ROCK ISLAND BARRACKS, ILL: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied target with matching ROCK ISLAND/ILL/SEP/20/’64 double circle cancel and blue oval "R.I. Barracks/Examined/Prisoner's Letter" handstamp on pristine cover addressed to “Rev. N. M. Gordon, Keene, Jessamine County Kentucky”, Very Fine, Ex-Toaspern 

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: U.S. 3¢ rose #65, uncanceled, on cover addressed  to “Mr. Edward B. Will, Co. B 7th Division, Point Lookout, Maryland" sent "Care of Maj. A.G. Brady", "Exchanged" in red ink, Fine

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OH: U.S. 3¢ rose #65, uncanceled, trimmed and oxidized - perhaps cut from encased currency, on cover to "Moses L. Robinson, Prisoner of War, Prison No. 3 Camp Chase, Ohio" endorsed "By Flag of Truce", light partially erased examiner's marking in pencil, Fine, contents likely "$5 U.S. Currency". Robinson is listed as having served in Co. “D” 20th LA Infantry (Lovell Regiment).

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OH: U.S. 3¢ rose #65, tied target with matching "Columbus O./OCT 26" duplex, examiner's handstamp “EXAMINED/CAMP CHASE/O.” on lemon cover to “Miss Catherine Hooper, Alexandria, Va.”, bit reduced at left, tiny cover tear at top and some flap tears, Fine+

OHIO STATE PENTITENTIARY, COLUMBUS, OHIO/Morgan's Raider: 3¢ rose (65) tied by target and matching "Columbus O/Feb 20" duplex, manuscript "Ex N.M." (Examined by Captain Nathaniel Merion, the warden at the penitentiary), from Major Robert Bullock, a member of the infamous Morgan's Raiders, specifically the 8th Kentucky Cavalry, to his wife in Lexington, Ky., Extremely Fine, Ex-Agre, signed Brian Green,1980 PF certificate. A wonderful piece of Civil War history.

Following the capture of General John Hunt Morgan and his men on July 26, 1863, after one of their raids through Kentucky and Ohio, it was deemed that they should be confined separately at the Ohio State Penitentiary rather than on Johnson's Island as normal prisoners of war. Nevertheless, Morgan and a few of his men managed to escape four months later, further adding to the notoriety and legend of the feared Morgan's Raiders. During their imprisonment the Governor of Ohio had been forced to apologize for Warden Merion's cruel treatment of the prisoners.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose (65) tied by target and matching Sandusky, O./AUG/19/’64 double circle on cover addressed to New Orleans, manuscript examiner's marking "Ex GSB" (Corporal George S. Brown, 128th O.V.I.), cover toned and minor surface irregularities, Fine. 

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose (65) canceled by grid with matching NEW YORK/OCT/15 cds and manuscript examiner’s marking "Ex O W" (probably Oscar F. White, 128th O.V.I.) on yellow cover to "Captain C.R. Rhodes, Prisoner of War, Johnson's Island, Ohio, Care of Col. C.W. Hill, near Sandusky, Ohio". The addressee was a member of the 8th Alabama Cavalry, Co. G, and captured at Roger's Gap, Tenn., on Aug. 31, 1862, In the “oops” department, in a report headed June 30, 1864 by Col. Charles P. Ball, Commanding the Brigade, he writes of his regiments attack on LaFayette, Ga. that, “My officers and men acted with great gallantry and coolness, with some exceptions. Among the latter I am compelled to mention Capt. E. C. Rhodes… “. 

