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

7. Going Home: (March 21–April 29, 1865)

r 207 Going Home (March 21–April 29, 1865) In a short time I will be on my way from this hated Island. I will not attempt to describe my feelings, although I feel as if I was relieved of a great burden . . . Wesley Makely to Kate, March 21, 1865 Wesley Makely spent one day over a year and seven months at Johnson ’s Island. The end to his loss of liberty seemed close at hand. Wesley had gone through the transition from captain of Company D, 18th Virginia Cavalry, to just one of thousands of prisoners-of-war. In this transition his loss of freedom meant significant changes in his relation to power, property, prestige, and pleasure (Van der Elst 1999:138–39). The choice of escaping was an option, but it was a dangerous one he was unwilling to undertake. He could have assimilated by taking the Oath of Allegiance, but that meant sure disgrace among his fellow Virginians incarcerated at Johnson’s Island. His long status as a prisoner-of-war forced him to create ways to regain some of this loss as the only strategy he had for surviving imprisonment. In this final chapter of letters, Wesley faced even greater challenges. He had developed means of coping while at Johnson’s Island. Wesley had altered his room, developed networks for acquiring hard rubber jewelry, maintained a strong image to his family both in portraits sent and information provided in letters, and weathered several illnesses. On his journey to Fort McHenry, Point Lookout, and finally to Fort Delaware , he once again became the “fresh fish.” He had to learn the nuances of survival at these institutions. He was placed with new prisoners, in a new setting, with different regulations. S even 208 s I Fear I Shall Never Leave This Island Wesley had to cope with the defeat of the Confederacy and the assassination of President Lincoln. Wesley was ready to be home, but what would be the cost? How would his life be changed? Alex March 8th/651 Dear Nessa I went the rounds in Washington yesterday trying to get permission to see you, but to no purpose as poor little Lillie says they are too mean to let her see her Papa. I shall try again though through a friend in Baltimore. I do not see why they are so strich with the confederates for some of there prisoners are paroled and at large in Richmond awaiting there exchange. Poor Lillie was so disappointed in not seeing you yesterday she knew that I went up to get permission and poor dear child she fully expected to see you yesterday. She says Mama I never want to go to Washington again unless I can see my Papa. There is nothing new in town to tell you. I never go out but what every one I meet and know has Mr Makely been exchanged yet. Oh Nessa I wish I could tell them yes. I have not heard from up home lately but all were well when I last heard from up there. I have been looking for Ma to come down for some time. Mother is still no better rest all very well and send there love to you. A kiss from Lillie and self. Good bye. Ever Truly Yours Katie Alex March 11th/65 Dear Nessa I received your letter of the 2nd this morning. I had begun to think that you had been sent off as the letter was so late in the week a coming. You spoiled me a little last week. Yesterday I was much disappointed that I did not get a letter from you. Last week by Friday I had received four letters and that you know is calculated to spoil most anyone. Nessa surely the bay must be frozen over now for it is very cold here. Yesterday was a bitter day. Nessa I see by one of the papers that Gen Imboden with his command has charge of the prisoners in Ala, NC. and Mississippi. I heard sometime ago that the Gen was dead. I think you wrote Going Home (March 21–April 29, 1865) r 209 me word perhaps the Col has been promoted. Has cousin Frank I. been sent of[f] yet.2 I think that Lieut Pense has been sent off we never hear from him now. I heard from up home last night...