Letter from Napoleon B. Brisbine to brother and sister

Scope and content:

Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes being held prisoner in Winchester, where Napoleon B. Brisbine was captured while caring for Union wounded.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Winchester, Virginia
September 16th, 1864

Dear Brother & Sister-
The fates are again against me and I am once more a prisoner in this place. On our retreat down the valley it fell to the lot of someone to stay with our wounded at this place and that unfortunate one was your humble servant N.B.B. I had gone on through the place some eight miles and received orders to go back immediately. I started with my boy and had just time to get here and send him back when the rebels came in and I was a prisoner. I have been here near five weeks, and have been living in high hopes that our troops would occupy the place and let me at liberty. But, all in vain.

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, the poet says. But I keep a stiff upper lip and don't trouble my heart about it. It they don't send me to Richmond I'll forgive them.

I have about thirty wounded on my hands yet. But they will soon be able for transportation and then I must make tracks one way or the other. I have no clothes but a common Privates suit and not a change of those. But I live fine, get plenty to eat from the citizens and am without exaggerating well fixed for a prisoner. I have heard since here by one of our own boys that my horses are safe and I believe my things. I don't suppose you could write and in fact it is very doubtful whether you get this yet or not. But I will risk it. I dare not write any news, but send this by a lady. Hoping you will receive it and don't fret for your Brother. N. B. Brisbine.

[at top, postscript from end of letter]
Write to uncle William and tell him where I am. My regards to all. I hope I shall be able to write without trouble soon.

Subjects:

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

Places:

Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865

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