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose (65) tied target with matching Sandusky, O. Oct 27 ‘64 double circle with neat bold oval "Prisoner's Letter/Examined/F.W.R./Johnson's Island, O." handstamp on cover addressed to “Miss Kate Williams, College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio” with docketing at lower left “Prisoner’s Letter/Johnson’s Island. Fine

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose (65) tied target with matching Sandusky, O. Feb 27 ‘64 double circle with neat bold oval "Prisoner's Letter/Examined/F.Y./Johnson's Island, O." handstamp. Stamp also tied by Richmond/Va. March 12 cds with matching DUE 10 paying Confederate rate; endorsed by Geo W. Jones, Let./Co I 18th Va Regt and addressed to “Mrs. Sarah F. Jones, Spring Garden P.O. Pittsylvania Cty, Virginia” with routing “By Flag of Truce/Care of Commdg Officer Fortress Monroe”, Military bio of George Washington Jones included. Wounded and taken prisoner July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg, exchanged March 14, 1865. Very Fine use of both U.S. and Confederate rates. 

ROMANCE VIA FLAG OF TRUCE: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied by geometric cork type on cover to “Miss Mary E. Burd, St. Louis, Mo.”, OLD POINT COMFORT/VA/SEP/3 (1864) dc ;original letter signed “Johnnie” and datelined "2nd Div. Winder. Hospl., Richmond, Va., Aug. 18th 1864" saying that he had just received his first letter by flag of truce from one of his friends on Johnson’s Island (Prison), has been reading the bible studiously, asks for a “carte”(de viste) from her, etc.; usual two week delay between date of sending and transit through the lines for flag of truce mail, Very Fine.

Miller-Burd Correspondence: Miller held the rank of captain and served as a surgeon in Company B, 12th Cavalry, Missouri State Guard (Confederate) during the Civil War. During the war, he was wounded, captured, and imprisoned both at Johnson's Island and Point Lookout. He lost a leg as a result of the wound. He also worked as an assistant surgeon at Winder Hospital, attached to Libby prison, in Richmond during the War. Lizzie married Dr. John J. Miller after the war. His papers are in the Special Collections section of Auburn University. See the March-April 1973 issue of The Confederate Philatelist for an in depth article on this wonderful flag of truce correspondence entitled "Romance Via Flag of Truce" by Edward Greenwald. Photocopy of article available if you don't have access to it.

ROMANCE VIA FLAG OF TRUCE: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied by geometric cork type on cover to “Miss Mary E. Burd, St. Louis, Mo.”, OLD POINT COMFORT/VA/JAN/163 (1865) dc; original letter signed “Johnnie” datelined "Richmond Va. December 3rd 1864"; says he is getting better at walking (see following reference to amputated leg) and walked 3 miles to church and back, fresh, Very Fine.

Miller-Burd Correspondence: Miller held the rank of captain and served as a surgeon in Company B, 12th Cavalry, Missouri State Guard (Confederate) during the Civil War. During the war, he was wounded, captured, and imprisoned both at Johnson's Island and Point Lookout. He lost a leg as a result of the wound. He also worked as an assistant surgeon at Winder Hospital, attached to Libby prison, in Richmond during the War. Lizzie married Dr. John J. Miller after the war. His papers are in the Special Collections section of Auburn University. See the March-April 1973 issue of The Confederate Philatelist for an in depth article on this wonderful flag of truce correspondence entitled "Romance Via Flag of Truce" by Edward Greenwald. Photocopy of article available if you don't have access to it.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 used with target cancel with matching Point Lookout, Md. Sept 26 (1864) cds on prisoners cover to “Wm. Deaton, Caledonia, Moore County, N.C.” with dateless type IIa octagonal examined markings which is overstruck by Confederate DUE 10 and Richmond October 16 (1864) cds. Small cover tear to right of stamp. Prisoner Noah Deaton was in H Co. NC 26th Infantry, captured at Bristoe Station, Va. 10-14-63 after surviving Gettysburg with Heth, a Pickett’s Charge regiment that sustained over 80% casualties, confined at Old Capitol Prison in Washington, transferred to Point Lookout and eventually paroled from Aiken’s Landing, Va. Military bio included. Deaton was quoted, condemning cowards who refused to enlist in Lee’s Tar Heels: The Pettigrew-Kirkland-MacRae Brigade by Earl J. Hess. The subject of a forthcoming column in the American Stamp Dealer & Collector. 

