Lt. W.E. Johnson (C.S.A.) of the Immortal Six Hundred - POST REVISED
Ed. note: This entry was originally posted December 4, 2007 without transcriptions of the letters. The transcriptions are now posted to aid the reader in examining the documents; the successful compression, editing and posting of legible images is unfortunately a process of trial and error in general, and particularly so for yours truly. My apologies to those who wished to read the manuscripts and had trouble doing so - I appreciate your patience. This post has also been edited to reflect further research and to correct syntactical and grammatical errors. LM - 12/12/07
Ed. note: This post has also been revised to reflect the addition of another letter to this collection. This manuscript recently surfaced in the processing of the larger manuscript collection, and is dated July 17, 1864 (item number 4). The document linked to above that contains the transcriptions has been similarly revised to reflect the addition of this letter. LM - 2/25/07
At the end of a post a few weeks ago I alluded to an interesting archival collection here in the Littlejohn Collection. I'd like to share that collection with you today. That's right - the whole collection.
It consists of 24 letters from Confederate States Army (i.e. C.S.A.) Lieutenant W.E. Johnson to his wife, father and other persons. All of the letters date from 1864 -- Johnson was in his late 30's (and had at least two children) when he wrote them. He was a private, then an officer, in a South Carolina cavalry regiment (being a resident of Liberty Hill, Kershaw County) and was captured in combat on May 30, 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA. He remained a prisoner-of-war until the end of the conflict (i.e., spring of 1865).
As a prisoner-of-war, Johnson had the unfortunate honor of being a member of the group that has come to be known as the "Immortal Six Hundred," a group of about 600 captured Confederate officers. The Six Hundred were, by order of U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, transferred to and held in a prison camp on Morris Island exposed to Confederate artillery fire (due to the camp's proximity to Federal batteries). The camp on Morris Island was subject to shelling by Confederate-occupied Fort Sumter (directly to the north of the island, in the harbor's mouth). The deliberate placement of the prisoners-of-war in harm's way was the result of a rumor that had reached Stanton that 600 Federal prisoners were being held in Charleston in a place exposed to Federal fire.
Though exposed to "friendly fire," none of the Confederate officers died as a direct result of the shelling, but over a several dozen did die due to the conditions of imprisonment -- many of the died of the dehydration associated with chronic diarrhea and dysentery infection. Those men have been memorialized at the Fort Pulaski National Monument.
One of the Six Hundred who died was Lt. Christopher Lane, a relative of Wofford's own John Lane.
Also, W.E. Johnson himself is apparently the great-grandfather of Anne Dunlap, wife of Wofford's President Dr. Bernie Dunlap.
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The letters of Lt. W.E. Johnson follow in chronological order. The red/pink underlining that appears in some of the items was not done by Johnson, but rather (presumably) by a previous custodian of the records.
Click on any image to view a larger version.
To view or download a PDF containing the transcriptions, click here.
Please see the end of the post for Johnson's obituary.
1. March 29, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:][1]
Camp near
Greenville March 29th 1864
My dear
Wife
As I have a very unpleasant subject
to write upon I will write you a very short letter. We received orders this
morning to march without delay to Virginia to report to Col Shingles of the
_____ [2]
Legion together with four other companies from the coast to make a regiment,
this news will distress you much I have no doubt, but as it could not be helped
you as well as myself will have to be reconciled to it, and hope it may be for
the best [.][3]
We do not
know what
[verso:][4]
in either
case we will be likely to see hard times [.]
The Capt
said this morning that he might go as low down as the Winsborrough[5]
on the [south?][6]
in order to get food for the horses but it seems to me that would be too low
down we may go by Charlotte[?] if I cand find when we will be likely to pass
nearest home and I will have you to meet me if only for a few hours if
you desire to do so. I expect we will take up the line of march in three or
four days, probably Saturday or Sunday next.
I am much
worried that I have no better horse than [Mogan?] he will in all probability
fail very soon.
I will
write you tomorrow and give you our route if I can possibly find which it will
be.
May God
bless you + my dear Children
Your
devoted husband W E Johnson
[1] Front of leaf of paper.
[2] This word, a proper noun, is unclear in the manuscript.
[3] In some instances punctuation has been added by the editor to aid the reader.
[4] Back of leaf of paper.
[5] Winnsboro, S.C., 20 -40 miles from Liberty Hill, Kershaw County, S.C., Johnson’s home.
[6] Words appearing in square brackets followed by a question mark denote some doubt as to the accuracy of the transcription.
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2. May 24, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto, 1:]
Drewys[1]
Bluff May 24th 1864
My dear Father
Yours of __[2]
inst and of May 8th were duly received, the first enclosing three
letters of credit to persons in the north for which, I am much oblidged[3],
to you and will preserve them carefully in the event of my being captured[.]
A few days after our arrival in Vir[4]
we were sent to this point to meet and observe the enemy who were advancing
upon Drewys Bluff in very heavy force, the service was extremely severe and
dangerous, for ten days we were in the saddle almost day and night, within one
to four hundreds yards of them all them all thes time and were
oblidged to fight their skirmishers and drive in their pickets[.]
[verso, 1:]
It
was the most harassing and exhausting service that could be as we were in
danger of being shot at any hour of the day or night and no chance to sleep or
rest. We have been resting for several days lately as Gen Beauregard has driven
the enemy inside of his entren[c]hments[5]
and has no use for cavalry but we expect to be sent to the other side of the
River very soon.
The enemy got possession of our
outer lines of entrenchments here and had made wire fences and other
obstructions in front of them which required the most gallant fighting on the
part of our men to drive them out of, which they did almost without a pause, I
saw a good deal of the fighting, it was a grand sight. [O]ur squadron was
skirmishing with the Yankee Cavalry
[recto, 2:]
most of
the day on the the extreme right at long range, but only had a few horses shot.
