Ashtabula weekly telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1880-1886, 1880-07-23
AFTER MANY YEARS.
CORRESPONDENTS BETWEEN SHERIFF STILES
AND CAPT. BROWN, "c.s a."

AMI iAfls BkDNN, 'Css "a
Captain A. W. Stiles was made prisoner
during he Rebellion, and was very hu-
manly and kindly treated By a certain.
rebel officer, whereabouts since the war Mrt
S, has tried in vain to learn till a shor
time ago when he wrote the following let,
ter to l.. NJ, Crosby, late Of Ashtabula,
new located at Staunton, Va.
l.. NJ. Crosby, ESQ, STAUYToy, Va,
DEAR SIRi-ln June, 1868, / was taken a
prisoner nf war ut Upperville, Va, and on
or about June %, 1863, started from Win
chester, Va, up the Valley for Richmond
via. Staunton. A Capt. Brown Of Staun-
ton had charge Of us. lie belonged to a
battalion OF cavalry which was at that
time acting as body guard to Gen. Robert
Lee.
| would like to know il Capt Brown is
now in StaVut0n or what became Of him
desire to thank him personally for his
Kindness and humanity to me, and, in fact
to all the boys with us. Should you hap
en- to see him ask him il he remembers the
cavalry orderly serg't who gave him the
sheet Of music at Winchester, among which
There was II serg't Peterson with Capt.
Brown who lived at Harrisburg, about one
mile ). h. uf the city, in a large white
house, which guarded short time when
FremOnts column first REACHED shat place
in June 1862. lie also was very kind to
US poor foot sore devils. lie agreed to
write to Inc if he lived through the war
and agreed to write to him, but never
did having lost his full address. II YOU
can without too much trouble, when in the
vicinity OF either of the above parties, make
enquiry and find them, please send me
their full name and address.
Very truly and sincerely yours,
A. W. STILES.
The letter was published in the Staunton
NRdieator, and the Editor stated that
Capt, Brown had moved to Georgia, and is
now mayor Of the town of Fort Valley, in
that State. Mr.. Stiles addressed a letter
to Capt, Brown, at that place, and received
the following response:
Fort VALLEY, Ga, May %, 1880.
CAPT. A. w. STILES, JEFFERSON, Ohio,
DEAR Sm:-Your unexpected, though
truly appreciated letter has just been re-
ceiYed and perused with much interest, as
a sad, yet pleasant reminder OF the unfor-
tunate past-of the late lamented war still
looming in memory's waste, but thanks be
now numbered among the things that
were. Ah' yes with pity do ! remember
the prisoners Of war committed to my
charge on the memorable march from Win
chester to Staunton, Va, in June, 1868 ;
how enjoyed their fine singing, and espec-
tally shall never forget the noble,
genllemanly orderly serg't, who kindly
presented me notes Of the heart awaken
ing, soul stirring music, blanche Alpen, 4"
which ! anXio9sly obtainQd for dear lady
friend, but was eventually debarred by
sad circumstances from ever hearing their
sweet execution,
BE assured, dear Sir, that your commun-
ication is hailed with pleasure, coming
from true patriot, which | must admire,
be he friend or foe, and bearing intelli-
gence Of the merrited approval Of my con-
duct, which | only regret could not have
been more sympathetic. Glad am that
your services have bpen appreciated, and
are being rewarded by your grateful coun-
trymen, IN that, you occupy the response
BILE position of Sheriff OF your county; for
| do believe that il there is class on earth
deserving superior honor, il is the faithful
soldiers that have fought and would have
died for their countrymen. Your enquire
the wereabouts of Serg't Dunlap and
McPheters. They both when left Vir-
ginia, resided near Staunton; have not
heard of their removal, and suppose they
are there yet. Though a native Virginian,
have made Georgia my permanent home
since the war, and have learned to love her
and her people with deep affection; and
they in turn have favored mo with several
offices Of trust and honor. II conclusion
let me ask, that you remember me with
hndest regards, and good wishes to all the
members Of your regiment with whom you
may be thrown in time, and particularly
are my best wishes bestowed upon you for
present and future happiness and prosper
ity. / shall be pleased to hear from you,
and have you visit me at any time, and
believe me, with great respect, your hum
BILE servant, L. B. BRowN,
Late Capt. Co. c, Gen. Lees Body Guard
c. S. Army. Gazette