I read that during the American civil war, political prisoners in Washington were allowed to have a pistol but no ammunition. Why was this permitted?

by MythsBusted

Rose and Little Rose were escorted to a room in the back with a view of the prison yard. Wood didn’t want Rose looking for “secesh” sympathizers walking along the sidewalk out front. The room held a straw bed with unwashed cotton sheets, a dingy little feather pillow, wooden chairs, a wooden table, and one glass. 7 Rose also had a pistol, though prisoners were not permitted to keep ammunition.

Blackman, Ann (2005-06-07). Wild Rose: Rose O'Neale Greenhow, Civil War Spy (Kindle Locations 3808-3811). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

MythsBusted

I emailed the author (Ann Blackman) who gave this response:

I don’t know if it was common to have a pistol in prison but there were many other aspects of prison life then that were also loosey-goosey. They weren’t locked up, could receive visitors, gifts, mail, food, see her own doctor. She was also allowed to keep her daughter in prison with her, which was highly unusual.