Samuel Alexander Mudd

“ Frank must be sick - the little children are sick - some may be dead, or some other misfortune has happened, are questions frequently revolving in my mind and heart, and the dear ones at home are unwilling to break the cruel intelligence to me. ”

“ I have little or no labor to perform, but my fare is not much improved. My principal diet is coffee, butter and bread three times a day. We have had a mess or two of Irish potatoes and onions, but as a general thing vegetables don't last many days in this climate before decomposition takes place. Pork and beef are poisonous to me; and molasses when I am able to buy it, and occasionally (fresh) fish, when Providence favored, are the only articles of diet used. I am enjoying very good health, considering the circumstances.
Sweet, dearest Frank, write to me soon on the receipt of my letter. ”

“ At this time there is a vessel lying at quarantine with all hands aboard sick with fever of some description, - several have died, and there is not one well enough to nurse the sick - no volunteers from among the prisoners going to them, so the chances of life are small. ”