Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-25

brave MINIS leALef.
This gallant soldier is one of the two who
were selected by the rebel government by lot
on the 9th of July'to be executed in retalia-
ton for the two rebel officers executed by
Gen. Burnside for recruiting for the rebel
service in his military department. When
this fact became known To Capt Sawyer's
friends in Philadelphia they induced Capt.
Wilmon Whilldin, long associated with the
steamboat interest in that city, to visit
Washington to ascertain the policy OF the
government in regard to the inhuman threat
of Jefferson 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 Capts. Sawyer and Finn, and at
all events punish it fearlessly and promptly.
The Press adds =
'When Cppt. Whilldn reached this city,
the wife of Captain Sawyer received a letter
from him, in which he stated that the rebel
government would permit her and their chill
dren to visit him before his execution. In
company with Mrs. Sawyer he Immediately
started for Washington, and having received
the authority of our government, went to
Fortress Monroe, where they are now waiting
flag of truce to go to Richmond. We have
been permitted to take copy of Capt. Saw
yer'S letter to his wife, which we subioin. 1t
requires no compliment at our hands. 1t is
the letter Of IL brave and patriotic man, and it
will be read with pleasure and pride by all
loyal citizens =
"PROvosT GENERALS OFFICE, !
Richmond, Va, July 6.
'MY DEAR WIFE--I am under the necessi-
ty of informing you that my prospect looks
very dark. This morning all of the captains
now prisoners at the Libby military prison,
drew lots for two to be executed. 1t fell to
my lot. Myself and Capt. Finn of the 5lst
Indiana infantry, will be executed for two
captains executed by Gen. Burnside. The
provost general, j. ii. Winder assures me
that the secretary of war of the southern con-
federacy will permit yourself and my dear
children to visit me before | am executed.
You will be permitted to bring an attendance.
Captain Whildin, or uncle w. w. Ware, or
Dan, had better come with you. My Situa-
ton is hard to be borne, and | cannot think of
dying without seeing you and the children.
You will be allowed to return without molesta-
ton to your home.
81 am resigned to whatever is in store for
me, with the consolation that | die without
having committed any crime. l have no trial,
no jury, nor am charged with any crime,
but it fell to my lot You will proceed to
washington. My government Will give you
transportation to Fortress Monroe, and you
will get here by flag of truce, and return the
same way Bring with you shirt for me.
my dear wife, the fortune of war mas put
me in this position If | must die a sacrifice
to my country, with Gods will must submit;
only let me see you once more, and will die
becoming man and an officer; but, tor Gods
sake, do not disappoint me. Write to me as
soon as you get this, and go to Capt. Whilldin;
he will advise you what to do. | have done
nothing to deserve this penalty. But you
must submit to your fate. 1t will be
no disgrace to myself, you, or the chill
dren; but you may point with pride and
say, i gave my husband my child
rem will have the consolation to say, Il
was made an orphan for my country God
will provide for you, never fear. Oh! it is
hard to leave You thus. l wish the ball that
passed through my head at the last battle
would have done its work; but it was not to
be so. My mind is somewhat influenced, for
it has come so sudden on me. Write to me
as soon as you get this; leave your letter open
and | will get 1t. Direct my name and rank
by way of Fortress Monroe. Farewell fare
well and hope it is all for the best. | re-
main yours until death,
al. w. SAWYER,
Captain LIST New Jersey Cavalry.