[Excerpts from "The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of Official
Records of the Union and Confederate Armies", Series II, 
Vol. 5, War Dept. 1899]
[transcribed by Mark Murphy, 7 Nov 2001]

p. 868

Johnson's Island Military Prison,
Near Sandusky City, Ohio, March 3, 1863.
Hon. H.S. Foote, Member of Congress, Richmond, Va.
Dear Sir:  Inclosed you will find a letter from Lieut. John W. 
Dunningham, C.S. Navy, which I hope will receive your kind
consideration.  Though a stranger to you I address you this letter
hoping to interest you in my behalf that justice may be done myself
and the Confederate Government, to which I claim allegiance and of
which I expect protection.  I am a Tennesseean, a citizen of the
Confederate States and a surgeon in the army.  I was appointed surgeon
of the Ninth Battalion of Tennessee Cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Col.
George Gantt, of Columbia, Tenn.  The Ninth Battalion was mustered into
the State service the last of November, 1861, and was transferred to
the Confederate service between the 1st and middle of December, 1861.
Lieutenant Colonel Gantt's battalion was at Fort Donelson and was
included in the surrender which took place February 16, 1862, after
which I was held a prisoner for four months, then unconditionally
released as a surgeon.  I went to my home near Columbia, Maury County, 
Tenn., where I remained a short time and then procuring the required
passes, &c., I proceeded South to rejoin the army, &c.  I had no
trouble whatever until I arrived at the headquarters of General McCook
(since killed) who commanded at Battle Creek.  Upon examining my pass
he consented for me to proceed, but after delaying some time caused
me to be arrested and returned to Huntsville, Ala.  From there I was
sent to Camp Chase and from there to this island.
For seven long dreary months I have been an occupant of either guard-
house or prison, an innocent sufferer.  I have done nothing to justify
the treatment I am receiving and I think certainly my Government is
not aware of the outrage.  I have appealed to the authorities at 
Washington time and again but all to no purpose.  So far I have been
denied either an exchange or release, the latter of which is due every
surgeon as they are non-combatants and so far as I am aware is extended
by our authorities to all Federal surgeons.  My treatment would have
been intolerable did I not have the pleasing satisfaction of knowing
that General McCook who ordered my arrest has gone to reap the reward
of his doings- a reward richly deserved by him and all others engaged
like him in this unholy nigger war.  Several gentlemen have left here
on exchange who promised faithfully to represent the outrageous
conduct of the Lincoln Government in disregarding previous agreements,
&c. (in holding surgeons as prisoners, of which I am the unfortunate
subject and sufferer), but they have failed to comply with their 
promise, which was a duty they owed their Government, or else the 
authorities at Richmond have disregarded the report and thereby 
neglected their duty in allowing a citizen and soldier of the 
Confederate States to be grossly imposed upon.  I appeal to you as a
Representative of Tennessee to use every means in your power for my 
release from prison.  Urge upon the authorities an immediate demand for

p. 869

my immediate exchange as the treatment I am receiving is unjust. 
Having every confidence that you will give a son of Tennessee your aid,
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
Jo. E. Dixon,
Surgeon, Provisional Army, C.S.
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