.NTIz.Njg4

This item is currently being transcribed by a volunteer. We look forward to making the full-text of the document available soon.

[1] Col. Campbell has reluctantly perused the letter of Mrs. Coleman to her husband and find (of course) no misrepresentation. The Doctor would not be permitted to bring medicine with him, they could however be very readily procured in the city of Baltimore He will take great pleasure in forwarding the letter together with a personal explanation to Major Gen Dix. Head Quarters Williamsburg June 21

[2]

Mrs. C. P. T. Coleman Court House Green Present

[3] The Commandant of the Post, cannot for a moment conceive that odium can attach to himself, or the government which he has the honor to represent, in the case of the wounded prisoners ref- erred to by Mrs. Coleman.

His understanding of the subject was clear and explicit, when the privilege was accorded the citizens of Williamsburg to come for and take charge of the wounded, they were to furnish the supplies necessary to make them com- fortable. Mrs. Coleman seems to forget that the prisoners of war are paroled, and are to all intents and purposes in the hands of their friends, and not presu- med to be subjects of governmental attention. Col. Campbell could not feel disposed to resent any reflection upon himself

                               over

(note on side: ‘Paroled means to be to be enabled to go about, to be at large)

[4] when made by a lady.

The peculiarity which this case presents,

and the shape which it is made to assume by Mrs. Coleman, induces the Commandant to ask of her the honor of a personal interview at Head Qua- rters, when doubtless a suggestion can be made that will obviate a condition of things so feelingly depi- cted in her note of this morning

Head Quarters June 12.

[5] ¬Mrs. Coleman Palace Green

[6] The Commandant of the post, may perhaps consider Mrs. C. very officious - But Mrs. C cannot believe that C__ C__ really intends to deny to the wounded Confederates now prisoners of the [N.Y.?] in hospital the commonest necess aries of life in other words food actually necessary for the support of live. Does he reflect upon the odium that such denial will bring not only upon his Government, but upon himself? As prisoners they have a right to demand food. Mrs. C however demands nothing she simply begs that Col. C will reflect before he determine finally to give up to starvation [?] the charity of the people of W_ the prisoners who wounded and suffering are in his power. Should he feel disposed to resent the part Mrs. C has taken in this addressing him let him remember that that lady had come to regard him as one who though ranking among her foes, might still be regarded as a man of magnanimity and justice.

[7] Mrs. Coleman is very sorry to again trouble Col. Campbell. But “necessity has no law”. The servants at Mill Neck refuse to work [?], about this she does not intend to give herself further trouble. But there is a good deal of live stock on the farm which Mrs. C is [hoping?] to secure. She has reason to believe that the servants intend removing all that they can from the place. It will be impossible for Mrs. Coleman to make necessary arrangements unassisted by

Mrs Coleman has reason to believe that the servants at Mill Neck intend removing from the place, and taking off with them all the live stock

[8] Col Campbell presents his compliments to Mrs. Coleman, with information that the request expressed in the note of this morning relative to the servant, Thomas, shall be granted. Any priveleges consistent with the duty of the commandant of this Post shall be freely accorded Mrs. Coleman Friday May 23rd

[9]

                                         Mrs. Coleman

by Lieut F.P. Robinson Present

[10] Colonel Campbell has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mrs. Coleman’s note of yesterday. The request preferred regarding the property of her Mother in law, and its protection shall be freely granted, provided, she will be good enough to indicate the locality. Regarding an adjustment of Mrs. Coleman’s claim against the U.S. government, predicated upon the receipt of Lieut Phelps, the Commanding Officer, regrets his inability to adjust or liquidate the same The Commandant replies in answer to the interogatory propounded in the last paragr- aph of her note, that he trusts a truce to all ceremony will govern Mrs. Coleman, and that in the future, she will not [?] requests under a “Flag of Truce,” but directly claim what priveleges she may desire. He furthermore begs leave to say that in Military land, there is no ban by the statute of limitations to epistol-

                                           over

[11] -ory correspondence on the part of ladies - it is generally acknowledged however that “brevity is the soul of wit” in cases where the sex are concerned the opposite is decidedly preferable.

Head Quarters Williamsburg Wednesday Morning May 28

[12] Mrs Coleman Palace Green Present

[13] Williamsburg VA Col. Campbell desires to inform Mrs. Coleman that it has been represented to him that the wounded prisoners confined in the “Baptist Church Hospital” do not receive proper medical or personal attention - that the apartments are not properly ventilated nor cleansed. If the information is incorrect Mrs. Cole- man will not question the motive which prompts its present repetition. She will doubtless, also, readily understand and appreciate the reasons which govern … [14] the services of a competent surgeon and the necessary assistants to remedy the existing state of things at the hospital.

Tuesday July 7th [15]

Mrs C. R. T Coleman

“Court Green” present