Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-07-30
Captain Henry Washington Sawyer-.-A
Brave Mans Letter.

This gallant soldier is one of the two who
we're selected by the rebel government by lot on
the sixth of July, to be executed In retaliation
for the two rebel officers executed by Gen. Bnrn-
side for recruiting tor the rebel service In his
military department. When this fact became
known 90 Captain SaWyef's friends In Philadel-
phia-as We learn from the Pyess-they induced
Captain Wilmon Whildin, long associated with
the steamboat Interest In that city, TO visit Wash
ingson to ascertain the policy OF the government
10 regard to the inhumen threat of Jefferson
Davis. He was received by the President and
the Secretary of War, and carried back to Phil
adelphia, from them, tho assurance that the gov.
ernment will adopt such course as would possi-
bly, prevent the execution OF Captaina Sawyer
aud Finn, and at all events punish Il fesrlessly
aud promptly. The Press adds: b-s
When Capt. Whildin reached this city, the
wife Of Capt Sawyer received letter from him
10 which be stated that the rebel government
would permit her and their children to visit him
before bis execution. In company with Mrs.
Sawyer he Immediately started for Washington,
aud having received the authority of our gov.
ernmebt, went to Fortress Monroe, where they
are now waiting flag Of truce to 60 to Rich
mond. We have been permitted to take copy
OF Capt. SaWyer's letter to his wife, which We
subjoin. Itrequires no compliment at our hands
It is the letter OF q brave and patriotic man,
and will be read with pleasure and pride by ali
loyal citizens: .r.a
rr r-srs .f PRovosr GENERAL OFFICE,
RICHMOND, Virgisia, July 9th, 1852
MY DEAR WIFR:-I am under tho necessity OF ipsoyu
Ing you that my prospects look yery dark. -
THIS morning all the captains now prisoners At IN,
Libby military prison drew lots for two to be
Il fell to my lot Ayselt and Capt Finn Of the Ff v
d. I,d tnfan " he To-.
executed BY Gen. Burnside.
Tie Provost General J. q. widner assures ma ,b,,
the Secretary Of War Of the southe will
permit yourself and my dear children to visit me before
sm executed You will be permitted to bring an AZ.
tendant, Oapt. Whlldin, or uncle W. W. Ware. n
Dan, had better come with you. My situation 10 hard to
be borne and cannot think Of dying without seeing Won
and the children You will be allowed to return Withont
nolestalion to your home. .... 10
am resigned 10 whatever Is in store for me- with the
consolation that die without having committed anv
crime. have no trial, no Jury, nor am chsrEsd viii
auy ctime but 1t fell to my lot. You will proceed tC
Washington. My government will give you Transports
ton to Fortress Monroe, and you will get here BY a,
OF truce and return the same way. Bring with YOU I
Nv dear wife, the fortune of war has put ma In mi,
position. II must die sacrifice TO my country Witf
Gods will must submit only let me zee Won ono.
more and will die becoming man and an officer bui
for God sake. do not disappoint me. Write to ma Al
soon a. you get this, and go to Captain Whidin; b,
will advise you wnat 70 40. nave done nothing to de-
serve 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, IT gave my hus
band; )" my children will have the consolation to tay
IT was m sde an orphan ior my oou try.T God viii
provide for you, never fear. Oh 1t 10 hard 10 eaye
on thus wish the ball that passed through INV mead
in the last battle would have dooe Its work but 1t va,
moi TO be go My mind is somewhat induenced. far n
has come so sudden on Write to me as soon A. yor
get this; leave your letter open add will get IL, ri.
Teot my name and rank, by way Of Fortress Monroe
Farewell farewell and hope It 10 all for the best.
remain yours until the death, ic..sl
II. W. SAWYER,
Captain First New Jersey Cavalry.