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).

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 / 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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Given (NB: name is sometimes found as Givin) is shown enlisting 12-20-61 as a Major in the Field & Staff of the 7th PA Cavalry, taken prisoner 5-5-62 at Lebanon, TN. 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.

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.

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.

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.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied target with matching Sandusky Dec 25, 1864 dc and oval prison examined marking on fresh cover to Wm. W. Welch, Esq., Gowanda, New York. $250.

CAMP CHASE: US 3¢ rose #65 tied by beautifully struck COLUMBUS / O // AUG / 20 [1864]double circle and target cancels on cover addressed to Mr. John A. Campbell, Nashville, Tennessee. Harrison type 1c examined marking with “O” – earliest known use August 8, 1864 effectively dating this cover. Posted through Nashville with no flag of truce markings, only examined at Camp Chase as Nashville was then occupied by Union troops. $250.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: US 3¢ rose tied target and matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD // MAR  cds on cover to “Miss Annie M. Thomas, Dixie P.O., Fluvanna Co, Virginia” with routing “Flag of Truce” and Confederate postage paid by DUE 10, RICHMOND / VA. // MAR / 1 [1864] cds also tied 3¢ rose; large fancy Patterson Point Lookout examined oval at left; endorsement of W. P. C. Thomas Co B 18th Va (a Pickett’s Charge regiment) at upper right. 1991 CSA certificate #02287, Ex Agre. A spectacular use from a Gettysburg soldier. $1,350.

William P.C. Thomas was a 32 year-old farmer when he enlisted as a private at Palymyra in Co. C, 14th VA Infantry on May 10, 1861. On June 28, 1863 he was transferred to Co. E, 18th VA Infantry. He was taken prisoner July 3, 1863 at the bloodbath that was Gettysburg. He died of disease while a prisoner at Point Lookout Sept. 13, 1864. Two sets military records enclosed – one listed as W.P.L. Thomas, which is obviously a handwriting issue.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: POINT LOOKOUT / MD cds on cover to “Miss Emma D. Thomas, Dixie P.O., Fluvanna Co, Virginia” with routing “By Flag of Truce” and Confederate postage paid by DUE 10 partially struck off cover edge at top, RICHMOND / VA. // SEP / 2 [1864] cds; sadly, the stamp has been cut off cover at upper left and 3¢ rose replaced for exhibit purposes; small octagonal Point Lookout examined marking at left; lacking the endorsement of W. P. C. Thomas Co B 18th Va (a Pickett’s Charge regiment) but from a known correspondence. A bargain use from a Gettysburg soldier. $220.

William P.C. Thomas was a 32 year-old farmer when he enlisted as a private at Palymyra in Co. C, 14th VA Infantry on May 10, 1861. On June 28, 1863 he was transferred to Co. E, 18th VA Infantry. He was taken prisoner July 3, 1863 at the bloodbath that was Gettysburg. He died of disease while a prisoner at Point Lookout Sept. 13, 1864. Two sets military records enclosed – one listed as W.P.L. Thomas, which is obviously a handwriting issue.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: US 3¢ rose pink (upper left corner repaired or replaced) tied WASHINGTON / D.C. // SEP / 5 / 1863 CDS and RICHMOND / Va. // [SEP] 14 / 1863 cds with matching straightline DUE 10 on cover to “Alexander McMillian, Esq., Dundarrah P.O., Robeson County, No. Ca.” with endorsement “Prisoners letter from D. McMillian, Co. B, 2nd Division, Point Lookout, Maryland” and manuscript examined marking in black and red of “J[oab] N P[atterson] Capt & P. Marshal, Point Lookout, Md.” Although Point Lookout had a post office at the beginning of the war, mail was not processed at the prison until January 1864. From August through December 1863, prisoners’ mail was forwarded to Washington to be posted after it was examined at Point Lookout.  $750.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: US 3¢ rose tied target with matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD / OCT / 1 / ’64 double circle cancel on cover; as mandated, stamp was partially removed when it crossed the lines. RICHMOND / Va. // OCT 14 [1864] cds with matching curved DUE 2 drop letter rate; cover addressed to “Mrs Mann S. Valentine Pr, Care of Valentine & Powers, Richmond, Va.” and routed “Per Flag of Truce” with soldier endorsement of “P.F. Gray Prisoner [of] War, 1st Co. Richmond Howitzers”; top back flap missing and piece restored at top into Richmond cds as well as tear at upper left into endorsement.  Scarce use with 2¢ rate. $400.

ROCK ISLAND, ILL: US 3¢ rose, uncanceled as was normal on “money letter” such as this; on blue lined outer folded lettersheet (no contents) to “Mr Jas A Blakeney, Rock Island Prison, Barracks 49, Ill” with “$10 Tennessee Banknotes”; blue crayon,  red crayon “C” and light pencil examined markings . $200.

ROCK ISLAND, ILL: US 3¢ rose (couple pre-use sealed tears) tied ROCK ISLAND / ILL // MAY / 10 / ’64 on cover to Miss Sarah E Sharpe, Jacksonville, Randolph County, Missouri; oval examined marking of R.I. Barracks. $240.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose tied target and matching SANDUSKY / O // JUL / 14 / / 64 double circle and RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 30 [1864] cds with matching straightline DUE 10 to pay the Confederate rate; on cover to Mrs. M. E. Mitchell, Glennville Barbour Co, ala.  with endorsement of J.B. Mitchell Co B 34th Ala Inft.; routing “For flag of truce via Ft. Monroe, Va” and manuscript Ex DSA examined marking; Nice use of both sides. Military records show Mitchell as a 1st Lieut. $600.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose tied target and matching SANDUSKY / O // FEB / 8 / 65 double circle with matching target, RICHMOND / Va. // FEB / 17 [1865] cds with matching straightline DUE 10 to pay the Confederate rate; on cover to “Mrs. A. E. Vickers, Newsite, Tallapoosa County, Alabama” with routing “for Flag of Truce Via Fortress Monroe Va” and endorsed “from A. Y. Vickers Lieut 46th Reg Ala Vols” (military records included). A nice use of both sides. $650

