Category Archives: Prisoner of War

20th Virginia Cavalry, Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1865: James William Andrew Ford to John Rollin Bestor

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James William Andrew Ford (1843-1900), a watercolor painting based on CdV in LOC.

These two letters were written by James William Andrew Ford (1843-1900) who served the Confederacy as a Lieutenant in Co. G, 20th Virginia Cavalry. This regiment was raised in northwest Virginia (present day West Virginia) in August 1863 and operated frequently in the Shenandoah Valley. Ford was captured by Union forces near Washington D. C. on 13 July 1864 during the Battle of Fort Stevens. He was confined at Fort Delaware until after the war ended.

Prior to joining the 20th Virginia Cavalry, Ford served in Co. C, 12th Virginia Cavalry. His home was in Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, West Virginia. He was the son of David Jefferson Ford (1807-1881) and Mary Ann Byrd (1818-1860).

These letters were sent to the Bestor family of Baltimore, Maryland, and were found among the Bestor family archive of letters, privately held. See—1861-65: The Bestor Brothers of Baltimore.

Letter 1

Directed to John Rollin Bestor, Baltimore, Maryland

Officers’ Barracks, Division 37, Fort Delaware
May 24th, 1865

Friend Bestor

Your letter of the 21st inst. reached me yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you. Pleasant reminiscences of the past were recalled to mind and not soon to be forgotten. I pray the day will soon hasten when our prison doors will be opened & permitted to step forth once more a free & independent man. I am not one of the very small minority at this place who have refused to take the Oath of Allegiance. It was offered twice–before & after Johnston’s surrender. The 1st time I emphatically refused as I could not conscientiously take it so long as a vestige of our Army remained East of the Mississippi. But the last time I yielded, being convinced that the cause I so much loved had become, beyond a doubt, hopeless. There are a few here that still refuse & are waiting to hear what Uncle Kirby thinks of the “times.” They are mostly from the Trans–Mississippi Department.

You spoke of getting your friends to use their influence to get Capt. A. & myself out of this hateful place if I could tell you how to proceed. My God, it fills my soul with very joy to think of it. How grateful I would be. I could never repay the kindness. [But] I am at a loss to tell you how to proceed. A few are leaving here nearly every day whose friends succeed in procuring an order for their release from the Pres. or Secretary of War at Washington. Mrs. Rhodes of your city came here in person on the 14th inst. with an order for the release of Lt. [James Edward] Cobb of Texas 1 & Lt. Finley of Va. She went to Washington & had an interview with Gen. Grant with whom she was acquainted. I think the best plan would be to procure the influence of some friend in Washington, to see the President & arrange the matter. Write very soon & let me know what can be done. Remain in Baltimore & go home with me. Love to John. Your Friend Truly, — J. W. A. Ford, 20th Va Cavalry

As regards the “charges” I know of none whatever against me.

I will be compelled to stop 2 or 3 days in Baltimore & will be glad to call on you.

1 Lt. James Edward Cobb (1835-1903) served in Co. F, 5th Texas Infantry. He was wounded and captured in the attack on Little Round Top at Gettysburg. He was then confined at Fort McHenry, Johnson’s Island, Point Lookout, and Fort Delaware. He was with Ford as one one of the Immortal 600 and then returned to Fort Delaware where he was finally paroled in May 1865.

Letter 2

Officers’ Barracks, Division 37, Fort Delaware
May 31st, 1865

Dear Bestor,

Yours of the 29th, Monday Morning, reached me yesterday. Would have answered last night but thought I would wait for the promised one, which came this evening. As you directed, Jack & myself have written the letter to President Johnson & directed to your Ma, which you will find enclosed with this. I think it covers all necessary legal points. I will send by Capt. J. Hinagan [?] of S. C. who has promised to deliver promptly if he goes to Baltimore. If not, he will mail in Philadelphia. He leaves in the morning at 5 o’clock. The order for his release came this evening.

This morning 50 odd left, representing all the States South, but mostly from Missouri. They having signed a petition in a body & sent to Gen. [Ethan Allen] Hitchcock in Washington who procured an order for their release which arrived yesterday. 1 I had the pleasure of sending a letter home by a gentleman who will pass through Lewisburg. Have you heard from Western Virginia since your arrival in Baltimore? I mean in that portion which our Brigade figured? If so, through what channel? I am exceedingly anxious to know, as I have not been able to get a line since my return from Ft. Pulaski. You can imagine my anxiety.

You wish to know who represents our Brigade–Lt. Col. [Joseph R.] Kessler, Capts. Lerty & Jack, Lieuts. Lawrence (of Lerty’s Battery), Sifalls (McUcal’s Co.), [William W.] Boggs, [Wilson] Queen & myself of the 20th. Have you ever heard where the Brigade capitulated? I am crazy to get all the news. I feel as if I was buried alive here in this miserable place. The only paper we see is the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Taps will beat in a few minutes. I must soon close but before [I do] let me thank you kindly for the zeal & energy displayed in trying to effect my release. I shall ever be indebted & hope I may soon have an opportunity of reciprocating the kindness & expressing my gratitude in propria persona. Capt. A, & myself thought it unnecessary to write separate letters to Mr. Johnson. Don’t you think it will answer jointly? Please keep me posted as regards the application & answer this scrawl immediately. Remember me kindly to [your brother] John. Your friend truly, — Ford

I am very much obliged for the stamps. Capt. A. wishes to be remembered to all.

