9th Alabama Infantry - Immortal 600 Prisoner - Captured at Gettysburg

Item CON-9354

Description

Original Confederate Prisoner of War letter. 1 pages, written in period ink.

Captured on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg. Sent to Fort Delaware and transferred to Johnson's Island on July 18, 1863. Transferred back to Fort Delaware on April 22, 1864. Died at Fort Delaware on March 15, 1865 of Epilepsy.

Saw action during the Yorktown siege, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Gaines' mill, Frayser's Farm, 2nd Manassas, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.



Fort Pulaski

January 22nd 1865

Dear Cousin Kate,

Although a long time has elapsed since I have had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you, I had a substantial earnest of the fact, “I am not forgotten”, in the shape of sundry cans, all in good condition, and containing many delicacies, all very acceptable in our present case. The box has been under an embargo for several days. But I believe the Orders have again been changed and boxes are now delivered. Where certain orders, in regard to obtaining permission to send articles, as well as those relating to the direction of boxes are complied with. My good Cousin, I know not how to thank you. For I hope to be able at some time, or others, to reciprocate it in a way that will be more pleasing to myself, than the mere return of thanks.

You have doubtlessly heard we are now, and have been since the 1st of January, reaping the glories and reveling in the horrors of retaliation. Ten ounces of corn meal and half a pint of pickles is our daily ration. You may well imagine. Our ingenuity is taxed to the utmost to make something palatable. From so improvising a base, I am becoming a perfect adept, in the art of “mush making”. But I do not think I will have the heart to attempt to put my knowledge in practice. I shall become so disgusted at the sight of corn meal.

I received a letter from Brother Frank and one from Brother A.C.C. a few days since. Both were well. Each speaking in the kindest terms of your goodness to them.

The weather has been very disagreeable here for several weeks. Though in the midst of all of it, there have been occasional gleams of sunshine. We have had no snow yet and see only two or three times. Your friend Lieutenant J. B. C. is enjoying very good health at present. I saw him yesterday intently engaged in writing a letter. I am sure it was for my Cousin. So, I will refer you to that for further information.

We cannot tell how long we may remain here yet. Though many thought a short time since we would soon be exchanged. It is quite difficult for us to learn anything about the matter on which we can rely with certainty.

Have Mrs. and Miss Hardisty returned from Europe yet?

Write soon and believe me as ever,

Your sincere friend and affectionate Cousin,


J. N. Chisholm