USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > The story of Camp Chase; a history of the prison and its cemetery, together with other cemeteries where Confederate prisoners are buried, etc > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
I trust this war will soon stop. I hope, Mary, I shall see you again ; but it may be possible that I shall never hold my dear one in my arms again. I pray to the Being on high to protect you and little Bob.
Mary, I have volumes to tell you, dear one, of the battlefield, but I can't tell it here, and you must be brave and stand it out.
1.
147
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS.
Tell -Bob to be a good little boy and mind his ma, and that his pa is thinking of him and his ma all the time. O, I never think of anything else! I will close by saying : Teach him to love his pa and ma. Farewell; may God be with you and protect you ! Kiss Bob for me. P. L. DOTSON.
In Chapter XI. the Journal mentions the name of Lieutenant Dotson as having arrived March 1, 1862, with a number of others.
CAMP CHASE, April 20, 1862.
MY DEAR MERRITT : You have doubtless heard of the surrender of our forces at Island No. 10, which included the First Alabama. We all regretted this much, but we were surrendered without knowledge or consent. Our boys stood up to the enemy like men and brave soldiers. We were drawn up in line of battle in sight of the enemy several times, and not one of them, I am glad to say, flinched in the least, but, on the contrary, were perfectly cool and determined. I was very proud of them, indeed, and love each one of them as a dear friend.
After our surrender we were separated, the officers being sent here and the men to Chicago or Springfield. It was hard for me to part with them, and they seemed to feel it much; but such is war. We are very well treated here, but are closely confined. We are anxious to get South. Some of the boys, I believe, made their escape. Lieutenants Hall and Tuttle are here, and are well.
Your friend, J. F. WHITEFIELD.
To Lieut. M. C. Pratt, Prattsville, Ala.
CAMP CHASE PRISON, April 21, 1862.
DEAR BELOVED WIFE: It is by the blessing of God that I am permitted to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am in reasonable health at this time, hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessings when they come to hand. I have nothing of interest to write you, but many things to tell you, if we ever meet again, which I hope will be the case, and under better circumstances than the present. I can say that I was sadly dis- appointed in my treatment : it has been far better than I expected. So far it is very good; and there is but one thing I fear, and that is disease. We have some cases of smallpox in prison at this time. I hope that I may escape it.
I hope that we may be permitted to spend some happy days together soon. I cannot tell at this time. If you ever see me. you will find me the very same. For the present I close by signing myself your loving husband until death.
With love,
D. R. FLETCHER.
148
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
{Camp Chase olo April 20 th Klay, Deur Unele
as another opportunity
presento itself I will again siste you a few lines. We are all still at camp chase. Han Columbus all are very well indeed enjoying excellent health after getting accustomed to the climate and franticulary The strong limestone water in this region of country, I drink It now with infermity, while in The first freace I could not touch a drop of it wonders mixed with an acid of some tiendo Capta Guy is also willing to tro father regenesung hum of possible 4 serio him some funds you hadbetter act welktumand send me some lis bruce wey cta, Plenty of meat flour . i meal anto potatoes and other things from the US Promment, but besure that are Wouldlike to have some to buy Prutter Card and eggs, and particularly foo ts of some sort to amune ws in our confinement we hear from the company about once a week they are at chicago, all well and Created Kindly by The Federals foch officers and soldiers) With regard to own treatment and condition Icansfeast of it in no other language Than that of finance and commendation They have activ lowards as soldiers and as gentlemen . Iwould like very much to be down South this beautiful weather it is still quite cool rup here we have has several spring dago. Bill I must dare you must winte tome of you can leave write every time I see a slight chance your affect Nephew StiHumant
Floydo Bugade?
.
149
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS.
Comp chase news columbus who Atferd 20th /62
My Dear Mother
An offer lundby having offerted
w ulf by which I can get- a inter through the lines of willingly embrace it to droge que a fine lines to doubles Gove are aware I am a prisoner of was Coup chase we arriveds here from Fl - Dannelease an the 1 St March . An arrowings arriving we were fait in a broom of about 3 Meses luro unded by a fence fifteen for high within the enclosure are comfor - tables houses large enough to entertain twelves ar fifter fussand which constitute a mess the houses ine comfortably Lunds 4. Struts regularly land of a named by is Such as it is Buckner all Our roland are issued to us of the Same quan -lity + quality, as They Their own holders four hojas a lite letter, with the rations + what dilecuers we buy we live in fine states My mes are all Vong quan mostly from the lower portions of the State most of them having found in the harthe
get mean age enough to do us wing will 2 rurale to- Luce Alfred Brown but have not heard from hun who. I cannot-day perhaps I was mistaken in his office of you can get a later through the lines let me knowifus Office. The author tus haver are any kind unded & try to make is comfortable. I am limited as to have much I write I am in fine with now but was quite unwell for have time after I was taken with love to all I am as ever your afthan
Mª A. Lohman
150
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 21, 1862.
