Savannah April 13, 1862

S Cooper
Adjutant General
C. S. A.
Richmond

Dear General

I am a Paroled Confederate Prisoner of War taken from my dying brothers side at the Battle of Manassas & paroled on the 2nd December.

Col Gardner advised me to apply to you as it was probably through the negligence on my Colonel that I have not been exchanged. I am very ancious to rejoin my regiment and if you sir could get me exchanged you would place one under lasting obligations one who is ancious to fight for his country.

Your obedient Servant

Savannah Georgia
April 21st 1862

Capt E P Lawton
Adjutant Genl

Sir

My object in writing is to desire you to use your kind offices in procuring my exchange as a parole prisoner of war. The following brief statement of facts, will I trust be sufficient to enable you to understand my present unpleasant situation. I was taken prisoner of the 21st of July last at Manassas Virginia while attending to my brother Adjutant John L. Branch 8th Georgia Regiment who was mortally wounded. I was confined in Washington city until 2d December last when I was paroled and soon after returned to Savannah. It may not be improper to state that my parole was given before that of the prisoners captured at Forts Hatteras & Clarke whom I learn have already been exchanged.

It is my desire and intention to reenter the Army and am only prevented by my parole at this time. Trusting you will expert your kind efforts in my behalf and that they may be attended with success.

I Remain
Very Respectfully
Your obt svt

S W. Branch

O. L. I 8th Ga