E. S. Dodd's Last Letter to Parents

Confederate Veteran
Volume 7, Number 8, Page 361
August, 1899

Comrade K. F. Peddicord, Palmyra, Mo., sends a war time clipping from the Louisville Journal, which recounts the execution of E. S. Dodd, at Knoxville, who was convicted as a spy. On the same day David O. Dodd was hanged at Little Rock. E. S. Dodd was a member of Terry's Texas Rangers, and lived at Richmond, Ky. His last letter to his parents (father and stepmother) is copied. It is most pathetic:

Knoxville Jail,
January 6, 1864.

Mr. Travis Dodd,
Richmond, Ky.

My Dear Father:
Under far different circumstances from those by which I was surrounded when I last wrote you, I write this letter. I am under close guard, and under sentence of death, pronounced against me by a court-martial held in this city. I was captured in Sevier County while on my way to join my command with Longstreet.

After relating the story of his capture, he continues:

I was charged by the court-martial as a spy, but the charge and specifications could not be sustained; yet they have condemned me to be hung as a spy, the execution to take place the day after to-morrow. I feel prepared to meet my fate as a soldier, and firmly rely upon God's promises to save the penitent. . . . I am treated as kindly by the guard as could be expected. The Rev. Mr. Martin, of the Presbyterian Church, is visiting me and affording me much consolation. I feel, dear father and mother, that if I suffer the penalty tomorrow the exchange of worlds will be for the better. . . . Do not grieve for me, dear parents, for I am leaving a world of sin and misery for one of perfect bliss. I can say no more.

Your loving son,

E. S. Dodd.