I Fear I Shall Never Leave This Island: Life in a Civil War Prison

5. Sending Images: (May 11–September 15, 1864)

70 s F ive Sending Images (May 11–September 15, 1864) If the women of a nation never lose courage, the men never can be conquered. General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, from Johnson’s Island, February 8, 1864 Kate informing Wesley she was sending him photographs of their young daughter Lillie is more than understandable. Her request that Wesley try and get his portrait painted and sent to her, however, may seem an unusual request of a prisoner-of-war, but the desire for personal images to be sent home was quite common with these prisoners. How does this behavior become a widespread occurrence? The prisoners at Johnson’s Island reflected the best of the southern gentleman. These men were enculturated with a deep sense of entitlement . They valued their own education, their status in society, their military rank, family, and their religion. They were the protectors of their women and children. If nothing else, each wanted to make sure his family could count on him, even while in prison. The importance of letters in relaying this position in southern society is easily seen as Wesley briefly discusses family concerns. His need to find the perfect image of himself speaks to the overarching influence of his upbringing . No matter how the image was created, whether drawn, painted, or photographed, there was always the sense of stateliness. There was an assuredness about these portraits, letting family and friends know the men were doing well, even in the hands of the wretched enemy. At various times both Wesley and Kate discussed sending or receiving images of the other. Wesley wrote about several artists among the prisoners but seemed dissatisfied with their abilities. Although many prisoners mentioned having their portraits drawn or painted, only one Sending Images (May 11–September 15, 1864) r 71 of these portraits has been located. The portrait is of Lieutenant Colonel William Eldridge DeMoss, 10th Tennessee Cavalry. He was captured in Tilton, Georgia, on May 13, 1864. DeMoss was at Johnson’s Island from May 23, 1864, until May 21, 1865, when he took the Oath of Allegiance (NAGRP 1865). During his stay on Johnson’s Island, he had his picture drawn by Major John C. Smith, of the 12th Arkansas Infantry. Major Smith was drawing portraits for a fee. Once drawings were finished, Wesley mentioned that he had them photographed in Sandusky to have multiple copies to send. Fig. 13. Pencil drawing of Colonel William E. DeMoss, 10th Tennessee Cavalry, by Major J. C. Smith, 12th Regiment Arkansas Volunteers (3 × 3.75 inches). (By permission of Rick Warwick.) 72 s I Fear I Shall Never Leave This Island In a population of more than twenty-five hundred Confederate officers at Johnson’s Island during the later stages of the war, it was not surprising to find men of varied and special talents. The letters made reference to their talents as artists, poets, musicians, and jewelers. Prestige was achieved in prison but for different accomplishments than on the outside. Officers who commanded a certain amount of respect due to their rank (and its ascribed status) found that in prison, rank was of secondary importance. Their military position was not easily recognized as they were forbidden to wear their uniforms. The only exception to this was the imprisoned generals, whose reputations did not require their uniform. The prison population knew who these men were and granted the generals their utmost regard. Other prisoners found that desired talents helped them achieve a higher status in prison, both in prestige and wealth. A good artist was sought out for his ability to provide a fine portrait to send home to the family. Having your portrait painted or drawn was not the only means of having an image available to send to your loved ones. One prisoner brought photography to the island. Lieutenant Robert M. Smith of the 61st Tennessee Infantry was a prisoner at Johnson’s Island from June 5, 1863, until February 24, 1865. He was captured at the Big Black River Bridge battle on May 17, 1863 (NAGRP 1865; Smith 1864). During his time at Johnson’s Island, he created a photographic studio in the attic of Block 4 and covertly photographed prisoners for a fee (Smith 1863–65). No doubt he paid a complicit guard to furnish some needed supplies and ignore the operation. It is unclear how many photographs he provided, but many prisoners talk of...