Johnson’s Island, June 25, 1865
My dear Mother, I wrote you at length by F. Blois, who has
probably delivered it (?). Fleming was to leave N. Y.
yesterday, & he too will probably see you before this reaches
you. I have nothing to add to the accounts they will
give you. My health is as good as ever, & the living
fair. (The next sentences are impossible to read clearly.)
I have probably explained that (?) announced the
purpose to make regulations for the release of F.officers,
as soon as the inferior grades were disposed of. If it intends
to keep its word, it must do so very soon. Dr. Caylor
wrote me, having received your letter. Mother, I am very
sorry you did that. I will explain when I see you.
I have not answered his letter. Mr. McCalla also writes
us. Him I have answered & told him to proceed. But
they have no notion of what they ought to do to affect
anything. I’ve put Mr. M on the task to (?), if he is
not anticipated by a yes (?) order. If he fails (?) an order
does not come, I shall write to the New Gov. & Dist. Judge of
Geo, both of them acquaintances, perhaps I may say friends.
Don’t think me indifferent to his situation. On the contrary, I am
full of anxiety about it. (?) satisfied, though I can’t explain
myself now, that everything I do in (?) present condition is
with the highest motives & upon consideration of what
is best. A letter from Mrs. Smith informs me of E’s release.
(?) Hays writes me about clothes etc. My love to all. Yrs Affly,
Wm. S. Basinger
Archive for April, 2013
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Mother, June 25, 1865
April 24, 2013In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Mother, June 16, 1865
April 22, 2013
Johnson’s Island, June 16, 1865
My dear Mother,
I have just received yours of the 8th,
informing me of the death of George & Tupper. I was
not surprised to hear of it. Poor fellows, I fear they
suffered greatly. However dark the designs of Heaven
may seem to us now, perhaps they will not have
fallen in vain.
I do not know whether all my letters
have reached you. I’ve written so many I cannot
identify them. Yesterday I wrote to my sister by
Yates Seay, who was released. Fleming & Fred Blois,
of my room, leave to-day. The latter will take this, &
both will see you perhaps. They will explain my
attitude on the oath question. Your letters all show
that you do not understand the situation. It is
necessary to do right, whatever happens. Heaven
knows that I’ve no desire to remain here a moment
longer than I can help. Though I cannot contemplate
without a shudder a return to a life (?) and
miserable as the life of all (?) men must be in the
new order of things.
I have thought of leaving the country
forever, but incline latterly to the opinion that we
ought not to leave to their wretched fate the
maimed men & the desolate women & children. It
seems to me we cannot abandon them. Nevertheless,
the state of things may prove intolerable; & with a
view to that Maj. Stiles & I have projected a
visit to Canada, if we can get the money. I wish
to see what prospects of success in the practice
of my profession are there. I do this the more
readily because were I at home now I could
do nothing. As that will be the case for some
time to come, I propose, if possible, to stop on
my return, whether we go to Montreal or not,
to stop at Newcastle to see Miss Read, at Balti-
more to see where those poor boys were buried,
at Washington to see Mrs. Smith, & in Virginia.
All this, if I can get the money. That I must
have. I am in rags, & cannot travel anywhere
thus.
I have not refused Mrs. Smith’s offers. I
had sent to N. York for clothes & money before
receiving her letter. I told her that, & that if I
failed to get them, I would call on her. But
she offered only under-clothing, of which I am
not so much in want . That she understood me
properly appears from the fact that she sends me
a paper now & then as I asked her.
But I am writing as if any
(?) were certain. On the contrary, as Blois
will explain to you, it is only those below the
rank of Major they are releasing, & we have no in-
formation of any (?) regarding the
rest of us. But in any event I protest against
your falling into a depressed state of mind. The
calamity is fearful, & the ruin, I know, universal.
We cannot accomplish anything by sinking under
the sorrow. Cheerfulness is now an absolute es-
sential. We will yet find a way out of this
valley of the shadow of death. But I must
reserve what I have to say till I see you.
It is reported that all hands are
to be released by the 4th (?). If so, you may
look for me about Aug. 1st. I cannot but
think it likely Eddie is with you, as they must
have begun to release the prisoners there simul-
taneously with it here.
I have forgotten to mention
before that I had reason to think George was
engaged to a young lady near Mattoax, & George
Turner also. Eddie will know more than I do.
My love to my sister & Aunt A. & Uncle C. if
he has arrived.
