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Camp Chase Letter of Sergeant Thomas L. Farmer
The following transcript is provided through the courtesy of S.H.A.P.E. (Southern Heritage, Advancement, Preservation & Education). Thanks to Evelyn Rard who transcribed the letter and George Purvis who provided permission to use the text. S.H.A.P.E. has a scan of the original Camp Chase letter and will be happy to share this scan with any descendant of Thomas L. Farmer free of charge. For more information, please visit the web site of S.H.A.P.E. at www.southernheritageadvancementpreservationeducation.org.
Collumbus Ohio April the 20th 1862
Dear wife and little children
I embrace the opertunity of writing you a few lines in order to let you noe where I am. I am now at Camp Chase neare the citty of Collumbus Ohio. I and some of our officers arrived here the 1st day of March all very unwell at that time. H. P. Earley dide March the 2. The rest of our company has all got well but myself. I have not bin well since I got here. Tho I am non-improving hope I will soon be stout again.
My dear companion and little children I shall not attempt to tell or describe how bad I want to see you. I hope however, the time pray not to far distant & when I sall be taken home to remain there in peace. Tho I am in a very comfortable little room plenty to eat and of a good quality. Dear father & mother take care of my little family tenderly also yourselves. My love to you all as I am sending this note in Lietenant Rays letter I will not attempt to write much at present as it is difficult for it to ever cross the lines. I am your most affectionate husband till death Thomas T. L. Farmer
Editorial Notes:
Thomas L. Farmer was 4th Sergeant of Company G. He's also mentioned in Capt. Albert Earley's Camp Chase letter. Both letters reveal he's a very sick man. Even though he keeps his hopes up, Farmer admits he's "non-improving." He would eventually lose this battle with health...
In Farmer's military records, there is a copy of his parole which reads:
Head Quarters Camp Chase
August 4th, 1862
I Thomas L. Farmer prisoner of War confined at Camp Chase Ohio do hereby pledge my parole of honor that upon being released, I will with as little delay as my ill health will allow proceed to my home in Attawamba County Mississippi and then remain reporting either in person or by letter to the nearest United States Military Commander every thirty days...during the term of my parole. And I will do no act of hostility either by speaking, writing, taking up arms or furnishing any aid or information against the Government of the United States.
This parole to remain in force until revoked by the Federal Government.
Thos L. Farmer (signed by his mark)
Sergt. 26th Miss Vols
Farmer would never enjoy the benefits of this parole. He had been unable to leave Camp Chase immediately due to his "ill health." One of his military records simply states he "Died during imprisonment." Even though there is discrepancy as to the exact day of his death, all sources agree it was in August. It must have occurred shortly after signing his mark on the parole papers.
In the salutation of the letter above, he addresses his "Dear Wife and little children." A death statement says he "left a wife & four children." In a somewhat prophetic close to his letter, Farmer states he will remain a "most affectionate husband till death."
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