W. S. Greary.
DEAR SIR: I write to let you know where and how I am. I am a prisoner of war ; was taken February 14. I was forwarded from Bowling Green to Louisville, but was kept several days with the army, to be exchanged ; and as there was no proposition made, I was sent forward from Louisville and on to this place. I have been treated with the greatest kindness while at Bowling Green. I was on parole and was quite a show to the Federals, for I was the first Rebel some of the officers had ever seen. When I was in my room, there was always a crowd of officers. When our prisoners are sick they are sent to the hospitals and are there well cared for, besides being visited by man's guardian angels- women.
Give my regards to the boys; also to Hiram.
S. W. GASSARVAY. Respectfully,
To W. S. Grcary, Corinth, Miss.
CAMP CHASE, PRISON NO. 3, COLUMBUS, OHIO.
MY DEAR WIFE: I expect you are in a good deal of trouble about me. I want you to give yourself as little bother about me as possible, for we are treated as kindly as prisoners deserve. We have good shanties, furnished with good cook stoves, and have plenty of good, wholesome food to eat. The only thing that is bad is liberty. We can't go home or anywhere else farther than our prison bounds.
I want you to do the best you can until I come home; I can't tell when that will be. E. H. Stewart is with me; let his wife know that he is well. J. G. Hall was left at Madrid Bend, and we have heard nothing from him since the privates were sent to Chicago. All the officers of the Eleventh Arkansas Regiment are here and a great many from Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. I do not know the number. Write to me.
Yours ever until death, J. M. SANDERS.
To Mrs. J. M. Sanders, Rockfort, Ark.
CAMP CHASE, April 21.
MY DEAR WIEE: If you received my letter from Island No. 10, you are not surprised to learn that I am a prisoner of war. We have comfortable quarters. plenty of everything to eat, and are kindly treated. My health is very good. I bear my lot with for- titude, and iny only trouble is on your account. Be of good cheer, my dear wife. Write short letters and nothing contraband, or they will not be permitted to come. May God bless and protect you and my dear children !
Your faithful husband, A. J. EVANS.
To Mrs. Augusta Evans, Okolona, Chickasawe Co., Miss.
151
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS.
CAMP CHASE PRISON, MESS 3, April 21, 1862.
Hon. Landon C. Haynes, U. S. Senator, Richmond.
DEAR SIR: I am a prisoner of war in Camp Chase. I am a first lieutenant in the Fiftieth Tennessee Regiment, surrendered at Fort Donelson. I am feeble in health, and am very anxious to be exchanged.
By the bearer of this I have written to Colonel Wigfall, United States Senator from Texas, asking his influence in carrying out a plan for my exchange. I imagine the most expeditious way to effect an exchange is to select an officer of my rank, who is a prisoner in the South, and release him on parole to visit Wash- ington and have me released, or, in case he failed in that, to return to his status in prison. Knowing that the Confederate government has such a prisoner, by the name of Lieutenant Riley, of the Forty-Seventh New York, I have selected him as a suitable man to have exchanged for me.
I feel the more confidence in asking your influence from the fact that you are well acquainted with my brother-in-law, Frank E. Williams, of Rush, Tex., formerly of East Tennessee; and also from a fact (which, perhaps, you are not aware of) that I was the first man to suggest through the public prints your name as a suitable man for Confederate Senator. Can I hope that you will cooperate with General Wigfall in procuring my release ?
Hoping through your influence to soon be beneath the skies of Dixie, I remain, my dear sir, very respectfully yours,
JOHN WARD.
FORT WARREN, BOSTON HARBOR, May 31, 1862.
Mr. Valentine Wiss.
MY DEAR SIR: Sometime ago I asked Colonel Gantt where his men were sent. He could not tell me, but presumed Chicago. I wrote you anyway, and directed it there, and. having received no reply, concluded that the letter never reached you. I have made various inquiries, but could never hear a word from Wiss. Why is it that you and Dr. Green could not write to me? If you don't, I will take all the sewing from you I can and do other little underhanded tricks, and of course my influence will seriously damage the bugler's future chances. In view of these threats, I think you will readily see it will be greatly to your in- terest to write. Tell Jerry if he doesn't write I will do all I can when I go home to injure his very flattering prospects on Haley's Creek.
