Published Works
Manuscripts
Biography & Correspondence
Criticism
Resources
Pictures & Sound
About the Archive
Correspondence
Letter from George Washington Whitman to Louisa Van Velsor Whitman, 8 May 1865 1
Head Quarters Prince St. Military Prison
Alexandria Va.
May 8th 1865
Dear Mother
I arrived here and joined the Regiment about ten days ago and was placed in command of this Prison.
I am very well, indeed but have plenty to do as I have about 300 Prisoners (mostly thieves, Bounty jumpers and Deserters) to look after. I have 100 of the men of our Regt. and 5 Officers here with me guarding the Prisoners.
There is about 20 Rebel officers here (Paroled Prisoners) but they are used very different from what we were, when we were in Rebeldom.
I saw Walt when I came through Washington, and I hear he was over to see me yesterday but did not find me. Well Mammy the war seems to be over, and I think the most of us will soon be sent home. It is now getting late (after Eleven O clock at night) and as I feel rather tired I will go through the Prison and see that all is right and then turn in. I sleep here in the building (I have a very good room) and take my meals at a Boarding house I pay 6 dollars per week for grub but dont live any of the best.
Good night to all.
Direct Capt G. W. Whitman
Comdng Prince St Military
Prison Alexandria Va
About the Text
The text presented here is derived from Jerome M. Loving, ed., The Civil War Letters of George Washington Whitman (Durham, North Carolina: Duke State University Press, 1975). For a detailed description of discrepancies between this electronic edition and the print source, see our statement of editorial policy .
The manuscript of this letter, dated May 8, 1865, is held in the Trent Collection of Walt Whitman Manuscripts, Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library .
For more information on the letters of George Washington Whitman, see Jerome M. Loving's introduction to the print edition.
Whitman Archive ID
duk.00366