1 Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock was the Commissioner of Prisoner of War Exchange in Washington D. C. from November 1862 through November 1865.

Fort McHenry, Lincoln Assassination, Maryland Homefront, Prisoner of War

1865: John Rollin Bestor, Sr. to his sons

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The following letter was written by John Rollin Bestor, Sr. (1813-1867), a Baltimore book-keeper, who was married to Jane Eliza Brown (1820-1885) in Baltimore in October 1835. In 1860, they resided at 97 South High Street—a dense, bustling, enclave that had been the heart of Baltimore’s German-Jewish community but was transitioning to a working class society of Irish and Italian emigrants. Their home was most likely a two or three-story row house on a gas-lit cobblestone street frequented by horse-drawn omnibuses that daily transported passengers to the inner city. A few blocks to the south, within walking distance, was the harbor basin, lined with wharves, packing houses, and tobacco warehouses. By 1863, the Bestor family had moved to 166 North High Street, an older established neighborhood almost in the shadow of the Fayette Street Phoenix Shot Tower. The boys’ father had a presence in Baltimore in the 1830’s; he left advertisements in the local papers offering flute lessons and for selling a one horse buggy.

John directed his letter to his two twin sons, Rollin John Bestor (1842-1899) and John Rollin Bestor, Jr. (1842-1891). When the Civil War began the boys turned their back on Baltimore and joined Co. B of the Maryland Guard. They quickly moved to Richmond where they drilled, mustered into service, and were eventually assigned to the 21st Virginia Infantry. After four years of separation, the two boys returned to Baltimore, not as free citizens, but as Prisoners of War. They were held at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and could communicate by letter with their parents but were not allowed visitors. It was during this time, and after Lincoln’s assassination, that John wrote to his sons.

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

Baltimore, Maryland
April 21st 1865

My dear sons,

I write to let you know I have not forgotten you. I have deferred doing so because I have been too miserable to write to anyone and did not wish you to share my unhappiness. But as you seem anxious, I will write unreservedly as I wish you always to do.

For four days past I have been suffering so severely with neuralgia, I have hardly been able to leave my room & I am but little better today but must show myself at the office tomorrow even if unable to attend to duties.

The assassination of the President, whose funeral knell I now hear, is a sad calamity to this Nation and has sunk my mind into a gloom which seems insurmountable. I sincerely hope the perpetrator of so wicked an act may be brought to condign punishment. 1

I regret exceedingly that restrictions prevent my seeing you at present, and sincerely hope and trust that they may soon be removed. Although not with you in person, you are always present in my mind & I often see you in my dreams. Oh! how long must I endure this unnatural separation? Is not four years sufficient privation? As soon as I am able and have permission, I shall certainly visit you. Write to me often. If you realize my anxiety to hear from you, you will not wait for me. As you know, I am compelled to use my eyes all day and cannot tax them at night.

In the meantime, if I am too prosy, you know your cousin “Lou” can always fill up the interludes with something “light and airy.”

I think it hard that Rollin cannot occasionally drop me a line. Must John always be “Pa’s business man?” I am glad to hear you are both well and comfortable. Mat God be with you always. Ma send much love. Ever your devoted Father, — J. Rollin Bestor

1 Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train made its first major city stop in Baltimore on 21 April 1865. Lincoln’s remains were removed from the train and laid in state at the Merchant Exchange, under a great rotunda. An article in Time Magazine on 15 April 2015 states that “In the early morning of April 21, 1865, the soggy streets of downtown Baltimore were packed with swarms of people. By 8 o’clock, the roads surrounding the Camden station were impassable. Work stopped. Schools closed. Stores emptied. And, the people, waiting patiently for a train, wept. The train that chugged into the station at 10 o’clock contained the remains of Abraham Lincoln. He had died six days prior, on April 15, less than a week after…Appomattox. Inside the train, dubbed the Lincoln Special, the late President’s body was dressed in the same suit from his second inauguration just six weeks earlier.” The image in the header is the Library of Congress. It shows the crowd waiting at the Baltimore Train Depot for the arrival of Lincoln’s Funeral Train.

26th Virginia Cavalry, Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1864: James Randolph Apperson to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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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.

10th Virginia Infantry, Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1864: Samuel M. Spengler to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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The following letter was written by Samuel M. Spengler (1841-1906) who served the Confederacy as a private in Co. F, 10th Virginia Infantry. He enlisted in 1861 and was promoted to corporal in April 1862. He was detailed as clerk in his regiment in February 1863 but taken prisoner at Spotsylvania Court House on 12 May 1864 and taken to Fort Delaware on 20 May 1864. He was not released from there until he took the oath of allegiance on 15 June 1865.