Albert Young Vickers enlisted 4-12-1862 as a private inf Co. D, 1st Ala Battn Cavalry with promotions to Sergt and then 2nd Lieut. He was taken prisoner in Vicksburg, paroled and then taken prisoner again at Dalton, Ga when he was confined to Johnson’s Island on May 20, 1864 and took the oath of allegiance a year later and released.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA #12a, 10¢ milky blue (some students call this shade on type II “opaline”) tied light strike of RICHMOND / VA. cds on small narrow cover to “Mrs. A. E. Holcombe, Jetersville, Amelia County, Virginia” with strong  period docketing across the top “Hattie’s letter from Brooklyn written on the 6th of March 1865”; note on back from Jack Molesworth that this is positively identified as civilian Flag of Truce use by the companion cover, which regrettably is no longer with it. $250.

ROCK ISLAND BARRACKS, ILLINOIS: US 3¢ rose #65 tied Nashville, Ten cds with matching target on cover addressed to James Mitchell, Care Post Commander, Rock Island, Illinois with blue oval examined marking, bottom back flap missing. There are numerous prisoners by the name of James Mitchell. More research needs to be done to determine which one this is. $220.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 3¢ rose #65 tied Point Lookout, Md Jan 25, 1865 double circle as well as Richmond, Va Feb 18 [1865] and matching DUE 10 for Confederate postage; extremely light Point Lookout examined octagon struck just under the DUE 10, addressed to Geo. W. Turner, Goochland Cty, Va Via flag of truce with original letter from POW Y. M. Turner, 3rd. Letter is headed Pt. Lookout Jan 25th/65 to his father saying “My div[ision] has been changed from 4th to 3rd.” He says that he could not reply earlier as there was a notice posted that mail would not leave until today. “The personal wh you inserted in the Enquirer has attracted the attention of severeal friends and I have received many offers of assistance…but I am not allowed to receive clothing from him as he is not a relation.” Top back flap missing and slight edge wear across top.  Thomas Matthew Turner of the "Liberty Hall Volunteers" 4th VA Infantry Regiment enlisted into Co. I 4th Va Infantry and surrendered 4-9-65 at Appomattox. He is shown taken prisoner at Gettysburg 7-3-63 and exchanged at Ft. Delaware 2-18-1865. He was an 18 year-old student when he enlisted as a private and was born in Goochland County, Va. Military record included.  $450.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. 3¢ rose tied target with matching SANDUSKY / O // OCT / 12 / 64 double circle cancel on pink-lined cover to Miss Bell White, Knoxville, East Tennessee with manuscript examined marking “Ex HWR” under postmark, very slightly reduced at left with tiniest tear at edge $150.

CAMP CHASE: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied “prison bar grid” with matching COLUMBUS / O // AUG / 16 double circle with manuscript examined marking “Exmd CWB Allison Col” to Mrs. Dr. Alfred Hughes, Wheeling [West] Va. Handstamped censor makings were not used from Camp Chase until 1863.   A very lengthy detailed bio accompanies, a small part of which follows here. $230.

Homœopathy was introduced in 1848 in Wheeling by Dr. Alfred Hughes and his sister, Eliza Hughes, one of the first female physicians. During the cholera epidemic of 1854, he labored night and day, being the only homœopathic physician in the city. .Dr. Alfred Hughes was imprisoned for eight months at Camp Chase, Ohio as a political prisoner during the Civil War, as he was considered a traitor to the Union. He was released 25 Dec 1862 when he was exchanged for a brother of Dr. Pancoast, of Philadelphia, who was captured at Bloomery Gap, Va., and a prisoner at Salisbury, N. C. Dr. Hughes then went to Richmond and settled down in practice. He was elected a member of the Virginia legislature, and so remained until the fall of Richmond.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US #65, 3¢ rose used on money letter (thus not canceled); to Private Wm. D. Crosland, Prisoner of War, Co. E, 5th Division, Prisoners Camp, Point Lookout, Md. with docketing “Per flag of Truce” and “$5.00 U.S. T[reasury] note”; also very small light manuscript “ex” (examined) at right. $300.

William D. Crosland (also found as Crossland) shown in Co. E, SC 15th Infantry and Co. A, SC Holcome Legion Cavalry, and Co. C., SC Manigault's Battalion. Found in “Reminiscences of the Sixties by Charles Crosland, 1910” was “My oldest brother, W. D. Crosland, volunteered from Wofford College into the Holcombe Legion, Captain Walche's company; was captured on a scouting raid and put in Point Lookout prison until near the end of the war. His regiment was fused into our brigade, the Seventh S. C. Cavalry.” Much more info’ available online.

ROCK ISLAND BARRRACKS, ILL: US #65, 3¢ rose just tied by Rock Island Ill Feb 12 ’64 double circle cancel on cover to Miss Lottie Bommfield, St. George, Tucker County, West Va., large triple ring prisoner examined marking.  $450.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose tied with target cancel and matching SANDUSKY / O dc on prisoner cover to Mrs. A.D. Leech, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; bold oval PRISONER’S LETTER // EXAMINED TOC // JOHNSON’S ISLAND, O.; reduced a bit unevenly at left. Endorsed at left end “For Miss Jenny W. Gail, Powhatan, Ark[ansas] From Lt. Tom B. Hail”. T.B. Hail enlisted as a private and served in Co. D. Arkansas 7th Infantry. $300.

