Issuing Rations in Andersonville Prison 

August, 1864 

Rations actually were issued in Andersonville Prison, as attested by this photograph, in spite of a popular impression to the contrary. The distribution of rations was practically the only event in the prisoner's life save for the temporary excitement of attempted escapes. Even death itself was often regarded with indifference. Life became one monotonous routine. Breakfast over, the prisoners waited for dinner; dinner rapidly disposed of, they began to wait for breakfast again. Seldom were more than two meals served in any prison. The determination to escape held first place with thousands. Like the man with a "system" at Monte Carlo, such visionaries were always devising fantastic plans which "could not fail" to give them their liberty. The passion for gambling was even stronger in prison. Even at Andersonville captives staked their food, their clothing, their blankets, their most precious belongings. To many, some such excitement was a necessary stimulant I  without which they might have died of monotony and despair.