The following letter was written by a Confederate officer who signed his name Will but gives us no clue as to the regiment he served in prior to being confined at Johnson’s Island Prison. We know that he took the Oath of Allegiance on June 18th 1865 along with a considerable number of others. He informs us that his mother still lived in Lexington, Kentucky, and that she had been separated from her family serving in the Confederacy for four years. His mother had written him recently that someone named Ol or Al, presumably a brother, had joined with Gen. Joseph Shelby who led several hundred Confederate soldiers into Mexico rather than surrender to Union forces.
He wrote the letter to Maggie, a good friend and possibly a cousin of his but her location is not given. We know only that it is not Lexington.
A former seller on eBay claimed this letter was written by “1st Lieut. & Adjutant Will A. Reed of the 1st Missouri Cavalry captured at Vicksburg” but I cannot find any such record and question its accuracy.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
U. S. Military Prison
Johnson’s Island
12 o’clock M. June 18th 1865
Dear Maggie,
I have just returned from the outside, when with an interview with Col. [Charles Wesley] Hill, 1 settled my account with the Confederacy—my poor lost country. At four this evening I bid a last farewell to Johnson’s Island. In a few short days I will be with my dear Mother who for four long years has been separated from those who are dearest to her. My heart bounds with joy when thoughts remind me that I shall soon see her, one to whom in future I will devote my life. I shall not attempt to describe my feelings occasioned by the terms upon which I am released, your imagination being a far better descriptionist than my pen.
I received your sweet letter some days since and enjoyed hugely the vim with which you resented the “insult” offered our mutual friend, Cousin Mollie. With that good taste & candor prover vial of her—thought as I did—that he should feel complimented, however will send you one in a few days that will make you agree with us, that he ain’t half as good looking. I wrote some days since to Cousin Mollie. Hope it has been received. A letter from Ma this morning says Ol [Al?] has gone with Gen. [Joseph] Shelby to Mexico. Too bad. The next thing we will hear is that he has married a squaw. What do you think?
My sheet is full & must close. My best love to Mollie & your Ma & family. Also to Cousin Laura & the Judge & Jennie, Miss Eustice, & all my friends. When you write, direct to Lexington, Kentucky where I will remain for some little time. I am yet uncertain as to what movements I will make but rather think it will be Texas.
Plate will tell you all the news. Goodbye. May God in His goodness ever watch over you is the prayer of one who loves you as a brother, — Will
1 Charles Wesley Hill served in the Civil War as Brigadier General, Ohio State Volunteers, Colonel 128th Ohio Infantry, Commander of Johnson’s Island Military Prison. He was appointed Brevet Brigadier General, USV and Brevet Major General, USV on March 13, 1865. In civilian life he was a lawyer and promoter of public school education.
