Description:

Joseph Wheeler
Charlotte, NC, March 5, 1865
Former POW Writes to Gen. Wheeler for Leave Extension to Visit Family
ALS

A private letter written to Major General Joseph Wheeler by a former P.O.W. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 10", Charlotte, dated March 5, 1865. A letter from Lieutenant William H. Harris to General Wheeler, discussing his leave of absence and requesting approval for an extension to visit his family in Louisiana. Harris states that the extension was already unofficially approved by the Secretary of War. He also remarks on his prior incarceration at Johnson's Island prison and acknowledges Wheeler's attempts to free the men under his command from Northern prisons. Signed "Your friend truly, Wm H. Harrison/Lt. C.S.A." Docketed on the verso. The letter has flattened mail folds with creasing and wear at the upper edge and corners. Light toning throughout. Boldly signed.

Reading in part:
"I am on my way home on a leave of absence for thirty days, granted by the War Dept. I am aware that it will expire before I can reach Louisiana, where my wife & small family now are, but I was assured that it was the intention of the Secretary of War to allow me to visit my family. I was also assured (unofficially) that the Secretary of War would grant me an extension of Leave on your recommendation…I do not wish to stay beyond my limit, under any circumstances, withstanding the assurance from Officers high in position at Richmond, that the Authorities will connive at it in this instance. I have, during my long imprisonment, watched with no little pride & pleasure the career of your command & at the same time regretted that I could not be with you. I learned through the papers, North, of your efforts to release the Officers of your command in Northern Prisons. I am requested by those confined at Johnson's Island to say to you that they appreciate your efforts in their behalf. My health is much impaired, but a little time at home will recruit it sufficiently to enable me to return to the command & I will try more than ever, to do my duty in my humble station, wherever it may be."

Through our research, we found numerous soldiers named "William H. Harris" who were associated with Wheeler's Division Cavalry, so we are unable to concretely determine this man's background or future life after the war. We do know, from this letter, that he was held for a time at Union prison, Johnson's Island, located on the coast of Lake Erie, Ohio. Initially, Johnson's Island was the only Union prison camp exclusively for Confederate officers, but it eventually held lower ranks, political prisoners, spies, and more. Civilians who were arrested as guerrillas, or bushwhackers, were also imprisoned on the island. During its three years of operation, more than 15,000 men were incarcerated there.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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