We have had but one man killed. We never have more than one hundred men for
duty as there are several companys on detached service and two not yet arrived.
I am very well pleased with the Regt. and feild officers, which are Col
Shingles[,] Lt Col Alleck Glaskele and Maj Boykin.
I suffered dreadfully from
low spirits for six weeks but have entirely recovered, and am most thankful for
it, it was a most miserable condition as to be in as no one knows better
yourself. I suffered always most intensely in the morning and as evening approached
got better invariably. I often sat up late at night because I was comfortable
and knew the misery that awaited me in the morning [.] I think if it had not
been for the daily long marches my health would have given away [.]
[verso, 2:]
I
have been elected Junior 2nd Lieut[6]
of this co[7]
by a vote of 45 to 10 and am much pleased as the life of a private in this
service is a very hard one as I know from experience. I will need money and
wish you to let me know how I can get it here what even I use here Ann must
sell something to replace it with I have written her to that effect and she
will advise with you what will be best to sell. I will have to buy a
serviceable horse (which will cost some $8,000 probably, unless I can swap the
one I have and give some too) and probably a thousand dollars of the necessary
articles. I will spend as little as will possibly do, knowing how hard it is to
get money, it may be that I can make the horse I have do and Ann can furnish me
with home made cloth for a uniform +++ and I may not need so much money, but
would like you to put me in position to get it if I should need it [at][8] once as we may ordered to northern
[verso, 2 – cross-hatched vertically:]
Virginia
at any moment. I have received
some of the papers sent and am much oblidged for them. Pay the postage on them
and I will get them with more certainty. I
will much pleased to receive letters from you whenever you can find time to
write. Give my love to mother and ask her to write me occasionally
Your
Affect Son
W
E Johnson [__?][9]
[1] Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia.
[2] This notation appears as Johnson wrote it.
[3] Johnson used this spelling for the word “obliged.” His spelling of this and other words are retained in this transcript. Grammatical errors/omissions have also been preserved.
[4] Virginia.
[5] There is a line break here in the manuscript. Johnson’s intent was to hyphenate “entrenchment,” i.e. “entren-chment,” but the ‘c’ is missing.
[6] Junior 2nd Lieutenant.
[7] Company.
[8] A fragment of the manuscript is missing here.
[9] Johnson sometimes added a (sometimes illegible) symbol after his signature, most likely the “Jr.” suffix he used in his name.
(1 of 4 images)
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(3 of 4)
(4 of 4 - same as above but rotated to show cross-hatching)
3. June 10, 1864
Transcription:
[recto:]
Officers
Prison Point Look Out Md June 10th
1864
My dear
Wife
I wrote you the day after I was
captured by a [citazen?] informing you that I was a prisoner [.] I hope you
received that letter. When our squadron was order to fall back I was in the
rear and being very thirsty and tired got into a gully running parallel with
our line of retreat thinking I would get some water and come out at the head of
the gully + join the rear of the squadron but the vines were so thick + the
banks so steep I had to return by which time the enemy were upon me + I was
oblidged to surrender. My experience of prison life thus far has been that of
complete misery + only preferable to death[.] [T]here six hundred officers
confined here several from S C captured with me. W P [Bormey?] is well. Make
every effort to send me money I am in great want of it. I will write you as
often as I can letter paper + envelopes Yours W E Johnson Jr
(1 of 1)
4. July 17, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Officer’s
Prison Fort Delaware Del July 17th 1864
My dear
Wife
I
have written you several letters since I have been a prisoner + it adds much to
my unpleasant position to think that it is not likely you have received any of
them + may be in great distress about me[.] I can not however but hope some of
them may have reached you + informed you of my unfortunate condition + releived
your anxiety as to my being killed or wounded. I have written you several times
as in regard to how I was captured + will not take space in this letter
by informing you again. [I]t distressed me very much to think how long I had
served as a private + that just as I had got into a position to serve with some
comfort + credit to myself I should have been captured + all + my hopes in that respect blasted + my
pleasant association with the men of my Co broken up, but you will say I ought
to be thankful that my life has been spared. I am truly so, + am trying to bear
this affliction with all the patience I am possessed of though I find this
imprisonment hard to bear indeed, it seems to me it is the next worst thing to death,
a short time after I was captured I was taken with a violent attack of disentery[1]
with which I suffered much + stayed in the hospital nearly 2 weeks [.] I am nearly
well now + hope I may continue so. I have received $10000 from
one of Fathers friends which will releive my necessities very much, send word to
the families of Lt W P Bormey, Capt Elisha J [Glale?], (near Rocky Mount) Lt J L
McCrorey (Gladdens Grove) + Cap William Stewart (Lancaster) that they are all here
+ well[.] [I]f this letter reaches you reply by the same route. I can not write
you in M a letter through the chanel that this does as fully I would wish
+ you must content yourself with the knowledge that I am well + hope for the best.
Write me very often wether you think the letters will reach me or not. May God bless
you + my dear little boys[.] Your Devoted Husband Lt W E Johnson Co [K?] 7th
So Cavelry
Prisoner of
War Fort Delaware Del
[1] Dysentery.
4. June 18, 1864 (and August 1, 1864).
Transcription:
[recto:]
Officers Prison. Point Lookout. Md. June 18th 1864
My dear Robt
You will
perceive by the heading of this letter that I am a prisoner and in a most
unpleasant predicament at this place [.] I have been here ten days and find it
a dreadfully hard life. There are six hundred other officers here. Some having
been in prison more than a year. I am in a tent with Capt Pinckney [,] Lieut
[____?] of the 4th SC Cavy[1]
[,] Lieut W R [Bormey?][2]
and five others from N” C”[3]
[;] we have one meal at 12 oclock.