Affly Yours,
Wm. S. Basinger
Ask Mr. Brigham, or some friend who has not behaved im-
properly, if I may draw for necessary funds if I am
obliged to do so, & how. A better way will be for him, if he
will, to arrange with the Steamship agents at New York
to supply my wants. I think I had better
go there first. If Mrs. Hoover had (?) her-
self about one, I would be glad to know where
to find her; as it is, her address is of no value to
me. If Mr. Brigham is not there, ask Mr. Padelford.
John Screven will be able to arrange it for me, &
do not hesitate to call on him & say I asked you to.
I will write to him I think. A couple of hundred
will cover all my wants. If Screven is away, ask
Wallace Cumming.
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Mother, June 11, 1865
April 15, 2013Johnson’s Island
June 11, 1865
My dear Mother – I was as much pleased as sur-
prised to hear of the arrival of Mearing (?) with
your mare. If you’ve not yet reposed of her, I
suggest that you get some one to keep her for the
moderate use of her for the present. Riley, for exam-
ple, Lieut. of City Police, who did that for one (?).
But if your associates make it absolutely necessary,
I should think you could repose of her to advan-
tage. Nevertheless, I should be very sorry to miss her,
if you will get one have her again, for I became very
much attached to her. The money letters arrived
safely. I hope you’ve received my acknowledgment of them
on this. The news about Tupper & Smith gives me great pain.
And Elliott & Guerard too! And poor Wade & Kreeger!
Yet it will not have been in vain; it never is to suffer
or perish in a good cause. You seem to think it is in
my power to obtain my release at my will. If so, you
are mistaken. I suppose a day will come when I shall
be set free; but be assured that however high a
value Mr. Johnson may set on the “honor & dignity” of the
U. S., I value (?) much more. And I shall cer-
tainly sacrifice not a jot of it. I do not know what
regulations will be made in regard to field officers;
they may be such as I can’t comply with. But I
beg you to remember that there are things worse
than imprisonment or even death. All of the
prisoners under the rank of Major are to be released
on the oath of allegiance. Upwards of 200 leafe
tomorrow. I will yet have one of them who is to
pass through Savannah to call on you.
Should I be released, I have some
idea of going to Canada with Robt. Stiles for a
little while. But whether I do that or not, I wish
to pass through N. York n my return, through
Newcastle, Del. to see Miss Read, Washington to
see Mrs. Smith, Baltimore to look after those
poor wounded lads, & to stop a few days in
Virginia. But all this is premature.
I’ve found a good friend in Robt.
Stiles (the parson’s oldest son). He is indeed a
noble fellow. Mr. Girardeau is here, a prisoner.
He preaches every Sunday, sometimes on other
days, & quite equals the promise he gave when
we heard him in our church long ago.
Write often, & let me know as
much as you can of what is going on. The letter
sent by Screven was a long time reaching you.
What do you think of the photograph? Give him
my regards, & my love to my sister & Aunt A.
The former’s letter in which she referred to Uncle
C. came to hand. Find out from Dillon about our
fellow soldiers & tell me. Affly Yours,
Wm. S. Basinger
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Mother, June 1, 1865
April 12, 2013U. S. Mily. Prison, Johnson’s Island
June 1, 1865
My dear Mother – Yours of the 14th May with the check for
$25 arrived this morning; that is, it reached me. The $5 was
also recd. I feared the state of things was such that it would
embarrass you to spare anything for me, & have tried to manage
with a friend in N. York. If I succeed, will let you know.
Do not assume (?) until you hear from me again. Wm. Rail-
ford was released the other day. He promised to see you
& to deliver a message which I could not send in writing.
I see no prospect of being released just now, though some
go daily. When you see Pres. Johnson’s proclamation, you will
understand that prisoners of war are excepted. But I may as
well leave this subject as long as I can’t express myself
freely. Give my love to Dillon. Tell him Genls. Ewell & Lee
desired me to communicate to the surviving officers & men
of my Battln, their thanks for what they denominate the “splendid conduct”
of the command. I heard a day or two ago that the men at
Pt. Lookout were all well. Mrs. Smith wrote me recently,
offering clothing etc. As I sent by Railford to the friend
in N. York for some, I will not write to her until I hear
from him. But tell me how she is related; I’ve forgotten,
& don’t know how to write. I have written to Pearson
since finding out he is at Ft. McHenry, which Mrs.
Smith told me. I am sorry to hear of Blois’ death. Fred
Blois is one of my room-mates. My love to all.
Affly Yrs, Wm. S. Basinger
(There is a P. S. that I cannot read clearly, something about a letter written between
a range of dates have not come to hand.)