CAMP DOUGLAS: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied Chicago, Ill Mar 10 cds as well as Camp Douglas small examined circle and Richmond, Va. Mar 17 cds on cover to “Mrs. S. C. Sloop, Taylorsville, Alexander Co. N.C. Via Fortress Monroe Va Per Flag of Truce” with “Prisoner of War” docketing at top and second weak strike of Camp Douglas examined at lower left. Confederate straightline DUE 10 at center pays the Confederate postage so postally used on both sides. Unfortunately, some nitwit cut out the stamp and no doubt thought better of it and put it back in place - still a nice use. Military records show two “S. Sloop” from NC, but neither with any details of use. A good research candidate. 

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied by Sandusky, O Aug 2 double circle  as well as Richmond Aug 13 cds and handstamped DUE 10 Confederate rate; “Ex(amined) B” to “Mr. A. C. Mitchell, Glennville Bonbour Co, Ala”  with routing “For Flag of Truce Via Old Point Comfort, Va.” and solider endorsement of “J. B. Mitchell Co B 34th Ala. Inf.”, small cover tear at bottom otherwise Fine. Sketchy military info online just indicating that he was a 1st Lieut. in Manigault’s Bridgade. Colonel - Julius C.B. Mitchell of Montgomery; detached. The Papers of Jefferson Davis indicate that Mitchell was away from his regiment half to 2/3 of the time which gave cause for officers and privates to talk. Clearly, there is an interesting story to research on this officer! He also served in the 13th Alabama. Ex-Gunter

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied by blue Sandusky, O Apr 19, 1865 dc and target cancel on cover with "Summit Miss." large dateless circle handstamp where it entered the C.S.A. mails, ms. "due 3¢" U.S. rate rather than 10¢ Confederate rate (Lee surrendered ten days before this was mailed), some restorations and repairs but still a fascinating use. It was sent as a thru-the-lines prisoner-of-war letter, but by the time it reached Summit, the Confederate postal system was no longer operating, thus it was charged U.S. postage. Johnson's Island O. oval examiner's handstamp "Prisoner's Letter, Johnsons Island, Examined, Jarvis" to “Mrs. T. E. Ellis (care of E. P. Ellis Esq.) Amite City La. N.O. & J. R. R. St Helena Parish, Louisiana”, flag-of-truce endorsements including "Care of Comdg Officer U.S. Forces at Vicksburg, Miss" and “From E. J. Ellis, Capt 16th La Regt & Prisoner of War”. Ex-Gunter                                                                                   

As a measure of how incomplete the official military records are, they show Ezekiel J(ohn) Ellis (1840-89) as having enlisted as a captain and serving in Companies F and H of the 16th Louisiana Infantry. That’s it - no record of being a prisoner. Further online searching easily turns up the Ellis family papers at Louisiana State University. Ezekiel Park Ellis of Amite was a judge and member of the Louisianalegislature. He was married to Tabitha Emily Warner, daughter of Louisiana Judge Thomas C. Warner. The POW letters of E. J. Ellis (no doubt including the one that belonged to this cover) show him as serving in the 16th LA and being confined to Johnson’s Island. After the war, E. J. Ellis was admitted to the bar in 1866 and became a U.S. representative from Louisiana. Congressional bio included.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied cork and matching NORFOLK / VA. / OCT / 18 / 1864 double circle on cover addressed to “Mr. Robert N. W. Keeling, Company A 7th Division Care of Major A. G. Brady, Provost Marshall, Point Lookout, Md”. This cover is docketed as received from F.W.H. and bears manuscript examined marking “H O” not listed in Harrison’s POW opus. This cover is to a POW Keeling (1831-1901) who was a farmer from Norfolk, Va. and fought on the side of the Confederacy, enlisting at Portsmouth April 20, 1861. Norfolk was captured early in the war in May 1862, thus this 1864 use is a U.S. use (Norfolk) to U.S., but to a Confederate POW. Keeling was initially mustered in to Company “A” of the 3rd Viriginia Infantry (Dismal Swamp Rangers) and detailed for hospital duty. On March 1, 1863, he was transferred into Milligan’s Company, C.S. Independent Signal Corp and also had service in Small’s Company, C.S. Independent Signal Corp. Rubber band stain down the center and small piece of cover missing because of same at top. A fascinating use which will be the subject of a column in the American Stamp Dealer and Collector.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied cork and matching NORFOLK / VA. / SEP / 2 / 1864 double circle on cover addressed to “Mr. Robert N. W. Keeling, Company A 7th Division Care of Major A. G. Brady, Provost Marshall, Point Lookout, Md”. This cover is docketed as received from F.W.H. and bears manuscript examined marking “L” which is listed in Harrison’s POW opus as used in January 1865. He can now expand the range of dates in his ongoing census. Cover slightly reduced at rightl. This cover is to a POW Keeling (1831-1901) who was a farmer from Norfolk, Va. and fought on the side of the Confederacy, enlisting at Portsmouth April 20, 1861. Norfolk was captured early in the war in May 1862, thus this 1864 use is a U.S. use (Norfolk) to U.S., but to a Confederate POW. Keeling was initially mustered in to Company “A” of the 3rd Viriginia Infantry (Dismal Swamp Rangers) and detailed for hospital duty. On March 1, 1863, he was transferred into Milligan’s Company, C.S. Independent Signal Corp and also had service in Small’s Company, C.S. Independent Signal Corp. A fascinating use which will be the subject of a column in the American Stamp Dealer and Collector.