My purpose
in writing you is to enquire in your Regt if any of the men have “Greenbacks”
and if so to send me whatever you can as soon as possible th [.] [G]et directions from Col Jones state agt[4]
at Richmond how to send it. I haven’t no money + need it much.
I have
written to Ann several times but am afraid she has not received the letter and
is much distressed about me, send this to her if you receive it [.]
I have not
space to tell you how I was captured. Give my respects to the the “Magon”[5]
Yours
Truly
W
E Johnson Jr Lieut
7th
S C Cavy Officers Prison Point Lookout
Md
[verso, in hand of R.J. Cunningham:]
Tell
Mr Johnson I gave Capt Wm Clyburn a receipt for $50.00 in “greenbacks”, payable
by he or I upon demand. If you think best to get the rest from him let me know
immediately. If wanted send about $100. In Confederate notes, as Clyburn has no
money. If you do not want it do not send any as he will be able to get home
this fall and it will answer then. He let me have it very willingly indeed and
says he has experienced his condition.
John + I
are well. And at the same ditch. Love to the Children. Your affect Brother
R.J. Cunningham.[6]
Petersburg Va
August
1st 1864
My dear
Sister
I
have received this day before yesterday. I borrowed $50.00 from Capt. Wm
Clyburn in “greenbacks” and have written to William today with the money enclosed.
I can 50 or 75 dollars more but from the advertizement , which is of a more
recent date than the letter, you see he has been supplied with what funds he
wanted. I think from what Clyburn says $50 will do him until we can hear from
him again. I have sent to Richmond to Col. Jones for United States postage
stamp which I will send as soon as I receive.[7]
[cross-hatched vertically in Johnson’s hand, under the
paragraphs at top of verso is Lt. Cunningham’s address:]
Lieut R J
Cunningham
1st
S C Battalian Col Nelson
Gen
Glagoods Brgd
Richmond
Virginia
[1] Abbreviation for “cavalry.”
[2] As in letter 3 (June 10, 1864).
[3] North Carolina.
[4] State agent?
[5] As in letter 1, referring to horse?
[6] This letter ends here, but begins on the following line (location and date) as Cunningham appears to have started the letter with the intention of using only half the page.
[7] The letter continues at the top of the verso, with the sentence beginning “Tell Mr. Johnson….”.
(1 of 1)
5. July 24, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Delaware Del Officers Prison July 24th
1864
My dear Wife
I have
written you many letter since I have been a prisoner + have some hope that you
have received some of them by this time as I hear communication by Flag of
Truce has been opened. I am afraid you have suffered much anxiety about me not
knowing whether I was killed or captured + hope this if no other reached you
will relieve your anxiety about me. I was captured in the first fight we got
into + after skirmishing with the enemy a long time we were ordered to fall
back owing to their aproach in larger force. I was at the rear of our co +
being very thirsty went into a ravine which had water in it intending to get
some intending and to go up it + rejoin the co but found the vines and
briars so thick I could not do so + by the time I could return to where I went
in the enemy were upon me on both sides + I was oblidged to surrender. I knew
they had flanked us upon our right but had no idea they were pursuing so
closely in our rear. You can imagine my distress + mortification when I found I
was a prisoner + by such an accident just as I had got into a position as an
officer in a fine co to be of some credit to myself that + the knowledge that
you may be in great distress about me adds to my unhappy condition. It seems
that I have been doomed to much unhappiness in the six months of my life +
probably for a long ti come. I will try + bear it in a proper spirit + as
coming from the “Giver of all good.” I find prison life one of complete misery,
W P Bormey, Lt J L McCrosly, (Gladdens Grove) Capt E J Glale[1],
Capt W Stewart (Lancaster) are here as well as a large number of the best men
of country, write me often, whether you think the letters will reach me or not
+ send me money if possible. I have received some from one of Fathers friends +
living tolerably well at this time. Address me Lt. W E Johnson Prisoner of war
Fort Delaware Del. By Flag of Truce, with United States + confederate States
postage stamps on envelopes Robt C can get you some U S stamps probably
Give me
love to Father Mother Brother Dannie + all, May God bless you
I will
write often You devoted Husband W E Johnson Jr 7th S S C
[1] The spellings of the preceding names may not be correct.
(1 of 1)
6. August 29, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Steamer
Crescent City, Port Royal Harbour
Near
Hilton Head Augst 29th 1864
My dear
Wife
I
left Fort Delaware on the 20th inst with six hundred other officers
for this place we were five days n the voyage + have been four days here, we do
not know why we were sent, but hear that we are to be placed under the fire of
our batteries at Charleston. We will know very soon I can not but hope that it
will result in an exchange for six hundred Federal officers said to be confined
in Charleston. You can imagine what a time I have had confined on ship board
with 100 other men
They are
wanting to take this letter now. I am well, tell Father to make arrangements to
send me some money as soon as possible I need it very much. I will write
often. I have but one letter from home since my capture from Father of the 23rd
July. W P Bormey is at Ft Delaware + well. Lt McCrosly[1]
died
Your
affect Husband W E Johnson Jr
[1] As above in note 23.
