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 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. A similar blackjack cover from Gen. Frazer to his wife sold for $2,300 in the Fosdyke sale in April 2010. $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 .

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.

FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA #8,  2¢ brown red, light crease, tied by RICHMOND / VA./ MAR 27 cds to unusual across-the-lines rebacked cover front with manuscript "By Flag of Truce Steamer" addressed to "Major John Tayloe, C.S.A., care of Gen[era]’l Lawton, C.S.A., Quarter Master General, Richmond, Va.", repaired including adding top & right edges, Fine and attractive. Gordon Bleuler speculated that this was probably official military mail and that the Richmond post office probably had monies furnished in a military account for unpaid mail received and addressed to officers; a most unusual and a rare franking, ex-Bleuler, with 2007 P.F. certificate. Military record of John B. Tayloe included. Commissioned Captain of I 9th Virginia Cavalry, Co. 10/3/61. Gov. William Smith, in supporting Tayloe's resignation, wrote to the Secretary of War reporting that Tayloe had lost 47 slaves, all his crops, most of his wealth and that his home had been shelled from the Potomac. Tayloe was taken prisoner again in King George Co. on 8/25/63; released on 2/2/65. d. 1873 in King George Co. $1,500.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. #73, 2¢ black, in combination with U.S. 1¢ blue on cover to “Capt. David D. Porter, 11th Texas Cavalry, Johnson’s Island Military Prison, Ohio”; canceled by target handstamps with matching Monticello, Mo., Mar 7 cds, manuscript "Ex DC" examiners marking (Dow Christ), pencil "$5.- Hill" docketing and "Mrch 20/65" on reverse, with original enclosure headed Primrose, Missouri from “Annie” saying she was surprised to get his letter and that she hopes “the day is not far distant when you, with the rest of your fellow prisoners, may be welcomed back by the brave noble hearted boys of the South to the Army again” and mentions the death in battle of some mutual friends; adhesives with tiniest hidden defects otherwise Very Fine, a very scarce incoming prisoner’s cover, with 2009 P.F. certificate. $1,800.

David D. Porter (1838-1907) was Assistant A.Q.M. from October 15, 1862, at ranks of 1st Lieutenant and Captain.  Sometime in 1863, he became the A.Q.M. for the regiment. He was on detached duty from Company "E" - “The Red River Dixie Boys”.  He obtained clothing, forage and supplies for the regiment until captured at Chattahoochie, Georgia on July 6, 1864 when he was sent to Officer's Prison at Johnson's Island. He was released upon giving Oath on June 15, 1865 at which time he gave his residence as Clarksville, (Red River County) Texas, age as 31 years, after 11 months in prison. During the War, 500 men served in Reeve's 11th Texas. Of these brave men, only 50 returned to their homes in Cook and Grayson counties. They fought in Sherman’s “March to the Sea."

ROCK ISLAND, ILL: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied by Rock Island, Ill., Dec 3, '64 cds and target duplex, blue R.I. Barracks, Prisoners Letter examined oval handstamp on small prisoner of war cover to “Miss Fanny Grimes, Rocky Hill, Conn.”, with original enclosure signed Thomas Nye from "Barrack 41" regarding sending winter provisions which, from the bio that follows, were seriously needed, Extremely Fine. $600.

Colonel Thomas C. Nye, the "father of the onion industry" around Laredo, was born in Matagorda, Texas, in 1844, while Texas as a republic was flying the flag of the "Lone Star." He was reared an orphan in that county, both his father and mother having died during the year of his birth. Miss Elizabeth Forrester, an elderly English lady, reared him to maturity. There were no public schools there during his boyhood. Miss Forrester was highly educated and it is to her that he is indebted for all the "book education" that he received. When the Civil War developed, Colonel Nye went from the cattle ranges into the Confederate States Army. He joined the 6th Texas Infantry, under the command of Colonel Garland. He with his regiment was captured at Arkansas Post, but was soon exchanged. He was again captured at Missionary Ridge and carried to Rock Island, Ill. and held as a prisoner there until after the surrender at Appomattox. In the Rock Island prison, his rations were scanty, and he suffered much from the extremely cold weather. Here the daily rations of the prisoners were cut to one-half. The Federals stated this cut was made in retaliation for the treatment which they said their captured soldiers were receiving.

