Notes :J. H. Bird, of Catoosa, Georgia wrote this letter from Fort Delaware, Delaware, to his uncle, W. B. Bird, of Maryville, Tennessee. Ft. Delaware was a prison for Confederate soldiers.
The writer was the son of John Bird of Catoosa County, Georgia. John Bird was grandson of a Revolutionary soldier, originally from Virginia. Yellow envelope with done in one corner, and has this verse printed on it, “The U.S. Christian Commission sends this as the Soldier’s Message to his home . . . . let it hasten to those who wait for tidings.” The letter has the same verse with addition of this, “There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a Brother.”
Contents:
Ft. Delaware, Del
June the 11th 1864
Dear Uncle-
I seat myself this morning to write you a few line in answer to your of the 20th of May I was glad to hear of your being in food health and all the rest of the family I have no newse to write you about I am well and hearty and have been ever since I wrote you before. I have been on this Island 11 months yesterday I have been in the Hospital over 8 months of the time but I hope how soon I will get away from this place I got a letter from Father a few days since they was all well as I have been during my Imprisonment. J. W. Bird is Here I have learned that J. C. Bird has come to that Cove of so I would be glad if you would let me know in your next. Tell Jacob to write to me I expect to have to remain here during the simmer I want you to write to me I have a very bad chance at writing while in my present Condition.I remain as ever
J. H. Bird