(1 of 1)
7. September 11, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Morris
Island Sept 11th 1864
My dear
Father
I
received a letter from you of July 23 at Fort Delaware + replyed to it on the
24th informing you that I expected to be sent to this place with six
hundred other Confederate Officers, to be placed under the fire of our
batteries in retaliation for a like number of Federal Officers exposed to fire
in Charleston, we were 18 days on board a steamer between decks + suffered very
much from heat thirst + very short rations of crackers + salt meat [.] [W]e lay
12 days in Port Royal Harbour off this [far?] + you can imagine the suffering
that would necessarily ensue from the great heat and crowded conditions of the
boat. [W]e are now in a pen enclosing about 2 acres of sand fed in small A
tents imediately in the rear of the Federal batteries, some fragments of shell
from our batteries have fallen in the pen but nobody was hurt. I do not think
the danger is very great. When the opposing batteries as shelling each other it
is a very a very interesting sight + never to be forgotten, it is
astonishing to what a distance + with what remarkable accuracy the imense
shells can be thrown, we are so near one of the Federal batteries that the
shock from the explosion of + the passing of the shell over our heads is
very unpleasant + often prevents one sleeping at night but I suppose we will
soon become accustomed to it. We are here for retaliation + are fed exactly as
the Federal Officers are said to be fed on in Charleston that is on
short rations of salt meat + crackers
but are allowed to buy a few articles of food from the sutler such as sugar
coffee Tobacco ++. I can not get along without money + beg that you will at
once get some Federal currency or Gold at any price + send it to me, I will
be allowed to receive it or any articles of food clothing or luxuries that are
sent from our lines. [I]f necessary get brother Robt or some one to bring the
money + box of food [.] I wrote to Ann for to Charleston + put it in the hands
of some one who will forward it by first Flag of Truce Boat, which passes about
once a week or ten days. Tell Ann if she has a suit of clothes (not too fine)
made up to send them in the box. [A]lso a small quantity of Blue Mass Quinine +
Opium. Money is the thing I need greatly + I beg that if it can be possibly
procured you will send it at once [.]
[verso:]
I
left Lt W P Bormey at Fort Delaware + well. Lynch dead[,] was at the Old
capitol Prison D.C. in July I do not know whether he was wounded or not. I
tried to learn where T L Boykin was but was unable to do so. E B Cureton was at
Fort Delaware + well, I find this imprisonment very irksome + miserable. I am
very well now + if I [can time][1]
so can bear the confinement as well as any one. There are some Gentlemen here
who have been in prison two years + many since the battle of Gettysburge. [W]e
can hear nothing of what is going on in the outside world + I have asked Ann to
send me an occasional News Paper. Money is the all important matter with me
now. I hope you will write to me occasionally as I can receive as many letters
as are sent me. I understand no U S Stamp is required to send a letter to this
point [.]
I send
much love to Mother. Your Affectionate
Son
W
E Johnson Jr
Address me
“Prisoner of War, Morris Island” Tell
Ann not to wait for me to
[ask for][2]
boxes but to send them at regular intervals
[1] This phrase or word is unclear.
[2] These words are missing from the manuscript and were added by the editor.
(1 of 1)
8. September 18, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Morris
Island Sept 18th 1864
My dear
Wife
I have written you several times
since I have been here but have received no answer yet, but hope to do so
soon[.] I have not heard from home but once in nearly four months + you can
imagine my anxiety to get a letter now that I am so near you. I do not know how
long we are to be kept here, but hope not long, we have daily rumours that we
are to be exchanged soon, but there is generally no foundation for them. + I
have not much hope of being exchanged until a general exchange of prisoners
takes place. I am dreadfully tired of this imprisonment, but have [ ?] it [ _ ?] as well as any one +
continue to do so, but it has been the most miserable time I ever passed. There
has been but little firing from our batteries since I have been here + but a
few pieces of shell have struck our camp, I do not think the danger very great,
though it is very harrasing to know that we may be shelled at any time. The
rations we get here are very scanty + of a very inferior quality so much so
that we can not eat them sometimes. I hope you have sent me some provisions
before this, we hear today that we will not be allowed to receive food but you
must send me at regular intervals such
articles of food as will keep untill you learn positively that I do not get
them, alsom aske Father to take such measures to send me money that it will
reach me promptly if I could tell how great my need is for money
+ food you would not delay a moment. I would like much to write you longer
letters + more particulars of myself but I think it best to only inform you
that I am well + of my wants[.] You must write often, you are differently
situated from me, perhaps God in his goodness may allow us to meet soon, such
is my prayer, may he bless you + my dear little boys[.] I will write again
soon, send me Newspapers[.] I may receive them + you know my propensity for
reading papers.
Your
devoted Husband W.E. Johnson Jr.
(1 of 1)
9. September 21, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Prisoners
Camp Morris Island Sept 21st 1864
My dear
Wife
Yours of Sept 11th was
received on the 19th. You can well imagine my joy upon getting it.
Write often + on one page of foolscap paper + close [.] Tell me the casualties
in my co + regt. I am very well but having a hard time of it. We are fed upon
rations that are said to be the same the Federal Officers in Charleston get +
so much are of a very inferior quality + of insufficient quantity. I am hungry
all the time particularly at night, but can stand it very well[.] Send me boxes
of food at regular intervals + send me in the next my black overcoat or any
other good one except my military one, one good blanket, my tack hammer, 1 flat
file [,] 1 half round file, 1 hand saw file + 2 of my smallest files + my
plyers + small hand vice[.] Make every effort to send me money, I have received
none yet but hope to get some by next Flag of Truce. I am bearing this
imprisonment in the proper spirit + would like to express myself more fully to
you but think it best to say but little[.] You can write as fully as you please
+ I hope will do so Your Devoted
Husband
W E Johnson 7th S S Cav
Has any
thing been heard of [T][1]
L Boykin[?]
[1] Or “J”.
