American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

Group of 22 letters written by Surgeon John T. Walton, 1 January 1863 - 10 August 1865, addressed almost entirely to his mother and father. Letters 1-4pp. Various locations, including: "Plymouth," "New Berne," "Libby Prison," "Newport Barracks," "Goldsboro," "Roanoke Island," and "Hd Qrs 78th Pa Vet Vol Nashville."

Walton's first letter was written from Plymouth, North Carolina, in January 1863, and indicates that after rejoining his regiment (presumably from a furlough) he was preparing for a second enlistment. Walton is an educated and observant writer, whose letters provide details of his travels, fellow surgeons, regimental activities, and the ongoing conflict. He writes on 1 May 1863, "We found some fine plantations and the crops of wheat, rye, oats and corn in fine growth. What is most interesting is that the farms are all large from three to one thousand acres, the houses small like our cabins and tenant houses, the barns mere sheds for for cattle and horses, and the negro cabins built close by the house." On 23 August 1863, he writes of his work: "I have now 80 of 195 men [on the sick list]. My large list of owing to the fact that the very inefficient supply of medicines which were given me which were in consequence of some stupidity not sent and for ten days I had nothing at all to give my poor fellows. Then I got enough quinine for two days...when I state that system of red tape prevails to such an extent that a simple error will cause any document to be returned for correction before it is acted upon and when I was obliged to make out all my supply lists form memory I consider myself extremely fortunate in receiving all that I asked for...I have also asked the Sanitary Commission for a lot of things but have no reply as yet."

Though Walton's letters do not indicate how he ended up confined in Libby Prison, and his service records list his internment at Andersonville, his letter of 18 November 1863 from Libby Prison clearly indicates that he served as a POW there as well. He writes to his parents, "... we surgeons expect to soon be exchanged. I hope that you are all well at home and that you do not endure any anxiety on my account." Walton signs his letter "J.T. Walton / Prisoner of War / Richmond Va." Walton was soon released as evidenced by his letter of 20 January 1864 in which he indicates he has returned to Plymouth, "I am obliged to stop to examine a lot of recruits for the North Carolina vols. From 50 to 100 citizens come to our lines daily to take the oath under the Presidents proclamation and steamboat are passing all through these waters bringing refugees and NC recruits - Deserters too come in freely." Later letters share war news, family news, health updates, references to fellow officers, updates regarding his pay which he uses to help support his parents, and more.

During the Siege of Plymouth, N.C., the Federal garrison was overrun and nearly the entire 103rd regiment was captured. Walton was one of the captured men who were marched and transported south to Andersonville Prison. He was listed as a POW 4/20/1864 at Plymouth, and as confined at Andersonville on 5/2/1864 before being paroled. The archive contains no letters between 1 March 1864 when he was at Plymouth, NC, and November 1864. A letter of 26 December 1864 indicates he is now a surgeon in the 78th PA Volunteers. The experiences as a POW were no doubt hugely impactful to Walton. He writes on 2 March 1865, that he has orders to march to "Dover x Roads 21 miles on the RR above New Berne...Again I will be in the field...It makes me feel good to think I am going to march as a victor over the ground I trod as a prisoner."

Twelve of Walton's letters are from 1865. Walton discusses end of war troop movements including the entry of Sherman's troops into Goldsboro, observing: "They are a very hearty & cheerful, strong set of men - dirty, ragged, and tramp along in splendid marching condition but have not the discipline of the East...any quantity of the men have stolen horses & mules and act as foragers on their own account...." In one of his final letters, 13 May 1865, he indicates he is "entirely and sincerely disgusted" with his position in the army, and is inclined to establish himself in medical practice in the south. He indicates that he has reconnected with some of his "fellow prisoners," and expresses concerns over his finances. His letter concludes, "I am afraid I will have to go to Mexico; I cannot imagine what I am to do out of the service. Give my love to all."

John Tompkins Walton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1856. The 1860 Census identifies Walton as a practicing physician in Philadelphia prior to the war. HDS indicates that John Tompkins Walton enlisted on 3/18/1863 as an Asst. Surgeon and was commissioned into Field & Staff Pennsylvania 103rd Infantry. He was discharged for promotion on 6/19/1865 and commissioned into Field & Staff Pennsylvania 78th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 9/11/1865 at Nashville, TN. Listed as: POW 4/20/1864 Plymouth, NC, Confined 5/2/1864 Andersonville, GA. Walton was paroled and returned to duty with the regiment in October 1864. Promotions: Surgeon 6/19/1865 (As of 78th PA Infantry). It seems Walton may have had a prior enlistment as a lieutenant and later adjutant with the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, or as an assistant surgeon with the 2nd Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. After the war, Walton did ultimately return to Philadelphia to practice medicine.