FORT DELAWARE: prisoner of war cover addressed to” James W. Wharton, Summerville, Morgan Co., Ala.”, franked with U.S. 1861, 3¢ rose #65 (faulty) tied by target with matching DELAWARE CITY, DEL., NOV 10 cds, flag of truce endorsement with "via Fortress Monroe, Va." exchange routing, "Richmond, Va., Jan 16" cds and straight line "DUE 10" handstamp, Nice postal use of both sides.

OLD CAPITOL PRISON, WASHINGTON, D.C.: prisoner cover to Georgetown, D.C., franked with U.S. 1861, 3¢ rose #65 tied by "Washington, D.C. Nov 18, '63" cds and target, red "J.W. Sturdivant" multiple line red examiner's handstamp, cover slightly reduced at top, Very Fine. Henry M. Morfit of District of Columbia was a U.S. Commercial Agent (Consul) in Halifax 1827-33. One of the scarcer and more desirable prison uses.

HART'S ISLAND, N.Y., PRISON CAMP 27, cover to “Mr. James Morey, Prisoner of War, Camp 27, Harts Island:, franked with cork canceled U.S. 2¢ Blackjack #73 with "NEW YORK CITY, MAY 9" cds alongside, 1865 docketing at left, Very Fine, a rare Northern prison with only 22 covers recorded by Harrison, all from this correspondence, with 2004 C.S.A. certificate #4494. 

James M. Morey (1844 – 1923) mustered into Company D of the 32nd Tennessee Infantry as a corporal. He was listed as a POW 2/15/1865 in Orangeburg, S.C.  He was born in Jonesboro, TN and died in Greeneville, TN.

RICHLAND JAIL, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, prisoner of war cover to Tonawanda, N.Y., with "Old Point Comfort, Va." cds and "Due 3" handstamp, with manuscript "Exam, R.D. Senn, Capt. Guard" examiner at left and “Prisoner of War letter By Flag of Truce from Richmond Care Genl Winder at Richmond” at top; cover slightly reduced at the top, a rare use from Richland Jail, with only 39 covers recorded in Harrison. There are numerous POWs named Payne, but a diligent search could no doubt turn up the proper soldier

