The Letters of Thomas Sumption Armstrong

Thomas Sumption 'Sump' Armstrong (1835-1909) enrolled in the Preparatory Department of Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859. He remained there for one term, opting to take on a teaching position in Brownsville the following Fall. In the short time he studied in Delaware, Ohio, he demonstrated his prevailing interest in Methodism, attending local revivals and ruminating on sermons led by Ohio Wesleyan's first President Edward Thomson. At the outset of the Civil War, Thomas enlisted with the 78th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and organized local recruiting activities with the Colonel Zachariah M. Chandler. He enlisted with Company B alongside George W. Porter and John W.A. Gillespie. Shortly before the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, Thomas fell ill and was discharged from active duty. Upon his recovery, he would re-enlist with the 122nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Company I, with which he would remain. On June 15, 1863, he was captured at the second battle of Winchester and spent the remainder of the war in Confederate prisons. He was eventually exchanged and honorably discharged from the army in June 1865 with the rank of Captain. Thomas and Francis Porter wed shortly after his return home and Thomas resumed his teaching career while preparing for the ministry. They would have 4 children together: Edgar Stanley, Merrill Frederick, Olive Gibson, and May Marple. Thomas joined the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1873. He would hold several posts with the church, including circuit rider until his retirement in 1897.

Thomas's letters record his activities from his enrollment at Ohio Wesleyan University to the events following his discharge from the army in 1865.

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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
September 28, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas again requests a box of provisions, adding a few items, prison authorities are allowing prisoners to use Confederate money.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
October 09, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas asks Jacob to send the items he requested last month.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Armstrong Family

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 01, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas requests additional food and cooking supplies and mentions subject areas he is studying with fellow prisoners.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 06, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Nearly 5 months into his prison term, Thomas expresses doubt about leaving soon. He relays details about Jacob's wounds from fighting Quantrell's raiders in Lawrence, Kansas.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 14, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas requests additional food and books for his studies.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 15, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas indicates that prison life is tolerable, but he fears the potential for a disease outbreak.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 29, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas reports the outlook for his release is not favorable.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
December 22, 1863; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas encourages Francis in her "struggling with the world."
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
February 24, 1864; Charleston, SC

Now transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas is forlorn about the prospect of exchange. He indicates that he has not heard from Francis since the previous May.
Letter from Robert W. P. Muse to Thomas S. Armstrong

Robert W.P. Muse
March 01, 1864; Zanesville. OH

A voucher appointing Jacob as Thomas's "lawful attorney in fact."
Letter from John Brough to Thomas S. Armstrong

John Brough
March 26, 1864; Columbus, OH

Certificate of promotion to First Lieutenant of the 122nd OVI for Thomas
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 25, 1864; Libby, Richmond, VA

Thomas expresses exasperation at his continued imprisonment and mentions of "horrors" of prison life he will not describe.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
May 19, 1864; Macon, GA

Now at Camp Oglethorpe, Thomas assures Francis that he and his fellow prisoners are in good health.
Letter from John Brough to Thomas S. Armstrong

John Brough
September 10, 1864; Columbus, OH

Document commissioning Thomas to captain of the 122nd OVI
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Paymaster General's Office

Thomas S. Armstrong
March 07, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas requests to draw pay earned "while a paroled prisoner."
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
March 08, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas asks Francis, if she is ready to marry him now that he has been paroled.
Letter from Henry P. Fox to Thomas S. Armstrong

Henry P. Fox
March 12, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Document granting leave of absence to Thomas
Letter from Paymaster General's Office to Thomas S. Armstrong

Paymaster General's Office
March 16, 1865; Washington, DC

Army Paymaster's account of payments made to Thomas.
Letter from Charles M. Cornyn to Thomas S. Armstrong

Charles M. Cornyn
March 28, 1865; Petersburg, VA

Lt. Colonel Cornyn explains that upon Thomas's exchange, his position with the regiment will remain the same when he is mustered in.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 07, 1865; Gratiot, OH

At home, Thomas describes his recent social activities in Zanesville. He responds in detail to questions Francis asks in a prior letter and asks to marry.
Letter from F. D. Sewall to Thomas S. Armstrong

F.D. Sewall
April 16, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Special orders for Thomas to report to Camp Parole in Maryland at the conclusion of his Leave of Absence.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 17, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas mulls whether to stay in service with his old regiment or resign to take a teaching position in Clinton. He takes stock of the war's outlook and Abraham Lincoln's death.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 18, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas and fellow officers are given leave to travel to Washington to attend President Abraham Lincoln's funeral.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 20, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas describes the funeral procession for Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C.; boarding in Annapolis, MD.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 22, 1865; Annapolis, MD

Thomas tells Francis that he intends to quit the service if he can.