Letter to Selina Fulkerson (Johnson)

Creator:

Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902

Scope and content:

Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

Officers Barracks
Ft. Delaware
May 13, 1865

My dear wife-
Your esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.

The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them "Cause" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and "contraband" and caused the"confiscation" of the letter.

We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.

I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money & clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.
Love to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)

Subjects:

United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons
Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence
Correspondence

Names:

Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902

Places:

Fort Delaware (Del.)

Access and use