“Richmond Va. May 2d 1862” headed long two page prisoner-of-war letter to a fellow soldier (Ned) signed by Arthur T. Wilcox saying, in part, that “We are told the men are to be sent home. Don’t known on what terms or why. The prospect before us is that we shall remain here to the end of the War. We like it a good deal and feel very grateful to the administration for the efforts they have made for our release…I suppose you have to thank the Major for taking the Reg’t off at Cross Lanes. (TK note – this is where he was captured) I never clearly understood how we came to be separated from the rest of you or how you escaped, certainly you can’t thank Col. T. for it as I can for my capture, except for the company I have little desire to go back into the Regt and even were I out I think I should try to get transferred…the boys who were wounded and retaken were fortunate beyond measure. I would much sooner have been in Merriams place than go through the last eight months again…wish you would write to me – when you do enclose a dime & mark ‘postage enclosed’ – it is almost impossible to get silver to pay postage here…Jim Stinson is one of the lucky ones who go know – don’t know whether the movement includes the Salisbury men or not – Geo (Ketchum I suppose) writes they are mostly well – Butler died at Tuscaloosa and Kiser at New Orleans – It was the first I had heard from the boys since we left Richmond”.  Although this is headed Richmond (likely Libby Prison, but no record thereof), it also mentions Salisbury where he was known to be in July 1862. It is possible that this was written on the march. No cover accompanies but military records do. Wilcox enlisted at age 26 on 4-23-61 as a 2nd Lieut. in Co. E. 7th Ohio Infantry. He was subsequently transferred to the 177th Ohio Infantry as a full colonel. He was taken prisoner at Cross Lanes, West Virginia on 8-26-61 and finally exchanged at Aiken’s Landing, Va. on 9-21-62, so his concerns about release were obviously well founded. He was mustered out 6/24/1865 at Greensboro, NC.  Arthur Tappan Wilcox contracted yellow fever while working while working as a civil engineer on bridges in Central America. He died of the disease at Port Limon, Costa Rica, on October 24, 1902. Detailed period bio and photos included. Wonderful scarce prisoner of war letter.  $500. 

NORTHERN PRISON / SOUTHERN SOLDIER: CSA #11-ADc, 10¢ greenish blue tied socked-on-the-nose RICHMOND / VA // JAN / 19 cds on inner envelope (outer envelope bearing U.S. postage from unidentified Union prison was discarded at exchange point, as was mandated) addressed to Oliver McFerson, Snow Camp, Alamance Co., NC; routed “For Flag of Truce, Fortress Monroe”; folded over slightly at top and bit reduced at right. $280.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose (pre-use crease) tied blue target with matching Sandusky, Ohio double circle as well as Richmond cds with straightline DUE 10 and ms Due 10 on prisoner of war cover to Simon P. Wingard Esq, Lexington C.H., Lexington Dist, SC with bold G.S.B. examined oval and mandated soldier’s endorsement  “Hiram Gantt, Capt., Co. ‘I’, 40th Ala Regt., A Prisoner War” (top back flap missing). Original letter headed “Johnson’s Island Ohio Dec. 7th 1864” to a friend which says, in part, “We are restricted to two letters per week…therefore I can not answer letters as soon as [I] wish to..I am well and passing off Prison life as agreeable as you could expect under the circumstances which surround us there. We have had some cold wether here this fall and it is snowin at this time…the health of the prison is very good at present but provisions are scarce…” Although I could not find this in the military records, from the files of the New York Times: “The following reports, which are published in the Nashville Union, of June 21, are undoubtedly greatly exaggerated, or Gen. SHERMAN would long ago have advised us of the news: "We have just received information that on the 16th HOOKER attacked Lost Mountain and carried a portion of the rebel works, capturing over 1,000 prisoners and 12 cannon. A large number of small arms were picked up on the field, thrown down by the retreating rebels. A note stuck on a bayonet, found on the field, bore the following inscription: "You d -- d Yankee s -- ns of b -- hs have killed our old Gen. POLK… About 400 of the prisoners are here now, and others are expected soon… The following is a list of the captured officers who have arrived: …Capt. Hiram Gantt, 40th Alabama Infantry…”  $600.

CAMP SORGHUM, COLUMBIA S.C.: 10¢ Milky Blue #12a, gum stains, uncanceled 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. Vol. 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. $2,000.

JOHNSONS ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ Rose #65 with small piece torn off at top, cancelled by blue target, matching "Sandusky O. May 26 '65" double-circle datestamp on cover. MAILS SUSPENDED straightline between two bars, mostly clear strike on front and corresponding "[Nashville] Ten. [Jun] 28, 1865" double-circle datestamp on back of buff cover to Glenville Ala. from a prisoner-of-war at Johnsons Island, prisoners' routing instructions "Via Mobile & Montgomery " without flag-of-truce designation, "Prisoner's Letter, Johnsons Island O., Examined B-E,M" examiner's oval handstamp perfectly struck, faint water stain at top, backflap removed (taking away part of Nashville backstamp). This cover from Lt. J. B. Mitchell (Co. B, 34th Regt. Alabama Infantry), a prisoner at Johnsons Island, is unusual in that the prisoner did not use the customary "Flag of Truce" endorsement, but indicated an intended route to eastern Alabama "via Mobile & Montgomery". However, by May 1865, the CSA postal system had collapsed, and this cover was either stopped at or returned to Nashville. It was marked "Mails Suspended", then presumably returned to the sender in another envelope. Illustrated in Special Routes (p. 11). Ex Kilbourne and Walske. An extremely rare post-Appomattox cover from a Confederate prisoner to eastern Alabama, where mail service was not yet functioning in the aftermath of war. $3,250.

CAMP CHASE, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose (small faults) used with grid and matching Harrodsburg, Ky June 30 [1862] cds on incoming prisoner cover to M. N. Harris, Camp Chase, Ohio, No 3; penciled censor’s “Ex Gray” and blue crayon “Paroled”; original loving letter from very friendly female cousin headed Harrodsburg, Mercer Co, June 19th, 1862. From the contents of the letter, it appears that Harris was likely a political prisoner. She says “if you only knew how bad I want to see you, you would take the oath & come come home”. Political prisoners from Kentucky and other states were kept at Camp Chase early in the war. $220.