Samuel was the son of Cyrus Spengler (1816-1890) and Mary C. Redmon (1817-1883) of Woodstock, Shenandoah county, Virginia.

Samuel addressed his letter to Mrs. Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor of Baltimore, a Southern sympathizer with two sons serving in the Confederate army. In the letter, Samuel mistakenly identified Mrs. Bestor as the sister—rather than the mother—of one of her sons who had been nursed by the author’s mother in Virginia. He asks her for money while in prison in Fort Delaware.

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

Fort Delaware [Delaware]
3rd October, 1864

Mrs. Jane Bestor,

I wrote you on the 20th Sept. since which time I have not heard from you.

I rec’d a letter from my Mother (Mrs. Mary C. Spengler) several days ago, who resides in the town of Woodstock, Va. My mother states that your brother has visited our family frequently during the past summer. In July last, he was at my Father’s house several weeks sick.

During his stay there, he learned of my being a prisoner and gave your address to my Mother, requesting her to send it to me, & in the event I should need anything, to call upon you. I am at present in most dependent circumstances & if you will have the kindness to send me a small sum of money, I shall feel under lasting obligations.

I have no relatives living north of Virginia from whom I can ask any aid. Hoping to hear from you soon. I am very respectfully your friend, — Sam’l M. Spengler

N.B. Address: Co. “F” 10th Va. Infty. Division No. 3, Ft. Delaware, Care of Capt. [George W.] Ahl, Acting Asst. Adjutant General 1

1 Capt. George W. Ahl commanded a Battery of Heavy Artillery at Fort Delaware. The men in the battery were mostly former Confederates who could prove the Confederacy had forced them to fight. Many of these prisoners said they never wanted to join the rebel army. For some, it was a matter of Confederate service or jail.

Group photograph of Captain George W. Ahl and twelve officers in front of Ahl’s residence at Fort Delaware. All but one of the individuals is identified. Those pictured include: Hall, Mlotkowski, McConwell (?), Kesley, Burton, Young, Carter, Ashton, Kerr, Ahl, Rinecki (?), and Hawkins. Photo by Gihon & Rixon, Phila. [Delaware Historical Society]
4th Virginia Infantry, Elmira Prison, Prisoner of War

1864: James Preston Amole to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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The following letter was written by James Preston Amole (1837-1916) of Rockbridge county, Virginia, who served the Confederacy as a private in Co. I of the 4th Virginia Infantry—part of the Stonewall Brigade. He wrote the letter from Elmira Prison in mid-October 1864 to Mrs. J. Eliza Bestor, a Southern sympathizer residing in Baltimore who had two sons in the Confederate service and provided assistance whenever she could to Confederate soldiers imprisoned in the North.

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

Prison Camp, Elmira, New York
October 14, 1864

Miss Bestor,

I must beg leave to be excused for thus addressing one whom I never saw, nor had the pleasure of forming their acquaintance. But having heard of the acts of kindness, and generosity you have bestowed upon others in administering to their wants under like circumstances with myself, I have availed myself of this plan to make known to you my wants with the hope that I may be the happy recipient of your philanthropy, if it has not already been taxed too heavily. I have been a prisoner for five months and during this time have been destitute of funds; not being so fortunate as some others in having numerous relations and friends in the North to send me such things as I need. Should you see proper, I would be under lasting obligations if you could send me a small sum of money. I have a brother [Thomas Franklin Amole], a prisoner in Baltimore, confined in [ ] Building, Ward G. I am a native of Rockbridge Co., Virginia.

Direct to Prison Camp Barracks No. 3, Ward 44 in care of Maj. Colt, Elmira, N.Y. 1

Your Sincere though unknown friend, — James P. Amole

1 Major Henry V. Colt was the 1st Commandant of Elmira Prison. He held the administrative post from July 1864 through October 1864. He was the brother of the arms manufacturer Samuel Colt.

58th Virginia Infantry, Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1864: Henry Wyatt Wingfield to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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Capt. Henry Wyatt Wingfield, 58th Virginia Infantry

A schoolteacher before the War, Henry Wyatt Wingfield (1829-1902) enlisted as Private, Co. H, 58th Virginia Infantry on 5 September 1861. He was appointed 3rd Lieutenant on October 15th, and elected Captain of his Company at the Army reorganization in May 1862. He was wounded in action near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in May 1863 on the Chancellorsville campaign, but returned to command the Regiment again in July 1863. He was absent at Patrick County, Virginia, in August and September 1863 – noted as deserter – and again due to illness in May 1864. He had married in January 1864 to Carrie Letitia Brown (1837-1910), and was in command of the 58th through most of June and July 1864. He was captured at Winchester on 19 September 1864 and prisoner at Fort Delaware until being released after War’s end on 17 June 1865. He returned to Hanover County and was a surveyor and later Professor at Randolph-Macon College. He died at his birthplace, “Marl Ridge”, in 1902. [Source: Antietam on the Web]