JOHNSON'S ISLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied target and RICHMOND / Va. JAN 16 cds with matching DUE 10, also pencil ms “Due”, SANDUSKY / O. double circle and C.S.B. Prisoner’s Letter examined oval of Johnson’s Island  on cover to “Mrs. A. R. Taylor, Columbia, So. Ca” and ms routing “Per Flag of Truce”. Properly docketed by “J. Taylor, Lt. 7 S. C. C.” Stamp with replaced lower right corner restoration. The South Carolina 7th Cavalry Regiment was organized in March, 1864 by consolidating five independent companies with the cavalry of Holcombe's South Carolina Legion. The unit served in General Gray's Brigade and was involved in various conflicts south and north of the James River and around Appomattox. It surrendered with 22 officers and 398 men. The Johnson’s Island Prisoner website shows a publication called “I’d Rather Lose a Limb and Be Free-The Johnson’s Island Experiences of Lieut John Taylor 7th South Carolina Cavalry”. No doubt a lot more of interest to find out about this one! Great postal use from both sides on one cover (illegal as there was supposed to be an inner and outer envelope), Ex-Cantey.

“IMMORTAL 50": U.S.S. Dragoon with manuscript endorsement, "T. E. Upshaw, Major, Prisoner of War" addressed to "Mrs. McCoy, University of Virginia, Near Charlottesville, Virginia", small blue manuscript "x" at top right corner for Examined marking, cover exchanged in Charleston with "Charleston, S.C./Jul. 13, 1864" cds and manuscript "due" with large handstamped "10" rate, included is transcript of original letter (not included) datelined "On Bd. Prison Ship, Off Hilton Head, S.C., July 7, 1864", part of the text reads, "Have been sent here with 49 other Officers of the Confederate States Army as Hostages for Safety of certain Federal Officers held by Maj. Gen. Sam Jones in Charleston, S.C., supposed to be in Danger.", flap tears, Extremely Fine. Upshaw was an officer with the 13th Virginia Cavalry, Fitzhugh Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and is writing at the request of Capt. C. D. McCoy to say he is well. Upshaw was captured at Spottsylvania and he and McCoy were together at Ft. Delaware. Rare and Choice!

See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf   

“IMMORTAL 600": U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied by Nashville, Ten./Nov. 16 (1864) target duplex on cover addressed to "Lieut. John W. Hoobery, Regst. Prisoner of War, Co. I 44th Tenn. Infty, Division Six, Fort Pulaski, Georgia" with endorsement "Contains $2 U.S. Bill" and magenta manuscript "No. 113" (control number) in top left corner, cover with pencil "Ex” and “C" censor's examined marking and blue “Dep” no doubt signifying that it was deposited to an account from which the prisoner could draw, Extremely Fine. See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf   

Lt. John W. Hooberry was born circa 1841 in Tennessee and enlisted as a private on December 30, 1861 in John L. McEwen’s Company, 55th Tennessee Infantry (McKoin’s). A year later he was promoted to First Sergeant and was elected to Jr. 2nd Lieutenant February 14, 1864. He was captured at Petersburg on June 17, 1864 and received at Ft. Delaware where he became one of the Immortal 600. Hooberry was fortunate to be exchanged in Charleston Harbor December 15, 1864 and surrendered in Augusta, Georgia on May 11, 1865. He took the oath of allegiance on June 3, 1865 at Nashville. He is described as of fair complexion, dark hair, blue eyes and 6’ tall. He was a farmer with a wife and three children, a resident of Nashville.

JOHNSON'S ISLAND - SANDUSKY, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied by blue cork cancel with matching SANDUSKY / O. / OCT / 19 double circle on cover with straightline DUE 10 Confederate rate with RICHMOND / Va. / OCT / 31 / 1863 cds on POW cover with manuscript “Ex. E. O. M.” and “Via Fortress Monroe & City Point”; endorsed by “Thos F. Jones, Capt. 16th Ga Batt Cav(alry)” home to “Mrs. Louisa Y. Jones, Box 4 Cartersville, Bartow County, Georgia”. In exceptional condition with notes of Van Dyk MacBride on verso. An exceptional clean and appealing showpiece. 