CAMP PAROLE, ANNAPLOIS, MARYLAND: Annapolis, Md Jan 20 1864 double circle and matching handstamped DUE 6 in circle on cover to Hon. W. Murray, Goshen, Orange Co., N.Y. with penciled docketing “Parole Camp 18th & 19th, 1864”. Including this one, Galen Harrison records 53 Annapolis Camp Parole covers. Congressman William Murray (1803-1875) was a representative from New York. No indication of prisoner’s identity. $400.

ELMIRA N.Y.: US 3¢ rose (small faults) tied ELMIRA / N.Y. // NOV 17 double circle cancel on cover to Mrs. E. D. Searle, Rochester, N.Y., 230 Exchange St. Ex Hedin $150.

ROCK ISLAND BARRACKS, ILL: US #65, 3¢ rose used with target and matching ROCK ISLAND / ILL double circle postmark with blue R.I. BARRACKS / PRISONERS LETTER / EXAMINED oval (Harrison type II) which was used in blue only from August 11, 1864 – February 21, 1865. Addressed to Mrs. Emma L. Newman, Point Pleasant, [West] Va. which was then in the Union.  (Mason County); top back flap missing, Ex Hedin $300.

CAMP DOUGLAS, CHICAGO, ILL: US #65, 3¢ rose used with blue cork and matching CHICAGO / ILL // APR / 24 / ’64 double circle pmk on cover with black CAMP DOUGLAS / PRISONERS LETTER / EXAMINED oval (Harrison type I) used from Jan. 13-Apr. 24, 1864 in black, on cover to Mrs. M. Johnson, New Haven, Ky. Very Fine, Ex Hedin  $350.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by target with matching COLUMBUS / O // OCT / 20 double circle cancel on cover to Mrs. C. E. Evans, Upper Falls PO, Balls Co, Md. with manuscript “Exmd / E. L. Webber, Lt. Col.”  According to Galen Harrison in his POW opus, Edwin L. Webber examined prisoner mail from January 30 - October 20, 1863 thus making this the latest use of his examined marking. Ex Milgram and Hedin.  $450.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by prison bar grid with matching COLUMBUS / O // OCT / 22 double circle cancel on cover to Mrs. Alfred Hughes, Wheeling [West] Virginia with manuscript “Exd Peter Zinn Major”, 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. Slightly reduced at left. Ex Hedin. $250.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by blue target and matching BALTIMORE / MD // FEB / 8 / 1865 double circle cancel on incoming cover to Col. P. Lynch Lee, 15th Reg Arkansas Infantry, Johnson’s Island, Ohio, top back flap missing otherwise Very Fine. Manuscript “Ex J.C.B.” (Private Joseph C. Berry, 128th Ohio Volunteers, examined mail February-May 1865). Military records and other information included. Ex Hedin. $450.

Lt. Col. P. Lynch Lee (1838-1911) enlisted at Camden, Arkansas as a captain in Co. C. 15th Arkansas Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Fort Henry, Tenn, exchanged, and then captured again along with approximately 6,500 Confederate soldiers at Port Hudson where he was wounded.  

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied target and matching SANDUSKY / O double circle cancel on cover to J.D. Hamilton, Care. D. Browder & Co, Montgomery, Ala. with straightline DUE  10 from Richmond, although no Richmond cancel showing. Endorsed “T. H. Hamilton, Lt 18th Tenn. Regt., Prisoner of War, Johnson’s Island, Ohio” and routed “For Flag of Truce Via Fortress Monroe & City Point”.  Nice postal use of both sides. Ex Hedin. Military and regimental records included. $750.

Thomas H. Hamilton enlisted as a 2nd Lieut in Co. K., 18th Tenn. Infantry. He was detailed as Drill Master and Conscript Officer. He was wounded at Murfreesboro, Tenn. January 3, 1863 and left on the battlefield. He recovered, but was captured at Nashville on January 30, 1864.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied target and matching SANDUSKY / O double circle cancel on cover to W. T. Sutherlin, Danville, Va. with prisoner endorsement “W. E. Williamson Jr., Pris of War” with RICHMOND / VA. // JAN / 21 and matching DUE 10 routed “Per Flag of Truce” and neat oval PRISONER’S LETTER / JOHNSONS ISLAND // EXAMINED / G A R (Pvt Gerald A. Ressap of the 128th Ohio Volunteers who was a mail examiner from September 6 to 15, 1864). Miltiary records and other information included. President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet went to Danville early in April 1865 and made their headquarters at the residence of Major William T. Sutherlin, which is thus referred to as “the last Confederate Capitol.” It was in the Sutherlin home that Davis' issued his final Presidential Proclamation.  Cover with couple small edge faults and open 3 sides; inside is addressed and likely handcarried and pencil post-war notations inside. Ex Hedin.  $800.

OHIO PENITENTIARY, COLUMBUS, OHO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by target with matching COLUMBUS / O // SEP / 14 [1863] double circle cancel on cover to Mrs. Mary F. Bullock, Care Rev. John G. Simsall, Lexington, Ky., Censored “Ex M. A. Judkins / ADC” (Judkins was in 52nd O.V.I. and mail examiner August 10-November 10, 1863)  – Aide to General John Mason, Commandant of the Columbus area. From Major Robert Bullock, a member of the infamous Morgan's Raiders, specifically the 8th Kentucky Cavalry. Bullock was confined first at Johnson’s Island (july 19, 1863-August 1, 1863), then Ohio Penitentiary (August 1, 1863-March 25, 1864) and later the more secure Ft. Delaware. The transfer to Ft. Delaware on March 25, 1864 was occsassioned by the successful escape by John Hunt Morgan and six others from Ohio Penitentiary on November 27/28, 1863. Harrison records only 43 covers from this prison. Very Fine. Ex Hedin. $850.