Letter 1

Fort Delaware, Delaware
October 8, 1864

Dear Madame,

Your kind letter of the 28th September was received yesterday and I hasten to reply. I was never attached to Ashby’s immediate command but have been with him repeatedly up and down the Valley of Virginia. I have been caught without even a change of clothing as I had my horse to the rear at the commencement of the fight and as I have no friends upon whom I can call for assistance, my chances for obtaining them are gloomy. I am willing to do anything honorable to obtain them. The kind people of Baltimore have already taxed themselves heavily to aid their friends and since I have been with abundance around me, it is hard for me to throw myself upon the charity of friends. Let me hear from you again and if you think you could furnish me some few articles, I will send you an order as it is required before you can send them to me. With sentiments of great esteem, I am your friends, — Henry W. Wingfield

Letter 2

Fort Delaware, Delaware
October 24, 1864

Dear Sister,

Enclosed I send you a permit approved by the General commanding for the following articles—viz: 2 calico shirts, 2 overshirts, 2 pair drawers, 2 pair socks, and one overcoat. I am fortunate in having so near a relation at this time in Baltimore as I am in much need of the articles and we can only receive them from relations. Be kind enough to have the articles placed in a box and the permit pasted on the top of it and direct it to me, Division 34. I am sorry to have to make such a demand upon you with your large family but I will make it good some day. I hope you can furnish the articles without much inconvenience. With regard to the drawers, please select cotton and not Canton flannel as the plain are preferable. Please let the overcoat be heavy and dark. Samuel M. Spengler is, I learn, a prisoner in the private’s barracks. If you conclude to write to him, you had better endorse “Private’s Barracks” on the back. As ladies are not generally posted as to the exact height of gentlemen, I will give my height. I am 5 feet, 9 inches high. I am not very fleshy now, weighing only 150. Write whenever you can do so conveniently. Your brother, — Henry W. Wingfield, Capt.

Elmira Prison, Prisoner of War

1864: J. W. Martin to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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The following letter was written by a Confederate prisoner of war being held at the recently completed prison camp at Elmira, New York. He signed his name J. W. Martin—a common name which makes it rather difficult to pinpoint his identity precisely. I found two soldiers by that name who may who may have written this this letter but I can’t be certain of either. One was named John Wesley Martin (1839-1921) and he belonged to Co. D of the 12th Georgia Infantry. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Spotsylvania in May 1864 and was eventually placed at Elmira Prison camp after it became operational in July 1864. I cannot confirm when he arrived or left, however.

The second soldier was John W. Martin of Co. I, 18th North Carolina Infantry. He was taken a prisoner at Cold Harbor and was definitely held at Elmira over the winter of 1864-65. He was not released until 14 June 1865. If it was this J. W. Martin, he may have only survived because he received winter clothing from Mrs. Bestor. Whomever wrote the letter was an educated prisoner as the spelling and composition is remarkable for an enlisted man.

Elmira Prison did not open until early July 1864 and they quickly exceeded the design capacity of the camp. Many of the prisoners transported there were taken in the Overland Campaign in the middle of summer which meant they arrived with little extra clothing to protect themselves from the harsh Northern climate. Severe weather, poor drainage near the Chemung River, malnutrition, and disease led to nearly 3,000 deaths in its year of operation. Those confined there called it “Hellmira.”

Martin wrote the letter to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor (1820-1885), the wife of John Rollin Bestor, Sr. (1813-1867). This Baltimore couple had twin sons who served in the Maryland Guard that became Co. B, 21st Virginia Infantry. Eliza seems to have corresponded with numerous Confederate officers and soldiers seeking information about her sons. It’s possible that Martin heard of Mrs. Bestor’s benevolence though he was a total stranger. Whether she assisted all who wrote her is unknown. The Bestor brothers’ letters have been transcribed and may be found at 1861-65: The Bestor Brothers of Baltimore.

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

Prison Camp, Elmira, New York
September 23rd 1864

Mr. J. E. Bestor

I very much regret the necessity of writing you, as at present, but the prospects of spending a winter in the “frozen North” & the hope that comfort may be promoted by a small but much to be appreciated donation from you, I write.

To seemingly impose on kindness is certainly unpleasant & nothing but the direst necessity could induce me to do so. I am sure that should you receive no other compensation, you will at least be paid to as great a degree as my poor capacity will allow in gratitude. Please send me a comfortable suit of winter clothing, sizes to fit a full grown man, & you will secure the grateful remembrance of one seemingly born to misfortune.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I subscribe myself, with very much respect, — J. W. Martin

Barracks No. 3 Ward 41, Elmira, N. Y.

23rd Virginia Infantry, Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1864: Charles Anderson Raine to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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A watercolor of Charles Anderson Raine in later years.