ROCK ISLAND, ILL: U.S. #73, 2¢ black, beautifully centered, tied by Rock Island, Ill, Sep 8, ‘64 cds and target duplex on #U19 1¢ Star Die entire to “Mrs. E. L. Grant, Davenport, Iowa” from prisoner of war, blue R.I. Barracks, Prisoners Letter, Examined oval handstamp and manuscript "Ex" in pencil, with docketing at left regarding sending of requested provisions, Extremely Fine, a choice and unusual combination with 2002 C.S.A. certificate. One of the finest known Confederate prisoner uses with a blackjack. $2,500.

SALISBURY PRISON, N.C.: 3¢ Rose #65 manuscript cancelled and tied by HILL/  N.H. / JUN 2 [1862] cds on incoming cover addressed to "E.B. Cilley Salisbury N.C." and endorsed "Prisoner of War", manuscript "Ex" censor mark in pencil, sent through Old Point Comfort Va.. Entered the CSA mails with PETERSBURG / VA / JUL. 15 cds, "10" CSA postage due handstamp, some light soiling, Very Fine. Scarce flag-of-truce cover through Petersburg which was open as an exchange point for only four months in 1862, ex Birkinbine and Walske, with 1977 P.F. certificate  $1,500.

Edwin B. Cilley, residence listed as Hill , N.H., was 30 years old when he was mustered in as a Corporal to Co. C 5th NH Infantry. He was killed on July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg. While there is no record of him as a prisoner in my primary source, doubtless more research would turn up more information.

ANDERSONVILLE GA. (CAMP SUMTER): 3¢ Rose #65 tied by cork with Washington D.C. Jul. 7, cds on inner cover from Lt. David B. McCreary (later brigadier general), a prisoner-of-war to his wife in Erie Penn., with original letter datelined "Andersonville Ga. June 23rd 1864", given to a guard who initialed "HOB Sr". Some light soiling. Enclosure contains lengthy list of those captured from the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers in "the charge at Petersburg June 16 1864. Illustrated in Special Routes (p. 73) Ex-Walske. $4,000.
  
David B. McCreary was commissioned an officer in Company B, Pennsylvania Erie Infantry Regiment on April 21, 1861. In March 1862 he helped form and lead the 145th Infantry Regiment. He quickly rose in rank during the war and became a brigadier general by 1865. He was captured at Petersburg on June 16, 1864 and in addition to Andersonville, he was a prisoner at Libby, at Macon Ga. and at Camp Sorgum, S.C. -- in all spending ten months in captivity. He survived his confinement and after the war served in the Pennsylvania State Legislature and as Adjutant General to the state governor. He died in 1904. Source: History of the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers (http://www.145thpvi.org/main.htm) Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge. Third page of letter with continued list of prisoners not shown.

CAMP OGLETHORPE FOR OFFICERS, MACON GA: Prisoner-of-war inner cover with original letter datelined "Macon Georgia May 19 1864" from Lt. Jacob S. Devine to Philadelphia Pa., endorsed "Officers Letter/ Prisoner of War/ Per Flag of Truce", censor mark "Examined CHB", Old Point Comfort Va. Jul. 18 double-circle datestamp, DUE 6 handstamp (not entitled to 3¢ due rate), small piece out of backflap, contents include "...the camp we have here was formerly a park and it contains about 3 acres of which we have the privilege. I think it much healthier than 'Libby Prison' as we have the open air", Very Fine. One of the Union “600”. $1,800.