CAMP CHASE, COLUMBUS, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by target with matching bold neat COLUMBUS / O // MAR / 25 double circle cancel on cover to “Mr. S[evern]. T[eackel] Wallis, Baltimore, Maryland / No. 37 St. Paul St[reet] with Harrison type Ib censor marking EXAMINED / CAMP CHASE / LIEUT COL (with POTEN removed – used March 25-July 29, 1864). Ex Hedin. $500.

Severn Teackle Wallis was a lawyer and author who cherished the hope that the Union would be preserved, and was one of the committee who visited President Lincoln in April 1861 in hope of stopping the passing of troops. Mr. Wallis was a delegate to the legislature which met in Frederick, Md in 1861 and was made chairman of the committee on Federal relations which reported that “the house of delegates had no power to pass an ordinance of secession.” He further reported it “inexpedient to call a convention to consider secession” and that order was adopted.  On the night of September 12, 1861, Mr. Wallis was arrested at his dwelling as well as other members of the legislature and mayor of Baltimore. They were imprisoned until 1862 when all were unconditionally released, but were not informed of the cause of their arrest.

UNIDENTIFIED NORTHERN PRISON: inner envelope (note the two folds indicating this cover was originally enclosed inside another unsealed envelope per regulations. The outer envelope with US postage would have been discarded at the exchange point and then this one transmitted to enter the mails in Richmond for forwarding to Alabama).  RICHMOND / VA // JAN / 23 cds with matching DUE 10 and endorsement “From Lt. McGlasscock / Prisoner of War” to “Col. John F. Conoly, Shelby Springs, Alabama” and routing “Via Fla [of] Truce”. Ex Hedin. $300.

John F. Conoley enlisted as a Lt. Col. on 11-16-61 into Field & Staff of the 4th Alabama Infantry, later transferred to 29th Alabama Infantry.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: CSA #11, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / VA  on cover to Joseph Daviers Hamilton, Montgomery, Alabama routed “By flag of truce”. This was an unsealed inner envelope originally enclosed inside another envelope per regulations. The outer envelope with US postage would have been discarded at the exchange point and then this one transmitted to enter the mails in Richmond for forwarding to Alabama. Military and regimental records included. This is a known correspondence which corresponds to other handwriting / covers of origin from Johnson’s Island. Ex Hedin. $550.

Thomas H. Hamilton enlisted as a 2nd Lieut in Co. K., 18th Tenn. Infantry. He was detailed as Drill Master and Conscript Officer. He was wounded at Murfreesboro, Tenn. January 3, 1863 and left on the battlefield. He recovered, but was captured at Nashville on January 30, 1864.

Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio: US #65,  3¢ rose (slight stains and tiny tear at left) tied by target cancel with Columbus / O. / Jul / 16 [1863] double circle postmark on cover to Mrs. Catherine B. Hannah, Lorrentz (sic) Store, Upshur Co., West Virginia (West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863), manuscript censor's "Examd E.L. Webber Maj Comdg Post" endorsement; although there was some support for the Confederate cause within the county, including the formation of the Upshur Grays, most of the county's residents sided with the Union during the Civil War.  $250.

Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio: US #65,  3¢ rose, tied by target cancel and Columbus / O. / MAR / 14 [1865] double circle postmark on cover to Mrs. C. Lenoir, Loudon, Tenn.; Examined/Camp Chase, O. circular censor's marking (Harrison Type Ic), Very Fine $250.

Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio: US #65,  3¢ rose, tied by target cancel with matching Columbus / O. / FEB / 27 [1864] double circle postmark on cover to Cumberland Gap, Tenn., handstamped with Examined Lieut. Col. Poten / Camp Chase circular censor's marking (Harrison Type Ia), included is lightly inked original enclosure, cover corner added at bottom right. Letter is headed Camp Chase, Ohio February the 26th 1864 and signed Elbert Woodward of Virginia. $150.

Elbert S. Woodward (1835-1900) was 26 years old when he enlisted 2-1-63 at Jonesville, Va as a 2nd Lieut in Co. F. 64th Virginia Infantry. He was taken prisoner 12-16-63 in Lee County, Va, confined at Camp Chase and transferred to Fort Delaware 3-25-64 where he served out the rest of the war and took Oath of Allegiance 6-10-65. Military record enclosed.

Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill: US #65,  3¢ rose, tied by target cancel with matching SIMPSONVILLE / KY. // AUG / 23 cds on cover to Sergt J. A. McCardel Prisoner of War, Co K, 8th Ky, Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill with handstamped oval censor's examined marking Camp Douglas / Prisoner Letter / Examined (Harrison Type I) at left, reduced at left, cover open on 3½ sides (reinforced at right) $180.

Johnsons Island, Sandusky, Ohio: US #65,  3¢ rose, tied by target cancel with matching Nashville / Tenn / Feb / 23 / '64 double circle postmark on incoming cover to "Lieut. Col. J[ohn].W. Inzer, Prisoner of War, Johnsons Island, Ohio”, manuscript "Ex. D.S.A." (De Alva S. Alexander, 128th O.V.I.) censor's marking, top back flap missing  $200.

BUILDING No. 3, Danville Prison, Danville, Va: Prisoner-of-war cover from Lt. Col. Samuel A. Moffett to William H. Moffett, Rodman, N.Y., with original letter datelined "Danville Military Prison Nov. 20. 1864" mentioning his time at Libby and Salisbury prisons, endorsed with prisoner's rank and "Via Flag of Truce Boat to the United States", censored with manuscript "Examined RC Smith Lt Col Comdg" by the Danville Prison Commander (Oct. 1864 - Jan. 1865); entered the U.S. mails with Old Point Comfort / Va. / Jan / 18 [1865] cds and "DUE 6" in circle; bit edge worn, Ex Seacrest and Walske; with 1986 C.S.A. certificate.