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Cousin Edwin Pearson Starr, June 1, 1865
April 11, 2013U. S. Mily. Prison, Johnson’s Island
June 1, 1865
Dear Pearson – I heard a few days ago you are
at Ft. McHenry, but delayed writing because
I was expecting a letter from mother. It came
today, dated the 15th (?). She says “Charles is
not yet arrived”, from which I infer he is
expected. Dillon got home the 14th, on a (?)
but doing well. Blois died in Washington. Smith
& Tupper are in hospital at Annapolis. The un-
wounded men are at Point Lookout. I heard a
few days ago they were all well. But did you
ever hear of such destruction? One loss was 62
(?) But if destroyed, the Battln finished glori-
ously. Whatever little (?) annoyance we
may have had, they fade from my recollection
as I think of that closing scene. Genls Ewell &
Lee desired me to communicate to the survivors
their thanks for what they were pleased to call
their “splendid conduct.” Write & tell me whatever
you hear from home or of any of our officers &
men. (?) is here. I see no prospect yet of release.
I want presented myself a candidate for Mr.
Johnson’s pardon. But understand that I consider
that fairly an open question. I blame no one
who does. But I can’t give you my views pro or
con in a letter subject to surveillance, as it
would probably not reach you. Remember, in
writing, not to send a page of this size direct
to me by my rank as, Prisoner of War, Johnson’s
Island. Mrs. Mary A. Smith, (a cousin of your
father), Corner 14th (19th?) & I Street, Washington City,
has written to a friend in Baltimore to aid you
in the matter of clothing etc.
Yours Affly
Wm. S. Basinger
Lt. E. P. Starr
Pris. of War
Ft. McHenry
*****
William Starr Basinger does not know that Smith and Tupper are deceased, which we already know from Edwin Pearson Starr’s letter to Basinger’s mother on May 24, 1865.
In the reference to the letter from Basinger’s mother Jane Susan Starr Basinger, she mentions “Charles”. Charles Henry Starr is her brother, and Edwin Pearson Starr’s father. Charles Henry Starr dies the following year in 1866.
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: William Starr Basinger Writes To His Mother, May 21, 1865
April 9, 2013U. S. Military Prison, Johnson’s Island
May 21, 1865
My dear Mother – Your letter of the 7th, with its
enclosure, reached me a few days ago. It is the first
news I’d had of you, direct or indirect, since the letter
sent by Mrs. M. in February. Though you mention as much,
I presume you are all well. I have written several
times since that from Petersburg, & hope some have been
received ere this. I have not heard yet from Mrs. Hoover; &
indeed, as you may suppose, would hesitate to receive
(?). There is no probability of my being paroled, though
some have been liberated on those terms (?) since my arrival
here. The proclamations of the Pres. of U. S., now daily
expected, will probably make known what is to become
of those, who, like myself, prefer awaiting it to a sacri-
fice of honor & duty. An oath, since it ought to be ob-
served, is not to be taken lightly. In the meantime, I
must renew my request for money, since former letters
may not have reached you. I need everything, & would
be in a situation really deplorable but for the kindness
of fellow prisoners. I understand the difficulties, of(?)
course, which command (?) you; (?) that you (?) my
name, if necessary, in procuring what I need. But should
you do so, pray be careful to whom you resort. I saw a “Repub
-lican” some days ago with a list of my killed & wounded, which
was not correct. I’ve sent you correct lists. Eddie, I suppose, is
at Ft. Delaware; I wish he were here with me. Have you heard
from Uncle C. Love to all. Affly Yrs – Wm. S. Basinger.
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: A Letter to Lizzie Basinger From Lizzie Smith, May 27, 1865
April 9, 2013Washington City, May 27, 1865
My Dear Lizzie,
In the box you
will find a black skirt. The plaid
muslin is intended for a lady to
wear (?) with it. We now regret that we
sent you as light a bonnet for you
may be wearing as deep mourning as
your Mother and Cousin Adeline. If
you are, write me and I will send
a piece of black silk in an envelope
and you can cover the frame with it.
Virginia went to Baltimore this morn-
ing. I am sorry she can not see Edwin
but she hopes to communicate with
him.
The white bodice (?) that they wear here
with colored skirts we (?) made in the
old white bodice you will find in the
box. Mother has I believe told Cousin
Adeline about the making and lining
the black bodices. We do not wear any
whalebones in them. I think if you will
all try them that way, you will find them
very pleasant for summer wear.
Mother has written to your Mother
and Cousin Adeline.
I should be glad to hear from
you any time.
Mother and the girls join me in much
love to you.
(?) affectionately
Lizzie S. Smith
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: A Letter To Jane Basinger, May 27, 1865
April 8, 2013
Washington City
May 27th 1865
Dear Jane
I received your
letter and was glad to hear
from you but sorry to hear
that you were suffering with
rheumatism. I wrote to Annie
Hoover (?) (they are at Libety Springs).
