August 2, 1863

10

Johnson’s Island

Prisoner Port near

Saundusky City Ohio

August 2^nd, 1863

My Dear Wife,

           

            I wrote you a note from Fort Delaware, but as the postage was not paid, I fear you did not get it, and I have suffered much because, powerless to relieve your anxiety, I know your distress of mind must have been great.  I know not what news may have reached you in regard to me, if I was taken prisoner in advance of the time, and even my own men do not know whether I was killed, wounded or a prisoner.  God in his Mercy, & wisdom carried me safely thro that terrible battle (Gettysburg), and I am still spared to you, my dear son, and aged mother.  Bad Gen’lship lost us the day.  My dear wife, apprise my dear mother of my safety as quick as you get this and Kiss my noble boy.  Tell him I will bring him a nice Pr. shoes when I am exchanged if allowed.  Don’t allow his hair to be cut until I come home & begin to learn him his letters.  You will be allowed (I hope) to send me a letter through the lines saying that you are well etc.  Mr Nott - Walter’s brother- upon my apprising him of my situation, has kindly furnished me $50, which has afforded me comfortable under clothing, etc. & I am now as comfortable as my unpleasant position will allow of.  The Post here is as well arranged as it can be.  Plenty of good water from the lake.  I have me a good wash pan, towel, soap,& use them freely.  A nice ? under change; & ½ doz. good socks is the life of me.  J.  Anthony Lane from Wilkes, Jud Heargroves, Henry Attaway, and McCathran are prisoners with me.  Love to all.  Your devoted husband.

                                                                                                            Fes

Can you let H & As friends know of their ?

[with envelope]

Hargroves, Thomas Judson----- private April 26, 1861. Appointed Sergeant-Major. Captured, Gettysburg, Pa. July 2, 1863. Died, smallpox, Ft. Delaware, Del. September 29, 1863.

Attaway, Henry------ private April 26, 1861. Wounded, South Mills, N. C. April 19, 1862. Gettysburg, Pa. July 2, 1863. Sent to Ft. Delaware, Del. July 18, 1863. Roll for February 28, 1865, last on file, shows him a prisoner of war.

McCarthern, Walker------ private June 7, 1861. Wounded, Malvern Hill, Va. July 1, 1862. Captured, Gettysburg, Pa. July 2, 1863. Escaped from Fort Delaware, Del. February 8, 1864. Wounded, Bellville, N. C.; Hatcher's Run, Va. February 6, 1865. Captured, Burkeville, Va. April 4, 1865. Released, Pt. Lookout, Md. June 5, 1865.