See page 72 of the Harrison POW book which describes Building #3 as the officer’s building with two rooms. One of Harrison’s prize possessions is a tiny folded letter smuggled out of Building # 3 in a button to Moffett’s parents Feb 14, 1865. In this offered lot, Moffett states “We, that is, the Officers occupy two rooms, each about 40 by seventy.” This is beautifully dovetails with what is known about Building #3. Harrison records only two covers known from Building #3 and only 35 covers in all from Danville Prison.  A rare POW cover and letter. $3,000.

Samuel A. Moffett enlisted at the age of 25 in the 94th N.Y. Volunteer Infantry; in April 1863 he was promoted to head of the Regiment and lead it at the Battle of Chancellorsville as part of Gen. John F. Reynold's 1st Corps. After his capture on August 19, 1864 at Weldon Railroad, Va., he was held at Libby Prison in Richmond, then Salisbury N.C. and Danville, Va.

CAMP CHASE, OHIO: addressed inner envelope (no postal markings) to Mr. John Baldwin, Spring Dale, Lafayette, Miss “From Wm Baldin, prisoner of war, Camp Chase, Ohio”  with original prisoner’s letter headed “Aprile (sic) 20 1862 Camp Chase Ohio” to family reporting that health is improving and reporting on other family members and friends by name in various prisons. Baldwin was in Co. G., Mississippi 1st Infantry. Captured at Ft. Donelson where the greater part of the regiment was captured.  $350.

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge. Double click on letter to further enlarge.

Civilian Flag of Truce from Confederate Naval Officer: CSA #11c, 10¢ greenish manuscript canceled on folded letter to Mrs. Julia W. Ramsey Care Dr. Cooke, Norfolk (at that time in occupied Virginia) and routed “By Flag of Truce”. It is headed Charlotte NC Christmas 1864 and signed [Captain] H. Ashton Ramsay. Ramsey writes to his wife mostly bemoaning their separation due to her attending her father in his illness. Their children are also with her.  $900.

Capt. H. Ashton Ramsey was the Chief Engineer on the Merrimack, aka the CSS Virginia, which was built on the salvaged hulk of the Union Warship Merrimack that had been scuttled at the Norfolk Navy yard to prevent it falling into Confederate hands. Charlotte Navy Yard was established in Charlotte in 1862 following its removal from Portsmouth, Va. It is improbable that a navy yard should have been located so far from water in Charlotte NC. In March 1862, the Confederate Navy Yard in Norfolk was at risk of being captured by Union forces. After the CSS Virginia was scuttled, Confederate officials knew that, unless they wanted to have all of their property confiscated by the Union, they would have to move the naval yard.  Captain H. Ashton Ramsey was chief engineer over approximately 1,500 men. Subject of a forthcoming article in The American Stamp Dealer & Collector.

Libby Prison, Richmond, Va: prisoner of war addressed to “Lieutenant Joseph A. Peloubet, Prisoner of War, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va” on inside of turned cover with Druckler, N.Y., Sep / 12 /1864 origin double circle cancel, no franking, outside franked with CSA #12, 10¢ blue tied by Danville, Va. cds and addressed to Lynchburgh, Va., red brown "Advertised 2" straightline handstamp and matching red brown Lynchburg / Va / Dec / 2 cds on back flaps; stamp lifted and hinged in place as it was originally over edge, a rare and unusual prisoner of war usage, Ex Walske  $1,200.

Joseph A. Peloubet was 27 years old when he enlisted 11-10-62 at New York City as a private into Battery A, NY 4th Heavy Artillery. He was listed as missing 8-25-64 at Reams’ Station, Va and exchanged 4-5-65. He had several intra regimental company transfers and served in Companies A, B, I and M rising to 1st Lieutenant.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: Norfolk Va. Provost Marshal. From Norfolk Va. to” Mr. Franics A. Brothers, Mosley Hall Near Goldsboro N.C. per Flag of Truce”, bearing two  5¢ green #1, one has large margins including top sheet margin, tied by Richmond /  Va. //Aug / 24 [1864] cds, manuscript "Ex" examiner's mark, light but readable backstamp "APPROVED / July 31 1864 / CHARLES M. WHELDEN, / Lieut. Col. & Pro. Marshal, / NORFOLK DIST., VA." in truncated frame, slightly reduced at right and small backflap tear. Rare civilian flag of truce with provost marshal censor handstamp. The use of Confederate stamps on a southbound flag-of-truce cover is very unusual, and this is a very late use of the 5¢ green lithograph. Typically, such covers show a due marking for C.S.A. postage. $2,300.

Moseley Hall prospered when the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company built the railroad through there, completed in 1858. The railroad contributed substantially to Moseley Hall, bringing commerce as well as goods, which firmly boosted the settlement’s growth. The railroad would also bring the Civil War closer to Moseley Hall. The town served as a supply and arsenal headquarters during the war. When Lenoir County began preparing for the war, a training camp was established there and named Blackjack Camp. General Sherman’s army passed through Moseley Hall in 1865 on its way to Goldsboro, burning many dwellings in its wake and slaughtered livestock. They marched through Moseley Hall Plantation, but Moseley Hall manor was spared.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose tied SANDUSKY / O // JUL / 27 double circle and matching target on pristine cover as well as RICHMOND / VA // AUG 13 cds and matching DUE 10 to pay Confederate postage. Endorsed from Geo W. Jones Lt, Co I, 18th Va Regt to Mrs. Sarah F. Jones, Spring Garden PO, Pittsylvania CH, Virginia routed “By Flag of Truce Care of the Comd Officer Fortress Monroe” with manuscript examined marking under the due straightline. Military records included. Lovely POW use with postage of both sides.  $650.

