American Historical Ephemera & Photography Online

ELAM, William R. (1837-1904). Autograph letter signed ("Wm. R. Elam"), as POW at Johnson's Island Military Prison. "Johnson's Island Ohio," 7 May 1865. 1p, approx. 7 1/4 x 12 in. (toning, some minor dampstaining, creases). Addressed to his "little Cousin," believed to be Salle E. Andrews of Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee. 

Elam indicates that he is "much better satisfied" than when he last wrote, further explaining that he has been able to "peep into the different rooms" at the prison. He has discovered that some of his old friends from "C" (likely Columbia, Tennessee) were likewise held at the prison, and during their daily visits the group has spent time together recalling "many things which happened previous to the days of carnage & bloodshed...." He indicates that he has not heard from friends and family in Virginia since his capture, and he believes that "most of those confined [at the prison] will before a great while be allowed to return to their home." He indicates that he will be compelled to return to Virginia, but it is his intent to soon be in Columbia.

The 18th Virginia Infantry fought primarily with the Army of Northern Virginia, and was extensively engaged throughout the war. The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Carrington at Gettysburg and took part in Pickett’s Charge on July 3, sustaining heavy casualties. HDS indicates that William Robert Elam was a 24 year-old merchant when he enlisted on 5/7/1861 at Appomattox County, VA as a Corporal. On 5/7/1861 he mustered into "H" Co., the "Appomattox Grays," Virginia 18th Infantry. He was listed as: wounded 6/30/1862 Frayser's Farm, VA (Shot in foot); POW 7/3/1863 Gettysburg, PA (exchanged); wounded 7/3/1863 Gettysburg, PA (shot in right thigh); POW 4/6/1865 Sailor's Creek, VA; and paroled 6/15/1865 Johnson's Island, OH. He received multiple promotions, finishing out his service with a rank of 1st Lieut. as of 5/27/1864. Elam's capture for the second time occurred just three days before the surrender of Lee, and resulted in his being held for over two months at Johnson's Island Military Prison on Lake Erie. After his release from prison, Elam removed to Tennessee where he married Sallie Andrews on 16 August 1865.

Approximately 25 of Elam's Civil War letters, written to his cousin Sallie E. Andrews of Columbia, Tennessee, are held in Special Collections at the University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, VA.