The Civil War Sale
47 Kearny St # 500, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Lot | Prisoner of War Covers - Southern Prisons - Texas & Virginia | Estimate | |
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4551 | Confederacy, Danville Prison (Building Unknown), Danville, Va. Cover to Keene, N.H. franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65, defective), tied by segmented cork and postmarked "Old Point Comfort, Va. Jul 24 (64)" double circle, manuscript "Prisoner's Letter by Flag of Truce" and additional pencil censor "Ex MM" (Mason Morfit, Commander at Danville), included is original enclosure datelined "Danville, May 18th 1864" stating "I and seven others of the regiment were taken prisoner on the 6th inst. My health is good yet". Scott No. 65; Estimate $300 - 400. Written by Pvt. Waldo Dwinnell, Co. G, 21st Mass. Inf. who died at Andersonville on Sept. 9, 1864. | 2 | $300 |
4552 | Confederacy, Danville Prison (Building Unknown), Danville, Va. "Examined" light manuscript pencil endorsement of Confederate censor on cover to Zanesfield, Ohio, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65) tied by two strikes of "Old Point Comfort, Va. May 10" (1864) double circle postmark, Very Fine. Estimate; $200 - 300. Cover sent from Cpl. William H. Harriman, Co. A, 15th U.S. Inf., to his father, captured at Chicamaunga on Sept. 19, 1863 and confined to Danville Prison, later transferred to Andersonville, where he died on March 10, 1865. | $200 | |
4553 | Confederacy, Danville Prison, Building #3, Danville, Va. Oatmeal prisoner-of-war cover addressed to Marietta Pa., franked with uncancelled 10¢ Blue, Die A (11) with "Old Point Comfort Va. Jan 18" double circle postmark with matching "Due 6" in circle, prisoner endorsement at top and manuscript "Exd A.M.B" (A.M. Braxton) censor marking, directed to the care of Col. Ould, Commissioner of Exchange, slightly reduced at left, Very Fine, choice and scarce cover. Scott No. 11; Estimate $500 - 750. The Confederate prison at Danville, Va., was not one prison camp but six tobacco warehouses in which captured Union soldiers were confined during 1863–1865. This is send from Lieut. John M. Kline, 45th Penn. Inf., most likely confined in Building #3. | $500 | |
4554 | Confederacy, Danville Prison, Building #3, Danville, Va. "William H. Harrison, 1st Lieut. 2nd U.S. Cavalry, Prisoner of War, Danville, Va." manuscript notation on cover to Philadelphia, Pa., postmarked "Old Point Comfort, Va. Jan. 18" double circle postmark with matching "Due 6" in circle, manuscript "Examined R.C. Smith, Lt. Col. Commanding" on backflap, Very Fine and rare, extremely attractive. Estimate; $500 - 750. Included is original letter datelined "Military Prison, Danville, Va., October 23, 1864" mentioning movements from camp to camp while prisoner, "On the 2nd October I was transferred in company with all the Libby Prisoners to Salisbury, N.C. and remained there until the 19th inst. when we were transferred to Danville, Va…., how long we shall remain here is an uncertainty". | 2 | $500 |
4555 | Confederacy, Danville Prison, Building #3, Danville, Va. Cover to Binghampton, N.Y. franked with United States 3¢ rose (65), tied by cork cancel with "Old Point Comfort, Va. Jan. 16" (1865) double circle postmark alongside, "Ex MM" (Major Mason Morfit, Prison Commander) manuscript censor endorsement in top left, included is original enclosure datelined "Danville C.S.M. Prison" requesting goods from home, cover with minor water staining. Scott No. 65; Estimate $300 - 400. Sent by Private Warren Morey, Co. D, 109th N.Y. Inf., who was confined in Building #3. Morey died in prison on Jan 5, 1865 from chronic diarrhea before his letter reached home. | 2 | $300 |
4556 | Confederacy, Danville Prison, Building #3, Danville, Va. Cover to Short Creek, Ohio franked with CSA 10¢ Blue (11), defective, tied by "Old Point Comfort Jan 18, 1865" double circle postmark with bold "Due 6" in circle at left, manuscript endorsement "Per Flag of Truce, Prisoner of War Letter" at left, additional but indistinct vertical pencil endorsement "Examined R.S. Smith, light. Col. Comdg", cover with typical flaws and light soiling, Fine, quite scarce. Scott No. 11; Estimate $200 - 300. | $200 | |
4557 | Confederacy, (Frazier's Farm, Va.) "Hospital on Frazier's Farm, 16m from Richmond, July 5th, 1862". Pencil dateline on original enclosure with excellent content "Here I am in hospital with a bullet hole through my right thigh received in the battle of June 30th near this place…it will be six weeks or two months before I am well, the doctor says", with original cover addressed to Wilmington, Del, and forwarded to Philadelphia, franked with United States 1861 3¢ rose (65) tied by "Old Point Comfort, Va. Aug. 1" (1862) double circle postmark with light Confederate manuscript "Exmd J.M.H." censor (John M. Higgins, Clerk at the War Dept. in Richmond) marking, additionally franked with 1861 3¢ (65) as forwarder and tied by Wilmington, Del., Aug. 2 (1862) cds. Scott No. 65; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500. ONLY ONE KNOWN COVER FROM THIS TEMPORARY FIELD HOSPITAL, PICTURED IN HARRISON'S BOOK, "PRISONERS MAIL FROM THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR" ON PAGE 77. Written by Maj. Richard H. Woolworth, 3rd Regt. Pa. Reserve Corp., who was wounded and captured at the battle there. Interestingly Gen. Mc Clellan wrote to Gen R.E. Lee on July 18, 1862 requesting to know the status of Maj. Woolworth. | 3 | $1,000 |