From accounts, you have all heard from old Hickman oftener than we did. Be sure to write me on receipt of this. All are well here.
Your friend,
JOHN F. GRAY.
152
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO,
April 21, 1862.
DEAR SISTER: I was taken prisoner at Island No. 10 the 8th instant. We remained there one night and left on boat for Cairo; from that place to this by rail. My health is good. We have better quarters and better treatment than a great many in your section of the country would suppose. We live in plank houses, and have the same amount of provisions and clothing that Federal soldiers do. We have free access to about six acres of land.
Yours,
J. M. WALL.
To Mrs. Evalina Jones, Tickfare Station, Livingston Parish, La.
CAMP CHASE PRISON, April 20, 1862.
MY DEAR SISTER: As Mrs. Moon has a permit to visit Virginia, she has kindly offered to take letters along with her. My health has been very good since I have been a prisoner. I have been confined in rather a small prison, but now we have a larger ore and I have more fresh air. I am engaged in making rings of but- tons. I set them with pearl sets, which I sell and get money to buy different things with. I can't tell you when I will be home, but trust in God I will see you sometime. Give my regards to all inquiring friends.
I remain, your loving brother,
Miss E. Miller, Luray, Va.
W. H. MILLER.
CAMP CHASE, April 22, 1862.
MY PRECIOUS WIFE: To relieve your anxiety, if possible, I shall try to give you as accurate an account of my past as the space will permit and tell you how I am situated at present. While at Madrid and Lsland No. 10 we suffered severely day and night for eight weeks, or nearly so. Rain, snow, sleet, ditching, marching, watching-in a single word, soldiering-used us up. For ten days we all thought our doom was sealed either to surrender or be slaughtered at any hour. We were surrendered on the 8th. My health had become good, and I was present at the surrender, commanding my men to stack arms with a sad heart. The men were separated from us the same day, and I have not seen them since. They were sent either to Chicago or Springfield. The officers of the line and the staff were all sent here and the field officers to Fort Warren.
Now, my dear, I want you to be cheerful, for my health is good, except a cold, which I hope soon to be rid of, and the treatment we all receive is very courteous and kind. Indeed, so clever are they that I am much astonished. To be a prisoner of war is not such a very bad thing, were it not for the absence from
153
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS.
loved ones and duty. We are in good houses, cook on stoves, and have plenty of wood, water, and wholesome food.
When you hear of barbarity, cruelty, and the like, just say it is all false. I have not seen the least bit of it, and don't believe it is practiced anywhere.
My roommates are Lieutenants Menefee and Listrunk, with ten others, officers of the First Alabama Regiment. Captain Lacke. Captain Sullins, of Tuskegee, Lieutenants Andrews and Riley, of Pike County, Lieutenant Gilland and Captain Ramsey, of Wilcox, are among them. I found my old schoolmate, Dick Hall, of Autaugo, who is here, and Lieutenant Knowles, of Ma- con County. I met here a cousin whom I had never seen before- Captain Mooney, of Arkansas. You see how strange are the fortunes of war.
We are like brothers and enjoy ourselves as well as we can, but are restive, of course, when we think of home. Everything I had was lost except the clothes upon my body at the time, and I have not a cent of current money. If Ben can make arrangements to send me some, I will be very much obliged. Indeed, I will.
We are all as poor as church mice. If the friends of all our men should send money, some good men could be selected who would be allowed to bring it to us.
From James Dceler to. Sarah A. C. Deeler, Kosciusko, Miss.
CAMP CHASE, OHIO, April 25, 1862.
DEAR WIFE AND LITTLE DAUGHTER: I write to tell you that I am getting along tolerably well since I was captured at Fort Donelson. Sally, I do want to see you and little Mary very much. The time seems long since I last saw you. I do hope and trust this difficulty will soon be settled, for I am weary of it. The offi- cers and the privates are separated, and I have not seen any of the company since the 25th of February. I got a letter from Gus sometime ago, and they were all tolerably well. Some of the boys are dead. A. D. Roberts has been sick, but is getting better. I do hope I will get to see you before long.
Your affectionate husband until death.
DEAR FATHER, MOTHER, AND SISTERS: I inclose my letter to you, father, and I want you to take care of what I have, and take good care of Sally and little Mary until I come home. Father. try to get me exchanged, for no man wants to stay in prison. We are well cared for here; the confinement is what I object to most. We have not room enough to exercise, but we are very well treated. I am lighter in weight than ever you saw me since I grew up.
