Two Letters Written by Confederate Soldier Thomas C. Hearn, 3rd Florida Infantry, Johnson's Island POW Camp
Lot of 2 letters written by Lieutenant Thomas C. Hearn (1842-1868) during his imprisonment at Johnson's Island. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Hearn mustered into Company F of the 2nd Florida Infantry on July 9, 1861 and was later transferred to Company F of the 3rd Florida. He was captured in Nashville, TN on December 16, 1864.
ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., "Johnson's Island US Military Prison." December 25, 1864. Addressed to Mrs. M.E. Sutton. Writing to his mother thirteen days after his capture, Hearn states, "For the first time since my capture have I an opportunity of writing. Since my last to you, I have changed my base considerably farther northward, having been captured in front of Nashville on the 16th of this month. Do not grieve over my absence. Am faring splendidly, in good health and am well protected against the cold. Have met over a hundred friends. . . you must not look on the dark side of my capture but remember that everything happens for the best."
ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., "Blk 8 Mess 1 US Military Prison Johnson's Island." March 31, 1865. Addressed to Mrs. M.E. Sutton. In his second letter to his mother since his capture, Hearn writes, "It will soon be four months since I was captured and during that period not one word have I heard from home. . . Feel no uneasiness in regard to my welfare. Am comfortably clad, having received clothing from Nashville and get plenty to eat." Hearn seems somewhat distressed by the slow pace of mail from the South, asking, "Can't you write by 'truce' through Jacksonville? . . . Sherman has played the mischief with the roads so it seems. His time for success I firmly believe is coming surely to a 'finale.' He can't be lucky always." Hearn also mentions that "quite a number" of his fellow prisoners have "taken the Oath of Allegiance here and been released from prison. None from Florida. . .Exchange progresses slowly and there are yet some fifteen hundred ahead of me. The oldest imprisoned are taken first."
Hearn himself took the Oath of Allegiance on June 16, 1865. He died three years later in New York.
Condition:
Both with staining and small separations
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