The following letter was written by W. B. Powell, a private in Co. D, 5th Texas Infantry. This regiment was organized in 1861 and fought with the Army of Northern Virginia throughout the war. In his letter, Powell informs us that he survived the Battle of Sharpsburg in which his regiment fought, being part of Hood’s Texas Brigade commanded by Col. William T. Wofford. Students of the Civil War will remember that it was Hood’s men who were thrown into the battle on the Confederate left just as the fight was reaching its zenith and blunted the Union attack. The 5th Texas lost 4 killed and 62 wounded out of the 175 men taken into battle. Later, when Hood was asked where his division was, he replied, “Dead on the Field.”

On the evening of September 18, 1862, the day after the Battle of Sharpsburg, Gen. Lee withdrew his troops a position behind the town and marched three miles to a shallow ford on the Potomac River near Shepherdstown, Virginia. Before the rebel army could withdraw completely into Virginia, a rear guard engagement occurred on September 19th and in addition to numerous casualties, there were many soldiers captured, including Powell, who we learn was too sick to march and so was detailed to remain behind as a nurse to other wounded Confederate soldiers and was consequently taken prisoner with them.

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Moore Hospital
Richmond, Virginia
October the 27th 1862

I write this to inform you that I am here sick. I went through the Battle in Maryland, thank God, and did not receive a wound and when our army fell back from Maryland, I was detailed and left in Shepherdstown in care of some of our wounded. I was there 5 weeks and during the time I was made prisoner and paroled. I was sick all the time I was there. I suffer great pain in my back and my heath is fast declining and it appears I cannot get a furlough and I am very anxious to get home as I cannot be doing anything for my country if I was able and don’t know when I will be exchanged. I wish you would come down here and get me away if you please. If you come, you will find me at Moore Hospital on Main Street about half mile below the American Hotel.

Please come but if you cannot come, write me as soon as you receive this. Direct your letter to Gen. Hospital No. 24. I hope you will come. Yours truly, — W. B. Powell