Existing comment:
Cannon over the Camp:
The Belle Isle prisoner-of-war camp that stood before you here was a prison without walls. Federal soldiers were confined by the James River and by the low earthen "dead line," such as the one replicated in front of you, surrounding the camp. About a hundred Confederate guards were assigned here and were authorized to shoot any prisoner crossing the dead line.
On the hill behind you, artillery pieces were positioned above the camp to intimidate the captives further. Gilbert E. Sabre, a prisoner here in 1863-1864, described the guns in his postwar memoir:
"A ridge of low hills... overlooked the camp. Here were posted, at different points, four pieces of artillery, charged with shot and canister, and pointed to rake all parts of the camp. Cannoneers were always at the pieces, ready at an instant to open upon any indications of a revolt." |