Daily Missouri Democrat, St. Louis, Missouri, August 31, 1861

Twenty-second Regiment Hospital
Bird’s Point, Mo. August 22, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

I little dreamed when I left you, that my first letter would be written from this place under such peculiar circumstances. But such is the fate of war. I am here a prisoner and wounded, and very kindly treated, however, and have the best of medical assistance. I was shot in the leg accidentally after the command surrendered. Fred Penney was also wounded in the leg by the same discharge; he is in the hospital with me and is doing well, his being only a flesh wound. I cannot give you particulars at present. We were not in the fight at Charleston, having been detailed as picket guard the day before. I had command of the expedition, which was composed of elements from different companies, numbering forty-four in all, thirty-three of whom were captured, eleven of which belonged to my company. We were taken by surprise, nearly all of us being asleep. I regret the occurrence very much, this being my first adventure. Had I been more vigilant, the result would, perhaps, have been different, but it is useless now to regret what cannot be helped. I hope in the future to be able to atone for the past. Our boys are well cared for and in good spirits, so I have been informed by Mr. Knapp, who has furnished me with a list of the names. They are in Cairo. I will be sent to the Brigade Hospital at Cairo. Tell all friends, that I will do all I can to have the boys exchanged as soon as possible. They will be held, as I am informed, and treated as prisoners of war. For my own part, I am treated with every degree of respect and kindness. My wound is not dangerous, but will require several weeks, or perhaps months, to heal. I do not know how many of our company were killed or wounded at the battle of Charleston. If you have any correct account of it please send it to me. I am very anxious to hear. Our men did badly throughout the whole fight, only one of the enemy was killed and but six or seven wounded, and none badly. I cannot understand how all should have missed; it was certainly an unlucky day for us. One thing is evident, we have estimated the enemy too lightly. The Federal army is composed of better material than we have generally supposed. I have not the least idea how long I shall be detained here. I cannot tell you now whether you would be allowed to visit me or not. Write me or telegraph. Your letter will, of course, be read before it reaches me. Parties who have friends here can send anything they choose. Col. Wallace, commanding this post, informs me that a messenger coming for the benefit of the prisoners will be kindly treated and allowed to return. He must not, however, be connected with the army. I have received the kindest of attention from the ladies of the hospital. Were it not for being a prisoner of the Federal army, I should feel as though I was among my best friends. Do not give yourselves any uneasiness on my account.

Your son,
Albert A. Woodard
[1st Lt, Co A, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Division, Missouri State Guard]

Note: Woodard did indeed atone for his neglect, for he later was killed in action while commanding Company D, 2nd & 6th Infantry Regiment, at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, in 1864.