The following letter was written by James Spotts Peery (1837-1905) who entered the Confederate service as a 1st Lieutenant of Co. G, 45th Virginia Infantry in May 1861. By July 1862 he had been promoted to Captain of his company. He was wounded and taken prisoner on 5 June 1864 at Piedmont, Virginia, and transferred into the officer’s prison at Johnson’s Island (Ohio) on 22 June 1864 where he wrote this letter in January 1865.

When James took the Oath of Allegiance to be released from prison on 15 June 1865, he was described as 28 years old, standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with hazel eyes and dark hair. He gave his residence as Jeffersonville, Virginia.

James was the son of Harvey George Peery (1801-1869) and Rebecca Williams (1805-1890) of Tazewell county, Virginia.

Transcription

Johnson’s Island, Ohio
January 2nd 1865

Dear Cousin,

Yours of the 14th December is to hand. I am glad to hear from you once more and sorry to hear of the death of little Mattie. It will be sad news for my brother and no doubt it will make his imprisoned life long and weary. God grant the time may soon arrive when we can once more return to our homes in peace. I am so tired of being separated from those I hold dear to me. Brother Joe’s address is, Lieut. Jos. S. Peery, Officer’s Prison, Fort Delaware, Capt. F. M. Peery, same place.

I received your letter of November 30th containing 50 cents. Answered it on 14th and enclosed you a ring. Let me know if you received it.

Cousin, you have to some extent excited my curiosity. I sometimes imagine you are very large, weighing about a hundred and sixty pounds; have red hair and blue eyes. Then again I imagine you are rather small, dark eyes, and black hair, and [ ] complexion, weighing about 120. I often come to the latter conclusion. Now to decide this matter to some extent, I want you to send me your photograph so I can judge for myself. I don’t suppose you will have any serious objections to sending it. I will take special care of it and if you wish, will give it to Maggie when I get home.

I have not heard from home since I last wrote. I think we will get a mail before a great while. Mrs. J. B. W. sent me some magazines a few days ago which were very acceptable. I have been reading “Rob Roy.” Did you ever read it? I think it is a splendid novel. I received $1 you sent in your last letter and very much obliged to you for it. Give my kindest regards to your brothers family. And believe me to be your devoted cousin, — James S. Peery

Don’t forget to write.