December 30 1863

Johnsons Island

Sandusky Ohio

Dec 30^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Your kind favor of the 24^th came to hand on yesterday 29^th. I was delighted to again hear from you and all at home. in you letter I found enclosed one envelope & five stamps for which accept my thanks. I wrote to you a few days ago in which I stated that I was quite unwell. I am now nearly recovered again it was the longest spell of sore throat I have ever had I think my throat is slightly affected but I am not certain. in that letter and I think it was written a day or two after writing to Gus, I stated that I wished you to see Bowers and tell him to send the box if he would, as I thought it was a false rumor as clothing continued to arrive here, so if you did not receive that letter you may now do so. Dear Sallie I know you are all placed in an unenviable position and as regards your having to leave, I do not think it will be as bad for you fear it will. but if your Ma should be turned out and should leave you of course must go with her. I hardly think it advisable to leave too soon would that I was in Richmond I would certainly send for you and my dear children and place you in some place more pleasant than where you are now. I see no possible chance of exchange. When you receive this I shall have been a prisinor six months. how much longer God knows would I be of some help to you all, give my love to your Ma and all home kiss my little girls, remember me to all who may enquire good bye from your affectionate Husband

Henry

see Bowers directly

December 24th 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Dec 24^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Your favor of the 17^th came to hand last evening I was glad to hear from you but quite sorry to hear that you all were in so much trouble but I trust it will not be as bad as you think. it is strange they will not allow you to send me a box of clothing but if Bowers can send me that will be sufficient I have written to Cousin Augustine Moore requesting him to send me some money or clothing if Bowers should send me a pr of shoes tell him to send eights or nines. Tomorrow is Christmas day no doubt you will spend a lonely one. I certainly shall how many more shall come and go and we separated God grant this may be the last. I am suffering with sore throat again and have been for five or six days also with fever having high fever all night. The doctor burnt my throat this morning and I hope soon to be well again. I have not been well many days since I have been a prisinor and fear I shall not be entirely well for a long time sometimes I think my constitution is not as good as when I left home but I shall be a better man when released from prison give my love to your Ma, Joe, Fannie, & Ebby. kiss my little girls for me remember me to all who may inquire of me good bye from your affectionate Husband Henry

do not trouble yourself about the pictures you will need the money

December 15th 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Tuesday evening Dec 15^th 1863

Dear Sallie,

Yours of the 10^th I received this afternoon and hasten to reply. Thanks to the good Lord I am again enjoying good health and trust it may continue so. I wrote to you on Sunday last not in answer to any letter of yours, but because I wished to let you know how I was getting on. yours of the 1^st I answered, you can tell Bowers I have received no letter from him and feel sorry that it should have been miscarried but that I appreciate the kindness as much as if I had received the money, tell him to send me some smoking tobacco if he can possibly get it. any kind as I expect it is hard to get and I will be obliged to him and so Shell has received the money well I expect he needed it much. I stated in my answer to yours of the 1^st to send me some stamps occasonaly do not forget it. I am glad t learn your Pa is looking so well it is strange I do not hear form him as Bowers has spoken about sending me clothing I will try him, as I want an overcoat. you need not mention it to him in fact do not say anything to him about the tobacco either, as I will write to him. I will write and send it by the same mail, if when you receive this he has not heard from me tell him I have written give my love to your Ma and all home kiss Ida & Lucy for me Yours Henry

December 5th 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Dec 5^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

I have just received yours of the 1^st and it afforded me much pleasure to hear from you all. I still continue to improve and hope soon to be in good health. I do not need the shawl you spoke of as I have plenty of bed clothing. a few days ago it was rumored that no more clothing would be allowed to be received here and I wrote you a few lines telling you to send the box and I would run the risk, this was after my first letter to you telling you to send them, I find now that clothing will be allowed to come. I need not state again what to send, about the pictures, I do not wish you to put yourself to any trouble about them if it is not convenient. although I musn’t blame you for not sending them twelve months ago if you can send the box put in a little smoking tobacco if you can get it I have written one or two letters to young G. Bain but have not heard from him he might have it and would send it. what is Joe Lennon doing keeping store you spoke in your last about having money due you rather than have you take in work for the sake of sending it to me in any form. I will go without clothes, Pictures, and everything. kiss my little darlings for me my love to you Ma, and all home Yours Henry

