For the Ferroequinologists
One of the earliest detailed accounts of what has since become known as the “Great Locomotive Chase” appeared in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine in July 1865, in an article by John S. C. Abbott called, “A Railroad Adventure.” Enjoy, and have a great Sunday.
_________
Dead Confederates, A Civil War Era Blog 
I read Pittenger’s account just a few months ago. You really have to admire these men for their courage in even attempting this exploit. It seems like the expedition was crippled from the start by a lack of knowledge and preparation, not to mention failure to anticipate the increased traffic from military operations. Plus some bad breaks during its execution.
What they endured at the hands of their jailors certainly doesn’t speak very well for those noble sons of the South. And I include Richmond and the military authorities in that group. Those executions were completely unjustifiable; the way they went about them was unspeakably brutal.