W.C.(WILLOUGHBY) DORION was a 3LT with Co B 4th Tenn Inf from Bolivar,
Hardeman Co, TN

                                                        Military Prison Alton Illinois
                                                        Monday Sept 29th/62
Dear father,

        I have heard of your action from Columbia by a letter recd by Mr. Gray.
Col Neely, Hancock, Fentress, & Walker of our crowd have been released, and I think
that mine could easily be procured if my case was properly represented to Genl Grant,
as there has been as far as I can learn, no charges filed against me. It would be
necessary to state to him that I was on parole at the time of my arrest, that the choice
was given me to go South of the Federal lines unconditionally or to come North as a
prisoner, that I chose the former and was sent here &c, in fact just have the facts
stated to him as known by you for you was present when the choice was given us. Sgt
Sanders came in yesterday morning, Wm. Ussery also. All of the Boliver crowd are well.
Walker was sent down to St Louis Saturday morning to have a trial I suppose. If he gets
home he can tell you all about how we are getting along. I find that it is necessary to
have friends outside to work for there is small hope of any one obtaining a release., try
and do something for me, and stir Genl Neely up if you think he can do anything. I
know that he will do all he can if he only thinks of it.I am confident that the case if stated
to Genl Grant as it actually is , would effect the  release of not only myself, but that of
the balance of the Bolivar Prisoners also.
        My love to Maggie, Ma & same for yourself write soon. I have received but
one letter from you yet. Love to all friends. No letter from Canada yet.

                                                        Yours affectionately
                                                        /s/ W.C.Dorion