The Civil War Letters of Henry A. Allen

Allen returned home and resumed his work as a brick mason, contractor, and builder and lived out the remainder of his life in Portsmouth. He died on July 7, 1912 and is buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, Virginia.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

I hope this is my last letter to you while a prisoner as the news is that the order for our release is at this post how true it is I am not able to say... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

...we now have no possible hope for the success of our cause. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

 We have indeed met with sad reverses within the last three weeks but I am not as yet hopeless and still trust something good may turn up... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Since we have been here we have heard nothing but bad news this morning it is reported that Genl Lee has surrendered with his whole army bad news for our cause if true... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

No doubt you have heard ere this of the evacuation of Richmond. Rather sad news but I am willing and satisfied if our authorities think it best no doubt... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Poor little Ida I can almost see her crying now... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

I was much surprised to find Ida so very different from what I expected so soft and easy in her manners when I thought she would be wild and noisy as when I left her they are both sweet children and both pretty and I trust we may both live to be proud of them at a future day... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

At any rate I had the pleasure of seeing my dear wife & children and feel very thankful after being separated so long it is time I had but a short time to remain with you but it was a source of great gratification to find you and the little ones in such good health... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Since I wrote you last I have been quite sick confined to my bunk for ten or twelve days. I am now getting along pretty well my eyesight gets no better I have given up reading cannot read my bible. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

 I know you will think of the absent me while eating the Christmas dinner I have nothing but dry bread for mine. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Ah: how I would like to see all of you if but for a few moments 2 ½ years since we parted well do I remember that day. How much longer it will be but one knows. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

A good many sick & wounded are being exchanged there is some talk of our following soon doubtful I expect... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

We are in very comfortable quarters although rather cool at this time for a southern clime... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

There is a rumor that we will leave here shortly our destination Savannah Georgia merely rumor but do not let it stop you from answering this. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Sarah Allen's Loyalty Oath...no kidding. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

Six hundred of us left Delaware on the 20th last month and landed at this place... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

I have been quite sick since being here having had another attack of rush of blood to the head but I am better at this time... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

I leave immediately for South Carolina whence ‘tis thought we will be exchanged... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support

How are my little darlings tell them I look at them every day and wish I could see them... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/henryaallen/support