This is a copy of a letter that my G-G-Grandfather wrote while he was a POW at Camp Douglas. Because of this Web Site I now know that a copy is on file at the museum located in Dover Tennessee the site of the battle of Fort Donelson. Joe Allport suggested that I post a copy of the letter as it might be of interest to the desendents of other POW's from Camp Douglas. I also want to thank all of you for your help with my research.

July 12,1862

Camp Douglas
Mr. Bruuel Jackson,
Dear Friend,

I seat myself this evening to write you a few lines. I am well at this time that I am writing, and hope that this will find you enjoying the same blessing. I wrote to Willis, some two months ago but have not recieved no answer yet. I would be glad to hear from you and much glader to see you and I hope that I will see you soon.

I would like to get away from here very much on any terms for this is a very hard and tiresome place. I think if I ever get out of this scrape it will be good schooling for me. Though we get plenty to eat, such as it is, we are entirely destitute of vegetables. Though we try to make out the best we can, hoping that there will be a better day coming.

There are about ten thousand men here, although we are very well clothed, and we have good houses to stay in. There about 80 men in out house. We have plenty of room to get about and take some exercise here. The health of the prisoners here is tolerable good. I have heard they die as many as 16 a day but now about 4 to 5 a day. For my part, I have just had 2 severe spells since I have been here, but my health is very good just now and I am fatter now that ever you saw me before.

I was very sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Jackson. I was very much surprised to hear of it. I always thought a great deal of her and I know that Elizabeth and Franklin lost a friend when she died, though our friends have to die as well as our enemies. I want you to do your best part with Bettie and Frank as you have always done. I hope that we will both live to see them raised and all of the rest of the small children. This is a world of trouble, I hope the trouble will not last much longer.

Give my best love to Willis and his wife, and tell him I would like to hear from him. Also give my respects to Eliza and Puss and the rest of the family. Give my respects to Mr. White and family, tell him I would be glad to hear from him.

Mr. Jackson you have no idea how glad I would be to be there to tell you of the sufferings and privations that I have met with since I last saw you. I often think of the happy times that we have seen in the past. I sometimes wonder if we will ever enjoy those happy days again. I hope we will. I want you to write to me and let me know how all the times are and how you are getting along. You need not think that we can not get letters because we are in prison. If you only mail them, and direct them to me at Camp Douglas, Co. G, 50th Tenn. Regt. in care of Commander of Post, they will be sure to come. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to get a letter from my old friends and if we never meet again on this earth I hope that we will meet in that happy region in the next world where there is parting no more.

If you see any of my folks tell them that I am well. I heard from Missouri yesterday. She is well and all the others and I hope that they and you all will keep well until I see you again.

I must now close. You must all be sure to write to me. Give my respects to all inquiring friends, your friend until death.

Love to all,

Mat Hall