George Washington Jones (1832-1910) enlisted as a Sergeant 4-24-1861 into Co. I, 18th Virginia Infantry. He was wounded and  taken prisoner at Gettysburg and exchanged 3-14-65 at Johnson’s Island. He was promoted to 1st Lieut 4-26-62. He married Sarah Thompson and postwar lived in Danville, Va.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by target cancel with matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD // MAY / 16 [1865] double circle cancel on cover to Miss Bettie C. Price, Murfreesboro’, Tennessee Care of Capt. Fleming; also faint pencil endorsement at the top, top back flap missing and tiny edge tears at top. Original POW letter headed 6th Division Co “I”, Point Lookout Maryland May 5th 1865 to his cousin saying, in part, “I hope it will not be long before I will be permitted to come home. The war is over. I trust as Johnston’s Army has also surrendered and now may peace with its blessings and civil law be soon restored in the land. What a strong desire I have to get home, go to work and make myself useful as I can to my neighborhood and fellow man. War is the Greatest Calamity that can befall the human race and the unnumbered wars that this has brought upon the country ought to be a lesson to Generations yet unborn for Centuries to Come.” Signed Robert M. Rucker, who is shown in military was a private in Co. A Tenn 2nd Infantry rather than Co. “I”, but reorganization and poor military records often produce such results. $350.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US #65, 3¢ rose tied by target cancel with matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD // MAY / 5 [1865] double circle cancel on cover to Mrs. Samuel R. Rucker, Murfreesboro’, Tennessee, back flap missing and edge faults. Original POW letter headed 5th Division Co “I”, Point Lookout Maryland May 2nd 1865 to his mother in which he says, in part, “I hope it will not be long before I wil [be] permitted to go home and go to work. I think the war is over & I desire now to come home and to to hard work on your farms & make you comfortable and easy the balance of your days. No more war for e. I desire to become a peaceable qiet citizen once more. I want you to get your friends to assist you in getting me out of prison though I suppose we will be all released on taking the oath and allowed to return to our homes which I am ready to do.” Signed R. M. Rucker, who is shown in military was a private in Co. A Tenn 2nd Infantry rather than Co. “I”, but reorganization and poor military records often produce such results. $220.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: US #65, 3¢ rose just tied by blue Sandusky, O May 5 ’65 double circle with matching target on pristine POW cover to Miss Mary H. Wallace Care R. B. Alexander Esq, Commercial Bank, Louisville, Kentucky with neat Johnson’s Island examined oval B.F.M.  Benjamin F. Miller examined from April 26 – May 5, 1865 according to Galen Harrison’s POW opus, making this the last recorded date of use of this examined marking. The correspondence is from prisoner Lt. Thomas Wallace who rode with Gen. John Hunt Morgan. $300.

Lieut. Thomas Wallace, 6th Kentucky Cavalry, Morgan's Brigade, was captured at Bardstown, Kentucky on July 6, 1863 while serving with famous Confederate raider Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. He was transferred from Camp Chase to Johnson’s Island on October 10, 1863 and released with Oath of Allegiance to U.S. on June 11, 1865. While held captive, he corresponded with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hooe Wallace and with his brother and sisters. The Wallace Family Papers, 1764-1884, are in the University of Kentucky.

SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA: double strike of Cornish Flat, N.H. April 28 [1862] blue cds on cover with stamp replaced at upper right, addressed to “Albert S. Hall, Prisoner of War, Salisbury, N. Carolina via Norfolk, Virginia”. Mainly because of the relatively smaller prison populations, early mail from the September 1861 to May 1862 routed via Norfolk is rarer than POW mail after 1862. Hall was paroled shortly after this envelope was posted. Top back flap missing and slight soiling.  Scarce Southern prison use perfect for the budget minded. $450.

Private Albert L. Hall was a 21 year-old Cornish NH resident when he enlisted 5-21-1861 in Co. I, NH 2nd Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Bull Run (1st Manassas). Military records show him confined at Richmond and then sent to New Orleans, La. Confederate government bought land for the prison on November 2, 1861 and the first prisoners arrived December 9, 1861. Records show Hall as released 5-24-62 (place not stated).

ROCK ISLAND BARRACKS, ILLINOIS: US #65, 3¢ rose tied Rock Island / Ill / Nov / 15 [1864] double circle on cover to Mrs. Clemetina Wall, Cynthiana, Kentucky with bold blue oval of RI Barracks / Examined / Prisoner’s Letter. Almost invisible sealed cover tear to right of stamp and tiny tear at bottom of stamp. Original letter headed “Barracks 53, Rock Island, Ill / Nov. 9th 1864” to prisoner W. W. Wall’s mother thanking her for box of clothing sent and noting he needs to replace his seedy hat. Their first snow is falling and he is prepared to withstand the winter. He also asks about the election and if Lincoln gets any votes. Also wants to know who has been drafted. Private W. S. Wall was a member of Co. E, 2nd Kentucky Cavalry (Morgan’s Raiders) and captured 7-22-63. $225.

Flag of Truce: US #65, 3¢ rose tied cork with OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // AUG / 25 [186?] double circle on cover to Mrs. Samuel R. Rucker, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Care of Mrs. D. D. Wendell. Uncertain of year of use as Murfreesboro fell early in the war and thus Rucker, who was fighting in the South, had to send mail home via Flag of Truce. $160.

Private Robert M. Rucker enlisted in Co. A 2nd Tennessee Infantry on 27 April 1861 at Camp Galloway, Murfreesboro for a period of 12 months. He was detailed with pioneer (unsure what that means), owed stores $600 lost pioneer detail; wounded at Chickamauga; taken prisoner at Goldsboro NC March 22, 1865, arrived at Point Lookout 3 April 1865 and released 16 June 1865 after taking Oath of Allegiance. Resided in Rutherford, Tenn.; dark complexion, dark hair, blue eyes, 6’1 ½” tall.