Jonah has no influence with
this administration and is
very sure that he can do nothing
towards getting the young men
released. I wrote yesterday
to the commanding officer at
Johnson’s Island and to
William also. I hope to hear
from him in a few days and
will do what I can to relieve
his wants (that is if they will
allow me to). I wrote to a
very dear friend in Baltimore
about Edwin. She sent her
son to the hospital but Edwin
had been removed to Fort
McHenry. He went there, –
they would not allow him to
see him but said he might
write to him or send him
some clothes. I made up my
my mind to try to get a fass
from the Sect. of War and if I
could, to take one of my daughters
and go up to see him. I learned
this afternoon that it was im-
possible to get one. One of my
daughters went to see Gen. Harden (?)
and he told her he was very
sorry but he could not give
her a pass as the Sect. would
not allow persons to visit the
prisoners at this time unless
they were very sick or very
badly wounded. He said the
oath would be offered to them
in two weeks and if they would
take it they would be released
Which he thought they all
might as well do, as it was
all over now. He was very kind
and gentlemanly. I think it
is likely my daughter Virginia
will go up to Baltimore Monday
and go out to the Fort. She
can then send a note to him
and wait there for an answer.
If I hear anything I shallwrite you again.
I hope this may find you
up and about.
The girls join me in love to
you. Hoping to hear from you
soon.
I remain
Your Cousin (?)
Affectionately
In Search Of Lawtons & Basingers: E. P. Starr Writes To His Aunt, May 24th, 1865
April 7, 2013Fort McHenry (Wednesday)
May 24th 1865
My Dear Aunt,
I have written you
frequently lately. My business now
is to inform you that George
Smith is no more. He died at
this place yesterday afternoon.
I got to the Hospital in time
to see him breathe his last –
too late for him to know who
I was. He had gangrene in his
wound, besides inflammation of
the bowels which was more ob-
stinate than the former.
Wed P. M. – I have just returned from
the Hospital, poor Fred Tupper died
one hour ago. My Battation has
lost more officers in the last fight.
Love to all. Too sad to write
more.
Your Aff Nephew
E. P. Starr
In Search of Lawtons & Basingers: Eddie Writes To His Aunt, May 31, 1865
April 5, 2013
Fort McHenry (?), May 31, 1865
My Dear Aunt;
I have heard from you
once, which I answered immediately.
I have been compelled to write to our
cousins in Washington, Virginia,
daughter of Mrs. Smith came here
to see me, but was only permitted
to gaze at me in the prison door.
No words passed between us.
She left me a bunchof cigars
and a few boxes of sardines.
Also the paper I am writing
on. They appear to be very
anxious to relieve my wants.
I have written to Mr Webb
several times but have
received no answer. There
are fourteen (rats?) in my apart-
ment, the cock-left of an old
government stable – lice and
bed-bugs & rats are largely in the majority.
I am in very good health and
spirits, but no little prospect
of my getting out for some
time. I have written to Cousin
Peter Pearson to do what he
could for me in Washington.
Have you heard any thing
of father, I anxiously await
some news of him. Do you
know if Silver Stream is
occupied? I do not expect
to call it mine again.
The President’s proclamation
is out, but prisoners of war
are excepted from its benefits
while in confinement. God
knows what will become
of us. I recd a letter from
Cousin Mary yesterday, said
she had written to Cousin
William – poor fellow. I feel
sorry for him, if he is treated
as me and I wish I could
open my heart to you now,
but must acknowledge that
I am afraid. I expect to
send this letter through by
Capt Walker of the 64th Ga
Regt, who will probably be
released this afternoon.
He has been in arrest for
five months with a parole
in his pocket. There are more
of the same here with on excep-
tion. They have no certificate
of parole. Give my love
to Those of my command
that have reached Savh, also
to Cousin William (Basinger?)
and others that may be with
them. We occupy a room 30 x 20
and not allowed to leave it
without a sentinel, & only one of
us at a time. We can not
go beyond the door sill. I
hope you have entirely
recovered from your
rheumatism. Give my
best love to Aunt & Cousin.
I will endeavor to bear
up under all difficulties
and lean upon One whom
I can trust. Will you in
your close worship
and prayer meetings, ask
a blessing for your poor
nephew. Farewell & God be with
us all.
Your Aff Nephew
Eddie
What has become of Mrs. Hugenin
& John Thomas. If they are
in Savh, give them my best
respects. Also Jack Dillon
if alive.
E.P.S.