The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-07-30
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Capt 81 ~ sawyer.
Capt. Sawyer, andor sentence Of death
by the rstaliatiou order Of Che rebd an
thorities Of Richmond, is a citizen Of
Cape May county, New jersey, where
his wife and children reside. He is a
true soldier, ever at the post of duty,
and some severe wounds he has received
attest his gallantry in action. From an
humble position he has risen to the rank
Of captain, an Office he most wOrthily
filled until the bsrd-fought action at
Beverly Ford, when he wss taken pris-
oner and carried to Richmond. Our
readers will remember that when the fs-
tai lot Of death fell 70 him at Richmond
he was at once conveyed TO the Office Of
Gen. Winder, where he was permitted
to sddres0 = farewell letter TO his wife
and children,
PRovosF MARsHAL's OFFToE,
Richmond, (Ka.) Julg6, 1863.
Mr DEAR WIFE; l am under the ne
osasity OF informing you that my pros
pect looks very dark.
This morning oil the captains now
prisoners ct the Libby military prison
drew lots for 0Fo to be executed. 1t fell
TO. my lot. Myself and Capt. Finn, Of
the.Fifty-Arst Indiana infantry, will DO
EXECUTED for two captains executed by
Gen. Burnside.
The provost general, j. II. Windeg,
sssures mo that the Secretary Of War Of
the Southern Confederacy will permit
yourself and my dear children to visit
me before I am executed. You will DO
permitted 70 bring an attendant. Capt.
WhilldiR, or uncle w. W. Ware, or Dan,
had better come with you. Ny situstion
10 hard 10 be borne, and / cannot think
Of dying without seeing you and tho
children. You will DO allowed TO return
without moloststion TO your home.
1 am resigned 10 whatever Is in store
for me, with tho consolation that ! die
without having committed any orimo.
/ have no trial, no Jury, nor am ] chsrg-
cd with any crime, but il foil 10 my lot.
You will proceed 20 Washington. My
Government will give you t~ransporta-
ton TO Fortress Monroe, and you will
get here by flag of truce, and return the
same way. Bring with you a shirt for
Il will be necessary for you TO pre-
serve this letter, to bring evidence at
Washington of my condition. My pay
is due me from tho 1st of March, which
you arc entitled TO. Capt Il. owes me
fifty dollars-money lent him when no
went on fnrlOugh. You viii write to
him At once, and he will sond il 20 you.
My dear wife, the fortune of war has put
me in this position. If l must die a
sacrifice to my country, with Gods will
/ must submit; only let me &C. ron cnce
more, and ] win die a. beccsr7 : man and
an officer; but for Gods sake do not
INC. Write 10 me as soon
as you get this, and go to Capt. Whildin;
he will advise you what to do. / have
done nothing TO deserve this penalty.
But you must submit TO your fate. II
will be no disgrace TO myself, you or the
children; but you may point with pride
and say, 81 gave my husband = my
children will have the consolation TO say,
~ was made an orphan for my country"
God will provide for you; never fear.
On, it is hard 10 leave yoB thus! l wi sh
the ball that passed through my head in
the last battle would have done its wor k,
but it was not to be 40. My mind is
somewhat influenced, for il has come so
sudden on me.
Write TO me as 500 as you get this;
your letter open and | will get
Il. Direct my name and rank, by way
Of Fortress Monroe. FAREWELL FAREWELL
.nd hope il is all for tho beet.
Iremain yours until death,
II. W. SAWYER,
CaDtain First New Jersey CayAIV.