Charles Anderson Raine (1841–1902) was a Confederate soldier from Virginia who was captured during the American Civil War and held as a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. The diary he kept while a prisoner is housed at Washington & Lee University Special Collections and Archives (Identifier WLU-Coll-0574). The description of that diary reads as follows:

“According to Raine’s opening inscription, this leather bound pocket diary was a gift to Charles A. Raine from fellow Fort Delaware prisoner Lt. Henry C. Cromwell of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry on August 4, 1864. Raine had just arrived at Fort Delaware as a Confederate prison of war. The diary is written in both pencil and ink. The first twenty pages are Raine’s notes on various subjects of English history. After a gap of blank pages, Raine’s diary entries begin on January 1, 1865 and continue until his release on June 17, 1865. The final paragraph of the diary section details his journey home to Virginia. Entries vary in length, averaging a few lines per day, and detail the weather, Raine’s physical and emotional state and the miseries of prison life, news of fellow prisoners, preaching and religious exercises in the barracks, letters written and received, parcels and money received, news concerning the war and prisoner exchanges, and thoughts on his imprisonment and the future. Notable entries include the news of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender and his entries mentioning debate topics and results by a debating club formed among prisoners. The next section of the book includes a letter draft to a friend, a number of pages of poetry, miscellaneous literary excerpts including a page of notable lines of Shakespeare, and some accounting records that may be post-war. The final section of the book includes autographs, addresses, and some personal notes from sixty-three fellow prisoners. The diary also had within it a number of loose items including letters received, poems, notes, etc… written by him and other authors during his imprisonment and in the post-war years.”

When Raines was 55 years old (in 1897), he wrote a brief autobiography at his children’s request. In it he described his war years as a member of Co. E, 23rd Virginia Infantry—part of Stonewall Jackson’s foot soldiers. In describing his capture in May 1864, Raines wrote that he with other prisoners were marched to Fredericksburg, then to Acquia Creek, then to Point Lookout, Maryland, for 6 weeks, “undergoing all sorts of indignities…by the Negro troops (ex-slaves) who guarded us.” Finally they were moved to Fort Delaware, reaching there in late June 1864.

Of his experience at Fort Delaware he wrote: “Recollections of prison life at Ft. Delaware can never be blotted from my memory. To the kindness of Southern sympathizers in Baltimore and elsewhere within the Federal lines are many of us indebted for the only comforts we had. We were both clothed and fed by these good people. The scanty and unwholesome allowances of rations – wormeaten beans, tough beef and half risen hard bread – were barely sufficient to sustain life. I feel and hope that all of my children will ever feel a debt of deepest gratitude to Mrs. Ann [should be Jane] Eliza Bestor and Miss Alice Kay Howard of Baltimore for their kindness to me in furnishing clothing, books and writing material, without which I could not have lived.”

Raines remained in Fort Delaware until after Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia when he took the oath of allegiance and was released. [See C. A. Raine’s Autobiography]

Raine wrote the letters to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor (1820-1885), the wife of John Rollin Bestor, Sr. (1813-1867). This Baltimore couple had twin sons who served in the Maryland Guard that became Co. B, 21st Virginia Infantry. Eliza seems to have corresponded with numerous Confederate soldiers seeking information about her sons. The Bestor brothers’ letters have been transcribed and may be found at 1861-65: The Bestor Brothers of Baltimore.

Letter 1

Fort Delaware, Del.
Aug. 3, 1864

Mrs. J. Eliza Bestor

My dear friend, it gives me pleasure to acknowledge yours of the 29th ulto. which reached me yesterday evening. Please allow me to express my deepest gratitude for your proffered kindness. I shall ever feel under obligations to you, and should it be the will of our Divine Master to permit me to return to Dixie again, it shall be my most pleasant duty to make the acquaintance of your sons, and extend to them the use of my purse, and hospitalities of my home.

I am in need only of a few articles of underclothing at this time, and will in obedience to your request ask to be supplied. Please send two grass linen shirts and two pair drawers of the same material. Also colored socks and handkerchiefs. At the same time, please send a small reference Bible and a Presbyterian Prayer Book. It may be necessary to state that you may have something to guide you in selecting some of these articles that I am very tall (6 feet 2 inches).

Prison life is by no means pleasant, yet there are many things to render us comfortable and happy. We feel that our walk with God is closer and that we enjoy a sweeter communion with our blessed Redeemer. We are organized into a Christian Association and enjoy many sweet privileges. Only one page is allowed me at a time. Hoping you will let me hear from you again, permit me to subscribe, dear Madam, your friend & humble servant, — C. A. Raine

Please allow me to add another article of which I am greatly in need and for the want of which I really suffer—that is chewing tobacco.

Letter 2

Fort Delaware, Del.
Sept. 21st 1864

My dear sister,

I wrote you several days ago, but fearing my letter has been miscarried, as the time which has elapsed is sufficient for a reply, I write again. I told you in my letter that Gen. Vance was still here in reply to your inquiry made after him. He is well, and is actively engaged with many other good men in doing all he can for the spiritual good of young Christians and in directing those without the ark of safety to the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world” by christian exhortation at our daily prayer meetings. Would that I could tell you how much has been accomplished in bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth as it is Christ [but] the space I have will not allow it. There is great feeling and anxiety on the part of many of our brother officers on account of their sins. God is surely working among us. Allow me to ask on behalf of those who are deeply convicted an interest in your prayers, and your friends who may feel interested in the conversion of souls to God.

