The freight car doors were opened, and planks were laid that we were forced to walk up and enter the cars.

There were no seats, and each freight car was packed tightly with our people. Mother, Vicki, and I managed to stay together, and we soon found ourselves jammed in tightly, like pigs going to slaughter. Before closing and locking the open doorway, a Union soldier placed a wooden bucket inside and instructed that it be placed in a corner. This bucket was our only latrine for all of us to use. He then gave us a bucket of water and a box of army biscuits that was meant to last for the trip. We begged
him not to close the door, but soon we found ourselves in near darkness as the train slowly began to move.