09-30-1865: Dr. Mudd’s Letter to Jeremiah Dyer
Source: The Life of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, 1906, by Nettie Mudd.
Lieutenant Carpenter’s report included an account of the recent escape from Fort Jefferson of eight prisoners who concealed themselves on the visiting steamer Thomas A. Scott bound for New York. This successful escape inspired Dr. Mudd to attempt the same thing on the Scott’s return visit on July 25, 1865, just nine days after Lieutenant Carpenter wrote his letter to General Townsend. However, Dr. Mudd was caught hiding on the Army supply ship Thomas A. Scott, lost his privilege of working in the post hospital, and spent the next four months in the prison’s dungeon.
In the following letter, Dr. Mudd describes his failed escape attempt to his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Dyer. Dr. Mudd’s wife had two brothers, Jeremiah and Thomas, and two sisters, Betty and Mary Ellen. Dr. and Mrs. Mudd were particularly close to Jeremiah, known as ‘Jere’, who lived just a half mile from the Mudd farm. They lived with Jere after their marriage while their new farm house was being built. In 1863, Jere moved to Baltimore. In 1865, he testified on Dr. Mudd’s behalf at the Lincoln conspiracy trial. In 1867, Jere married Dr. Mudd’s sister Mary Clare Mudd, known as ‘M.C.’.
During Dr. Mudd’s imprisonment, Jere Dyer provided a great deal of moral and other support to his sister, helping her with farm management and financial problems. He worked with lawyers and politicians to try to secure Dr. Mudd’s release from prison. He corresponded regularly with Dr. Mudd to encourage him and keep him informed of events. The following letter is the first one that Dr. Mudd wrote to Jere from Fort Jefferson.
Lieutenant Carpenter’s report included an account of the recent escape from Fort Jefferson of eight prisoners who concealed themselves on the visiting steamer Thomas A. Scott bound for New York. This successful escape inspired Dr. Mudd to attempt the same thing on the Scott’s return visit on July 25, 1865, just nine days after Lieutenant Carpenter wrote his letter to General Townsend. However, Dr. Mudd was caught hiding on the Army supply ship Thomas A. Scott, lost his privilege of working in the post hospital, and spent the next four months in the prison’s dungeon.
In the following letter, Dr. Mudd describes his failed escape attempt to his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Dyer. Dr. Mudd’s wife had two brothers, Jeremiah and Thomas, and two sisters, Betty and Mary Ellen. Dr. and Mrs. Mudd were particularly close to Jeremiah, known as ‘Jere’, who lived just a half mile from the Mudd farm. They lived with Jere after their marriage while their new farm house was being built. In 1863, Jere moved to Baltimore. In 1865, he testified on Dr. Mudd’s behalf at the Lincoln conspiracy trial. In 1867, Jere married Dr. Mudd’s sister Mary Clare Mudd, known as ‘M.C.’.
During Dr. Mudd’s imprisonment, Jere Dyer provided a great deal of moral and other support to his sister, helping her with farm management and financial problems. He worked with lawyers and politicians to try to secure Dr. Mudd’s release from prison. He corresponded regularly with Dr. Mudd to encourage him and keep him informed of events. The following letter is the first one that Dr. Mudd wrote to Jere from Fort Jefferson.
Fort Jefferson, Tortugas Island, Fla.,
September 30, 1865.
My dear Jere:
I wrote to you and Frank by the last steamer, but at the same time intended to arrive before it. Providence was against me. I was too well known and was apprehended five or ten minutes after being aboard the steamer. They were so much rejoiced at finding me, they did not care to look much farther; the consequence was, the boat went off and carried away four other prisoners, who no doubt will make good their escape. I suppose this attempt of mine to escape will furnish the dealers in newspapers matter for comment, and a renewal of the calumnious charges against me. Could the world know to what a degraded condition the prisoners of this place have been reduced recently, they, instead of censure, would give me credit for making the attempt. This place is now wholly guarded by negro troops with the exception of a few white officers. I was told by members of the 161st N.Y.V. Reg., that so soon as they departed, the prisoners would be denied many of their former privileges, and life would be very insecure in their hands. This has already proved true; a parcel of new rules and regulations have already been made and are being enforced, which sensibly decreases our former liberties.
