Henderson May 21^st 1863

 

Dearest Wife   I wrote you last from Owensboro Daviess Co a few days af before I was captured I would have written before this had I not seen Clave Hall on my way down here who promised to call on you as soon as he reached home. I am comparatively comfortable having been well treated by officers & guard since my capture true being in prison is not the most enviable place in the world but I cannot look on my confinement with the same regret as I would was it the result of any other cause than my great desire to see you and our dear babes. I have been expecting every day to be sent from here to camp Chase Johnson’s Island or Louisville. If to the latter I/ want you to apply to General Boyle for the privilege of seeing me. I sent a note to Coleman some days ago telling him of my whereabouts & asked him to come & see me. He has not yet come. Why I am unable to say. Col Foster would grant him leave to visit me were he to apply. Wesley Coleman visited me twice while I was in Owensboro & treated me with a great deal of kindness. He proved a true friend for which I shall be forever grateful. Give yourself dearest no uneasiness on my account but trust & pray this most unnatural war may soon be brought to a close, that we may again be reunited never more to be seperated untill/ death. Watch over the intellect and morals of Magga & Charley teach them to be good children. “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” And if the Great “I Am” has decreed our seperation final on this earth may our released spirits be united in that upper and better country where war cruel relentless war is unknown but where Peace & Harmony rule supreme I will write again as soon as my destination is known when I will expect a good long letter from you

 

My love to Will & Susan Jimmy Uncle Leven & all my friends They are bringing in prisoners daily many of whom are political there are about 80 here at present/

 

Kiss the children for me and believe me I remain your Affectionate husband

until death

                                    Jn^o M^cLauchlan

 

[paper fold] news later

 

P.S. since writing the above I have been placed on a steamboat and am now on my way up the river where I do not know perhaps to Louisville this letter was declared contraband but why I do not know if I am sent to any other place I will write immediately on my arrival.                J.M

SOURCES