Dated “Johnson’s Island, Ohio, May 26^th 1864”. To unidentified Union soldier friend. 1 Page, in ink, on lined paper, 9,875 x 7.875”. Exhibits slight yellowing and fold-marks, else VG & entirely legible.

Georgia born Lt. Thomas B. Ferguson, of Co. “D”, 14^th Ala. Infantry, Wilcox’ Brigade, was captured at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, while participating in Pickett’s Charge. This letter from a captured “Johnny Reb” to a “Billy Yank” friend in the field is highly unusual--extraordinary in the extreme. As for the writer, Thomas B. Fargason [1831-1918], surviving Johnson Island and the war and he became a minister. He was buried at Motley-Union Baptist Cemetery, Motley, Clay County, Ala. Letter text as follows:

“My Dear Friend….Yours of the 19^th has this day come to hand and I hasten to respond. I am truly sorry that you have to go into the field again, though I resume it is your choice. Since wrote you last, I have received some articles of clothing from a friend in Boston, so I am not particularly needing any just now. You have my grateful thanks for your kind offers to add to my comfort. I hope I shall not be under the necessity of calling upon you, but should it become necessary, I will certainly do so. You are quite small, too small to endure the hardships of camp life. I hope that you will escape all harm and that you may be permitted to return home at the expiration of your term of enlistment to cheer your dear old Father in his declining age. Should you become engaged with our veterans and war worn soldier down in Virginia, stand up and fight like a man. Hold your ground as long as possible, but should the tide of battle turn against you and you are likely to be captured, then lose no time, but get to the rear as fast as possible. Do not be captured if you can possible prevent. Prison life is too bad, especially down South. I have a wife and one little girl I am permitted to write and receive letters from them. My address I Mill Town, Ala. Should you be so unfortunate as to be captured, write to my wife, and no doubt she will do what she can for you. There is a Sutler’s establishment inside the prison, and we can purchase almost any article necessary for our well being, if we have money. Receive my thanks for the dollar and stamps. May God’s protecting care shield you from all harm/ Ever your true friend, Thomas B. Farguson.

An extraordinary POW letter from a member of the 14^th Alabama captured at Gettysburg. Superb collectible. Accompanied by a brief amount of research material.

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