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1865 letter - CONFEDERATE Major James Surridge to President Johnson, CIVIL WAR

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A rare letter from a Confederate prisoner of war to the President


July 5, 1865 signed letter from Confederate Major James Surridge to President Andrew Johnson. The letter explains that he was a member of the Confederate Army and was captured at the Battle of Pilot Knob in September 1864. He is now a prisoner of war at Johnsons Island in Ohio, and is pleading for his release and desires to become a "peaceable and law abiding citizen of the United States".


He writes: "Johnsons Island Ohio

July 5th 1865

To His Excellency, 

The President of the United States,

Sir,

The undersigned belonging to one of the excluded classes, in your Excellencys amnesty proclamation of May the 29th 1865. Respectfully state that I was a resident of Arcadia, in the County of Iron, State of Missouri, and a saddler, by occupation at the commencement of the war. That I entered the Military service of the late Confederate States Army, on the 1st of August 1861. Was captured at Pilot Knob of Missouri, September the 27th 1864. That I am excluded from the amnesty oath upon no other exception, Then been a resident of Missouri at the commencement of the war, and now a prisoner of war.

I am desirous in good faith to become a peaceable and law abiding citizen of the United States, I respectfully ask upon this my special application and oath herewith exhibited for the pardon, that is promised, will be liberally granted to the excluded classes, upon such terms as may be consistant with the peace, and dignity of the United States see, your Excellency may deem proper. Your very obedient servant

James Surridge


To His Excellency Andrew Johnson President of the United States"


 Condition:  There are creases where the letter was folded. The paper has yellowed and there is  some wear to the edges and staples holes in the top left corner. Please see the photos for additional details and the most accurate description of its condition.

Approximate Dimensions: 7-3/4" x 9-3/4"


Excerpt from Historical Review of Arkansas: It's Commerce, Industry and Modern Affairs (Volume 3):

"Major James Surridge, having been a native of England, who came with his parents to America when he was a lad about thirteen years of age. They eventually located in Randolph county, Arkansas, and were numbered among its pioneer settlers, being of that stanch and excellent stock which the state was fortunate enough to obtain in great numbers and which paved the way for latter-day prosperity. 
...known as a particularly gallant soldier. He was one of thoses who believed in the suprememright of states to sever their connection with the national government, and he lost no time in enlisting in the cause he believed to be just, serving in an Arkansas regiment in the Confederate army throughout the course of the Civil War, enlisting as a private, but being commissioned a maor near the end of the great conflict."

 ~ Take a look at my other auctions for more vintage collector's items! I am happy to combine shipping.  I will be adding MANY new items in the coming weeks. ~



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 _gsrx_vers_486 (GS 6.5.1 (486))