I have nothing new that I can write you. We are all anxious about a general exchange. I believe it is the only topic. Some sick and wounded have been sent off in the last few days, as we learn, to be exchanged. I would feel grateful for the loan of fifteen or twenty dollars as there are many little articles which would add greatly to my comforts and in fact many indispensables which I cannot obtain otherwise than with money. Send it by letter. My love to all of my relations. I asked you in my last letter for your photograph. I repeat the request. Write soon and believe me. Yours affectionately, — C. A. Raine

Fort Delaware, Prisoner of War

1864: Robert Brank Vance to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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Robert Brank Vance

Robert Brank Vance (1828–1899), elder brother of North Carolina Governor Zebulon B. Vance, began his Confederate military service in 1861 by raising a company known as the Buncombe Life Guards and becoming colonel of the 29th North Carolina Infantry. His regiment served in East Tennessee, participated in the defense of Cumberland Gap, and accompanied General Edmund Kirby Smith during the Kentucky Campaign of 1862. At the Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro) in December 1862, Vance distinguished himself in combat, losing his horse to an artillery shell. His service earned him promotion to brigadier general on March 4, 1863. Following a prolonged illness, he was assigned command of Confederate forces in the mountainous region along the North Carolina–Tennessee border, where he conducted raids against Union supply lines. On January 14, 1864, after capturing a Union wagon train near Knoxville, Vance and most of his command were themselves captured by Federal cavalry.

Following his capture, Vance was held in several Northern prisons, including facilities in Nashville, Louisville, Camp Chase in Ohio, and finally Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. During his confinement at Fort Delaware, he was photographed in May 1864 alongside several prominent Confederate prisoners, including Brigadier General Meriwether Jeff Thompson. His eventual release was aided by the Reverend Nathaniel G. Taylor, a Union sympathizer whom Vance had previously held prisoner in Tennessee but had treated kindly and released. Through Taylor’s intervention, President Abraham Lincoln granted Vance a special parole permitting him to purchase clothing and other necessities for fellow Confederate prisoners. In March 1865, Lincoln granted Vance a conditional pardon, allowing him to return home to North Carolina on the condition that he take no further part in the war.

Vance wrote the letters to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor (1820-1885), the wife of John Rollin Bestor, Sr. (1813-1867). This Baltimore couple had twin sons who served in the Maryland Guard that became Co. B, 21st Virginia Infantry. Eliza seems to have corresponded with numerous Confederate officers seeking information about her sons. The Bestor brothers’ letters have been transcribed and may be found at 1861-65: The Bestor Brothers of Baltimore.

Letter 1

Fort Delaware, Delaware
July 22nd 1864

My Dear Madam:

I was surprised and grieved yesterday to learn that my letter of thanks for your beautiful presents had never reached you. Such things are mortifying but, in a case like mine, cannot be helped.

The package came some days after the departure of our friends –Generals J[ohnson] & T[hompson]—and I wrote you promptly. I ask the privilege of again returning my grateful thanks and to assure you how highly I appreciate such acts of kindness. The handkerchiefs, knives & forks are really very tasty. What must I do with the articles for Gen’s J[ohnson] & T[hompson]? If you have a surer opportunity of sending the articles to them, I can return them to Baltimore. Please advise me on that point.

I hope your sons John Rollin & Rollin John are safe and well. I would express my feelings more fully in regard to those patriotic boys, but I find that notes thus embellished are apt to go by the board. God bless you, madam, for your thoughtful kindness in providing for me in prison. I trust that you may be rewarded by the silent plaudits of the heart.

Your obliged and obedient servant, — Robert B. Vance

To Mrs. J. Eliza Bestor, Baltimore, Maryland

Letter 2

Fort Delaware, Delaware
August 10, 1864

My dear Madam,

I am in due receipt of your favor, touching the articles of Genl’s [Edward] Johnson & [Jeff] Thompson, and write to say that I have concluded, unless you direct otherwise, to take the things thro’ for those gentlemen. You have doubtless seen the pleasing news of their exchange. If that happy state of affairs should keep up, your humble friend will jog along some of these days, and then I know that it will be pleasant for Genls Ed [Johnson] & Jeff [Thompson] to know that they were unforgotten.

Every time I think of your kindness to me—a stranger—my gratitude grows stronger. I hope the day will come when I can testify thereto more fully. Now the will must be taken for the deed. Chance may throw those sons of yours where I can serve them, and I shall not forget. What is for us, who are yet here, in the future we cannot tell. It does appear as if both Governments wished to exchange—at least for the last day or two. I begin to think it & you know it is seldom that two fail in anything desirable.

God bless you Madam. Your friend, — Robert B. Vance

To Mrs. J. Eliza Bestor, Baltimore, Maryland

Letter 3

Fort Delaware, Delaware
January 10, 1865

Mrs. Eliza J. Bestor

My dear madam. The months have come and gone, carrying with them the holidays. But I am still here—a reluctant guest of Uncle Sam’s. I desire to hear from you again and to learn how you fare these war times. Have you any late news from your sons? It has been nearly four months since we have had flag of truce letters and I presume that you have met the same difficulty.

