Danville Va May 15, 1863 4

           

"My dear Mother".

                        Being in doubt whether my first letter reached you I now write you a few lines. My first letter was written at "Gordonsville" informing you that I was a prisoner. I am well and in good spirits. After we were taken the next day were marched to "Orange Court House" and Monday were marched to Gordonsville and from there took the cars to Lynchburg where stopped till friday the 13^th when we were taken by rail to this place. we arrived here yesterday pm. There was about 2500 of us at Lynchburg. I am on the 3d story of an old tobacco warehouse. The weather has been rainy of late. We get no papers of any kind and therefore can get no news to rely on. I hope we will be paroled or exchanged soon I look on the bright side and hope for the best. Do not concern yourself about me. Please answer this immediately & direct to Capt. Hatch, commanding officer of exchange send My love to all kiss Eddie for me. from your Affect Son William

 

[verso]

 

The officers' prison is located at Macon and the principal depot for enlisted men is at Andersonville Georgia. Most of the citizens prisoners are at Salisbury NC. and Columbia SC.

 

All letters by flag of truce should be endorsed to Major General Butler commanding department of Virginia and North Carolina or to Major John E Milford Agent of Exchange. one page of letter paper is all that is allowed to be written and the contents of a personal nature. Ten cents in Union currency must be enclosed in each letter to pay postage inside the rebel lines

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