Lieut. Jacob S. Devine (AKA as Jacob Diehl) – one of the Union “600”: Jacob S. Diehl enlisted enlisted on August 9, 1861 as a private by the nom-de-guerre of Jacob S. Devine in Company H of the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry; he was transferred to Field and Staff and then to Company C. Devine/Diehel was promoted through the ranks as high as Captain on October 29, 1863 during his incarceration (not mustered). The common thinking in using a nom-de-guerre was that the soldier would not dishonor the family name should something unseemly occur. He was captured at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 and confined variously in Confederate prisons at Macon, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; Andersonville, Georgia; and Libby in Richmond, Virginia. He was one of the original Union “600” held under fire of their own guns. See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf   

CAMP SORGHUM, COLUMBIA S.C.: 10¢ Milky Blue #12a, gum stains, uncancelled but tied by manuscript docketing, bold OLD POINT COMFORT / VA / DEC / 16 [1864] double-circle cancel and DUE 6 in circle for U.S. unpaid rate on cover endorsed from "From Lieut. Wm. Henry Raymond, Co. H., N.Y. [8th] Vol. [Heavy] Arty. Prisoner of War, C.S. Military Prison, Columbia S.C. Per Flag of Truce Boat", manuscript examiner's mark "Exd. By T.G. Holland Lt. 1st Ga R" (guard at Camp Sorghum), Very Fine. There were three prisons in Columbia. The attribution to Camp Sorghum is based on military records researched by Brian Green (signed on back). Military records for Raymond accompany – captured at Cold Harbor. Ex-Murphy and Walske. A scarce Camp Sorghum prisoner-of-war cover via Richmond and Fortress Monroe. Miliary records included. Raymond was taken prisoner at Cold Harbor. $2,000.

HART'S ISLAND, N.Y.: 3¢ Rose #65 tied by BENNINGTON / N.H. / MAY / 26 circular datestamp and cancelled by target on rare incoming cover addressed to James M. Morey "Comp. 27. Prison Camp, Harts Island, New York Harbor, New York", docketed May 25, 1865, the Hart's Island camp was in operation for only four months at the end of the war -- possibly the last one established by the Union. Harrison reports all 22 covers known from Hart's Island are from the Morey correspondence. James Morey was a member of the 32nd Tennessee Infantry and captured on February 12, 1865, at Orangeburg S.C.. this cover is from Morey's cousin, Helen Hayward. Ex Harrison and Walske. $750.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: 5¢ Green, huge margins incl. sheet margin at top, small tear at bottom left on cover to Corinth Miss., endorsed "From a Prisoner of War", manuscript "Ex. & appd Kibbee" examiner's marking (known at Camp Chase April 1862, see Harrison p. 180). Stamp is   uncancelled and did not go through the mails; lower left corner of cover endorsed "Urbanity of Mrs. Clark", small piece missing from backflap. Mrs. Lottie Moon Clark was a CSA sympathizer, mail runner, one-time love interest of Union General Ambrose Burnside, and advocate for prisoners at Camp Chase. She was arrested carrying a group of POW letters from Camp Chase to Kentucky and the letters were confiscated. This is one of approximately 170 covers found in a storage room in Columbus, Ohio in 1904. With 1985 C.S.A. certificate, accompanied by a short biography and a photocopy of a Mrs. Clark photograph. A great story to be featured in an upcoming Kaufmann ASD&C column. $2,000. Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge.

FORT DELAWARE, DELAWARE CITY: POW cover with original letter to a Northern officer wounded and captured at Petersburg. Forwarded twice, crossed the lines twice and with a remarkable array of markings, endorsed "Via Fortress Monroe", censored with oval handstamp "Prisoner's Letter, Fort Delaware Del. Examined", 3¢ Rose (65) cancelled with Delaware City grid with matching "Delaware City Del. Aug. 12" (1864) circular datestamp, tied by "Richmond Va. Aug. 24" circular datestamp upon arrival, "Due 10" handstamp for C.S.A. postage, officer had been exchanged so forwarded back through Fortress Monroe and Old Point Comfort to Seminary Hospital in Georgetown, "Old Point Comfort Va. Sep. 8" double-circle datestamp applied on return trip along with cork killer on the adhesive, postmarked on arrival with "Washington D.C. Sep. 9 '64" double-circle datestamp, docketed on back "Not in Seminary Hosp. Care of Med. director Washington D.C.", label with forwarding address to Providence R.I. affixed due to lack of any more space on the cover, left Washington with "Georgetown D.C. 10 Sep." double-circle datestamp and "Forwarded" handstamp, forwarding label partly peeled off to reveal addresses below, some light soiling. A remarkably well-traveled flag-of-truce prisoner-of-war cover that crossed the lines twice. This cover was originally addressed to Capt. F. A. Chase, 4th Reg R.I. V., 1st Brig., 2nd Div., 9th Army Corps, Bermuda Hundred. (military records included) It is not clear whether the writer was a Confederate soldier in prison at Fort Delaware or a Union soldier confined for some infraction. The contents of the letter make reference to capture and whom Capt. Chase should seek for assistance in Petersburg. Illustrated in Antrim (p. 99). Discussed in an article in the 1942 American Philatelist by Shenfield. Ex- Birkinbine and Walske. A showstopper. $2,500.