Capt. Thomas F. Jones first served as an officer in the 14th GA Infantry but resigned in October 1861. He later joined the 16th Georgia Cavalry Battalion which was a Partisan Ranger unit formed in the summer of 1862 and operated mainly in East Tennessee and Western Virginia. Capt Jones was captured at Blountsville, Ten 9/22/1863 and confined at Johnson’s Island until his release 3/22/1865.

ROPER HOSPITAL (CHARLESTON, SC) and CAMP SORGHUM (COLUMBIA, SC)

ROPER HOSPITAL: First cover from Boston to "Benjamin S. Calef, Prisoner of War, Charleston, S.C., Care of Lt. Col. (later General) Stewart L. Woodford, Maj. Gen. Foster's Staff, Hilton Head", franked with US 3¢ rose #65 tied by cork cancel with red Boston/Oct. 17 double circle postmark; cover with bold censor's "Ex H.H.R." initials of Capt. Hugh Hamilton Rogers, cover with original letter from his sister including charming penciled sketch, endorsed at left "Prisoner to be in Columbia, S.C." indicating the prisoner had been moved to Camp Sorghum, due to an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Charleston. One of only six covers recorded to Roper Hospital.

CAMP SORGHUM: Second cover endorsed from "Benjamin S. Calef Lt 2 & DC Prisoner of War" to his Father in Salem, Mass.; sent from Prison Camp Sorghum (Columbia) with manuscript censor's marking "Exd. J.C. Martin, Capt." (J.C. Martin, Commander of Guard Force), franked with US 3¢ rose & CS 10¢ blue (replacement #12) with "Old Point Comfort/Dec. 16" (1864) double circle postmark, cover with original enclosure dated lined "C.S.A. Prison, Columbia, S.C., November 18th, 1864", letter asks for box of provisions and mentions possibility / hope of a Special (Prisoner) Exchange,

An exceptional matching set of Southern Prison covers to and from a captured Northern soldier. Southern prison covers are much rarer than Northern. Bios and photos included of both Benjamin Shreve Calef and Stewart Lyndon Woodford. Calef was captured at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864 and confined to Macon as well as Charleston and Columbia. 

CSA prisoner in unknown Union prison or Civilian Flag of Truce: CSA #6, 5¢ blue pair tied RICHMOND / VA NOV 15 cds on lemon cover to “Jas W. McClelland Care of W A Gleaves Treas A(u)gusta Georgia” with manuscript “Flag of Truce”. Likely an inner envelope for US prison. Room for the joy of research on this one.

FLAG OF TRUCE: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied cork and matching OLD POINT COMFORT / VA / JAN / 25 double circle cancel on cover to “Anson White, Walton, Del County, New York” with routing “Per flag of Truce”. Further docketing at top “R.B. White Oct 1863 (or 1865)”. There are a number of POW possibilities in the military records, but will take a whole lot more research to nail it down with such a common name. Or it could be civilian use.

POINT LOOKOUT: U.S. 3¢ rose (small tear at top) tied blue target and matching Baltimore, Md April 7 ’64 double circle cancel on cover addressed to “Mr. James Birch, Prisoner of War Co F 7th Div Point Lookout, Md Care Major Weymouth, Pro. Marshal”, small cover edge tears. Military records show James Henry Burch (misspelled on cove as Birch instead of Burch) as a corporal and private in Co D 53rd VA Infantry, captured at Gettysburg (part of Pickett’s Division, Army of Northern Virginia) and confined variously at Fort McHenry, Fort Delaware and Point Lookout. Detailed military record included.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 used with Sandusky, Ohio cds and target plus Richmond, Va. Feb 10 (1864) cds and matching straightline DUE 10 on north to south POW cover with Prisoner’s Letter Examined G.S.B. oval of Johnson’s Island (Corpl George S. Brown of 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry according to Harrison). Endorsed at upper left “R. Ferguson Adjt 18th Va Prisoner of War” with manuscript “Per Flag of Truce” at lower left and addressed to “Miss Pattie Ferguson, New Plymouth PO, Lunenburg Co, Virginia”. A bit of foxing but a lovely use of both sides with great military history behind it.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. #73, 2¢ Blackjack tied target on cover from Confederate General Frazer, a POW at Johnson’s Island, manuscript examined markings, local drop usage from Sandusky, O., 2004 CSA certificate #04525, Ex-Matz and Felton. Rare use from Brig. Gen. John W. Frazer addressed in his hand to “Mrs. L.(etitia)S. Frazer, Sandusky, Ohio.” (She was there unsuccessfully trying to secure his release/exchange.) This cover will be the subject my column “The Confederate Post” in an issue of The American Stamp Dealer & Collector. Frazer was a delegate to the Montgomery convention that organized the Confederacy. In May of 1863, he was made a Brigadier General in command of the Fifth Brigade of the Army of East Tennessee. In September, reinforcements sent to him at Cumberland Gap failed to reach him and, considering  the situation hopeless, he surrendered to U.S. Gen. Burnside – the subject of much controversy. There are numerous online references including one to Johnson’s Island website citing him as one of a group of escape planners. Transferred to Fort Warren after escape attempt, where he spent the rest of the war.  $1,400.  

