articles, sold at prices so far above their value.
Emery and his clerks are vulgar, impertinent, grasping Yankees, and elegant Southern gentlemen are frequently compelled to submit to disagreeable familiarties from these ill bred men. The extortioners are openly denounced and unsparingly criticised and ridiculed by the impatient, hungry and poverty-stricken Rebels, as they anxiously await their time to be served.
The enormous prices for very poor articles on sale are very candidly and freely complained of and objected to by the needy customers.
But while they grumble, stern necessity forces them to buy. In clear weather the prisoners-promenade in the open area and exercise by running, jumping, pitching quoits, etc.
