During the year 1862 while imprisoned in the War for Southern Independence
June the 25 1862 (written while confined in jail and awaiting transfer to Camp Chase Ohio)
deare family
Im taking pen in hand to let you know how I am at this time. I must inform you that I Am very un well AT this time if i dont git Beter I dont think I can live three Weaks Longer. I hav had my trial I haven't heard of it I will hear soon. I AM in jale yet I Am sorry to say that I AM in a cell. A. Cool (Walter's son Archibald) was taken out from me About tenn days Ago and taken to Wheeling. I understand yesterday that he was sent back to camp Chase. I dont think that he had any Trile yet. I want you All to stay together. A. Cool (Walter's son Archibald) may git Back at some time or other But I nor him dont know when. I hope you are All Well at this time. I saw Mr. Goff and others and they tell me that you was all well and that you had planted 10 acres of corn. That was well of you and I saw Mr. Arthers and wrote a letter to the family, also some word with him to you. Corbitt and Rollans and Coonrod is with me yet. I I will write to you soon, As quick As I hear from my trial so no more at present but remain your friend until death.
Walter Cool
Hannah Cool
Elizabeth Cool
Sara Jane Cool
Mr John W. Ware
Dear Sir,
I write these few lines to my family and wish that you would convey this to my wife, if you please. I dont think I would weigh 165 pounds at this time. I must fetch my letter to a close for it is as much as I can do to write my name. Please send this as quick as you can.
Walter Cool
John Ware You must build and get some man to build you a house before winter for fear A. Cool (Walter's son Archibald) dont get home.
July the 11 1862
Dear wif and family
I take the opportunity to inform you that I am not well at this time. I am still in jale I dont know how long I am to stay hear. I havnt heard of A. Cool (Walter's son Archibald) since he left and went to Wheeling. I hope you are all well at this time. I would like to see you all once more. I want to see Rachel and all the rest of the grand children. Remember my respects to Catharine Cogar and all the family. I have not heard from my trile yet. I have to send my letters toSutton. If you get any chance write to me an answer dont put yourself to to much trouble to write to me. I will write to you evry chance I can get. try and take care of yourselves. You must get your meadows cut if you can and if you cant get them cut I think you can get some friend from the union Mills, and if you cant get feed enough to winter what property you have left you must sell off some of them or loan them to some of your neighbours. I wrote to John P. Hosey and also to John Ware and sent some word by Mr S S Arthurs I want you to go and see him if I had Nowing as much About the fedoril troops as I know Now I wod not be in jale now. I hav bin miss led by false News and Now I must suffer others deeds so no mor at presant But remane your friend
Walter Cool
Walter's homeland in Webster County WV/VA.
Family legend states that there was another letter home that was written by Walter. The letter was lost by a family member years ago. These letters are a somber reminder of the torment and anguish our ancestors lives were subjected to as they fought for their land, families and beliefs.