I judge you have seen an account of the capture of Gen. Ed[ward] Johnson. He is at Johnson’s Island. What had I better do with his articles in my hands? Perhaps you may have an opportunity of sending them to him. If so, I can forward them to you, or if you think he will be permitted to receive the things, I can express them direct.

I hope that you had a pleasant Christmas and are entering upon the new Year with prospects of happiness and pleasure. Our old friend, General Jeff [Thompson], is operating in Missouri. A physician lately from the Trans Mississippi Department gave us a number of interesting facts concerning him which I cannot write you, but you may know them as quite characteristic. Gen. Johnson is unfortunate. I feel for him greatly.

I hope to hear from you soon and remain most truly your friend, — Robert B. Vance

Letter 4

New York
February 11, 1865

My dear friend:

I received a note from Gen. Edward Johnson at Fort Warren & sent the handkerchiefs, knife & fork to him. He asked for your address which I sent him. I have not as yet learned whether the articles had reached him or not. Hope though that all is right. I expected to see you all in Baltimore while Genl. B. was there but did not get my parole in time and had to join him here. I regret that I could not in person express to you my grateful appreciation of your delicate attentions. I am not certain now whether I will remain here during my parole or go to some of the Western prisons. I am anxious to go to Rock Island, Camp Morton, Camp Douglass, &c., and have made application to do so.

If I go, it will be early next week, this being Saturday night. Lucius [Heylin Smith], Capt. Charlton [Hunt Morgan], 1 & others of my mess are, in all probability, gone on exchange, as their names were on the rolls when I left the Fort [Delaware]. Hoping for many blessings to crown your path, I am, devotedly your friend, — Robt. B. Vance

1 Capt. Charlton Hunt Morgan was a brother-in-law of Gen. John Hunt Morgan, and a captain in the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry Regiment. He was confined in 1864 at Fort Delaware.

2nd Massachusetts Infantry, Prisoner of War

1862: John M. and Parney (Hastings) Anderson to John Emerson Anderson

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John Emerson Anderson, 2nd Mass. Vols., taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester on 24 May 1862 and paroled in June.

The following letters were written by Parney (Hastings) Anderson (1810-1905) and/or her husband John May Anderson (1809-1865) of Oakdale, Worcester county, Massachusetts. The letters were addressed to their son, John “Emerson” Anderson (1833-1896), a boot maker by trade before the war. Emerson enlisted on 25 May 1861 as a private in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 24 May 1862 during the battle of Winchester but was paroled in June 1862 and promoted to sergeant, mustering out of the regiment in mid-July 1865. The 2nd Mass Vols. participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, March to the Sea, Savannah, and others.

Parney’s letter of 13 June 1862 expresses relief at hearing of her son’s safety following his being taken prisoner during the Battle of Winchester in May 1862.

To read the large collection of letters that Emerson wrote home to his parents, see—1861-65: John Emerson Anderson to his Parents.

Letter 1

Oakdale [Massachusetts]
June 13, 1862

Dear E[merson],

Glad to have the privilege of writing to you once more. Our minds have been greatly relieved by receiving yours of the 6th this morning. I do feel, Emerson, that the Lord is very kind to us. We did not expect to hear directly from you for some time. I said to your father, I think it was last night, that if I could only have the privilege of sending you some little comforts, how glad I should be, thinking you were in the hands of those cold-hearted rebels. I rejoice that you are once more a free man to act for yourself for your country, [and] the best of all, for God. When I think of the past dealings of God with us, I can but exclaim how wonderfully good He is to us. I have been wonderfully supported under these trials of late caused by the mismanagement of someone who thought perhaps they were doing the very best way. I have reference to your being left with so few men when you needed them the most. We wonder here they were were not all taken or killed.

Alfredy Chase has just been in to read us a letter from William. She also brought tidings of you but your letter came a little first, notwithstanding this did not cover their kindness in the least for this is not the first time, nor the second, but the fourth, certain, that they have been here to bring us tidings of you. William took pains after seeing the Major that returned from prison to write all about you to his folks requesting them to let us know immediately to relieve us of our suspense. How good he is. I shall always remember him and his kindness to us. The first that we heard of you that we could rely upon was Billy Beach when he came home. But Emerson, we felt almost sure that you were safe. It seems to me that I never before experienced that implicit trust in our Heavenly Father that I have for a few weeks past. I feel willing he should plan all things concerning my interest.

I received a letter from you the 24th of May—the day you were taken prisoner. In it was five dollars & a precious little bunch of flowers which I value much. I answered that on the Monday after the battle. I did not send you any stamps thinking you might not get them but we will send you some in this. Just write whether you received one wrote the 6th of May with 24 stamps in it. I may be mistaken about the stamps being in the one spoken of. I have sent you three that I have had no answer from. I presume they have fell into your hands ere this. If not, we will not complain for we have been highly favored.