“IMMORTAL 600" - FORT PULASKI, GEORGIA: with CHARLESTON / S.C./ JAN / 7 (1865) cds and matching (due) 10, manuscript “Per Flag of Truce Via Savannah Ga” to “Mrs. G. W. Roughton, Sandersville, Georgia” with red “Ex(amined)” marking. See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf 2008. CSA certificate #05226.   $4,000.

George Washington Roughton enlisted in Light Artillery, Brigade 2 Army, on March 10, 1862, during the War between the States. He was wounded 8-29-63. He recovered and returned to battle; promoted to become Lt. and later Captain. Injured at the Battle of the Wilderness, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, 5-6-64, and became one of the Immortal 600. They were prisoners of war at Fort Delaware. These 600 men were sent south to be used as human shields. They were put in a stockade in front of the Union batteries at the siege of Charleston. The Union said Confederates held prisoners as human shields first, so they did the same. Later they were taken to a Union Army post at Hilton Head, SC. On October 21, after 45 days under fire, the weakened survivors were removed to For Pulaski, GA. On a "retaliation ration" of 10 ounces of moldy cornmeal and soured onion pickles, 13 men died at Fort Pulaski, and five at Hilton Head. The remaining members of the Immortal Six Hundred were returned to Fort Delaware on March 12, 1865. Capt. Roughton was released from Ft. Delaware, June 16, 1865. He returned to the family farm west of Sandersville, where he lived until his death at age 60 in 1895 .

"UNION 600": C.S. Mill.(Military) Prison, CHARLESTON, S.C..: Inner letter (no postal markings) addressed to “Mrs. Mary A. Day, Vassalboro Brown’s Corner, Maine Via Flag of Truce”. Blue lined paper letter headed “C.S. Mill. Prison Charleston Aug 10” to Capt J. R. Day’s wife saying that “the officers were all moved from Richmond to Macon G.A. May 7th and remained there until the present time …we have had no mail at that place but I understand we can send & receive letters at this place. ..my health has not been very good…I do pray that an exchange may take place soon for we are all in want of clothes…if an exchange does not take place send me a box about the same as you sent me at Libby Prison.” Military records show John R. Day as enlisted 6-4-61 at age 25 as a 2nd Lieut (later promoted to 1st Lieut) into Company “H” 3rd Maine Infantry and taken prisoner 6-20-63 at Gum Springs, Va. One of the “Union 600” held prisoner as human shields. See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf 2008.  $1,000

