The writer was Thomas N. Williams, the paper getting the initial of his first name wrong. What I have on him is below.
To Friends of Prisoners of the 42nd Va. Regiment
Campbell C.H.
September 27th 1864
Messrs. Editors
Through the columns of your paper, I am requested to inform the public of the true conditions of the prisoners confined at Fort Delaware. Their health is good, except occasional cases of smallpox; fare is rough, and the prisoners do not get enough of it to satisfy their appetites, yet I think their health is better by it. Many of them will suffer for clothing this winter unless they are supplied from the Confederacy. Heretofore Baltimore and other places have sent clothing, etc., to the prisoners, but now they are not allowed. Tobacco is much needed by the prisoners. They are not allowed to write to anyone but a father, mother, brother, sister, wife, son, or daughter, and only ten lines in a letter to them.
The prisoners are very anxious for an exchange and so far as they have been able to learn comparatively few have taken the oath. They are hopeful and confident in regard to the final issue of the war.
I left Fort Delaware on the 18th of this month on parole. I could make personal mention of many who are there had I space, but as all from Lynchburg and the surrounding counties are well, or at least none of them are severely ill, I suppose it is unnecessary.
S. N. Williams
Chaplain, 42d Va. Regt.
WILLIAMS, THOMAS N.: Chaplain, F&S. Present and ministering to soldiers of Jones’ 2nd Brigade “for several weeks” prior to 4/28/64 when 42nd Va. officers wrote C.S. Adj. and Insp. Gen., Richmond, recommending that “Rev. T.N. Williams of Missouri be appointed Chaplain of the 42nd Regt. Va. Infy. vice S.F. Butts resigned.” The officers noted that Williams “has regularly and faithfully engaged in religious worship and has given entire satisfaction to both officers and privates.” May have joined 42nd Va. unofficially as chaplain from Campbell County on 5/16/64, according to unit muster roll. Sec. War. appointed Williams, “from Virginia,” as Chaplain, P.A.C.S., 6/9/64 with DOR 5/24/64, ordering him to report to 42nd Va. Captured 8/25/64 Shepherdstown (W.Va.). Remained absent from unit through 12/31/64. During absence was at Harper's Ferry (W.Va.) by 8/30/64 when sent to Fort Delaware, Del.; there 9/1 to 18/64 when sent to Aiken’s Landing “to be unconditionally released”; hospitalized, diarrhea, Richmond 9/21 to 23/64, when, as a paroled prisoner, was granted 40-day furlough, “unless sooner exchanged,” and instructed to report to his unit at the end of the leave, if exchanged; but if not, was to report to Camp of Paroled Prisoners, Richmond; finally, was directed “not to go West of the Mississippi River” during his leave. Was in Dept. of W.Va. and East Tenn. by 11/3/64 when leave extended for 20 days. Paid in Richmond 11/25/64 for service to 11/1/64. Reported to camp of instruction for parolees and prisoners by 11/26/64 when present there. Reported by unit on 11/29/64 as AWOL since 8/25/64. Named on brigade inspection report 12/29/64. Present in unit 1/17/65 when regimental commander wrote C.S. Adj. and Insp. Gen., Richmond, that Williams had been reported AWOL from unit “on last inspection report,” but that he had returned and was “present for duty with his Command.” Present in unit 2/21/65. Reported on 2/27/65 as absent from unit, with “no proper authority for being absent.” Paroled Appomattox C.H., 4/9/65, with "officers who reported themselves for parole after the departure of their commands."