CAMP DOUGLAS, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: 3¢ Rose #65 tied by blue grid and matching Chicago Ill. Jan. 11 '64 double-circle cancel, CSA 10¢ blue #11 tied by Richmond Va. Feb 11 cds on cover from unknown prisoner-of-war to “Miss Maragret L. Taliaferro, Care of Col. A. G. Taliaferro, University of Virginia,” "Camp Douglas, Prisoner's Letter, Examined" oval handstamp (Type I). Small repair at right of 10¢ stamp and tiny cover tear at top, otherwise Very Fine - a desirable mixed-franking cover. $2,200.

Alexander Galt Taliaferro was commissioned as a Captain in the 23rd Virginia Infantry (Army of Northern Virginia) on 6-13-61 and quickly rose to Lt. Col.. He was in command at the West Virginia Battle of Greenbrier River and wounded at Kernstown, VA and Manassas, where he was in command of the company. His wife was the granddaughter of Chief Justice John Marshall. Military records included.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: 3¢ Rose #65 tied by target and Point Lookout Md. Apr. 11 '64 double-circle cancel, also tied by Richmond Va. May 9 cds, with scarce DUE 2 drop letter rate handstamp, ink stain on stamp otherwise Very Fine. Endorsed "Via Fort. Monroe & Flag Truce Boat" and "R.W. Steger 1st Va. Cav[alry]", examiner's large oval handstamp "Approved Point Lookout, Md. J. N. Patterson Capt & Provost Marshal" (Ty. 1),illustrated in Special Routes (p. 231). Ex-Walske. $2,000.

Nathaniel Augustus Robbins was 26 years old when he ws mustered into Co “G” Maine 4th Infantry as a sergeant, rising in the ranks to 2nd Lieut. He was wounded at Chancellorsville and taken prisoner at Gettysburg. He was listed as confined to Macon (Ga) and Columbia (SC ) with no mention of Charleston or Roper Hospital or Libby in Richmond, but we obviously know better from his first hand account. The included military records show that he signed a petition complaining of Camp Sorghum conditions.

"IMMORTAL 600", MORRIS ISLAND, S.C. Inner prisoner-of-war cover to Liberty Hill S.C., endorsed "W. E. Johnson, Prisoner of War" with photocopy of original letter datelined "Morris Island Sept 27th 1864", bold "Charleston S.C. Oct. 4, 1864" circular datestamp and "10" due handstamp, routed from Port Royal via Charleston In August 1864, approximately 600 Confederate prisoners were moved to Morris Island near Charleston by Federal forces, arriving on September 7. They were held in open barracks as "human shields" under direct shelling from Confederate forces in retaliation for Union prisoners being held in Charleston under shelling from U.S. forces. Illustrated in Special Routes (p. 236) Ex-Walske. See my article for full explanation of this sad chapter in the Civil War at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf    Photocopy of original letter from the cover (not the original). $3,000.

William E. Johnson (1845-1897) was a lawyer and planter from Liberty Hill, SC. Captured at Cold Harbor and confined in Pt Lookout, Ft. Delaware, Charles, Ft. Pulaski, and again at Ft. Delaware.