December 2nd 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Dec 2^d 1863

Dear Sarah,

Knowing you would like to hear how I am getting on I thought it best to pen you a few lines. I am since doing very well and trust I shall soon be well once more, I have still a slight pain in my shoulder but it seems to be wearing off and I hope by the time I hear from you again it will be entirely disappeared, in my lst I spoke of you sending me some clothes I have heard lately that they intended stopping all boxes of clothing untill farther orders from the department it may be a rumor but if you can send the box do not let that stop you as I will run the risk of getting it. but if you should intend sending the pictures send them through the Post Office and not in the box as I would rather have the box than the pictures how is Lucy well I hope give my best love to all home and to all who may inquire of me we have had cold weather with us lately, your affectionate husband Henry A Allen

(Kiss Ida & Lucy)

November 19 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Nov. 19^th 1863

Dear Sallie,

yours of the 19^th I have just received and hasten to reply I was not expecting a letter from you to day as I wrote to you the first of the week and would have written sooner but was quite sick at the time I received your letter. I think I stated in my last that I was quite sick with Rheumatism and had to be moved about but thanks to the good Lord I am up again although not well. I think myself quite fortunate in getting up so soon and with proper care hope soon to be well again. do not make yourself uneasy about me. I often wished for you dear Sallie while sick but could not have you with me it would have been a pleasure indeed. yesterday John Lewis received the pictures of his wife and three children taken in a case and sent through Post office, next to seeing you all I would rather have your pictures above all things, in this would if you can possibly send me my thick coat and pants with a vest do so I mean my ribbed coat those and some socks are all I want you will have to pay the express on them when they start get some gentlemen to attend to it for you do not trouble yourself about it if not convenient. I must close now kiss the children fro me my love to your ma and all home and to all friends from your affectionate Husband

Henry A Allen

go and see Mrs Lewis

October 27 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Oct 27^th 1863

Dear Sallie.

I have just received your last of the 23^rd inst I wrote you a few lines on Sunday as I felt in a writing mood at the time, I was not expecting one from you to day and was delighted on receiving it. I am sorry I spoke about Aunt Mary in my last and feel satisfied she misunderstood you. I would not mention it to her although when I saw her letter it made me feel a little vexed. I expect Mary Eliza has seen quite a hard time on her way to Rich. I hope she has arrived in safety ___ this, and so Mrs Brown is in the Hospital. I am glad to hear it as she is with Jim, and can do much good who do you mean little Jim or his Pa had the fall, rather a severe mishap I was not aware Grey (?) was in Ports. I do not want anything in the clothes line but Socks and Vest. if I have fit to send if not do not bother about it, as I told you if I should need Coats & pants I can let you know, I am much better than when I last wrote and will I trust soon be hearty again I must now close give my love to your ma, Joe & Fanny, and Ebba, if she is with you remember me to all friends & relatives kiss the children for me. from your Affectionate Husband

Henry A Allen

October 25 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sunday Oct 25^th 1863

Dear, Dear Sallie.

This being a damp disagreeable day and not being able to go out to avail myself of the opportunity to write you a few lines knowing you would like to hear how I was getting. I have been quite sick and now while writing suffer with my throat. but thanks to the good Being I trust soon to be well again at least in a few days. I stated in answer to your last that I was sick with sore throat, fever, and violent head ache. it is true I have not been sick long but for the time it was severe. Dear Sarah, what a pleasure it would be for me to be with you and my dear children this holy sabbath day. yes to be with you and to know that this cruel war was over, to know there would be no more hardship, pain, and death, to know that we would never more be parted, yea it would be pleasure indeed, but to turn the leaf here in prison no chance of exchange and when exchanged not to see you is it not hard. even if exchanged it may be a long long time before we shall meet if we all should be spared but cheer up put on a bold heart and it will be yet as we would wish. Sallie you have often said in your letters to me that you did not want for anything and never to fell uneasy about you that you could always get along. I fear from what Aunt Mary stated in her letter to me that it has not been always the case but that you speak so for the purpose of cheering me up it makes me indeed sad to think that I can be of no assistance to you. if what I expect has been the case do not keep it from me. I again ask you not to send me money as I can make out and I know you cannot. as dearly as I would prize the pictures I am willing to give up that pleasure rather than deprive you of one cent. but if at any time you should feel able you could have a Photograph taken and send it in a letter I think it is a kind of prepared paper it is taken on. you must try and see Mrs Vermillion Dennis’s widow she is living in P. at Another house John V hears from her often and she spoke of going to see you I reckon she seldom visits. she always speaks of me in her letter to John I have written to young G Bain, Gus B Shell, & several others but have received no answer my love to your Ma and all the family Yours Henry

