1864 Ohio CIVIL WAR LETTER Sent to Virginia Cavalry Confederate Prisoner
These letters were all addressed to Sgt. E, 8th Virginia (Confederate) Cavalry, while he was a prisoner-of-war. Henry enlisted on February 1, 1863 into Co. He was taken prisoner in Cabell county on 6 September 1863 and sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, on 17 September 1863. In mid-January 1864, he was moved to Rock Island, Illinois. The letter is housed in its original transmittal cover with Censor markings "Examined" etc.... Which indicates that has passed the official prison examination and is so stamped. Henry was still on the prison rolls at Rock Island in mid-March 1865. He wasnt paroled until 1 May 1865.
Henry was the son of James Alfred Poteet and Lucinda Turner. He was married to Amanda F. 1836 in Cabell county, Virginia. His military records indicate that Henry stood 6 ft.
2 inches tall, had grey eyes, sandy hair, and red whiskers. Poteets brother, James Poteet, also served in Co. He deserted on 12 April 1864. We couldn't find out anything about the writer in Ohio - but perhaps more research will reward you.Potite, Rock Island Barracks, Prisoner of War Examined Camp Chase Lieut. Athalia, Lawrence county, Ohio In the care of J. It has been some time since I wrote you, but remember its not for want of respect that I have not written. No, no, for most assuredly do I highly esteem & respect poor Prisoners especially when they have proved themselves my friend as you have. I have been waiting to hear from you some time.
I received your letter last Saturday in which you informed me that you met with one of your old friends Border Rangers William Symington. ¹ Tell him I saw Will [paper torn] R. He was doing exceedingly well.
We have very pleasant weather at the present time. The first of January was the coldest weather I ever saw. We had quite a lonely Christmas. Didnt get to go to the Valley as we intended to as great excitement at that time. Susan Hanley was buried day after Christmas. A melancholy Christmas for Mary & Ellen.I expect Mary to be married before long. Andrew Dick has been paying her his addresses for some time.
I think she has written to you. Albert & Fannie are going to school. Jimmie talks lots about Pa.
We are all well & doing the best we can. We are looking for Uncle Will. He is coming out to go back with us. We are going to start in March. How I hate to leave old Virginia & my many dear friends.
I intend staying until Peace be made. O when shall that happy day come?
If you are still a prisoner when I get to Mo. You must still keep up your correspondence & I will be prompt in answering.
Jont & family are well. Fannie & Puss joins me in tenderest regards to you & Billie Symington & all the rest of our acquaintances, if there be any. What has become of Johnnie Russell & Henry Sexton?
I remain your ever true friend until death. ¹ December 16th at Powder Spring Gap the Yanks attacked at daylight. Skirmish and fight all day. At dark fell back in a piece of woods.
The enemy turned our flank. Lem Wilson and Sedinger wounded.On January 2d broke camp at dark and marched all night. At daylight on the morning of the 3rd Captain Everett was ordered to take the old Company and companies I, K, and D, and charge the picket post. The Captain made the charge and was successful in capturing the entire force on picket, some 80 men; but Lieutenant Samuels who succeeded in cutting through the Yanks went on and charged the main body and a battery succeeded in driving the enemy away from his guns. Samuels was killed while sabering one of the gunners. Sedinger, Company E, 8th Virginia Cavalry (Border Rangers).
We're members of the American Philatelic Society, the U. Philatelic Classics Society, the Confederate Stamp Alliance and the Illinois Postal History Society. We only sell genuine, original letters (no copies or reproductions). Some of our letters have been transcribed and nicely presented for future genealogists and history buffs on the Spared & Shared blog. The item "1864 Ohio CIVIL WAR LETTER Sent to Virginia Cavalry Confederate Prisoner" is in sale since Friday, October 14, 2016. This item is in the category "Stamps\United States\Covers\Postal History". The seller is "cmvolz" and is located in Washington, Illinois.This item can be shipped worldwide.