(1 of 1)
10. September 27, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Morris
Island Sept 27th 1864
My dear Wife
I
understand there is a probability of of[1]
a Flag of Truce Boat passing tomorrow. I
am well + getting along as well as I could expect as to food[,] the rations are
very scanty + I am hungry all the time. I have received but one letter from
you. + no money yet, though I am sure you have tryed to get it to me. Send me money
+ provisions if possible particularly bread. Also send me a fine flat file[,] a
fine half round file[,] a three cornered file[,] a hand vice[,] a pair of
plyers[,] oil stone, two other very fine small files + small very
hammer. I want them to pass the time working also send me a overcoat[,] two
blankets or counterpin + strap, + round Jacket + Pants, two undershirts[,] two
outside, two pair drawers + socks[.] I can get boots + hat here if I get money.
I write you very short unsatisfactory letter, but think it best to do so. I
know very little of our prospect of being exchanged but think from what little
I know that it is very bad. I bear it in the proper spirit + would like to
express myself more but can not do so. May God bless you + my dear children is
my daily prayer[.]
You
devoted Husband W.E. Johnson Jr
[1] As in original.
(1 of 1)
11. September 28, 1864 (and November 2, 1864).
Transcription:
[recto:]
Prisoners
Camp Morris Island Sept 28th 1864
Mess[1]
H W Conner + Co
Charleston
SC
Gentlemen
Yours of 17 inst enclosing fifty dollars
($50.00) in U. S. Currency was received today. I will be oblidged to you to
procure fifty or one hundred dollars more if possible + send it to me. I send
by Lt Masten a very small package containing a which I prise very highly + will
be oblidged to you to send to my Father by express or the first sure
conveyance[.]
I am much oblidged to you for your offer to
serve me whilst here + will call upon you if my necessities require it Yours
Very Respt
W E Johnson Jr
Lt.
7th S.C. Cavry
[in another hand:]
Charleston
Nov 2d 1864
Dear Sir
The
above letter only reached us yesterday. We could not procure the funds to send
your [ ?] by this Flag of Truce. Will
send them by next
Yours
respty
HW
Conner Co
[1] An abbreviation for “messieurs.”
(1 of 1)
12. October 9, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Prisoners
Camp Morris Island Sunday Oct 9th 1864
My dear Wife
Yours of
the 11 Sept is the only letter I have received from you since I have been a
Prisoner[.] I have received two from Father + a short one from Brother Robert.
I have written you many letters since I have been here but suppose you have not
received them as the one I wrote the day
after my arrival here was returned to me after and interval of twenty days
because it was over one page in length although the Provost Marshall informed us
we could write as long letters + as often as we pleased. I will not write
hereafter but one page[.]
I am very
well + getting along as one could expect, the citazens of Charleston sent us a
large supply of Bread[,] Meat + Tobacco, which was greatly needed by us all. I
also received a most welcome box of Provisions sent me by Mother[.] It would
have done her good to see how much myself + others enjoyed the nice bread +
fresh butter + other good things. Nothing was spoiled except the Biscuit[.] You
must send me boxes at regular intervals of plain food that will keep. Send some
potatoes + onions in a separate bog or barrel, also send me three or four
files[,] Plyers, hand vice, + oil stone[.] I amuse myself working with these
small tools[.] Send some two suits of warm underclothes. I can do well
enough with the outside suit I have + do not wish you to send me any unless it
is a wind Jacket + Pants of plain materials. I think you had best not send me
the suit Father spoke of. Send me an overcoat + two Blankets, send me some
peices of old pure silver + gold such as a worn out spoon + if not a peice of
gold try + send me a gold dollar or two[.]
From all
the information I can get I think my chances for exchange are very bad,
but your opportunities of knowing what the chances for exchange are better +
you must be governed by the probabilities in sending me things, do not
send any Tobacco[.]
The
weather is quite cold today but [right?][1]
+ bracing which makes me desire very much to esc be delivered from this
imprisonment + take my part in the action I can. There has been some shelling
from one of our batteries since my last, but nobody hurt “yet”[2]
in this “Pen” + I hope such will continue to be the case.
Write me
often + on one page May God bless you +
my dear Children
(1 of 1)
13. October 16, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Prisoners Camp Morris Island Oct 16th
1864
My dear
Father
I have received two letters from you
+ one from Ann since I have been here, Capt Lewis received one from making
enquirys about me which he showed to me. I have written to you twice and Ann
many times[.] I want Ann to send me one bed + pillow sack of coarse materials
to hold straw[,] a dozen muscle shells + some chewing Tobacco in every box,
which I can convert into money at any time if I do not use it myself. I think
my prospect for exchange is bad, + if I am to stay in Prison I want all the
things I have written for sent me, but if you think there is any prospect of an
early exchange you need not send only such things as actually necessary. I need
two Blankets very much. I am very well + getting along very well under the
unpleasant circumstances in which I am situated, our rations are still very
short but of tolerably good quality, but my suffering in that way has been
removed by the receipt of $50.00 from Conner + Co + the nice box Mother sent
me. You can imagine how delicious the fresh Butter + Bread + Ham was to me
after living on very short rations of Crackers[,] Salt Meat + Bean Soup for two
months, one of my mess received a bag of potatoes + Jug of Long Bean grub at
the same time, a large proportion of the men have had neither money nor boxes
of provisions sent them + they suffer much for the want of food + blankets, but
I suppose most of them will have these sent them from home soon, tho danger
from our shell up to this time has amounted to nothing a few pieces have fallen
in our ‘Pen” in only one instance. I don’t doubt my ability to “grin + endure”
this imprisonment as well as any one else can, but this beautifull bright fall
weather increases my desire to get out + take my part in the active movements
that are now going on. The accounts we get from Northern sources are of
the prospect of the Confederacy are very discouraging but they don’t disturb
me, [ xx xxxxxxx xx xxxx x xx xxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xx xx xxxxx][1]
within the last five months[.] Write me often + send this to Ann, the ring I
sent her was returned to me Your
Affectionate Son W. E. Johnson Jr
[1] About 14 words are here crossed out very heavily and cannot be read. It is unclear if this is the work of a censor or Johnson.