The [Oakdale] Boys have sent on for some things and I will say here that if you would like to have us send you some, we will do so. Tell us what you would like. You have money enough at home to get you what you need so do not want for things to make you comfortable. Well, Emerson, you see I shall have to close. We are all well. Glad to think I may have another from you soon. Friends all well except Lydia. Said she has been sick for some time since. Getting better we hope. From your Parents.

Billy Beach is boot making for Mr. Robert Morrow.

Letter 2

Oakdale, [Massachusetts]
October 24th 1863

Dear Emerson,

Yours of the 18th came yesterday. We had been waiting anxiously for some little time to hear from you. We received the letter sent from Alexandria which you spoke of in your last. I answered it immediately. I directed it to Washington. Perhaps you will get it sometime if you have not ere this. I hardly feel reconciled to your going so far from home when so many soldiers are wanted nearer. But then I have thought that you would have a good chance to see the country and this you no doubt will enjoy although circumstances of a painful nature hath called you there. It has been said since the 12th Corps left, that it was with Burnside so I thought you would stand a chance to find some of your old acquaintances, but I find by sending yours that you are with Rosecrans.

I wrote you in my last that Winser Newton was missing. There has not been anything heard from him as yet. His friends feel very anxious to know what has become of him.

Sister Belle [Isabella (Hastings) Bigelow] had a letter from Lewis Jor last week. He is married. Sent his picture and also one of his wife. She is very smart or her picture deceives her. He and wife are both teaching in an academy now. Isn’t this nice. What a lucky boy. She is a farmer’s daughter. Her name has slipped my mind. He wrote that his father enlisted into the service of his country and they had given him the commission of a recruiting officer. Said we hardly knew him on coming home dressed in uniform—it altered him so. I think he would look well for a field officer—he is so tall and stout built. He has changed his looks since you saw him. He is much thicker, or was when here, than he used to be. He wrote nothing of poor Horatio. Did not mention his name. Rather singular I should think. Must it be they have given him up for loss? If so, I hope they may be mistaken.

Had a letter from Mother last week. They were well but they [said] that Mr. B’s son Prentis was dead so he can have his society nor help anymore. Lizzie’s babe is very sick. Do not think it will live long. It has been sick for three weeks or more. I have been there a good part of the time for two weeks or more. Glad it is so that I can be with her some. She has done so much for me. The rest of our friends are well. Father is better than when I last wrote. You think he will soon be able to work some. My health is very good for me. You mentioned in your last of having a box, if sure of getting it. How much pleasure we would take in filling one for you and if at any time you should send for me, just write what you would like to have put in for by so doing, you would not have to do without the thing you needed most. I sent you but one stamp in the last letter. Did not know as you would get it. Will put but one in this. If you get this, I shall not hesitate to put more of them in my next. I will write often and perhaps you will get some of them.

Mr. Ford has been in [and] has just left. Much love is sent by friends. From your parents, — J. M. Anderson

Letter 3

Oakdale, [Massachusetts]
November 28, 1863

Dear Emerson,

Yours No. 2 came last eve. Glad to know you were so comfortably situated. Still you may not be in those comfortable quarters now for I learn that that there has been a dreadful battle [at Chattanooga] in Rosecrans’ army since your last letter was wrote. The papers state that one division of the 12th Corps was engaged in it [but] does not give the number. But somehow I have felt that it was not the one you belong to. The papers say that our men have been very successful. It is called a splendid victory for Grant’s army. But could one noble victory be gained which would prove the last without the loss of lives, what a wonderful jubilee we should have. Oh that the time may soon come when war shall be known no more forever.

The Army of the Potomac are in motion. The papers say they were expecting a battle yesterday. If you think you could get papers from us, we will send you some. Father got a New York weekly this morning. Said he would like to send you but thought perhaps you might not get it. Said he would send a piece of it in an envelope for he knew that you would take great interest in reading it. It’s the doings of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. I am glad that they are making some provisions for the memory of those brave men that fell in that hard battle. They ought to be honored in this way. Honor is to be obtained.

We held a Union Meeting in the Methodist House on Thanksgiving day. Preaching by Rev. Mr. Holbrook, prayer by Rev. Mr. Abbott. The services were very solemn, after which a collection was taken for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers, Uncle B and Aunt Belle took dinner with us. Sarah and Walon was gone from home or they would have been here too. About 5 o’clock Brother B. went home, harnessed his horse, came up [and] carried us down to his house. We stayed until the next day when he brought us again to our home. We had a pleasant time. But dear Emerson, be assured the long absent one was not forgotten, neither at the Festival board nor at the alter.

Emerson, when you write us again, give us the name of the general of your division, if you please. By so doing, we may stand a better chance in times of battle to know whether you are engaged or not. We are as well as usual. Father is suffering some this afternoon with a pain in his head and neck, but thinks he will be better soon. Mrs. Ford sends with much love. Mt. Ford stamped and backed them. Your parents, Mother

I hope you had your anticipated dinner on Thanksgiving day. I should have liked to sit and see you eat of it. Your parents, — J. M. Anderson