Civil War Letter from Nat C. McLean of the Kentucky 8th and 10th (Johnson's) Cavalry, Co. E, written from Johnson's Island Prison, Ohio, dated Aug. 8 1864. Johnson's Cavalry took part in John Hunt Morgan's famous Christmas raid and ill-fated Indiana-Ohio raid. During the latter, the majority of the regiment were captured and imprisoned, many for the duration of the war. It is not clear when and where McLean was captured, but in this letter, McLean is pessimistic about his chances for release and confides to his aunt, "I have been so long dead to the outer world that I scarcely think I would know my own family folks... I look more confidently for an early peace than an early exchange." The missive mainly revolves around family matters and news from back home in Kentucky. Of his fellow prisoners, he mentions "...There are a great many young men here who once lived in and around Maysville," specifically his roommate Lt. Pen Keith. 1 page, pen and ink on lined paper, 9 3/4 in. H x 7 5/8 in. W. Framed and mounted under glass in a frame with black and gold edges, 13 in. H x 11 in. W. 

Overall very good condition, creases, minor edge chipping. Not examined out of frame. 

Private Nashville Collection.