(1 of 1)
14. October 26, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Pulaski Oct 26th 1864
My dear
Wife
I had the great pleasure yesterday
of receiving 4 letters from you[:] August 6th from M.D.[1][,]
Sept 28, Oct 2nd + 8th[.] We were removed from under fire
a few days ago since + placed in case mates in this Ft. This is about as good a
prison as any I have been in. I find the thick brick walls cold before day but
it is warm enough the rest of the time. We were exposed to very dangerous fire
the last 2 days we were in the “Pen.” A very large shell fell within a few feet
of our fence but fortunately busted near the ground + peices several times
struck in [ ?]. I received a letter
from Col Embree Pine Bluff [Aik?][2]
giving a very favourable acct of [Tidwell?] says he is in Bowie Co Texas
[renting?] 400 acres fine land, left about 20 negroes on the place who are near
Pine Bluff, Morrell is with him. Will enclose the letter to Father. I
have strong hopes of being exchanged soon may be mistaking + if so will
have to draw again largely upon my stock of patience. I have not received a box
from you yet it would be most welcome as I have been very “hard up” for food
lately. I am sorry to hear Robert is wounded hope it is not serious. You must
be governed by the prospect of exchange in sending me things. I think the
yellow fever has returned the boy hope to get it soon. May God bless you
Your
devoted Husband W E Johnson
(1 of 1)
15. November 6, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort Pulaski Nov 6th 1864
My dear
Wife
Yours of Oct 8 + Robts of the 9th
+ Fathers of 16th were the last reced[1][.]
Robts + Fathers reached me to day, yours in the box on the 4, and such a box[.]
I think it was the nicest box ever received by a prisoner, it contained such
nice things + they were so nicely packed that it excited the admiration of the
Sergt whose duty it was to open it + he commented most emphatically upon its
contents. 75 boxes were received at the same time + the contents of nearly all
were lost for the want of proper selections of articles sent, mine was iron
bound + the contents dry + sound[.] I lost nothing but the brandy which “went
up the spout”, (confiscated) don’t send any more, the officer who duty it was
to examine the boxes took my brandy very reluctantly I think, as he judged I
suppose by my looks that I would have appreciated it highly, it being a very
cold day + I was chilled through[.] The nice suit of clothes + all the other
things were just what I wanted + I thank you most heartily for them. I have had
some hope of being exchanged lately, but do not feel so hopefull now as I did
when I left the “Pen”. I sent you by
Capt Hall a necklace + Ring of Gutta Percha[,] the work entirely of my own
hands, with very inferior tooles. I spent many long lonesome hours upon them +
you must appreciate them for that reason, if the chain is too long take out
some of the rings, + rub with a woolen rag + oil to polish. I am out of Gutta
Percha to work on, which makes the time hang much more heavy upon me[.] I hope
to get some soon, from the Rev J A Hoyt who has been very kind to me. I had
much pleasure in reading the old newspapers in the box. We are confined
in casemates which are cold + damp[.] We waked up to role call at day light +
put out lights at 9 oclock, rations are tolerably good, I walk some days 10
miles up + down the Casemates, am very well + can stand it as long as
any one else. I like this prison better than any one I have ever ben at which
is not saying much for it. I received from Embree of Aik he says [Tidwell?] is
doing well in Texas, sent a copy of it to Father. Hope Robt C is doing well +
at home. [Thos=nwell][2]
Dunlap[3]
is here recevd a letter from [ ?][4],
is one of my particular friends. May God in his mercy bless + protect you[.] I
have written you many letters[.] You devoted Husband
W.E.
Johnson
[1] Abbreviation for “received.”
[2] A proper noun, apparently a given name. The “=” was used a “-” in abbreviating words across a line break.
[3] William T. Dunlap (1st Lt., Co. F, 2nd Kentucky Cavalry Regt. [Duke’s], captured Farmer’s Run, OH, July 22, 1863).
[4] A proper noun; a name.
(1 of 1)
16. November 10, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Pulaski Nov 10th 1864
My dear
Wife
I received on Sunday last Fathers
letter of Oct 16th + Robts of the 9th was much
disappointed that I did not get one from you. I have no doubt you have written
often. I received the fine box + you seemed to have known exactly what I
needed. Every thing was dry + sound, while the contents of almost all the other
boxes were ruined, when you send again send Pottatoes[,] onions, Pinders + not
much meat. I get enough meat in rations. Send butter, the jar you sent me was
delicious, the Brandy was contraband do not send any more[.] The black berry
cordial, I gave to my frien Mag Zeigler[1]
who was suffering exceedingly for the want of it or Brandy + could not get
either. Send more of it, it may be the means of saving his life. I lik this
prison better than any other I have ever been in[.] Those who have us in charge
are kind + courteous to us + seem to be anxious to make us as comfortable
circumstances will allow[.] I do not feel as hopefull of being exchanged as I
did some time back + an fearfull we may be yet sent to some Northern Prison.
Thought I know nothing deffinite. Capt Hall will call to see you. Robert or
yourself must be sure to write by him to Tidwell, Moresville, Bowie Co.
Texas[.] he was doing well, Hall + several others got through by special
exchange which seems to have been not very difficult to procure. I have not received the box sent by J Lee. It never reached Ft.