Your son, JAMES DEELER.
From James Decler to Sarah A. C. Decler, Kosciusko, Miss.
154
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
Prison No 3 Camp Chace 0 tean Column bus the april 21 1802 Dear Parents
I have been de. rerows of writing to you for some time & now avant my self of the first oppon. munity offered since I was Token prisoner of Fort Down. I hearst from you through to walken + moses Crad dock who were taken at Elaiis An. 10 .
My health is remarkably good and I am very pleas. antly situated Taking into Consideration That I arm a prestouns . I trust the will find you both well- your affectionate for James Griffen.
155
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS.
April 24th It- snowed here this morning Conseguewith it is forthe cold fusion
in the hospital six swertes out by The goodness of God I was stand Has Dotson Marker an como like a brother. I am going to Samausky tomorrow or next day - He will have better quarters and A healthy situation He I want to write a long latter. but as that is prohibited I will write That I am well nous and doing very well under The au cunedivers pmimic bothell is dead-Dud at Chicago about the middle ofbranch my love to all, God bless you for Dov Copp
Isant your 120$ by and It was from 7/2
156
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 20, 1862.
DEAR JANE: I have written you fully all the particulars in re- gard to our surrender at Island 10 on the 8th instant. Fifty- three of my company were included in the surrender, a list of which I herewith inclose. Have it published in the Herald [The list of names mentioned appears in the back of this history .- Au- THOR. ], that all our friends may see it. All the officers were sep- arated from their companies at New Madrid. My boy was well when I left him. He will be sent to Chicago or Springfield, Ill. You must not take this misfortune of mine too much to heart; many others are in the same condition. Besides, I am happy to say that we have nothing to complain of in regard to the treat- ment.
We are quartered in houses, with everything furnished us that we could ask for. Were it not for the fact that we are prisoners of war and confined to the camp, we would feel quite easy. [ make myself satisfied, and bear my imprisonment with as much patience as possible under the circumstances. All I fear at all is sickness. I hope and pray that we may be exchanged before the sickly season of the year. My health at present is very good, and all the mess, composed of Captains Moss and Mather, are well. The greatest inconvenience I find is having no money that I can use. Confederate bonds are not used at all. I think I shall be home soon. Should any one come from Arkansas to bring us money, be sure to send me some gold. My sword is still at the Washer House, Memphis. My trunk was left on a boat in the hands of Mr. McDonald. I presume he will send Conden to get my sword and trunk. Keep them until I am released. I suggest that you remain at father's until I get back; but do as you think best. Kiss the children for me and tell them where I am. I will have plenty of money to meet any arrangement you make. Re- member me to all our friends and relations. When you write me, direct your letter to Capt. L. Logan, Prisoner of War, Camp Chase, via Fortress Monroe. I send a stamp to pay postage this side of the line.
Yours forever,
J. L. LOGAN.
List of Captain Logan's Company surrendered at Island No. 10 April 8, 1863 : J. L. Logan, Captain ; F. T. Scott, E. C. Lockhart. 1. K. Whitfield, G. W. Elleatt, I. T. Webb, W. F. Mack, E. H. McLaughtin, J. W. Grauger, E. C. Alford, J. E. Basten, J. W. Bussell, H. L. Brazil, Peter Connelly, C. A. Conine, G. W. Ca- they, J. A. Cogan, H. C. Davis, W. H. Water, J. A. Emerson. D. L. Davis, E. S. Greeney, E. A. Wane, E. B. Whitfield, E. C. Haddox, J. B. Halison, I. Wardin, W. Jackson, J. H. Lang.
157
AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS ..
J. E Side, L. O. Meyers, W. M. Mitchell, J. M. Malone, A. J. Mims, J. A. Price, A. H. Patton, R. R. Shelton, John Jones, Joe Schaeffer, T. I. Sullivant, J. Sloan, R. J. Tumer, J. F. Todd, J. I. Todd, G. W. Taylor, A. M. Webb.
CAMP CHASE, April 28, 1862.
MY DEAR PARENTS: I wrote you the other day; but as Mrs. Moon [Note: The Mrs. Moon mentioned was Mrs. Clark, whose family name was Moon .- AUTHOR.] has kindly offered to take letters from prisoners to Virginia, I have taken the opportunity, hoping you may hear from me again. I have written you so often, and not hearing from you, that it is almost enough to dis- courage one from writing; but, according to the old adage, "no news is good news." I will hope for the best. Mrs. Moon is a native of Virginia, and has a permit to visit there; on what busi- ness, I cannot say. There are some ladies here that are very kind to us. Mrs. Moon, wife of a preacher, and Mrs. Thurman have visited the hospital that contains our sick and given comfort to our prisoners.
