LOSS OF THE SULTANA - REMINISCENCES OF SURVIVORS
John W. NORCUTT
I WAS born in Litchfield, Hillsdale county, Mich., on the 1st day of July, 1838,
and enlisted at Allen, Mich., December 17, 1863, in company D, 18th Regiment
Michigan Infantry. I was captured at Athens, Ala., September 22, 1864, and
confined in the rebel prison at Cahaba, Ala.
With others of my regiment I was on board the ill-fated steamer "Sultana," and
when the boat took fire I sprang into the river. I succeeded in securing two
pieces of cabin flooring, and placing one of these under each arm I floated down
the river till I came to an island that was overflowed. Here I caught hold of
some small trees and held on till rescued by a steamer and taken to Memphis. I
think I was in the water about four hours. I was in the hospital after this
fourteen days before I could stand alone.
My present occupation is mail carrier, and my post-office address, Campbell*,
Mich.
* There were 4 places named Campbell in Michigan. See
Michigan Places to see all of them.
(Reminiscences also linked in Full List of Men)
|
|