4558 | Confederacy, General Hospital #21, Richmond, Va. Manuscript endorsement "By Flag of Truce Boat via Fortress Monroe" on cover to Rushville, Ohio, franked with United States 3¢ Rose (65), defective, tied by segmented cork and Old Point Comfort, Va. Jan. 25 (1864) double circle postmark, small cover stains & slightly reduced at right, F.-V.F., scarce as only four are known from this prison and considering the writer's history. Scott No. 65; Estimate $300 - 400. Cover from Caleb Coplin to his Father. Coplin was wounded and captured at Chicamauga and treated at Hospital #21 in Richmond. Coplin was the first man shot and killed in the "Deadline" in Andersonville Prison on April 10, 1864.Inside Andersonville Prison, about 19 feet from the wall, was the "deadline," which prisoners were forbidden to cross. The "deadline" was intended to prevent prisoners from climbing over the stockade or from tunneling under it. | $300 | |
4559 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Earliest Know Use. multi-colored adversity cover made from illustrated chewing tobacco wrapper addressed to Michigan, sent by Private Hackett to his parents, written in pencil and datelined "Richmond, Va. April 1862", handstamped "Due 3" and manuscript "Sold. Letter (Maj. Von) Herrmann, USA" endorsement, some wear and mends along folds, Fine, an extremely important and attractive combination. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED COVER FROM THIS PRISON, JUST ONE WEEK AFTER THE OPENING OF THE PRISON. ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR PRISONER OF WAR COVERS IN EXISTENCE. This cover was additionally used to prove Pvt. Hackett's pension claim as evident by "Pension Office Mar. 22, 1883" blue double oval handstamp. | 2 | $750 |
4560 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Neat cover from Lt. George Kies, 18th Conn. Inf. to his wife in West Killingly, Conn., manuscript endorsement "Prisoners Letter" at upper right, Confederate pencil "JL" censor of Lt. John Latouche the Adjutant at Libby Prison, postmarked "Old Point Comfort, Va. Oct. 3" (1863) double circle with matching "Due 6" in circle, included is original enclosure with discussion of being exchanged "It is very unpleasant to me to think that I must stay in prison so long for a few Negroes as that seems to be the only obstacle in the way of our exchange" sentiments expressed in letter, Very Fine and choice. Estimate; $300 - 400. | 2 | $300 |
Lot | Prisoner of War Cover Group Lot | Estimate | |
4561 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Cover to Clarks Mills, N.Y. franked with 1861 3¢ rose tied by segmented cork cancel with "Old Point Comfort, Va. Dec. 14" (1864) double circle postmark alongside, flap torn. Scott No. 65; Estimate $200 - 300. Included is original enclosure from Pvt. Charles G. Ashley, 146th N.Y. Inf. to his father, pencil written letter instructs father to send all letters to "Libby Prison, Richmond, Va." Private Ashley died at Andersonville on Jun. 3, 1864. | $200 | |
4562 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Union Patriotic cover with attractive red & blue trimmed backflaps with embossed "Eagel & Shield" design, addressed to Poplar P.O., Ohio and franked with 1861 3¢ rose tied by segmented cork cancel with Old Point Comfort, Va. Jan. 25 (1864) double circle postmark alongside, flap missing. Scott No. 65; Estimate $400 - 600. PATRIOTICS ARE SELDOM SEEN USED FROM SOUTHERN PRISONS. PICTURED IN HARRISON'S BOOK, "PRISONERS MAIL FROM THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR" ON PAGE 93. Included is original enclosure from Capt. D.S. Caldwell to his wife, datelined "Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Jan. 20th, 1864". The writer apparently escaped through a tunnel on Feb. 9, 1864. | 3 | $400 |
4563 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Cover to Poplar P.O., Ohio franked with 1861 3¢ rose tied by segmented cork cancel with "Old Point Comfort, Va. Feb. 23" (1864) double circle postmark alongside, flap missing, Very Fine. Scott No. 65; Estimate $150 - 200. Included is original enclosure from Capt. D.S. Caldwell to his wife datelined "Richmond, Va. Feb. the 7th, 1864", which mentions, "I have just been called to preach the funerals of two officers who died yesterday in the hospital." The letter closes with "We are restricted to six lines at present" at bottom of letter caused by the Order of 2/2/64 restricting prisoner's letter writing.The writer apparently escaped through a tunnel on Feb. 9 and beat his letter home by one day. | $150 | |
