Reminiscences of a Prisoner of War and His Escape

"Reminiscences of a Prisoner of War and His Escape" by Daniel Avery Langworthy is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The author was a captain in the 85th New York Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War, and this book recounts his personal experiences of being captured as a prisoner of war and his subsequent escape. The narrative provides a detailed glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers during this tumultuous period in American history. In his memoir, Langworthy shares the gripping story of his capture after the siege of Plymouth, North Carolina, where he and his regiment were taken by Confederate forces. He recounts the harrowing conditions at various prisons, particularly the infamous Andersonville, which he narrowly escaped as an officer shortly after arriving there. Through resourcefulness, camaraderie, and the aid of sympathetic locals, he and a handful of fellow officers devised a plan to escape. Their dangerous journey through the South, filled with narrow calls against pursuing guards, encounters with locals, and the constant threat of death, culminates in their arrival at Union lines. Langworthy's account encapsulates themes of endurance, patriotism, and the brotherhood formed in the face of adversity during the Civil War.