Ear plug concession needed
Apparently, conditions on New York’s Governors Island are nearly intolerable for Confederate officers captured during the recent Cape Hatteras operation.
From The New-York Times September 12, 1861:
Americans who do not Delight in Yankee Doodle.
To the Editor of the New-York Times:
I find in your paper of this morning the following about the prisoners on Governor’s Island:
“The other evening the captured officers were on the parade ground listening to the band, which plays for an hour every night, before the commanding officer’s quarters. Suddenly the band struck up “Yankee Doodle;” the Southerners immediately turned on their heels and walked off in great disgust. No offence to them was premeditated, as the band was in the habit of playing this National air long before the presence of Southern prisoners was dreamed of.”
Painful to Confederate ears
What I object to was the apology made in saying that no offence was premeditated. Now I should like to know if these fellows are to be treated as if they were decent enemies, when they are nothing but scoundrelly traitors, who should have been hung at the yard-arm of the Minnesota, and not brought here. It is a pretty thing, to be sure, if all their little whims are to be attended to in this way. No, Sir! Wake them up to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.” Drum it into them when they breakfast, dine and sup, and send them to bed to the same tune; let them hear it at every turn, at every corner, and if they don’t like it, drum all the louder.
ONE OF THE YANKEE DOODLES.
SEPT. 10, 1861.
It is said that Fort Jay (Columbus) was the military installation (there were at least two) on Governors Island that was used to house Confederate officers during the Civil War.
