O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME V [S# 118]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM DECEMBER 1, 1862, TO JUNE 10, 1863.--#1
CASTLE THUNDER, December 2, 1862.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Richmond, Va.
DEAR SIR: I am a prisoner of war belonging to the First Battalion of Connecticut Cavalry and have been confined here since the 12th of October, and I beg that you will please investigate the matter as there have been several exchanges since I have been here.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. H. MARSH,
First Battalion Connecticut Cavalry.
<ar118_777>
[First indorsement.]
I find from our books that the within-named prisoner was received here and delivered to Captain Alexander on 24th of October charged with being a spy.
TH. P. TURNER,
Captain, &c.
[Second indorsement.]
CASTLE THUNDER, December 8, 1862.
The record against Charles H. Marsh, who is here, is that he was taken at Bull Run August 9 as a Yankee spy. Papers with General Winder. Brought here October 24, 1862.
G. W. ALEXANDER,
Assistant Provost-Marshal.
[Third indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF HENRICO,
December 10, 1862.
Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War inclosing letter from the prisoner, which was deemed of itself sufficient to establish a grave suspicion and to warrant his detention.
JNO. H. WINDER,
Brigadier-General.
[Inclosure.]
CASTLE THUNDER, Richmond, October 25, 1862.
Mr. WOOD, Commissioner of the United States.
SIR: I am a private of Company D, First Battalion Connecticut Cavalry. On Tuesday, the 6th day of October, 1862, I was detailed by Capt. L. N. Middlebrook, who was stationed with his company at Fairfax Court-House and Centerville, Va., to go to Thoroughfare Gap of Bull Run Mountain for the purpose of watching the enemy. One man was detailed each day for that purpose. After I had passed Haymarket I was captured by eleven members of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry who got into my rear. I was mounted upon a gray horse with my military saddle and armed with my revolver. My company are without sabers. I was clothed in my uniform. As I was coming up to Hay-market I found on the road a gray jacket which I put on over my blouse as it was a very cool morning. I have been informed that I am charged with being a spy. I claim the protection of the United States.
Yours, truly,
C. H. MARSH,
Private, Company D, First Battalion Connecticut Cavalry.