D.[2]
so they say. Have written J L about it. The money Robt sent me never came to
hand. I got that sent by HWC + Co.[3]
I hope you will send me more. Send me my military overcoat if you have not
procured another I will be allowed to receive it. It is quite cool this
morning. I have on two undershirts[,] 2 pr drawers[,] 2 socks[.] I have
suffered more from cold this fall than ever before, have no furs in this prison
that I can get to, had coffee[,] soft bread + butter[,] for syrup for
breakfast. I had much pleasure in reading the old newspapers in the box.
Yours of the 23rd Oct received today (11th)[.] May God in
his mercy bless + protect you + my dear children is my daily prayer
Your
devoted Husband W E Johnson Jr
[1] Major Martin G. Zeigler, F&S, Holcombe’s (SC) Infantry Legion – captured at Stony Creek Bridge, VA, May 7, 1864.
[2] Fort Delaware, Delaware.
[3] H.W. Conner & Co. of Charleston, SC. See letter 11.
(1 of 1)
17. November 20, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort Pulaski Sunday evening Nov 20th
1864
My dear
Wife
Yours of Oct 23rd was the
last received but I hope to receive others soon[.] I write twice every week[.]
I received the nice box, you seemed to have known exactly what I wanted [--] I
need nothing in the way of clothing now, except a blanket + overcoat. The nice
underclothes was a great releife to me as I was suffering a good for the want
of them from cold. Continue to send me boxes of food such as potatoes[,]
onions[,] dried apples +++ do not send any costly food. Lt W J Dunlap was
removed from this prison with a number of other officers yesterday supposed to
be sent to Hilton Head + I am affraid I will lose any things you may have sent
in the box for me, though I have an order from him for it. I am more
comfortably situated + like this prison much more than any other I have ever
been in, I have enough comfortable clothes + enough to eat + am doing as well
as any one could in prison. The suit of clothes you sent me has been
much admired + I have been requested to aske aske you if any more such cloth
can be had, where + what price[.] Col Embree wrote me + said
Tidwell was doing well in Moresvill[,] Bowie Co[,] Texas. Write to him by Capt
Hall who has called to see you before this time I hope + given you particulars
of myself. I may be deceived but I have stronger hopes of being exchanged soon
than I have ever had[.] Do not be uneasy about I can stand it as long as I keep
my health + will endure it with resignation + in the proper spirit evry way I
hope. The most unpleasant thought to me is to be cooped up here a prisoner while
such vital movements are going on around us. Write often[.] May God in his
mercy bless + protect you Your devoted Husband W E
Johnson Jr
(1 of 1)
18. November 23, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Pulaski Ga Nov 23rd 1864
My dear
Father
Your
most welcome letter of Oct 23rd[,] Nov 2nd + 11th
were received on the 21st ^ [and?] of the 23rd Oct about
a week since. I received the box sent by Mother + one from Anne + fifty dollars
in U S curency sent by Conner + Co. I
wrote C + co about one month ago acknowledging the receipt of the fifty +
asking them to send fifty or one hundred more, which letter I presume they
never received as I had no reply. I suppose from yours and Anns letters that
there is fifty dollars here for me now but I have not had any notice of it. The
authorities at Ft. D. write me no box ever reached there[.] Fearing my address
I wrote J L + Co about it. I received a letter from Col Embree[,] P Bluff[,]
Aik[,] stating that Tidwell was in Moresville[,] Bowie Co[,] Texas with most of
the hands + teams doing well[.] Write him by Capt Hall. I am
quite well + am more comfortably situated + like this prison much better than
any I have had the misfortune to be at. The weather the last 36 hours has been
intensely cold, ice one inch thick this morning. There was much suffering last
night for the want of blankets[.] I was comfortable thanks to Anns fine box of
warm clothing. I have good reason to hope I will be sson exchanged + beleive I
will, but may be disapointed , if so, I will have to draw largely again upon my
stock of patience, but if I am exchanged it seems to me it will be the happiest
day of my life, God grant it may soon come. I have been much mortified that I
should be kept in the humiliating position of a prisoner while such stirring
scenes are being enacted around one[.] I am truly sorry to hear of the illness
of Willie + trust that your next letter will inform me that he has recovered.
My love to Mother[,] Robt[,] Dannie + Children Your
Affectionate Son
W
E Johnson Jr Lt 7th S S C
(1 of 1)
19. November 27, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort Pulaski Sunday evening Nov 27th
1864
My dear
Wife
I
have not received a letter from you in nearly a month but have no doubt you
have written me often. I hope the next time the mail is delivered to us I will
get several letters from you. I received three from Father, the latest Nov 11th.
I am very well + am more comfortably situated than I have ever been in prison
before, + like this prison much better than any other I have ever been in. The
rations are good + with the box you sent me I am living as well as I desire, +
find the nice clothes you sent most comfortable. I hope Capt E J Hall has
called to see you before this + given you a particular account of how I get
along. I need still an overcoat[,] blanket + bed sack. Lt Dunlap was sent to
Hilton Head with other officers from here + I am afraid I will lose any things
you may have sent me in his box. Though he gave me an order to open it +
forward to him. We are still encouraged with rumors of exchange but wether
there is any reliance to be put in or not I not able to say. I scarcly see a
paper + have no accurate information about any thing. The old papers that were
wrapped around articles in the box were a great treat to me. I have written you
often that I had received information that Tidwell was doing well in Texas
(Moresville Bowie Co) + asking you to write him by Hall, we had [.] My
letters are very uninteresting to you I know, but you must be content with the
knowledge that I am well. There are many subjects that I could desire to
write you upon but do not do not do so because of the chanel through which the
letter will have to pass. Perhaps God in his mercy will allow us soon to meet
soon. It will be a happy meeting to me[.] God bless you + my dear little boys You[r] devoted Husband
W.E.
