Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/47

 Prison Reminiscenses. 39

my measure taken and sent to New York. Soon I received a full lieutenant's uniform in Confederate gray of excellent quality, which I, afterwards, on returning home at the end of the war, wore for a while for lack of means for getting a civilian's suit. While at Johnson's Island to which prison I was taken after leaving David's Island, and when the exchange of prison- ers had been suspended, I made special effort to obtain an ex- change. For this purpose, I wrote to my brother, Rev. Wm. A. Crocker, the Superintendent of the Army Intelligence Office at Richmond, and got him to see Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange on my behalf. I at the same time wrote to Dr. James Simmons to aid me in getting exchanged. I received from Dr. Simmons the following letter and enclosure :

"Medical Directors' Office,

Department of the East,

Xi<:w YORK,, Feby. i^th, 1864. Dear Sir:

Your letter of the nth Jany. did not reach me until a few days since. I have written to Colonel Hoffman in your behalf and sincerely hope that he may grant your request. I am but slightly acquainted with Col. Hoffman, and can only hope that the justice of the case may cause him to grant your request. If I can be of any service to you pray command me. I send a copy of my letter to Colonel Hoffman, and regret I did not re- ceive your letter sooner. Be kind enough to remember me to Captain Butler, Kincaid and others.

Very truly yours,

J. SIMMONS. Capt. J. F. Crocker, Prisoner of War,

Johnson's Island."

"Xi-:w YORK. Feby. i$th, 1864. Colonel :

I enclose you a letter from Captain J. F. Crocker, prisoner of war now at Johnson's Island. The letter which reached me only a few days since was directed to David's Island, Captain Crocker supposing I was in charge of that hospital. If any- thing can be done for him not inconsistent with the regulations