This collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet ("Hallie"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.
James Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet ("Hallie," to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.
In 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as "formerly a Captain in the C.S.A." and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.
Although Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, "Belle Coil," in Fauquier County.
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James H. Jameson Civil War letters, 1864. MS 0252. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
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Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.
Point Lookout Hospital
5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864
My dear Daughter
I intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents & tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me.
Yours devotedly, James H. Jameson.
Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.
The money has come safely.
Point Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864
My Dear Daughter-
I wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents
came safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred & [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately,
James H. Jameson.