Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-07-30
CAPT III. w. SAWYER.

Capt SAWYER under sentence of death by the retalis
tory order Of the rebel authorities Of Richmond, is c
zen Of Cape May county, New Jersey where bis wife aud
children reside. He is true foIdor at the post
duty and wounds he has received attest bis
gsaty in action From humble position he has risen
the rank of c.ptan, off. he most worbily lied
until the hard fought action at Beverly Ford when he
taken prisoner and carried to Richmond Our readers will
remember that when the fatal lot Of death fell to him
Richmond he at conveyed to the Office of Cen.
Winder where be permitted address farewell let
to his wife AMI chldren That letter, having reached
s destination, has just bren Published aud will every
where be read with sensby because Of the pstho ard
yet the fortitude, which breabes in ts every line Mrs
Sawyer, upon receiving this letter. Immediately started for
Washington in company with Capt Whiildn, and from
hence proceeded to Fortress Monroe with TIE proper
hority the Government for her conveyance Rich
mond in the next flag of truce boat:
PRoyosT NARsHALs OFFICE,
Richmond, (Pa.) July q, 1868
MY DEAR WIFE: am under the necessity OF inform-
ing y, that my prospect looks very dark.
This murnng all the cap ars prisoners al the Libby
military prison drew lots Tor Two TO be executed 1t fell
TO my lot Myself aud Capt Finn, of the Fy-frst 10
diana Infantry will be executed for two csptsas execute
BY Gen. Burnside.
The provost q neral j. H. Winder assures me that the
Secretary Of War OF the Soutbern Conederacy will permit
yourself aud my dear children to visit mo before / am
executed. VIII le permitted o bring attendant.
Capt WblldiD unce w. w. Ware. Dan, had better
with you My tuation is hard to be borne, and
cannot think OF dying without seeing and the Children
You will DO allowed TO return without molrstatoa to
your home.
am resigned b, whatever is 10 store for me- with the
consolation that die without ha ring committed any crime
have no TT al no jury am charged with any crime
but 1t fell to my lot. You viii proceed To Washington
NV Government will give you transportation to Fortress
Monroe, aud you will get here by flag Of truce, aud
turn the same way. Bring with You shirt for me. 1t
will be necessary Tor to this letter to brig
evidence at Washington of my Condition My pay due
IRON the lst 81 March, which You are entitled to
Capt Is me fifty dolars-money lent him when he
furlouRh, You will write to him at once and be
will send it to you.
My dear wife, the fortune OF has put me in THE po
sition. IL must die sacrifice to my country with God
Will must submit only let mes more, and
i'll die as lecomes and ic.r; but God g sake
do not disappont Write to as you get hs
aud 10 Capt Wbidin he will advise you what to do
bave done nothing tn deserve this penalty But you must
submit TO your fate 1t will be grace to my,i you
or the chdreo but you may point With pride and say
gave my busbaDd;' my children will have the consola
top to say, Il made orphan for my country.
God will provide Er you; never fear Oh il il bard t.
leave you thus with the ball that passed through mi
head in the las. b,ttle would have done it's work but
net TO be My mind is somewhat Influenced for i
has sudden
Write b. ma soon you get this leave your lette
open and will get it. Direct my Gnd rank by way
Fortress Monroe. Farewell far, well aud hone il is al
/ Tor the best.
remain yours until death,
H. w. SAWYER,
| Captain First New Jersey Cavalry.