The following letter was written by Capt. James Randolph Apperson (1836-1903) while being held a prisoner at Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island, Delaware.

A biographical sketch of Apperson was found in the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia which reads: J.R. Apperson was born in Hanover, Virginia June 24, 1836, son of William and Elizabeth J. (Harris) Apperson. His parents left his native county [Hanover county] in 1854, and came to Randolph county, (then) Virginia. In 1861 J.R. Apperson enlisted in the Confederate army, Co. F, 31st Virginia Infantry, and in 1863 he was commissioned captain of Co. D, 26th Virginia Cavalry.

On October 2, 1864, he was made prisoner, near Port Republic, and taken to Fort Delaware, and held until the close of the war. During his active service he was three time wounded; once struck with a sabre.

In Pocohontas county, February 27, 1868 he married Sarah M. Kee, and the children of their union are: Minnie M., born May 21, 1870; Charles R., November 28, 1875; Quintilla M., February 26, 1877. Sarah M., wife of Mr. Apperson, was born in Pocahontas county, December 5, 1843, daughter of William and Ruth D. (McCollam) Kee, natives of this county. J.R. Apperson has been a resident in Pocahontas county since 1870, is merchant and artist, and is at this time postmaster at Marlins Bottom, at which place he is erecting one of the finest residences in the county.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

November 7th 1864

Mrs. J. Eliz Bestor,

Dear Madam, I have again made application for a permit that you might send me that book, but I was unsuccessful. I am very sorry that I have put you to so mutch trouble as I have. It was not my intention to do so. It can only come by mail. Consequently I cannot expect you to send it, since you have already had much trouble with it. I equally as much obliged to you as though I had have gotten it, though I would have glad to have had it, since prison live is very confining. Today is one of the dreary ones, as it is raining. Nothing to attract the mind. Consequently, a reflection upon times past & gone soon arrises which must make one feel sad. I never knew what discontentment was until since the 2nd of October. I have not gotten a Letter from any of my friends whom I were acquainted with yet. Please to excuse my half sheets of paper as stationary is scarce.

From your most Obt. Servt, — Capt. J. R. Apperson

Prisoner of War, Fort Delaware, Division 34

Write as often as convenient. I’m blessed to be favored with your letters. Yours, &c.