Here has to be one of the most bittersweet stories to be recorded about the Civil War, the story of two brothers - Frances H. Carman, born 1839 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and James A. Carman born about 1828 also in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  And as fate would have it, both were born at a time that made them of age to participate in the Civil War. Frances enlisted in Company F, 54th Pennsylvania Infantry where he attained the rank of Corporal.  James was commissioned a First Lieutenant of Company E, 107th Pennsylvania Infantry on 5 March 1862.

Lt. James A. Carman was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg on 1 July 1863 and taken prisoner of war. In the collection of the U.S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, are two letters that Lt. Carman wrote to his father during his captivity:

Letter 1 - "Jan. 26th 1864, Dear Farther. Yours of Dec. 16th came to hand. I was please to hear from you, also that Frank was recovering from his illness. I have nothing to write about except to inform you I am well and in good Spirits, I do not know when we will be released from this place. Perhaps we are here for during the war unless we are liberated, by our own Army, which is probable; but that like the exchange, is at an indefinite period. Under the existing circumstances our Government cannot and will not change their policy in this matter if all the prisoners on either side has to suffer by the Stand already taken. Although I think there can be an honorable agreement made between the two governments provided Our Commissioner of exchange would be recognized by the Authorities here. no more. write soon again. My love to all the family. From Your Son, J. A. Carman 107th Regt., P.V. Tell Frank to write me."

(James' brother Francis (Frank) had also been taken as a prisoner of war, at a place unknown, and was being held at Andersonville, Georgia.  In the early years of the war prisoners were exchanged or  "paroled", that is on their oath that they would no longer fight, they were allowed to return home, on pain of death if caught returning to the fight. On the Union side, Confederate prisoners could earn their release by enlisting and joining the Union Army (there is at least one Carman that took that option). As the war went on and grew more bitter, prisoner exchanges ceased, and Prison Camps became the norm. This is what James' question was about taking so long - he was wondering why he had not been released.)

Letter 2 - "May 28th 1864, Dear Father. Your last was received. I was glad to hear from You and to learn you are well. I am well and in excellent spirits. Since I last wrote you we have been removed from Libby to this place here we are encamped in a fair ground with open air exercise & good water. the change is I think a healthy one. I have Sent to Dr. Reid for a Box of eatables and Clothing. I have not heard from Bro. Frank since I last wrote. he is some 70 miles from here at Andersonville Ga. Farther we are all anxiously hoping for an exchange. I cannot see why it does not take place. Some of us have now been prisoners over a year. Perhaps when we least think of it the happy moment will come. When You write to Margaret tell her I will write to her soon. (I recd her letter) . writing material is scarce here, fifty cents a sheet for letter paper. Father I like the climate down here very much, it is just the weather for me. Warm. When You write direct to Macon Georgia via Richmond Va. please remember me to all inquiring friends. write soon. no more but Remain Your Son, J. A. Carman 107 P.V."

Margaret Carman who James' mentions is his sister. She will see neither of them again.  Cpl. Francis H. Carman had died in Andersonville Confederate Prison on 4 April 1864, a month before the second letter was written.  Lt. James A. Carman died in the Confederate Prison Camp at Charleston, South Carolina on 5 October 1864, 6 months and 1 day after his brother.

08/19/2007