The following letter was written by Daniel Green Martz (1839-1891), the son of Hiram Martz (1800-1861) and Hannah Asbury Mathews (1803-1861) of Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Virginia. Daniel was married in April 1860 to Lydia Ann Sellers (1838-1924) and had a young son at the time he enlisted on 3 June 1861 at Lacey Springs, Virginia, to serve as a Lieutenant in Co. H, 10th Virginia Cavalry. After he failed to be reelected, he was discharged from the regiment in May 1862.

Martz later reenlisted as a private in Co. G, 10th Virginia Infantry and was taken prisoner in December 1863 and initially sent to Camp Chase in Ohio; then transferred to Fort Delaware on 15 April 1864 where he wrote this letter three weeks later. He was exchanged on 11 October 1864 and returned to his regiment for the remainder of the war. He was paroled on 20 April 1865 at New Market, Virginia.

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Fort Delaware
May 5th [1864]

Mrs. Lydia A. Martz—dear Lydia,

I have just received your short note of 21st March and was much pleased to hear of your general good health but sorry to hear of you suffering with toothache. I am well—all except a slight sore on my neck coming from diphtheria, an enlargement of the gland. It is much better, nearly well. I have not let you know of my throat being sore on account of its making you uneasy. All danger is now past. Indeed, I hope this may find you entirely well. Also Sissie and all my relations and friends.

Louis Wood is well. Why don’t some of my relations write to me? I think they might. I am sorry to hear of Grandmother’s ill health. Hope she is well before this time. What has taken cousin Mikie to South Carolina? Get Uncle Dorilas ¹ to see W. D. Liout and let me know whether I received the position I applied for, Wrote on larger paper and write me longer letters. I hope to see you soon. Be of good cheer. My love to all. Kiss and embrace Sissie for me, Many kisses for you. Affectionately your husband. — Daniel G. Marty

[to] Lydia A. Martz

Direct to Fort Delaware, Division 28.

¹ Dorilas J. Martz (1802-1872) served in the 97th Virginia Regiment (Spitzler’s)