October 23 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Oct 23^d 1863

Dear Sarah,

Yours of the 17^th I have just received one month to day since you wrote your last. I have been very uneasy since I received Aunt Mary’s letter in which she stated you had been quite sick, but I trust as this reaches you, you will be entirely recovered. I am at this time quite sick suffering with sore throat, high fever, and head ache, and that is something I have never been troubled with before. last night was a miserable one with me and I could not rest. I have been a little better to day. I suppose Mary Eliza will go to Richmond. I have received two letters from your Pa I answered them and told him not to trouble himself farther in regard to the money, I have written to Mr Dongan you will continue to send me money you must not do it because I know you have none to spare therefore so not send me any more as I can make out very well. I suppose you will remain with your Ma. I do wish you were with your Uncle, do you know what county he lives in. I have written to Shell & Gus Bilisoly some time ago but have received no answer. I must now close give my love to your Ma and all at home kiss my little girls and tell them I would like much to see them remember me to all my friends hoping soon to hear from you I remain your affectionate husband Henry A Allen

there was seventy five in the letter instead of fifty as you stated

October 14 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Oct 14^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Your last received was dated Spt 23^d and I could not imagine why it was that I have not heard from you since, but yesterday I received a letter from Aunt Mary, and she stated you were sick and had been confined to your bed but was the time she wrote much better, I was indeed sorry to hear of your sickness, but trust as this reaches you that you will be quite well again, she stated in her letter that you were sorry that I had intimated when writing to others, that you had an idea of going to your Uncles without I could send you the means as you had not, and your Ma expected you to go if you should go by flag of truce to Richmond I did not suppose it would be but a trifle and I thought you had Confederate funds on hand or would get it from your Pa. you must know I am unable to assist you at this time. I received a letter from you Pa yesterday, and he says he has advised you what course to pursue. ___ Corker has received the box but nothing for me I was disappointed much but after hearing of your sickness expected that was the cause I repeat again if you have not the means do not send anything to me if the pictures are not taken let it alone I have been sick but I am now well again I remain you affectionate Husband Henry A. Allen

Septmeber 29 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sept 29^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Your last letter date 23^d I received this morning. I began to think your Ma will not leave home, but for yourself & children I would fell better satisfied of you were at your Uncles, but no doubt it would be a tedious and fatiguing journey, as you say I suppose all will be governd by the lady in Richmond if your Ma remains I leave it to yourself what to do, but if you also remain and any remark should be made at home intended for you, go directly to your Father and bear to him my request. I also feel sorry for Leon is it possible they have anything to do with that person, such is life. is Joe Lennon on Ports. I have written to him try and let him know it. tell Mr. Dorgan I will write to him my respects to him & family. I do not want any clothing more than one or two prs socks and neck tie. I was with Capt Corker this morning and will let him know of Emma’s intention, my money has run out but I can get along very well I thought Bowers would have sent me some before this but it may be he has not the wherewith. he might have answered my letter. if I should want more clothing I can easily let you know. I have written four times to your Pa, but have never received an answer men receive letters from Richmond regularly. I am indeed paind to hear such sad news about Mrs Ordian, dear good Soul may God bless her, give my love to Mr and Mrs Green, my love to all who may inquire no doubt dear Sallie, you think my letters are cold and formal but I know others will read them before they reach you and I do not wish remarks to be made from your Affectionate Husband

Henry A Allen

I am well

Septmeber 23 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sept 23^d 1863

Dear Sallie,

Yours of the 16^th I received this morning and was much delighted on receiving it as I was not looking for it so soon I could not think eleven days had rolled around since I wrote you, how are my dear little girls how I would like to see their sweet faces, and your Ma has not gone to Richmond yet but is waiting to hear from Frances. I cannot see how she will be benefited by going everything being so very high at that place, but of course she knows best what to do. as for you, I would give much if you were now at your Uncles, I think it is the best place for you and the children do you know what county he resides in. as I told you before you must exercise you own judgement in regard to this matter. you spoke of consulting Mr Bain, no doubt his advice would be good I would write to your Ma to day but as there is some doubt of her being in P. when this reaches you I thought it best to defer it. give my love to her and tell her I am truly thankful to her for her kindness to you, and the children, and will always remember her for it. tell her I am sorry it has been out of my power to aid her, as I have been unable to render any assistance since our money has become worthless with you all. but trust I shall yet be able to help her, if she goes to Richmond, she can tell your Pa you never received that money from Mr Turner. I had answered Aunt Mary’s letter give my love to all home. ask Mollie if she would like to see Charlie, my love to Ma and all the Owens family Shells also remember me to Mr Bain and family, my love to the children, do not speak of exchange God knows when we will get away from here, good bye and God bless you my own dear wife, Henry

Capt H.A. Allen 9^th Va Regt

September 16 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sept 16^th 1863