CASTLE MORGAN, CAHABA, ALABAMA: Prisoner-of-war cover to “David W. Wyckoff, Bushnell Ills”, endorsed "Prisoner's Letter", manuscript censor mark on back "Approved Capt. & Asst. Commr of Exchange C.S.A."; entered U.S. mails with instinct "Vicksburg Miss.” dc cancel and "DUE 6" handstamp for unpaid mail, Very Fine, the Jackson-Vicksburg flag-of-truce route was opened in mid-1864, Harrison records only 10 covers from Cahaba (p. 17; this cover illustrated on p.18). Called Castle Morgan in honor of Confederate General John Hunt Morgan, the Cahaba Prison opened its gates in June of 1863. It quickly filled with more men that it was designed to hold. There were 432 bunks, but by 1865 the prison held more than 3,000 men. The POW was likely David Lambert Wyckoff - only 18 when he enlisted on May 11, 1864 - whose residence is appropriately listed as Bushnell. Military records (enclosed along with photocopy of him in uniform) show he died in 1864 and was a POW when “mustered out” 9/24/64. He was the only Wyckoff listed as a POW from Illinois, so the information fits. $1,500.

CASTLE MORGAN, CAHABA, ALABAMA: U.S. 3¢ Rose #65 tied by Memphis Tenn. Nov. 16 [1864] double-circle cancel on inner folded letter from a prisoner to “Mrs. J. P. Jenks, Bloomington Ill.”, datelined "Castle Morgan Cahaba Nov. 3rd 1864", faint file folds do not affect stamp, Very Fine and choice, unusual exchange point on the upper Mississippi via Memphis, with 1992 C.S.A. certificate. Later imprisoned and died at Andersonville in 1865 where buried in grave #12797. Joseph P. Jenks mustered into Co. I of the Illinois 3rd Cavalry on 8-10-61 and died at Andersonville 3-19-65 (by then in Co. D).  Military record included. Harrison records only 10 covers from Cahaba. Ex Agre $1,500.

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge.

CAMP PAROLE, ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND: Cover from parolee to Walnut Grove Ill., with original letter datelined "Parole Camp Feb 14th 1863", endorsed at bottom "Soldiers Letter" and at side "J Givin Maj 7 Pa Cav", entered mails with "Annapolis Md. Feb. 14, 1863" circular datestamp and "Due 3" straightline for soldier's letter, some light staining and file fold well away from the markings, Very Fine, scarce Camp Parole letter with fascinating and sad contents signed Thomas Berry to his wife, Estelle, including "I am home sick and sick of the solace, I cannot think of contenting myself here three or four months. I presume it will be that long before we are exchanged. Its one of the most immoral and corrupted place that I ever was in. The greatest portion of them care not for God or man and they would murder a man for twenty five cts. So I intend to start for home if you can send me twenty five dollars.", morale in parole camps was notoriously low, with men idle sometimes for months and unable to drill or participate in any military activities due to the parole regulations, many felt abandoned by their government while awaiting exchange and desertion rates were high (Harrison p. 226).This letter is an outstanding first-hand account of this war-time scenario. $800.

James Givin is showed as a Lieut Col. in the 127th CT Infantry, but must have missed the PA regiment (often the case as military records are notoriously incomplete) There is only one Thomas Berry listed from Walnut Grove in the military records (enlcosed), who enlisted as a corporal in Co. G, 89th Illinois Infantry. He was killed May 27, 1864 at Pickett’s Mills, GA.

LIGON'S TOBACCO WAREHOUSE, RICHMOND VA: Small cover and original letter datelined "Military Prison, Richmond Va. Jan. 26, 1862" from Lieut. Andrews to his father in Saratoga Springs N.Y., carried across the lines by an exchanged Union officer with a short note added to letter that begins "I left your son at Richmond..." and signed Lt. M. A. Parks, interesting content regarding the release of officers and war news, the cover is endorsed by Lieut. Andrews and free franked by Alfred Ely, a congressman and former inmate who was captured while observing the First Battle of Manassas (Lt. Parks and Congressman Ely were held at Ligon's together), "Washington D.C. Jan. 30, 1862" circular datestamp, the letter has some small taped repairs, the cover has a small tear at bottom left and glue smear, still Very Fine, a rare example of mail from Ligon's Tobacco Warehouse prison that was smuggled across the lines rather than properly carried by flag of truce, this cover was the subject of "Alfred Ely P.O.W. Covers", Francis J. Crown Jr., Confederate Philatelist (Jul.-Aug. 1975, No. 166), illustrated in Special Routes (p. 65), Ex-Birkinbine and Walske. $2,000