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose tied square jail-bar grid on POW cover from Dr. Alfred Hughes, who was imprisoned for signing the ordnance of secession. It is addressed to his wife in Wheeling, West Virginia which state Hughes refused to acknowledge as U.S.. The cover is manuscript “Ex(a)m(ine)d CWB Allison, Col.” (Charles W. B. Allison who commanded the Camp Chase Hoffman Guard Battalion. The pencil docketing indicates that this was letter #64 written September 14, 1862. The correspondence has been well written up over the years. $160.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose tied Columbus Feb 8 double circle cancel as well as bold clear RICHMOND / Va. / FEB 25 cds and matching DUE 10 straightline to pay Confederate postage as well as U.S. on one cover which is addressed to “Asst. Surgeon L. Hall Jordan, Griffin, Georgia” with routing “Via Fortess Monroe” and note “Capt. Millers Company of Virginia Cavalry” with Camp Chase Lieut Col. Poten examined marking, repairs across bottom; TURNED COVER open 3 sides to display with franking of 10¢ blue #12 tied GRIFFIN on cover to Mount Jackson, Virginia. Ex-Crouch. A wonderful use. $700.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: Sandusky, Ohio – Flag of Truce Mail: North to South use with U.S. stamp removed, possibly while in transit - with Sandusky Dec 19 ‘ 65 double circle cancel remains. Confederate DUE 10 straightline with RICHMOND / VA / JAN / 17 cds on POW cover endorsed “Wilkens Stovall, Lt 55th NC Regt, Prisoner of War” to “Miss Lucie W. Stovall, Care of Jno W. Stovall Esqr, Sassafras Fork, Granville, County, N. Carolina” with interesting manuscript routing “For Flag of Truce boat Fortress Monroe Via City Point or Charleston Care of General Comdg Dept of Va. & N.C.” with Johnson’s Island oval examined marking. This cover is illustrated in a March-April 1975 Confederate Philatelist article re such routings (copy enclosed as well as Stovall’s military record). Stovall was a 25 year old farmer when he enlisted as a private (promoted to 1st Lieut) into Co D 12th NC Infantry – he later transferred to Co K 55th NC. He was wounded at Gettysburg and taken prisoner at Falling Waters, MD. He was first confined to Old Capitol Prison in D.C. and transferred to Johnson’s Island a few weeks later where he remained for almost two years. Most interesting cover in wonderful condition but for the missing stamp. $750.

FORT DELAWARE: Delaware City: U.S. 3¢ rose with trace of imprint in the bottom perfs, just tied on neat cover by grid and matching Delaware City  cds with neatly struck prisoner’s letter examined oval from Confederate soldier north to “Miss Annie M. Newman, Portsmouth, Ohio”. $250.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied by Sandusky O cds and Richmond, Va cds with matching straightline DUE 10 at left over prisoner’s endorsement “W. D. Ervin Capt 18th Va Cavly Prisoner of War” with manuscript examined marking on cover addressed to “Miss Maggie Ervin, Farmville, Prince Edward (County) Virginia Flag of Truce via Fortress Monroe & City Point”; cover raggedly opened at right. Wonderful use of postal markings of both North and South, illegal both not infrequently seen and more desirable.

The best part of this cover is the three accompanying documents which are (1) printed and filled out “Johnson’s Island, Near Sandusky, O” prisoner cash receipt headed March 3, 1864 of Capt. W. D. Ervin, Prisoner of War, Received by Brig Genl Terry, Amount $20.00 and sign Capt. Saml Trendell, Treasurer (2) rough scrap of lined paper headed Mar 26/63 addressed to Sergt F. Kincaid ordering that “You will proceed at once & impress three horses for the use of the Confederate States service to to take three deserters to Lexington the horses are to be returned on tomorrow eveing give rect for the horses impressed. Jno T. Byrd Lieut Comdg Detachment” (3) larger sheet of lined paper made out to Capt. W.D. Erwin “In agre with Mar. W. M. Lock to cash furnished Floyd Kincaid on settling on March 28, 1863” etc. signed Wm M. Lock Maj & OS. A wonderful trio of Army papers. 

William Dickenson Ervin (1833-1890) had is shown in military records (included) from Bath County, Virginia and served in various regiments during the war; taken prisoner 6-29-63 at McConnellsburg, PA (Gettysburg Campaign). Shows no record of where imprisoned, but we know as we have the proof in hand! He is shown paroled May 27, 1865 in Staunton, VA and was a farmer post-war.  $850.