Charles L. Taylor Autograph Letter Signed with Execution of Union Solider Content. Four pages of a bifolium, 5" x 8", Portsmouth, Virginia; January 16, 1864. Addressed to his wife, Hattie, Taylor writes about the execution of Union Private Samuel Jones of Co. B 5th Ohio Regiment, ordered by Major General Pickett. He encloses a copy of the note that was pinned to Private Jones' body. It reads in part: "...A poor fellow was hung Deep Creek way. I enclose a copy of the notice found pinned to his back. The citizens there sent a statement concerning it they buried the body. It has been since taken up and sent this way, there were a pair of ugly handcuffs on the wrists. The rebels hung the man and then recrossed the Chowan River. The citizens found the body and informed us. I wrote a letter today transmitting copies of the Statement, notice and report of Cavalry sent after the body, for information of Gen. Butler to be sent by a special messenger. We'll see what he says..." Signed, "Chas. L. Taylor." With original transmittal cover. The notice reads: "Here hangs Private Samuel Jones of Co. "B" 5th Ohio Regt. by order of Maj. Gen'l Pickett, in retaliation for Private Daniel Bright of the Co. L. 62nd . Geo. Reg't (Col. Griffins) hung, Dec 18th 1863, by order Brig. Gen'l Wild." The details of the capture and lawful execution of the prisoner are still debated, but Union General Wild captured and hanged a "guerilla" prisoner named Daniel Bright so in retaliation the Confederates hung a Union prisoner, Samuel Jones. Condition: Creases lightly rubbed. Small ink smudge to first page that does not affect legibility. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved