Finding the Bodies

FINDING THE BODIES

This in the Spring of 1866, Mr. Jonas Drury was sent to Atlanta on a disagreeable assignment. He had executed his assignment and returned to Chattanooga where he sat down and wrote the following letter:

Chattanooga, Tenn., April 20, 1866
Capt. W.A. Wainright
Asst. Qrt. Mr.

Captain –

Persuant to instructions from Bvt. Maj. Thos. J. Carlile, A.Q.M. dated April 11th, I proceeded to Atlanta, Ga., and commenced a search and general inquiry for the bodies of seven Ohio soldiers hung by Rebels in the woods near Atlanta on or about the 22nd of June 1862. From eye witnesses I learned that they were all hung at one time and on one pole. When they dropped, two of the ropes broke and let the soldiers down, where they remained until the other five were dead when they were cut down and their ropes applied to those who had broken theirs, they were rehung until they were dead –

They were all buried in coffins and in one hole six lay side by side the seventh lay across at their feet. The place of burial is about twelve rods from where they were executed. The spot selected for their internment is now the bed of a small creek, but probably when buried, the place was dry. In taking them up I first took the body buried on the right and marked the new coffin in which I deposited the body No. 1, the second No. 2, and so on to No. 7.

(Here Drury listed the description of each body and then he went on with the following)

I was informed that the execution of the order for hanging was given to a Capt. Barnes (who is since dead). That no chaplain was present at the execution but that Capt. Barnes made a prayer before execution. Capt. Andrews of the same crew was executed by himself on the day of his arrival in Atlanta. He was hung about one mile from the city near Peach Tree Street, Northeast from the Depot. I do not know that his remains have been removed. I was informed that there are many soldiers bones yet unburied.

The coffins containing the remains of the seven soldiers are now in the Georgia Depot awaiting your orders.

The above report is respectfully submitted.

Jonas Drury