POINT LOOKOUT: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied target with matching Washington, D.C. Dec 4, 1863 double circle cancel as well as Richmond, Va. Dec 11 cds on pristine cover to “Mrs. M. A. Zimmerman, Bethania PO, Forsyth County, N.C.” and matching Confederate DUE 10 straightline cancel – through the lines paying postage of both sides, endorsed “From Private J. C. Zimmerman, Co D, 57th Regt NC Troops” with desirable large Point Lookout Patterson examined oval, type I which was only used September 5, 1863 through April 1864, Extremely Fine. $850.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose used with target cancel (upper right corner rounded) and matching Point Lookout double circle cancel, light strike of octagonal examined marking, addressed to “John T. Hipp, Esq., Norfolk, Va Care of Mr. Peter H. Whitehurst”, some tiny edge tears at left otherwise Fine $350.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied target cancel with matching Point Lookout Aug 8 ‘64 double circle cancel on cover to “Miss Carrie R. Stakely, Madisonville Tenn” with routing instructions “In care of Rev T R Bradshaw, [in care of] Commander of the Post Sweetwater Tennessee” with original enclosure headed “Point Lookout  Md Augst 5th / 64” and signed “J B White Co G 4th Div Point Lookout Md” to his cousin Carrie saying “I had a messmate before captured...” so although no examined markings, this does appear to be a POW use, especially with letter of only one page, as mandated of prisoner’s mail. $400.

FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA #12c, 10¢ greenish blue tied Richmond, Va Sep 25, 1863 cds on neat blue lined commercially made ladies cover to “Mrs. Augusta D. Morgan, Prattville, Ala (By Fortress Monroe & Flag of Truce)” with pencil docketing as received Oct 1, 1863. Mail, exchanged in the East was delivered at Aiken’s Landing on the James River at Norfolk and later at City Point, The Flag of Truce boat New York was used for this purpose and plied from Union occupied Fortress Monroe to the exchange ground. $375.

FORT DELAWARE ORJOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied grid on cover endorsed “W.J. Green, Prisoner of War, A.D.C. Daniel’s Brigade” and addressed to “Mrs. Wharton J. Green, Warrenton, North Carolina” with routing “Per Flag of Truce via Fort Monroe”. Was imprisoned in both Ft. Delaware and Johnson’s Island after being severely wounded in the head the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. This docketed on verso as August 1863. More research could easily ascertain exact prison. He wrote a published autobiography. $500.

Wharton Jackson Green (1831-1910) , attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, studied law at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville and at Cumberland University; admitted to the bar in 1854 and in practice Washington, D.C.. During the Civil War enlisted in the Confederate service in 1861; commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the Second North Carolina Battalion; afterward served on as Aide-de-Camp on General Daniel’s and Rodes’ staffs; wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of Gettysburg; delegate to the U.S. Democratic National Conventions in 1868, 1872, 1876, and 1888; first president of the Society of Confederate Soldiers and Sailors in North Carolina; elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Congress 1883-1887. Long biography included.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose straddle pane copy (small sealed tear at top edge) used with circle of wedges and matching ST LOUIS / MO. / MAR / 13 [1865] double circle cancel on cover addressed to “Eugene Rhodes, Johnson’s Island, Sandusky, Ohio” with bold neat backstamped J. Coder EXAMINED oval which was in use from February 8-June 20, 1865 according to Harrison. Cover a bit edge worn but excellent markings and use. $300.

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge

“Fort Warren March 18th / 64” headed prisoner-of-war letter (no cover) from Captain Frank M. Battle, 21st Tennessee Cavalry. Letter written to Mrs. Susan L. Taylor of Newport, Kentucky, a philanthropist to Southern soldier incarcerated at Northern prison camps. Letter transcribed in full and expresses shame in having to asked for charity saying that “you wrote to me kind and encouraging letters and appeared to me more like my own Mother than a stranger…none of my relatives were allowed to send me anything, no Express being allowed to pass from Nashville to Confederate prisoners”  $850.

