Block 8 Co 16 U.S. Military Prison

                                                        Johnson’s Island Ohio Dec 13^th 1864

 

            My Dear Cousin:

                                                Your most welcome favour of the 4^th inst. has been received & perused over & over again with delight. Nothing has afforded me so much pleasure since I have been confined on the cold & stormy shore of Johnson’s Island. Your kind offer, to assist me in my time of need, is more than enough to entitle you to my undieing gratitude; and whenever I remember you I will also remember your kindness, & adore you. My dear Cousin I have been confined a long time & have suffered much—in Body—Mind—& Soul. But, from the present prospects, my trials have but just begun. Continued hunger, I set down as the most severe punishment the body can endure I am satisfied that no one knows anything about it unless they have experienced it. During the time I have been here I have been unaided by any one & consequently have for a long time been a victim of the above punishment. It is necessary to gt the permission of the Chief Medical Officer of the Post before I can write for Provisions Though all such arriving, without having been written for, are delivered to the owner without difficulty. I hpe & pray that the arrangement which you spoke of will be successful. Please write again immediately. A few dollars would do me a great deal of good as I am entire without funds.                        Your Affectionate Cousin       G.W. Melvin

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