There were sixteen who came when I did, and there are only four now. One of them, poor fellow, I am afraid, will never be well again; he has consumption. He was captured with a man named John Bruly, of Arkansas. The little boy that was with us we left at Bearly. Perhaps they will make a pet of him. Of the sixteen, four died and the rest have been sent home. They were all citizens except five, and one of them died. I haven't much to say except for you to remember me in your prayers, and, next to ourselves, to remember our country ; and may God bless you !
Yours forever,
J. HENNEY.
CAMP CHASE, April 18, 1862.
Miss E. H. Fussell.
DEAR COUSIN: I write to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. I am enjoying fine health here. If I could just hear from home! Since the 15th of December I have not heard one word. I have written several letters, but it must be that they never got them. The mail facilities are very bad in this country now.
Cousin, if you get any chance, please write to me. Tell ma I am in better health than ever I was in my life. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends, and accept for yourself the assur- ance that I am, as ever, your devoted cousin, W. W. HUGHES.
To Miss E. Fussell, Columbia, Tenn.
158
THE STORY OF CAMP CHASE.
CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO,
April 15, 1862.
MY DEAR FATHER : The last time I wrote to sister I told her that in a few days we would be slaughtered or captured. My ex- pectations are fully realized. On the 8th we were surrendered and on the 13th placed in Prison No. 3, Camp Chase. I lost everything except the clothing on my body at the time of the surrender. The Feds have treated us very kindly, and I think will supply our wardrobes with at least a change of garments. They have been doing this.
My money is worthless here, but I am very healthy and my spirits cheerful, as they should be. We have plenty of good food and comfortable cabins; nothing to complain of except our con- finement. This is a matter of course. Tell Ollie not to grieve. I know her heart is bowed down with sorrow and she at times is very sad. She cannot come to me, or I would make application for it. Tell her to stay wherever she wishes. I have no idea how long we will remain here or be confined as prisoners. If you can do anything to get me out. I wish you would do so.
The officer in charge of us is Colonel Moody, a preacher. Per- haps you know him. I wish to form his acquaintance, if he will permit. We will have preaching on Sunday. I will preach my- self, if they cannot be served better. My heart is right, my faith strong. My love to all.
Yours,
W. RUSH.
P. S .- April 19. I am suffering with a cold, but not much. If you can make any arrangements to have me some money sent, I will be a thousand times obliged, for really I have nothing. Only officers are here; the privates all were sent to Chicago or to Springfield, Ill. There are about eighteen hundred of us here. All well treated and in pretty good spirits. I wish we could get out and go home.
May God bless you and mother and all! My dear wife and children are in my thoughts all the time. God be merciful to them! I enjoy thinking of you here. Pray for me.
Yours,
W. RUSI.
CAMP CHASE, OHIO, April 23, 1862.
Colonel Trigg.
SIR: Having learned the object of your visit to this prison and the terms on which you think we prisoners of war can be released. I desire to say that, as Tennessee is my home, I am willing to return my loyalty to the State of Tennessee, and further I am not willing to do. These are the terms I am willing to abide by.
Respectfully, WILLIAM W. BRICKEEN.
. .
159
AFTER FORTY-TIVO YEARS.
CAMP CHASE, April 20, 1862.
DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER: I am well at the present time and just getting over the effects of my wound. I was sent from Clarksville March 20, thence to Cincinnati; stayed in the hos- pital there until the 18th of April and then brought to this place. There are about five acres inside the walls of this prison, and we are pretty comfortably fixed here, and yet I do not like it at all. I shall have to put up with it anyhow.
I have received a letter from Sandford's folks. They are all well but Irene, and she is poorly. I send my love to you all and all who may inquire.
From your affectionate brother, J. P. YATES.
Hope for better days. Kiss the children for me.
[The letter did not give the regiment or the rank of the writer. It was addressed to D. A. Yates, Esq., New Orleans, La.]
CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 21, 1862.
DEAR WIFE: You have heard before this that our regiment, with others, was surrendered on the 8th of April as prisoners of war by General Mackall. The circumstances I can't give you. Suffice it to say, we were completely surrounded by overwhelm- ing numbers and forced to succumb. The officers were brought here and the privates sent to Chicago and Springfield, Ill.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.