Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-07-28
Captain Henry Washington Sawyer-A
Brave Mans Letter.

This gallant soldier is one of the two who were
selected by the Rebel Government by lot on tue
9th OF July, to be executed in retaliation for the
two Rebel officers executed by General Burnside
for recruiting for the Reiel service in his mill.
lary department. When this fact became known
to Captain Sawyer's friends in Philadelphia-as
we learn from The Press-ihey induced Captain
Wllmou Whlldiu, long associated with the steam.
boat interest in that city to visit Washington to
ascertain the policy Of the Government in regard
10 the inhuman threat OF Jefferson Davis. lie
was kindly received by the President and the
Secretary of War, aud carried back to Philadel-
phia, from them, the assurance that the Govern
ment will adopt such course as would possibly
prevent the execution Of Captains Sawyer ahd
Finn, and at all events punish il earlessly aud
promptly. The Press adds
When Captain Whilldin reached this city the
wife Of Captain Sawyer received letter from him
in which he stated that the Rebel Government
would permit her aud their children to visit him
before his execution, In company with Mrs.
sawyer he Immediately started Tor Washington
md having received the authority Of our Govern
taent, went TO Fortress Monroe, where they nra
now Whiting flag Of truce 10 go To Richmond
We have been permitted to take copy of Capt
Sawyer's letter tn his wife, which We euhlon. -
II requires no compliment Mt our hauds IL IL
the letter Of IL brave nud patriotic man, aud will
zons Bull -1mer,cn
"'PHuvosT GESGRAL's OFFICE,
HicmMOND, Va July 6, 1868
"'My Drlr we. nm under the necessity
Of Informing you that my prospect looks very
dark
" This morning nll the Captains now prisoners
at tho Libby military prison drew lots for Two to
be executed 1t fell to my lot Myself and
Captain Finn of the Dist Indiana Infantry will
be executed for Two Captains executed by den.
burnside.
THE Provost General, ] H. winder assures
me that the Secretary Of War of the Southern
Confederacy will permit yourself and my dear
children TO visit me before am executed You
viii he permitted TO bring nn attendance Capt.
Whilldin, or uncle w. W. Ware, or Dan, had
better come with you. My situation is hard to
be borne, and cannot think of dying without
seeing you aud the children You will be al
lowed to return without moleslation to your
home.
" am resigned to whatever is in store for me,
with the consolation that die without having
committed any crime. | have no trial no jury,
nor ain charged with any crime, but il fell 10
my lot. You will proceed to Washington. MY
Government will give you transportation to For
tress Monroe, and you will get here by flag of
truce, aud return the same way. Bring with you
a shrt for me.
"'NIy dear wife. the fortune of war has put me
in this position. If must die sacrifice to my
country, with Gods will | must submit only
let me see you once more, and will die becomin Z
man and an officer; but for Gods sake, do not
dieappoint me. Write to me as soon as you get
this, aud go to Captain Whilldin be will advise
you what to do. have done nothing to deserve
this penalty But you must submit to your fate
1t will he no disgrace to myself you or the chill.
dreni but you may point with pride and say, a
gave my husband ! my children will have the