Was organized the pile of docs I have accumulated during the past year and found a nifty little gem that was mailed to me on May 3, 2001 by Dr. Judith R. Logan of Portland, OR. She is a direct descendant of John Leroy Logan (we now know what the "L." stood for!!!), Captain, Co. G and later Colonel of the 11th Arkansas Infantry.

The docs consist of a brief bio/history of Colonel Logan written by his sister, Eunice Logan Arnold, which confirms his full name as being John Leroy Logan and his being born near Greenwood, SC on Feb. 14, 1833.

The other doc is a copy of a handwritten letter that then Captain Logan, Co. G, 11th Arkansas Infantry wrote to his wife, Mary Jane Dansforth Logan, from Camp Chase, OH on April 20, 1862. This after his capture/surrender at Island No. 10.

The letter is addressed as follows: "From Capt. J.L. Logan, a prisoner of war at Columbus, Ohio to his wife". My attempt at transcription of Capt. Logan's handwriting now follows:

Mrs. J.L. Logan
Abbeville
Lafayette Co. Miss.

Camp Chase near Columbus Ohio

April 20th 1862

Dear Jane:

I have written you fully all the particulars in regard to our surrender at Island 10 on the 8th Inst. 53 of my Company was included in the surrender, a list of which I herewith enclose -- have it published in the Ouachita Herald that all our friends may see it -- all the officers were separated from their Companies at New Madrid. My boy [sic] were all well when I left them. They will be sent to Chicago or Springfield, Ill. You must not take this misfortune of mine to [sic] much to heart. Many others are in the same condition: besides I am happy say [sic] that we have nothing to complain of us as [sic] regards treatment. We are quartered in houses with every thing furnished us that we could ask for. Were it not from the fact that we are prisoners of war and confined to the narrow limits of the Camp, we would feel quite easy (?). I make my self satisfied and bear my emprisment [sic] with as much patients [sic] as possible under the Circumstance, all I fear at all is sickness. I hope and pray that we may be exchange [sic] before the sickly Season of the year. My health at present is very good, all the mess composed of Capts Mays (?) and Matthews (?) are well. The greatest inconvenience I find is having no money that I can use. Confederate Bonds can not be use [sic] at all. I think I Shall be able to get some soon. Should come from Arks. to bring us money be sure to send me some (Gold). My sword is still at the Worsham House, Memphis. My trunk was left on a wharf boat in the hands of Mr. McDowell. I presume he will send it to Camden -- get my trunk and Sword and keep them until I am released. I would prefer your remaining at fathers until I get back but due [sic] as you think best. Kiss the Children and tell them where I am. I will have plenty of money to meet any arrangements you may make. Remember me to all our friends and relatives. Write me direct, you letter me thus Capt. J.L. Logan, a Prisoner of war, Camp Chase Ohio via Fortress Monroe. I send a stamp to pay the postage this side of the line.

Your Husband

J. L. Logan

After he was paroled on Nov. 10, 1862 and made Colonel of the 11th Arkansas Infantry, he commanded Logan's Cavalry Brigade outside Port Hudson, Louisiana during the Spring and Summer of 1863. The 11th Arkansas Infantry was consolidated with the 17th (Griffith's) Arkansas Infantry and the new 11th & 17th Arkansas Consolidated Infantry was mounted prior to that time.

Interested parties who might want to contact Dr. Logan in Oregon, please email/contact me initially and I will give you her snailmail and email addresses.

An image of Colonel John Leroy Logan and a brief history of the 11th & 17th Consolidated Arkansas Infantry can be perused at the URL given below.

y.o.s.,

Kenneth Byrd