Congressman ends up in Libby Prison!

[HerbS]

Alfred Ely was a member of Congress from Rochester,NY,when he was captured as a spectator in his wagon at the 1st Bull Run.He tried to explain that he was a civilian.None the less he was placed in Libby Prison as a political prisoner.This fell on deaf ears,especially Lincoln's.Then on Christmas Day he was exchanged for the Savannah and it's crew.He felt that Lincoln used him as a "Political Football",and swore he would Never vote for "That Man"again.

[LincolnMan]

Herb: fascinating story-I hadn't heard it before (but I've also forgotten much more than I remember!). Was Ely not an ally of Lincoln? Is there, perhaps, more to the story? First Bull Run was particularly interesting because it did have civilian spectators who were there for the "show"- bringing their picnic baskets and "womenfolk" along. One can only imagine what they saw-it was no Sunday "walk through the park." One politician that I'm very interested in is Zachariah Chandler. He was there. One eye-witness account has him picking up a discarded musket trying to stop the retreating Yankees. He wasn't threatening to shoot them but was using it to get their attention. What a day that was! The war was not going to end after one fight. As Gomer used to say: "Surprise, surprise."

[HerbS]

Bill,Alfred Ely's diary is "on line"---"Just Google it".The claim to fame is-The first two prisoners of the Civil War-came from Rochester,NY.He was a Republican-His House Still Stands Today-and he was very wealthy.I know he disliked Lincoln and Seward.Maybe that was the reason for long exchange delay!

[HerbS]

Interesting information from Ely's diary-At Bull Run-Col.Miles was under the influence of unnatural stimulants.Hobert Tyler son of President Tyler came to see him in Libby Prison and told him he was totally against the war.Upon his release,he realized that being a spectator at a battle is very futile!

[LincolnMan]

Yes, indeed!