For attempting to make my escape, I was put in the guard-house, with chains on hands and feet, and closely confined for two days. An order then came from the Major for me to be put to hard labor, wheeling sand. I was placed under a boss, who put me to cleaning old bricks. I worked hard all day, and came very near finishing one brick. The order also directs the Provost Marshal to have me closely confined on the arrival of every steamer and until she departs. I know not how long this state of things will continue. I have arrived at that state of mind at which I feel indifferent to what treatment I am subjected. The 161st N.Y. Reg. were very kind and generous to me, and I was as much induced by them to make the attempt to take French leave as my own inclination and judgment dictated. I am now thrown out of my former position, chief of dispensary, and not likely to be reinstated. I know not what degree of degradation they may have in store for me. I was forced, under the penalty of being shot, to inform on one of the crew who promised to secrete me aboard. They have him still in close confinement, and will likely try him before court martial for the offense. I have written a note to the Major and have seen the Provost Marshal, and have taken upon myself the whole blame and responsibility of the affair, yet they pay little or no attention, and the young fellow is still kept in close confinement.
I don't regret the loss of my position. Take away the honor attached, the labor was more confining than any other place or avocation on the island. At the same time it relieved me of the disagreeable necessity of witnessing men starve for the nutriment essential for a sick man, when it could be had with no trouble and but a little expense. Four prisoners have died during the short time I have been here; the last one died the morning I made my attempt to escape. Not a single soldier or citizen laborer has died or suffered with any serious sickness; thereby showing something wrong, something unfair, and a distinction made between the two classes of individuals. Every case of acute dysentery or diarrhea among the prisoners, either dies in the onset or lingers on and terminates in the chronic, which eventually kills.
We have a disease here which is termed bone fever, or mild yellow fever, which has attacked at least three-fourths of the inmates of the Fort. It lasts generally but two or three days; during the time, the patient imagines every bone will break from the enormous pain he suffers in his limbs. None has died with it.
I have not been a day sick or unwell, owing no doubt to the fact of my thoughts being concentrated upon home, my dear Frank, and the children. Little did I think I would ever become the veriest slave and lose the control of my own actions, but such, unfortunately, is too true, and God, I suppose, only knows whether these misfortunes will terminate with my frail existence, or that after being broken down with cares and afflictions of every kind, I be returned to my family a burden, more than a help and consoler. My only hope now is with you and the influence you can bring to bear. To be relieved from my present situation, I would be willing to live in poverty the balance of my days with Heaven my only hope of reward. If money be necessary, sell everything that I possess, and what might be allotted by poor Papa from his already exhausted means.
I feel that I am able now, and have resolution to make a decent living in any section of the world in which I am thrown by the Grace and Providence of the Almighty.
It strikes me that the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, Montgomery Blair, and many others whose principles and opinions are growing daily more popular - their influence could be easily brought to bear in my behalf. You fail to give me any idea of what was being done or any reasons for me to hope for relief by any certain time. You may have omitted this for prudential reasons. I have been too careless in my language among the evil disposed. They have never failed to misinterpret my language and meaning, and to omit everything having a tendency to exonerate me.
Knowing this, I shall be the keeper or guardian of my own thoughts and words for the future. I never knew how corrupt the world was before being visited by my recent calamities and troubles. They have shamefully lied and detracted everything I have said or done - a privilege for the future they shall never have. No doubt they will get up a great sensation in regard to my attempted escape. Some thirty or forty have made their escape, or attempts to do so, since I have been here, and there never was anything thought of them. Since my unlucky attempt, everything seems to have been put in commotion, and most unfounded suspicions, rumors, etc., started. My only object for leaving at the time I attempted, was to avoid the greater degradation, and insecurity of life, and at the same time be united again with my precious little family. I don't perceive why there is so much odium attached, as the authorities, by their harsh and cruel treatment, endeavor to make believe. I will soon be returned to some duty more compatible with my qualifications. In the mean time, assure Frank and all that I am well and hearty, and as determined as ever. Write soon. Give my unbounded love to all at home, and believe me most truly and devotedly, Yours, etc.,
S.A. MUDD
September 30, 1865.
My dear Jere:
I wrote to you and Frank by the last steamer, but at the same time intended to arrive before it. Providence was against me. I was too well known and was apprehended five or ten minutes after being aboard the steamer. They were so much rejoiced at finding me, they did not care to look much farther; the consequence was, the boat went off and carried away four other prisoners, who no doubt will make good their escape. I suppose this attempt of mine to escape will furnish the dealers in newspapers matter for comment, and a renewal of the calumnious charges against me. Could the world know to what a degraded condition the prisoners of this place have been reduced recently, they, instead of censure, would give me credit for making the attempt. This place is now wholly guarded by negro troops with the exception of a few white officers. I was told by members of the 161st N.Y.V. Reg., that so soon as they departed, the prisoners would be denied many of their former privileges, and life would be very insecure in their hands. This has already proved true; a parcel of new rules and regulations have already been made and are being enforced, which sensibly decreases our former liberties.