Johnson Lt 7th SC Cavy
(1 of 1)
20. December 4, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Sunday
Dec 4th 1864 Fort Pulaski Georgia
My dear
Wife
It
has been nearly a month since I have received a letter from you. I hope you
have been more fortunate in receiving mine. Why yours do not reach me I can not
imagine[.] I have received several from Father since your last. Tomorrow I hope
will bring me one from you[.]
I
am very well + getting fat so friends tell me, produced I suppose by the
starving process I went through on the passage from Ft Delaware + at Morris
Island to full rations here + the provisions I received from you[.]
We
had about ten days since some of the coldest weather I ever experienced, ice 1
½ inches thick. You can imagine how comfortable the underclothes + blanket were
to me. There are many men in this prison who have no blaket + cant get any +
the suffering to them during the cold weather was very great. The weather for
the last ten days has been spring like. Good weather always increases my desire
to be delivered from this imprisonment.
We
were allowed + invited to attend Dinne[r?] service in the parade ground today,
the best I have had the pleasure of attending since I left Ft. D..
I
have written you several times lately that I hoped to be soon exchanged, but I
am sorry to have to say that I have again almost despaired, but still know
nothing definite, am guided by rumors altogether. There are several officers
here who expect to leave soon for “Dixie” by special exchange[.]
May
God bless you my dear Wife
Your
Devoted Husband
W
E Johnson Lt 7th S C.C
(1 of 1)
21. December 11, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Pulaski Sunday Dec 11th 1864
My dear
Wife
It
has been five weeks since I have received a letter from you + am afraid mine
have been equaley slow in reaching you. I hope to receive one by the next
mail[.] You must write often not with standing I may not receive them[.]
I
am as well as could desire. + getting fat not although I still find this
imprisonment utterly miserable + desire more than I ever desired any thing else
in my life to be released from it. I am still hopefull of being soon exchanged
although it all may amount to nothing. I am prepared for the worst but hope for
the best. Six officers were taken out a week ago for special exchange + more
expect to go soon[.]
I
need nothing but another blanket + overcoat and with them will be very
comfortable. I am nearly out of money + would like to have some if possible to
procure it[.] I feel quite sure of getting some by next mail, if none has been
sent, send it as soon as possible[.]
Lt
Dunlap is at H Head + I suppose will remain untill exchanged or removed to some
other Prison
May
God bless you is my daily prayer
Your
Devoted Husband
W
E Johnson Jr
(1 of 1)
22. December 18, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto:]
Fort
Pulaski Dec 18th 1864
My dear
Wife
I
have not received a letter from in a very long time[.] They are not allowed to
reach me for some reason + I think it must be that the sheets of paper upon
which you write are too large, this is the right size[1][.]
If this is the reason I suppose I will get another from you untill this reaches
you + your reply, which will be a long time[.] Fathers of the 17 + 30th
of Nov were received on the 11th inst. His seem to come regularly,
the power of attorney did not come. I tryed to have one prepared here but was
advised that it would not answer the purpose + would not be allowed to go
through the lines[.] I haveng been hoping I would get home in time to
attend to such matters, but feel quite sure now unless something has been done
to obtain a special exchange for me that I will remain in this miserable
condition for an indefinite period[.] all the sick + wounded have of
this party of six hundred have been exchanged, together with about a doz or
more officers who were so fortunate as to have friends within our lines who
obtained specials exchanges for them, among them was my friend Capt Pinckney,
who promised me he would write you imediately upon his arrival in Charleston +
I hope has done so. Can nothing be done for me, the probability of my having to
lie in prison for another six or twelve months adds much to my miserable
condition. Think of the prospect ahead of me + try + induce some one to make an
effort to have me released. I received a letter from Capt Hall in which he
informed me that he had called to see you on the 11th Nov but that
you were at Camden[.] I was very sorry as I knew he could give you all the
information you want in regard to me[.] If any effort is to be made to obtain
an exchange for me let it be done promptly as I think is quite probable we will
be sent north unless exchanged Your
devoted Husband
W
E Johnson Jr Lt 7 SSC
[1] 7 ¾ “(W) x 9 5/8”(H) .
(1 of 1)
23. December 28, 1864.
Transcription:
[recto]
Fort
Pulaski Geo Dec 28th 1864
My Dear
Wife
I
have not received a letter from in two months[.] I think the sheet upon which
you write must be too large, this is the proper size. I have received six from
Father + none from you[.] I have no doubt you have written me often. My friend
Capt Pinckney who was captured at the same time I was + was specially exchanged
a few days since with about twenty others (all specials) promised me he would
write you + inform you that I was well. I hope you recd his letter. I am
satisfied all hope of my exchange unless by special arrangement is gone
+ I beg that you will try to obtain one for me + don’t let one failure prevent
you trying again. I don’t dount my ability to endure this suffering as
long as any one + patiently, but I am most anxious to be released as I know the
services of every one is much need now. I received one enclosure of fifty
dollars from Conner + Co early in Oct[,] the last of which I spent some time
since + am now without money. I wish you to send me an overcoat, another
blanket + some chewing + a large quantity of smoking tobacco raised at home[,]
none so good can be had here. We have various rumours here daily, the last of
which is that we are to be sent to a northern prison. I am afraid there is some
truth in it, though I do not feel sure of it. If it should be so it will be a
sad day to me but I hope I will be able to bear it in a becoming spirit. We
have none but the most discouraging account of affairs of the Confederacy in
here, but they only increase my desire to get out. It makes me very
sad to think of your trials + troubles. I know they must be great, but they are
sent upon us by the Almighty for his own [ ?] pruposes + I hope + pray will result in our good
God bless
you + my dear boys Your devoted Husband