Flag of Truce: US #65, 3¢ rose tied cork with OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // MAR / 31 [186?] double circle on cover to Mrs. Samuel R. Rucker, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Care of Mrs. D. D. Wendell. Slight staining at top and file fold at left. Uncertain of year of use as Murfreesboro fell early in the war and thus Rucker, who was fighting in the South, had to send mail home via Flag of Truce. $160.

Private Robert M. Rucker enlisted in Co. A 2nd Tennessee Infantry on 27 April 1861 at Camp Galloway, Murfreesboro for a period of 12 months. He was detailed with pioneer (unsure what that means), owed stores $600 lost pioneer detail; wounded at Chickamauga; taken prisoner at Goldsboro NC March 22, 1865, arrived at Point Lookout 3 April 1865 and released 16 June 1865 after taking Oath of Allegiance. Resided in Rutherford, Tenn.; dark complexion, dark hair, blue eyes, 6’1 ½” tall.

Flag of Truce: US #65, 3¢ rose tied cork with OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // JUL / 18 [1864] double circle on cover to Mrs. Samuel R. Rucker, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Care of Mrs. D. D. Wendell with “Flag [of Truce]” at upper left. On verso in pencil is “Col. R. H. Keeble was killed at Petersburg Va June 30th”. This dates the cover as 1864 as Colonel R. H. Keeble took command of the l7th and 23rd Tennessee at Siege of Petersburg after Col. Floyd was killed; Keeble was killed June 30, 1864. $250.

Private Robert M. Rucker enlisted in Co. A 2nd Tennessee Infantry on 27 April 1861 at Camp Galloway, Murfreesboro for a period of 12 months. He was detailed with pioneer (unsure what that means), owed stores $600 lost pioneer detail; wounded at Chickamauga; taken prisoner at Goldsboro NC March 22, 1865, arrived at Point Lookout 3 April 1865 and released 16 June 1865 after taking Oath of Allegiance. Resided in Rutherford, Tenn.; dark complexion, dark hair, blue eyes, 6’1 ½” tall.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose tied target and matching Sandusky, O Aug / 30 / ’64 double circle cancel on cover to Miss Mary H. Wallace, Care A. H. Wallace Esq, New Albany, Indiana. Manuscript examined marking “Ex TOC” (Pvt. Theodore O. Castle, 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry – mkg known used Aug 23 – Nov 3, 1864). Ex Scott Gallagher   $250.

Lieut. Thomas Wallace, 6th Kentucky Cavalry, Morgan's Brigade, was captured at Bardstown, Kentucky on July 6, 1863 while serving with famous Confederate raider Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. He was transferred from Camp Chase to Johnson’s Island on October 10, 1863 and released with Oath of Allegiance to U.S. on June 11, 1865. While held captive, he corresponded with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hooe Wallace and with his brother and sisters, all located in New Albany, Indiana. The Wallace Family Papers, 1764-1884, are in the University of Kentucky.

RICHLAND JAIL, COLUMBIA, SC:  DUE 6 in circle with OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // JAN / 18 [1864] double circle cancel on lightly water stained cover addressed to “Miss Eva Knapp, Warsaw, Wyoming Co[unty] New York”.  Manuscript “Exd. Geo. C. Gill, Lt. Post Guard” examiners marking as well as “From a Prisoner of War, Columbia South Carolina” and “January 21, 1865” receipt docketing. It took over 2 months. Original letter headed November 11, 1864 from Richland Jail in Columbia, South Carolina by William H. Mix. The letter (full typed transcript included) has very good lengthy content for a prisoner of war letter, mentioning German officers, and one of them teaching the POW’s to speak German.  $1,400.

Capt. William Henry Mix was originally a member of Company K in the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry commissioned as a private in Company I of the 19th U.S. Colored Troops.  While in the 2nd NH, Mix was shot in the chest at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and is shown hospitalized in Washington and Philadelphia, returned to duty September 1863. He was discharged for promotion December 1863 and in January 1864 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieut. into Co. I, CT 19th Infantry, captured at unspecified location and confined at Macon and Columbia. He was promoted Capt in March 1865 by Brevet. He was not mustered out unitl January 1867.
Lieut. George C. Gill listed as Gen. & Staff CS Infantry in military records. Shown in Evan’s Tramp Brigade Co A Richland / Chester County 17th SC Infantry in 1889 Reunion records. Other records show Gill as part of Columbia Richland Jail Post Guards, Rufus D. Senn’s Company.

LIBBY PRISON, RICHMOND, VA: Due 3 with OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // MAY / 3 [1864] double circle cancel on inner POW cover (This was an unsealed inner envelope originally enclosed inside another envelope per regulations. The outer envelope with Confederate postage would have been discarded at the exchange point and then this one transmitted to enter the mails) addressed to Mr. Isaac Cook, Corner of Victor and Jaesar Street, St. Louis, Mo. With ms “Prisoner of War letter, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va.” at top. Original POW letter headed “Libby Prison, Richmond April 23rd, 1864” signed J. L. Cook.  Typed transcript of letter included as well as military records. All Southern prison covers are scarcer than Northern ones.  $950.

Lieut. John L. Cook, born in Texas, was a 19 year-old resident of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa when he enlisted July 1861 in Co. K., 6th Iowa Infantry.  Cook served all four years of the war and was wounded April 6, 1862 at the Battle of Shiloh.  He was captured May 14th, 1863 at Jackson, Mississippi.
11072 VICKSBURG / MISS // JUN / 12 / 1862 with matching handstamped [due] 5 revalued with manuscript “10”  on soldier’s cover to Wm. H. E. Merritt Esq., Lawrenceville, Brunswick Co. Virginia; mandated endorsement “H. E. Merrett, Co. C, 28th Regt. Miss Volunteers” as well as contents docketing at lower left. Wm. H. E. Merritt was a Virginia legislator, plantation and slave owner. Side flaps missing but not reduced, Ex Myerson  $250.