For attempting to make my escape, I was put in the guard-house, with chains on hands and feet, and closely confined for two days. An order then came from the Major for me to be put to hard labor, wheeling sand. I was placed under a boss, who put me to cleaning old bricks. I worked hard all day, and came very near finishing one brick. The order also directs the Provost Marshal to have me closely confined on the arrival of every steamer and until she departs. I know not how long this state of things will continue. I have arrived at that state of mind at which I feel indifferent to what treatment I am subjected. The 161st N.Y. Reg. were very kind and generous to me, and I was as much induced by them to make the attempt to take French leave as my own inclination and judgment dictated. I am now thrown out of my former position, chief of dispensary, and not likely to be reinstated. I know not what degree of degradation they may have in store for me. I was forced, under the penalty of being shot, to inform on one of the crew who promised to secrete me aboard. They have him still in close confinement, and will likely try him before court martial for the offense. I have written a note to the Major and have seen the Provost Marshal, and have taken upon myself the whole blame and responsibility of the affair, yet they pay little or no attention, and the young fellow is still kept in close confinement.
I don't regret the loss of my position. Take away the honor attached, the labor was more confining than any other place or avocation on the island. At the same time it relieved me of the disagreeable necessity of witnessing men starve for the nutriment essential for a sick man, when it could be had with no trouble and but a little expense. Four prisoners have died during the short time I have been here; the last one died the morning I made my attempt to escape. Not a single soldier or citizen laborer has died or suffered with any serious sickness; thereby showing something wrong, something unfair, and a distinction made between the two classes of individuals. Every case of acute dysentery or diarrhea among the prisoners, either dies in the onset or lingers on and terminates in the chronic, which eventually kills.
We have a disease here which is termed bone fever, or mild yellow fever, which has attacked at least three-fourths of the inmates of the Fort. It lasts generally but two or three days; during the time, the patient imagines every bone will break from the enormous pain he suffers in his limbs. None has died with it.
I have not been a day sick or unwell, owing no doubt to the fact of my thoughts being concentrated upon home, my dear Frank, and the children. Little did I think I would ever become the veriest slave and lose the control of my own actions, but such, unfortunately, is too true, and God, I suppose, only knows whether these misfortunes will terminate with my frail existence, or that after being broken down with cares and afflictions of every kind, I be returned to my family a burden, more than a help and consoler. My only hope now is with you and the influence you can bring to bear. To be relieved from my present situation, I would be willing to live in poverty the balance of my days with Heaven my only hope of reward. If money be necessary, sell everything that I possess, and what might be allotted by poor Papa from his already exhausted means.
I feel that I am able now, and have resolution to make a decent living in any section of the world in which I am thrown by the Grace and Providence of the Almighty.
It strikes me that the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, Montgomery Blair, and many others whose principles and opinions are growing daily more popular - their influence could be easily brought to bear in my behalf. You fail to give me any idea of what was being done or any reasons for me to hope for relief by any certain time. You may have omitted this for prudential reasons. I have been too careless in my language among the evil disposed. They have never failed to misinterpret my language and meaning, and to omit everything having a tendency to exonerate me.
Knowing this, I shall be the keeper or guardian of my own thoughts and words for the future. I never knew how corrupt the world was before being visited by my recent calamities and troubles. They have shamefully lied and detracted everything I have said or done - a privilege for the future they shall never have. No doubt they will get up a great sensation in regard to my attempted escape. Some thirty or forty have made their escape, or attempts to do so, since I have been here, and there never was anything thought of them. Since my unlucky attempt, everything seems to have been put in commotion, and most unfounded suspicions, rumors, etc., started. My only object for leaving at the time I attempted, was to avoid the greater degradation, and insecurity of life, and at the same time be united again with my precious little family. I don't perceive why there is so much odium attached, as the authorities, by their harsh and cruel treatment, endeavor to make believe. I will soon be returned to some duty more compatible with my qualifications. In the mean time, assure Frank and all that I am well and hearty, and as determined as ever. Write soon. Give my unbounded love to all at home, and believe me most truly and devotedly, Yours, etc.,
S.A. MUDD
