Richland Jail, Columbia, S. C., Sept. 25, 1864.
(Oct. 11. Am very well and in good spirits. [over])
Dear Father, — Have heard nothing from home except the letter written on 29th ult., enclosing one from Alice. I am going to send this letter by a different channel, and think you might answer through the same way. Your letters would then come with more certainty.
Dr. Marks called again to see me this week. He seems in very feeble health and I am afraid will not live long.
The navy officers will probably leave here next week. I shall send letters by them.
Am well and comfortable. Captain Amory the same.
Time passes rather slowly here. We have nothing to do except reading and card-playing. In the day-time we walk about the yard, and amuse ourselves with an occasional game of quoits. I usually write you twice a week, and hope that you receive most of the letters. We are allowed to subscribe for the papers, and have the news from Richmond and Charleston. The prisoners confined here are almost all of them in good health. Indeed, there have been no very serious cases of sickness since we have been here. Both Captain A. and myself are well provided with everything, so that you need not feel anxious on account of our health. . . .
(Written on back of letter)
Dear Father, — As the navy officers start to-morrow I thought I would send this note by them. As you see from the original date, it is some time since the ink part was written. We are all well here. A Mr. John Caldwell called here last Friday and offered to cash my draft on you for any amount. So you see I am all right. I shall give him a draft for 50 dollars in gold, which will last me some time, although I have to pay some borrowed money out of it. Almost all the officers in the Southern Confederacy are now confined in a stockade about two miles from this town. They were sent here from Charleston. I hear that the privates in C. are dying at the rate of 100 a day from yellow fever. They are so worn out by their imprisonment that they are fit subjects for any epidemic. Tell Hannah that her letter of Sept. 16th reached me about two days ago. Was very glad indeed to get it. In future when writing me you had better put care of Captain Senn, who commands our guard. Ensign Tillson of the navy will probably deliver this.
An outbreak occurred among the prisoners brought from Charleston the other day. Several managed to get away. . . .