Frank M. Battle entered Confederate service as a private in Company B, 20th Tennessee Infantry, serving with that regiment until his discharge for disability October 15, 1861. After his health improved, he joined the service again, this time in the cavalry as a scount under Gen. Joseph Wheeler. There are some very interesting articles published in the Confederate Veteran about his exploits. One tells how he donned women’s clothing to go into Nashville to spy on the Yankees and another when he personally accompanied Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest into battle. In July 1863, Gen. Wheeler gave Capt. Battle permission to raise a Cavalry company in middle Tennessee. By July 29th, Battle had recruited eighty men when he was captured in Wilson County, Tenn. He was first sent to the military prison in Louisville, KY, then to Johnson’s Island October 13, 1864 and on Feb 19, 1864 he was transferred to Ft. Warren in Boston Harbor. There, he was placed in close confinement in irons and held as hostage for a Yankee POW, Capt. S. Harris, 3rd U.S. Cavalry being held in irons at Knoxville, Tenn., convicted of being a spy. Battle remained for eight months this way until President Davis finally yielded to the exchange after heavy pressure from old family friend Gen. John C. Breckenridge and some Tenn. congressmen. When he returned to Richmond after his echange in the spring of 1865, Gen. Breckenridge gave him a commission in the command of Gen. N.B. Forrest with whom he surrendered in Gainesville, Alabama.

IMMORTAL 600: CSA #11c, 10¢ greenish blue (4 margins), tied [RICH]MOND / Va. / SEP / 1863 cds on cover to “Mr. James P. Irwin, Charlotte, North Carolina”. Addressee has been crossed out and “Mr. T. W. Dewey” has been substituted. This is an inside cover from across the lines use as the pencil contents docketing indicates “[9-2-63 Fortress Monroe, Va]”. The family correspondence had across the lines prisoner correspondence from Drury Lacy, 23rd VA Infantry, to Thomas W. Dewey. Lacy was wounded at Chancellorsville May 2, 1863. (military records included). He was wounded and captured multiple times. Ultimately, he was one of the Immortal 600 confined to Fort Delaware where he was transferred to be held captive under friendly fire as retaliation for the same treatment of Union prisoners. This use is from an unidentified northern prison before confinement to Fort Delaware. (see http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDAPR09.pdf )  $500.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose canceled cork on cover addressed to “Lt. James I.. Metts Prisoner War, 3rd NCT (North Carolina Troops) Johnson’s Island Ohio, Care of Genl B[enjamin] F. Butler, Fortress Monroe” with Old Point Comfort, Va. May 10 [1864] couble circle cancel and manuscript examined marking “Ex. R” listed by Harrison for only a couple of days in June 1864 so this expands that record. Heavily water soiled blue cover but scarce and desirable use. The routing via “Beast” Butler has been contemporaneously cross out in blue pencil

James Isaac Metts (1842-1921) was a 19 year-old clerk when he enlisted as a sergeant 4-15-1862 into Co I NC 18th Infantry and then into Co G 3rd NC Infanty 5-15-62. He was wounded at Gettysburg 7-2-1863, captured and confined at Johnson’s Island. He rose through the ranks to Captain. Very long detailed military records with photo included.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied square “prison bar grid” on cover with matching Columbus, O Sep 4 [1862] double circle cancel, addressed to “Mrs. Dr. Alfred Hughes, Wheeling [West] Va” from political prisoner Dr. Alfred Hughes, who was considered a traitor to the Union for refusing to recognize West Virginia as a state and remained at Camp Chase for 8 months. After his release in December 1862, he was elected a member of the Virginia legislature and so remained until the fall of Richmond. He was a pioneer in homeopathy.  Censor notation of Charles W. B. Allison who commanded the Camp Chase Hoffman Guard Battalion, manuscript "Exmd CWB Allison, Col." $260.

FORT DELAWARE: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied target with matching Delaware City, Del. cds on cover to “Mrs. C. E. Cormier, Care Miss Estes Clark, Augusta, Ga” with penciled “Pr Flag Truce Boat” at lower left; mixed franking with CSA #11, 10¢ blue tied Richmond, Va. cds, Use of both sides much scarcer and more popular as it was technically illegal. The postal regulations stated that the outer envelope was to be discarded at the border and inner one with postage of the other side to carry the letter to its final destination. Very Fine, ex Matz. $1,200.

