Source
State Archives of Florida, Collection M88-21
Description
Letter from J. S. M. Davidson, fellow officer and friend of William Tennent Stockton, to Julia Stockton, William Stockton's wife, informing her that her husband had survived the battle at Chattanooga but was a prisoner in Union hands.
General Note
William Tennent Stockton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 9, 1812, the fourth child of William T. and Anna Williamson Stockton. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, from which he graduated eighth in his class in 1834. Stockton served with the Second U.S. Artillery in the Second Seminole War before resigning his commission in 1836. He eventually moved to Quincy, Florida, where he ran a stagecoach line, farmed, and was elected to a number of terms as mayor. In December 1845, while living at Quincy, Stockton married his second wife, Julia Elizabeth Telfair (his first wife, Sarah Strange, had evidently died prior to 1845). By the time of the Civil War the couple had nine children (although one, Robert Stockton, apparently died in infancy sometime after 1860). Stockton served in the Florida Militia during the antebellum years, and following Florida's secession he offered his services and those of a cavalry company, the Gadsden Dragoons, to his adopted state. Stockton received a captain's commission in the Confederate army in May 1861 and for the first months of the war he served as an inspecting and mustering officer, but he soon was assigned to the First Florida Cavalry Regiment. Stockton earned promotion to major in January 1862, and he would later rise to the rank of lieutenant colonel. The First Florida Cavalry was transferred to Tennessee in the Spring of 1862. It participated in the 1862 Kentucky Campaign and in operations in east Tennessee in late 1862 and early 1863. During the regiment's first major engagement at Chickamauga in September 1863, Stockton received a minor yet painful facial wound. He returned home to recuperate but returned in time to take part in the battle at Chattanooga two months later. At this battle the First Florida Cavalry and several other Florida regiments were stationed on picket duty near the base of Missionary Ridge at the time of the Union attack on November 25. Overrun by the advance a large number of Floridians, including Stockton, fell into Union hands. He would spend the remainder of the war in the Union prisoner of war camp at Johnson's Island, near Sandusky, Ohio. Released at war's end, William Stockton returned home to Quincy. He died there in 1869.
expected from such vile scamps.
I heard on yesterday that the Yankees at Knoxville had burnt the residences of some seven or eight Southern men, including Dr Croziers Mrs Coffin Mr Wallaces old place. I hear also the Pianos and furniture of all description were also burnt.
I was invited a day or two ago to dine with Lt Willie Stockton Lt Zeigler and Captain Dent, I think they had as fine a dinner as could possibly be thought of in camp. A fine Turkey graced the head of the table, and I had the pleas- ure (if it is a pleasure) of carving it with a dull knife. We are all now quietly resting near Dalton living on poor beef, bread and daily reports, waiting for something to turn up I am fearful we will yet have to fall back before we can make a successful stand. Genl Bragg has left us. Genl Hardee has assu- med Command of the army. I must certainly not forget to mention the fact that Col J J Finley has been made a Brig Genl and now commands the Flo Brg. This appointment gives very general satisfaction. He as well as his command acted with great bravery both at the battle of Chick-
-amauga and Missionary Ridge for which they have received great credit from Genl Bragg Genl Finley was called by Genl Bragg "the Old Hero" He does not I think object to being called the Hero, but the Old, he will not admit. He says with his beard off he is 20 years younger.
Madam when you see my people you will please say to them that Willie and myself are very well. Robert was sent to the Hospital the day of the battle very sick since which time I have not had one word from him. I am not aware what Hospital he is in.
You will please remember me most kindly to Miss Lilla also the balance of your family. Love to all my people.
Trusting that this wicked war may soon terminate, and that your husband may soon be restored to us, and to you
I am very truly
your friend
J.S.M Davidson
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