The Civil War Letters of Henry A. Allen

Allen returned home and resumed his work as a brick mason, contractor, and builder and lived out the remainder of his life in Portsmouth. He died on July 7, 1912 and is buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, Virginia. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I hope this is my last letter to you while a prisoner as the news is that the order for our release is at this post how true it is I am not able to say... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

...we now have no possible hope for the success of our cause. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

We have indeed met with sad reverses within the last three weeks but I am not as yet hopeless and still trust something good may turn up... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Since we have been here we have heard nothing but bad news this morning it is reported that Genl Lee has surrendered with his whole army bad news for our cause if true... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

No doubt you have heard ere this of the evacuation of Richmond. Rather sad news but I am willing and satisfied if our authorities think it best no doubt... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Poor little Ida I can almost see her crying now... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I was much surprised to find Ida so very different from what I expected so soft and easy in her manners when I thought she would be wild and noisy as when I left her they are both sweet children and both pretty and I trust we may both live to be proud of them at a future day... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

At any rate I had the pleasure of seeing my dear wife & children and feel very thankful after being separated so long it is time I had but a short time to remain with you but it was a source of great gratification to find you and the little ones in such good health... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Since I wrote you last I have been quite sick confined to my bunk for ten or twelve days. I am now getting along pretty well my eyesight gets no better I have given up reading cannot read my bible. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I know you will think of the absent me while eating the Christmas dinner I have nothing but dry bread for mine. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Ah: how I would like to see all of you if but for a few moments 2 ½ years since we parted well do I remember that day. How much longer it will be but one knows. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

A good many sick & wounded are being exchanged there is some talk of our following soon doubtful I expect... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

We are in very comfortable quarters although rather cool at this time for a southern clime... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

There is a rumor that we will leave here shortly our destination Savannah Georgia merely rumor but do not let it stop you from answering this. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Sarah Allen's Loyalty Oath...no kidding. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Six hundred of us left Delaware on the 20th last month and landed at this place... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I have been quite sick since being here having had another attack of rush of blood to the head but I am better at this time... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I leave immediately for South Carolina whence ‘tis thought we will be exchanged... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

How are my little darlings tell them I look at them every day and wish I could see them... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Dear Sarah I expect we are again to change our prison home as we have a rumor here that some of us will leave tomorrow for Charleston SC... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Dear Sarah try and arrange it with some of my friends so as to send me something I do not care what it is... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

None of my Portsmouth friends answer my letters regularly... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I have often thought if he has forgotten who buried his poor mother when the yellow fever was there in 55 and he, dutiful son, had left the place... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Would to the Lord it was in my power to assist you how much better could I bear my imprisonment if I could only know you and my dear children could have what you wished... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Mr. Handy is here with us and has been here for twelve months he looks quite venerable with his hair as long as a lady's flowing down his back... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

It is not pleasant to be engaged in battle but I would ten times rather take chances charging a battery of artillery than remain here... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Lucky I am not... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

You will form the above see that I am again at my former prison --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

It is highly possible we will leave this place when I do not know but it is supposed very soon as they seem to be making preparations to take us somewhere... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

If I only had the material I would have some necklaces made... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

You say you are quite thin and not as large as when I left home. I should judge from the picture that you were larger by thirty pounds... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

The shirts you sent me came in box also, for which I thank you kindly they fit well I have one on at this time... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

It was indeed a pleasure to look upon the faces of the dear loved ones not seen for so long a time... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Dear Sarah the pleasure it gives me to hear from you all and to know you are all enjoying the blessing of health... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

As you say many a loving heart has been made sad many a fond wife will wait anxiously for the dear one who will never return, many the dear little ones who will be left father[le]ss by this civil war... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Brother has been transferred to another Battery, and I am sorry to say has been badly wounded and had to have his leg taken off... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I am truly glad to hear that Aunt Mary is getting better and trust she will regain her former good health... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Do you suppose I would much rather have the pleasure of looking at the faces of my dear wife & children than to have money when so many chances are against my ever seeing their dear faces again God only knows whether I shall ever be allowed that pleasure again... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Almost every letter conveys to me the intelligence of the death of some of our Portsmouth folks. it pains me much to hear of so much sickness there. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I was again pained to learn that the hand of death had visited Mollie's family they have indeed been sorely afflicted Mother and Brother taken from them in so short a time... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Would that I could come to you all never to be parted again, but rather than come as some have I would sooner die and I know you feel as I do on that subject. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

If I should be so fortunate as to be exchanged I hardly think I would be allowed time to send for you as it is very likely I should have to go to the army although it would be a great pleasure to see you all... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

We moved last Tuesday evening and had a heavy snow storm that night which was not very comfortable. it is now raining and will end with quite a storm I think... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

Three lots of officers and men have left here to be exchanged the last left on Thursday. I hope to be among the next... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I was very sorry to hear of the imprisonment of Mr. Bain & Uncle Joe... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

May God in his infinite mercy bless my dear ones at home and spare us all to meet again... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I have been waiting very patiently for an answer to my letter and I assure you it was a source of much pleasure to me to get a letter from you... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

You will no doubt as this reaches you have heard of the removal of some officers from Johnsons Island to this place... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I am sorry to learn that the small pox is in Portsmouth you must be careful with the children and do not let them run out... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support

I was truly sorry to hear of the death of Jordan. Many more will meet with the same fate. It is a hard life in any prison... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/henryaallen/support