I tried to answer this earlier, but I guess I didn't hold my mouth right.

This escape took place on February 17, not 16, probably because it may have taken place at night. There is only one source I know, and that is Eakin's 1995 "MO POWs." These are the Union prison ledger entries for the five men that Eakin printed:

Private Robert A. Crews of 9th Missouri (Inf or Cav?) Regt, Company H; Captured Cassville, Barry County, MO 4 Sep 63; sent to Gratiot or Myrtle Street; escaped 17 Feb 64;

Private Fred Neimier of 2nd Texas Cavalry Regt; captured Vicksburg 4 July 1863 [must have refused parole or would have been released or exchanged like most of the others that day]; sent to Gratiot or Myrtle Street; escaped 17 Feb 64;

Private Albert G. Rudder of 10th Missouri (Inf or Cav?) Regt, Company J; captured Little Rock, AR 10 Sep 1863; escaped 17 Feb 64;

Private Robert M. Schultz of 1st Missouri Infantry Regt, Company H; captured Vicksburg 4 July 1863 [see above]; sent to G or M; escaped 17 Feb 64;

Private William B. Schultz of 1st Missouri Infantry Regt, Company H; captured Vicksburg 4 July 1863; sent to G or M; escaped 17 Feb 64.

You may try searching the microfilm for the four remaining St. Louis daily papers, but I remember searching the "Democrat" with no avail. Try the "Republican," the "Union," and the German language paper (especially since Schultzes were involved). The Federal authorities did not like to give the newspapers these stories for whatever reason you can think of. Some escapes made it to the papers if shootings or chases were involved and the prison authorities couldn't keep it quiet. Look for the daily prison paragraph which sometimes listed escapees by name.

Any questions?

Bruce Nichols