Charles E. Cormier is listed in the military records as a Major of 1st Louisiana infantry as well as Field and Staff, CS Adjutant General Department, although it does not show him as a prisoner of war (typically poor record keeping). He is listed on the Fort Delware website, however,  including the amnesty oath of Charles E. Cormier, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.

FORT DELAWARE: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied target with matching Delaware City, Del Feb 4, 1864 cds on cover as well as Confederate straightline DUE 10 on prisoner cover to Bittie B. M. Long, Independence, Virginia with docketing “By flag of truce Via Fortress Monroe” and endorsed by prisoner  “Isaac W. Landreth, Co H. 26th NC Regt Hills Corps”, while there is somewhat heavy water staining, it is none the less a desirable use of both sides that could be cleaned up with some TLC. $400.

SOUTHBOUND PRISONER / FLAG OF TRUCE MAIL: CSA #7, 5¢ blue – two singles of which one is poorly printed and the other really poorly printed, tied together by neatly struck RICHMOND / VA. / FEB / 15 cds on small cover to Miss Molly E. Walker, Mt. Pleasant, Cabarras Co SC with pencil routing docketing on back flap “C.E. Barringer, City Point Via Petersburg, Va., Care of Lt. Duggan” – likely an inner flag of truce cover. The notation on the back appears to indicate that it was handled by Lt. Duggan and crossed the lines at City Point, routed via Petersburg, to be put into the mail at Richmond. $350.

Caleb E. Barringer was born 31 Dec 1839 and died 4 Apr 1924. He was the son of Nathaniel Barringer and Susannah Faggart. He married [1st] Dovie C. Fisher and then [2nd] Rachael Plott. He was a 21 year-old farmer from Cabarrus County NC when he enlisted 8-6-61 into Co. H. 8th NC Infantry (Cabarrus Phalanx) as a private (promoted to corporal 3-24-63). Barringer was taken prisoner at Roanoke Island, NC on 2-8-62 then paroled 2-21-62 and exchanged 8-15-62 (detailed military records included). On 6-1-64, he was taken prisoner again at Cold Harbor and confined to Point Lookout and then Elmira. He was transferred to James River, Va 3-2-65 for exchange.

LIBBY PRISON, RICHMOND, VIRIGNIA: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied Washington, D.C. Nov 24 ’63 double circle cancel on cover addressed to “Major T. B. Rodgers (Prisoner of War) Libby Prison, Richmond, Va (Via City Point)” in peacock blue ink. Included military records show him incarcerated at Macon, Ga. after being captured at Gettysburg, but he is listed online in “LIBBY LIFE: Experiences of A Prisoner of War in Richmond, VA, 1863-64” By F.F. Cavada and we have this cover to further prove it. Southern prison covers are much rarer than U.S. prison covers. This one should have shown some Confederate postal marking, but obviously doesn’t – not unusual. $1,000.

Thomas B. Rodgers enlisted as a Captain on 9-4-62 into Co. B, 140th PA Infantry and rose to Lt. Col. by 7-4-63. He was captured at Gettysburg 7-2-1863.

PRISONER / FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA #12, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / VA / FEB / 11 cds on POW cover addressed to Mrs. Mary A. Shuliberinger, Miranda, Rowan Co, NC with “Flag of Truce” manuscript routing at lower left corner, small cover stains. Mary had two sons who were POWs at the time.  $300.

John L. Shulibaringer (his spelling – 18 years old when enlisted 1862) Co. C, 57th N.C. Infantry and also in Co. G, 42nd NC Infantry, was captured 6 Feb 1865 at Petersburg and incarcerated at Point Lookout.  He was released on oath June 20, 1865. 

William S. Shuliberringer (his spelling – 19 year old farmer when enlisted 1861) Co. G, 6th N.C. Infantry was wounded at Sharpsburg and captured at Winchester July 20, 1864.  He was sent to Camp Chase until exchanged in March 1865. Full military records included on both.