Fort Warren (Mass.)

Abstract

This collection contains the correspondence of Dr. John Hanson Thomas sent during his imprisonment during the Civil War. Dr. Thomas and his wife, Annie Campbell Thomas, née Gordon, wrote each other almost every day during his time as a prisoner of war from September 1861 to February 1862, and letters between the couple make up the majority of the collection. These letters discuss daily life in the prison camp, political views, current events, and family matters.

Abstract This collection includes the records of Fort Warren's prisoners from August 1861-February 1862. The entries were written by individual prisoners and usually give name, rank or office, place of residence and arrest. Records often describe conditions and/or reasons for arrest, time of arrest, and places detained, and include some commentary. Some of the entries are just signatures, however. Many entries are from prisoners arrested for political reasons without clear charges or due process of...