25th Pennsylvania Infantry & 1st New Jersey Cavalry - Wounded twice and Libby POW

Item LTR-8342

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter group, consisting of 3 documents (8 pages) all written in period ink. Henry Washington Sawyer first served with the 25th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was the first regiment to to arrive at Washington, DC to protect the United States Capitol. He was later commissioned into the 1st New Jersey Cavalry and wounded twice at the Battle of Brady Station. Captured on the field he was send to Libby Prison in Richmond. In retaliation for the execution of two Confederate officers by the Union Army, Sawyer and another captain were selected to be executed. He was later exchanged with the captain and Union General Neal Dow for two Confederate captains and Confederate General W. H. F. Lee (the son of Robert E. Lee).

Letter #1

Headquarters, 1st Regiment, Company D
Camp Mercer

1861

Dear Wife,

We received 12 days pay and I will begin to send you 20 dollars and next Thursday we will get our 2 months pay. When I shall send you 100. I send William $250 yesterday to Hospital. As he did not get any. But he will get it all together on the first of the month. I have been down with the Bilious Fever and I am not very smart yet. As soon as you receive this, sit down and write. I have $15 which I want you to have but can’t go to Washington now to send it. I must send it by mail. Without you answering this, I will not send any more and as soon as you do, I will send ten more.

Yours,

H. W. Sawyer
Lieutenant of Company D

William is first rate and if he was at home, he would be considerably well. But they are very particular here at the Hospital.

They consider a man must be fit for a camp life.

Answer soon.


Letter #2

Thirty-sixth Congress
House of Representatives
United States of America

Washington City
May 5th 1861
Sunday, 12 o’clock

Here I am in the U.S. Arsenal attached to the U.S. Prison, have to guard prisoners and Secessionist. Virginia Shores are not more than between a quarter and half a mile from us.

Major Anderson was here this morning and in addressing us, said Soldiers your Governor has trusted to your integrity and personal honor this place, one of the most important of all; watchful, careful, in this hour of your country. Trials, you were the first who came here to answer to your President’s call and a grateful Pappy will not forget you. He then presented us with a Flag and we swore never should it be surrendered to Traitors. It was an imposing scene. He is a fine looking man and Lieutenant Talbott who was with him is our Instructor for in heavy artillery. We have guns here longer than any that were at Fort Sumpter.

It is not hard work, only when they have to be reorged and put on carriages. It takes 10 men to each gun and when fired some take from 20 to 40 of powder. And the noise will almost stunt you. We have target firing every day. They drill us every drill imaginable, so to be effective. As soon as it comes to an action and if ever they come, I should like to be gunner of a Dahlgren gun and I would give them rats.

Did you get my letter about the trip I had getting here from other parts to Washington and about shooing the man who cut the Bridge. I did write to you before. But that tells me that you did not get it. I am 1st Sergeant of my Company, which is the next rank to Lieutenant. I was up for Lieutenant but did not get it. But then we can’t have all high officers. My wages are 27.00 per month. When I get it. I will send it to you. But perhaps the Department will not come right up to the mark. But we did not come here for money, but to protect our Capital, our Stars and Stripes, our homes, our wives and children. No matter where they may live. Whether in Cape May or Pennsylvania. If we were not here, there is no doubt but what they would be at our homes.

Everywhere the inhabitants are making up purses for the maintainers of their families. Is there anything done there and let me know if anybody from the lower township or island is here and who it is let one know immediately. Tell all hands to write and guide Thomas’ hand and let him write a line to his Pappy. A dear one. Good to hear from any of you. I was so surprised about receiving Heath’s letter. I am in a first-rate humor.

Well now I must close. Send me all the news and oblige your

Respectfully,

H. W. Sawyer
Cameron Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers
Captain Yeager
U.S. Arsenal
Washington, DC


Letter #3

Quartermaster General’s Office
First Division
Washington City

February 11th 1865

Major Henry W. Sawyer
1st New Jersey Cavalry
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Major:

Your favor of the 8th inst. has been received.

In reply to your inquiry relative to sale of condemned horses, I have respectfully to inform you that the next one will take place at Pittsburg on Thursday, March 23rd.

Accept my thanks for the valuable assistance which you rendered at the late sale. Its success is ascribed, in a great measure, to your energy and activity.

You will find Captain F. Call, who has been obliged to duty as Assistant Quartermaster at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a most esteemable gentleman, one worthy of your highest regard, and with whom, I trust your relations will be of the most friendly and agreeable character.

For the kind wishes which you express in my behalf, I thank you sincerely, and most heartily reciprocate your friendly sentiments.

I remain, Major,
Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

James A. Ekin
Colonel In Charge, etc.