The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31
Captain Henry Washington Sawyer
"A Brave Mans Letter.

This gallant soldier is one of the two
who were selected by the rebel govern
ment by lot on the sixth of July, to be
executed in retaliation for the two rebel
officers executed by General Burnside for
recruiting for the rebel service in bis mil
itary department. When this fact be-
came known to Captain Sawyer's friends
III Philalelphia-as we learn from the
fress-they induced Capt. Wilmon Will
lidin9long associated with the steamboat
interests in that city, to visit Washington
to ascertain the policy of the government,
in regard to the nhunan threat of .Jetfer-
son Davis. He was kindly received by
the President and the Secretary of War.
and carried back to Philadelphia. from
them, the assurance that the government
will adopt such course as would possibly
prevent the execution of Captains SAWYER
and Finn, and at all events punish it
fearlessly and promptly. The Press adds:
When Captain Whillidin reached this
city, the wife of Captain Sawyer received
q letter from him in which he stated that
the rebel government would permit her
and Their children to visit him before his
execution. In company with Mrs Saw
yer he Immediately started for Washing
ton, and having received the authority Of
our government, went to Fortress Mon
roe, where they are now waiting flag of
truce to go to Richmond. We have been
permitted to take a copy Of Captain Saw
Ters letter To his wife, which we subjoin.
II requires 40 compliment at our hands.
1t is the letter Of brave and patriotic
man, ans: will be read with pleasure and
pride by all loyal citizens:
rRovosr GENERALS OFFICE.
RICHMOND, Va. July s. 1868. {
NJ DEAR WIFE: | am under the neces-
sity OF informing you that my prospect looks
very dark.
This morning all the captains now prison.
ers at the Libby military prison drew lots for
TWO to be executed. 1t fell to my lot. Myself
and Capt. Finn. OF the j1st Indiana infantry.
will be executed for TWO captains executed by
General Burnside.
The Provost-General J. II. Winder assures
me that the Secretary Of War OF the Southern
Contederacy will permit yourself and my dear
children to visit me before am executed. You
viii be permitted to bring an attendance. Cap
tam Whlliden Or uncle w ". Ware or Dan,
had better come with you. My situation is
hard to be borne. ana | cannot think of diving
without seeing ycu and tie children. You will
be allowed IL return without nolestation to
your home.
am resigned 10 whatever is in store for me-
with the cnnsn1fp1l 7 flin
committed any crime ! have no trial no urv.
nor am I charged with any crime. but it fell TO
my lot. You will proceed to Washington.
Ny government viii give You transformation
70 Fortress Monroe. and YOU will get here bv
flag OF truce and return the same way Bring
with you a shirt for lle.
My dear wife the fortune Of war has put me
in this position II must die sacrifice to my
country, with Gods will | mus submit: only
let ne see you once more. and | will die be-
coming man and an officer: but. Tor Gods
sake. do not disappOint HE. Write to me is
soon as you get this, and 90 to Capt Will
iGiD: he viii advise you what to do. have
done nothing to deserve this penalty. But YOU
must submit to your fate. It will be no dis
grace to myself, you. or the children: but YOU
may point with pride and say, - gave my
hu>band;" my children will have consolation to
say. Il was made ali orphan for my country"
GCd will provide for you, never fear. Oh it
Is hard to leave you thus. 7 wish the bail thai
passed through my head in the last battle would
have done its work; but it VA. not TO be done
so. My mind is somewhat influenced for it
has come So sudden On HE. Write to me as
soon as you get this: leave your letter open and
/ will get il. Direct my name and rank by
way OF FGrsrc-S Monroe Farewell. farewell.
ana nope !. = L.. tpr The best. ! remain yours
until death H. W SAWYER
Captain u. the E.:sC New Jersey Cavalry