Ellen W. Randolph Coolidge to Bennett Taylor

My dear Bennett,

My son Algernon received a letter from my brother Jefferson, yesterday, dated 3d February, perhaps even later news than you have received. All well.

I write principally to say that I feel to-day more encouraged in the matter of your exchange than I have done yet. Mr C. who has been unremitting in his efforts, has at last, we hope, applied to a man able & willing to advise & to act efficiently. I would not have you too secure, but I cannot help imparting to you some of the hope I feel. It will take some little time to take the necessary steps—till then keep a good heart.

Ever affectionately your aunt,
Ellen W. Coolidge.
RC (photocopy in ViU: Bennett Taylor Papers); addressed: “Capt. Bennett Taylor 19th Regt Va. Infantry prisoner at Johnson’s Island, Sandusky Ohio”; stamped; postmarked Boston, 22 Feb.; endorsed in an unidentified hand: “Rec—Feb 28th 1865”; stamped: “Prisoner’s Letter Examined U.S. Johnsons Island.”