Prisoners' Hospital,
Danville, Va., August 20, 1864.
My Dear Mother,
— I have been very ill with dysentery, consequent on the exposure after the
over-exertion and exhaustion on the 30th of July. I am still very weak, but
have turned the corner and am out of danger. General Young, C. S. A., came to
see me while I was sick, and told me he would see Commissioner Ould when he
went to Richmond, and do all that he could to get me sent to our lines (either
exchanged or paroled), where I could soon get well, or at least die among
friends. I have not heard from him yet. It is more than a week, and as he
promised to write as soon as he saw Ould, I fear his letter must have
miscarried. I am not so anxious, now that I am getting better. Still I hope we
shall be exchanged before long. All the other generals have been exchanged down
at Charleston, S. C. I shall probably go to Columbia, S. C, as soon as I get
well enough. I had a letter from Captain Amory from there a few days ago. They
are much more comfortable there, and want me to come. I shall be glad to get
anywhere, where I can have company. I walked out a few steps on crutches to-day
for the first time. I am still very weak. I have heard nothing from our lines
since our capture. See Richmond paper occasionally. Give my love to all at
home, and to Aunt Carry and Uncle Edwin. Send them a copy of this letter if it
reaches you.
Much love,
W. F. B.
I hope my horses and all my things got home safely.
Dr. White promised to see to it.
SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William
Francis Bartlett, p. 128-9
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