Autograph letter signed by Samuel Patton Inks. Camp Chase Prison, Columbus, Ohio, 21 April 1862. 2 pages, 8vo. With original envelope with censor inscriptions. 

First Lieutenant Samuel Patton Inks was a first lieutenant in the 15th Arkansas Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Northwest Regiment," commanded by Lt. Colonel Dandridge McRae. He was captured at the Battle of Pea Ridge (7-8 March 1862) and sent to Alton, Illinois, and then on to Camp Chase, arriving on 1 May 1862, before later transferring to Johnson's Island.

He writes home, desperate for correspondence from his friends and family. He gives explicit instructions, revealing interesting details about postal service for Confederate POWs: "On the corner of the envelope write via Fortress Monroe & Flag of truce, write nothing that would be considered contraband as it will not be permitted to pass and don't seal your letter....I must close as I am allowed only to write one page as it takes too much time to examine them." The envelope also includes notes penned by a censor or warden giving permission to send the letter and noting the author. 

After release, Inks performed quartermaster duties and, after promotion to Captain, served on Cabell's Staff in 1864.

An interesting letter and envelope for collectors of postal history and the prisoner of war experience. 

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