Dear Sarah

Yours of the 12^th I received this morning is was quite unexpected as I did not look for your letter for some days in your last you wished of me to give you my advice whither you should leave with your Ma or not. I must tell you the same now if your Ma should make up her mind to leave you had better go with her and you can then consult your Pa on the subject. you will not be able to remain in Richmond, I do not think, you could get your Pa to go with you to your Uncle John’s, and I will pay his expenses. if you should have to leave I would like for you to be with him and you could get along very well. I do not see how you could remain in Portsmouth if your Ma leaves, but you must exercise your best judgement also in regard to the matter I have written to your Pa three times but have never received an answer. I shall write to him again to day I think, I am glad to hear the children are improving. Ma has not written to me neither has Bowers Shell has written. I cannot see how your Ma & Frances will manage in Richmond, there is no telling when I will be exchanged, give my love to Ida kiss them both for me my love to Aunt Mary, and all, from your Affectionate Husband

Capt Henry A Allen

9^th Va Rgt

if it is not convenient do not have Ida’s picture taken I would like much to have all

September 9 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sept 9^th 1863

Dear Dear Sarah

Your long lookd for letter I received to day you acknowledge the receipt of my letter dated 20^th & 29^th which pleased me much. you speak of passing through many trials. I have always thought you kept them from me I am indeed troubled to hear it, up to this time I have felt easy as regarded your welfare and comfort but I fear my mind will be at ease no more. I did not think your Ma intended or thought of going to Richmond to remain. I can hardly think she will be satisfied that I do not know what to advise you to do, she tells you you can go to your Uncles, well I wish you were with him, you must act as you think best if when this reaches you your Ma has not gone and you make up your mind to leave you might try to go with her to Richmond and consult your pa about going to your Uncles. you would have to go that route any how, if you remain you are the best judge and of course must judge for yourself whither you can get along there, or not. I suppose you have Confederate money and your Pa has money of mine. there is no prospect of my getting away from here for some time, tell Lucy, Pa will send her a little ring. dear Sarah, do not send money to me I can get along very well and I know you need all you can get. I am indeed sorry you all will be compelled to leave home but as I before stated it is I think best for you to go to your Pa and he might go with you to your Uncles. I would pay all expenses, give my love to all relatives & friends kiss my children for me God bless you dear Sarah and may we soon meet in the prayer of your Henry Capt Henry A Allen 9^th Va infantry

September 1 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

Sept 1st 1863

Dear Sarah,

Yours of the 26^th I received this morning I am sorry to learn that the children are sick but trust they will soon be well again. indeed you have been troubled much with sickness since I left home. you say you have received four letters from me I have received three. I wrote to you a few days since but suppose you will get it before this leaves the Island. I was not aware that Frances contemplated a visit to Richmond. Jim will be much pleased no doubt. Should your Ma go you could go with her if you felt so disposed. I suppose you have the funds necessary. would that I could meet you there. you did not say wither Frances intended remaining there or not but I suppose not. I have purchased all necessary clothing including thick under shirts. we have not the privilidge of the Island, but occupy about 15 or 20 acres which is enclosed and are quite pleasantly situated. I think Ohio is a great grape country but I cannot tell whither they grow on the Island or not. I have seen Capt Corker, but have no acquaintance with him. I think though I have met him at Emma’s, I will make myself known to him. Mr. Turner should have paid you the money as he promised to let you have money which would pass current in Portsmouth, the letter I wrote a few days back had Ida’s ring in it, tell Bowers he must write, my love to all at home kiss the children for me

Yours Ever

Henry (Prisoner)

Capt H A Allen 9^th Va Regt Prisoner of War

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

August 29th 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

August 29^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

It is indeed a dull monotonous life we spend here and as we have no sence of amusement this afternoon I though I best wrote you a few lines. There is a floating rumor that we will be exchanged shortly but I do not give it a thought. I trust my little Ida is now quite well. I promised when I wrote last I would send her a ring you will here find it enclosed, tell her it was made by one of the Rebels in prison here, no doubt she will be quite proud of it. you need not trouble yourself about sending me money I can make out and what you have you will need for your own purposes. I wrote to Ma a few days ago you can tell her it is in care of Mr Bain. I have also written to your Pa. I think he will get at this time, I received a letter from Gus (unclear) the other day and was very glad to hear from him he sent me a lot of Stamps, it has been nearly sixteen months since I have seen you and my dear little ones and you must know I feel anxious to again be with you all but I feel it will not be so until this bloody war is ended when that will be I am not able to say give my best love to Aunt Mary when you see her I trust she is well, do you see her often, tell her her Boy has not forgotten her but thinks of her daily and prays he may see her again. I have not heard from Brother since I was taken prisinor, my love to all home remember me to all friends trusting these lines may find you all I remain yours affectionately

Henry

Captain Henry A. Allen Co K 9^th Va

Prisinor of War, Johnsons Island, Sandusky Ohio

August 20th 1863

Johnsons Island Sandusky Ohio

August 20^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Yours of the 15^th I received this morning in it you stated you have received mine of the 11^th. I have written three or four letters to you since I have been at this place I am glad to hear George Bain received my letter as he requested me to write on the receipt of the check for the money. I have thirteen (13) dollars left, money does not last long here as we have to share it with the party of twelve, only two of us having money. I have bought some little clothing shirts, socks, shoes, & hat, we can only buy enough to have a change of underclothing. I intend buying two undershirts as I have none here. we have orders here stating the amount of clothing allowed. I do not wish you to send me any as I can make out very well. I shall write a letter to Bower, to day to send of with yours, you can get it from Mr Bain, as I will put it in his care. I was sorry to hear Ida had been sick poor child she is sick often. I am afraid you keep her too close, you spoke of Charlie, and also mentioned (unclear) I do not know who you have reference to. it is not worth while to bother with Mr Corssen he will hardly pay it and it may be that Shell had collected it. if you think there is any chance however let me know when you write dear Sarah or often as you can as it is a source of great pleasure to hear from you. I am quite well my love to Ma, Aunt May, to all home, and all inquiring friends, goodbye from your

Affectionate Husband Capt. Henry A. Allen

again tell Ida I am having a ring made for her with her name in it and will send it when you write

August 14th 1863

Johnsons Island

Near Sandusky Ohio

August 14^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

I wrote to you but a short time ago but having nothing to do I shall let you hear from me as often as possible as I know it will be a source of pleasure for you to hear from me daily if it could be so. we are still lying idle nothing to do but eat & lounge about quite an easy life but we would all much rather be in Dixie. When we will get there I am not able to say. when you write again let me know if you ever received your money from Mr Danl Turner, if not you had better go and see him as I think he owes me some. I was truely sorry to hear of the distress in the family in hearing of the death of Tom Owens. such is the fate of war. I must repeat your words I have been blessed so far never having been touched and I feel thankful to our Maker for the blessing. we are all well how is Ida & Lucy, well I trust also your dear Self. give my love to Ma, Aunt May, and all friends my respects to Bowers and family. I must now close to be in time for mail from you

Affectionate Husband

Captain Henry A. Allen

9^th Va Regt Infantry

August 11th 1863

Johnsons Island

Near Sandusky Ohio

August 11^th 1863

Dear Sarah,

Your letter has been received I at the same time received one from George Bains stating that he had sent me money which I had gotten, a check for before his letter came to hand, it was a check for one hundred $100 dollars one half to me and the other to a young friend of his who is a prisinor here from Alabama, I of course returned my thanks to him for his kindness, I made the acquaintance of his friend and paid him the money. I received a letter from Mrs. Weaver for her Son, your letter was received I think on the 4^th. I had written to you before I received yours and requested George Bain, to inform you of the fact. I wrote a few lines to Mrs. Russ yesterday giving the particulars of Col Owen’s death. you will let her know that I have done so. I am well and have no cause to complain cannot say when we will be exchanged. write as often as you can my love to all my friends kiss my little girls tell Ida, Pa would like to see his child good bye Dear Sarah, from your affectionate Husband

Capt Henry A. Allen

My thanks to Bowers for Mony received

August 4th 1863

Johnsons Island

Near Sandusky Ohio

August 4^th 1863

My Dear Wife,

This will make three letters I have written to you and no answer have I received. but I hope to hear from you on the receipt of this I am quite well also all the boys with me from home. I wrote last relative to your sending me money also to see Bowers, and ask him to let me have some but you need not do so now as I have received enough to last me some time do not trouble yourself about it. you will see the Old Man George, and tell him to return my thanks to his son George, & his Brother David, for their kindness in sending me the $100.00 I received a check for the amount through Messers Brown, Brother & Co. Baltimore, and acknowledged the receipt by letter. my respect to them & tell them I feel under many obligations to them I shall share it with the Portsmouth Boys. Col. Hodges, Col Owens, John Jenkins, Tom Owens, William Barnett, Samuel Williams, & John Sundendale are dead how many more I am not able to say, tell Ma, Rob is not hurt but a prisoner, I have written to your Pa, twice but have received no answer, give my love to all at home, also to Aunt May, and all my friends, kiss my dear children. I must now close Good Bye from your Affectionate Husband,

Henry A. Allen

Capt 9^th Va Regt Prisoner of War Johnsons Island near Sandusky Ohio