4564 | Confederacy, Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. "Head Quarters Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, Office Commissioner for Exchange, Fortress Monroe" printed official corner card on cover addressed to Rochester, N.Y., franked with United States 3¢ Rose (65), creases, tied by segmented cork cancel with Old Point Comfort, Va. Feb. 16 (1864) double circle postmark at left, flap missing, Very Fine. Scott No. 65; Estimate $150 - 200. From Capt Ralph O. Ives, 10th Mass Inf., a prisoner in Libby prison. On Feb. 6, 1864, he was selected to be sent to Salisbury, N.C. as a hostage for Confederate officers being kept in irons in a northern prison. He was provided this official envelope to inform his wife of his status. | $150 | |
4565 | Confederacy, Lynchburg Prison, Lynchburg, Va. Dual franked prisoner of war cover, franked with Confederate 10¢ Blue (12), margins to barely touching at top, tied by "Lynchburg, Va. May 25" cds on United States 3¢ entire (U59) with segmented cork and Old Point Comfort Jun 4 double circle postmark to Bellefonte, Pa., light even soiling & some cover restoration, Very Fine. Scott No. 12, USA U59; Estimate $750 - 1,000. AN OUTSTANDING PRISONER OF WAR RARITY OF WHICH ONLY FOUR COVERS ARE RECORDED. Sent by from Private Ephriam Klinger, 148th Reg. Pa. Inf., captured 5/10/64.At first, all prisoners-of-war were to be detained in Richmond, the Confederate capital, but the jails and warehouses there quickly filled. Auxiliary facilities were established elsewhere. Lynchburg was an obvious choice for a prisoner-of-war camp because of its superior rail system and its remoteness from the front lines.Located on part of the fairgrounds, the camp was for Federal prisoners waiting to be exchanged. No medical services were available, and many deaths occurred in the camp before the autumn of 1862, when the sick and wounded were moved to hospitals in Lynchburg. After the exchange cartel ceased operating in the summer of 1863, the camp quickly became overcrowded. | $750 | |
4566 | Confederacy, Lynchburg Prison, Lynchburg, Va. Inner cover from Sgt. John H. Fertig and addressed to "General Robert Patterson, Philadelphia, Pa." with manuscript "By Flag of Truce" endorsement at top left, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65) with segmented cork cancel and "Old Point Comfort, Va. Aug. 14" double circle postmark alongside, the stamp may be a replacement, Very Fine appearance, a rare prisoner of war item. Scott No. 65; Estimate $200 - 300. Sgt. John H. Fertig was captured June 22, 1864 and interned at Lynchburg Prison. Fertig served under Capt. William H. Patterson, son of General Robert Patterson, the addressee. | $200 | |
4567 | Confederacy, Camp Chase, Columbus O. Newspaper wrapper franked with U.S. 1861, 1¢ blue (63) tied by "Wheeling (W) Va." cds, with pink printed "Dr. Alfred Hughes, 18 Aug 62, Camp Chase Prison No. 3, Care Capt. D.B. Tiffany, Columbus, O." address label, Very Fine and choice, a very rare wrapper usage with only four or five examples known, similar wrapper illustrated in Harrison Prisoners' Mail From the American Civil War (page 182). Estimate; $500 - 750. On May 23, 1861, with his sympathies being with the south, Dr. Hughes had voted for the Ordinance of Secession adopted in the Richmond Virginia Convention. He was incarcerated as a political prisoner and sent to Camp Chase. He was exchanged in 1862 and went to Richmond where he practiced until 1865, when he moved to Baltimore. | $500 | |
4568 | Confederacy, Camp Chase, Ohio. Manuscript endorsement on buff Prisoner of War cover bearing uncancelled 3¢ rose (65) to Benton, Arkansas, additional "Lt. Col. Miller 11th Regt Arks, Prisoner of War" and "Politeness of Mrs. Clark" endorsements, Very Fine. Estimate; $500 - 750. Cynthia Charlotte "Lottie" Moon (1828-1895) was born in Danville, Virginia on August 10, 1828. She and her sister, Virginia "Ginnie" Moon are best known for their role as Confederate spies during the American Civil War. As spies for the Confederacy, Lottie and Ginnie smuggled information and medicine from North to South. After the fall of Fort Donelson, Lottie heard that one of her brothers was at Camp Chase and she traveled there. Upon discovering that none of her relations were incarcerated at Camp Chase, Lottie Clark remained at the prison to improve the Southerners' condition. According to the Virginia Historical Society, she also volunteered to serve as courier by taking prisoners' mail to Richmond, Virginia, and allowing Confederate authorities to distribute it from the capital to the captives' native states. For some reason, a large group of 170 letters mostly slated to be carried by Lottie Clark did not connect with her and ended up in Ohio long-term storage. 112 of the letters made their way to the Virginia Historical Society, and only a few are held in private hands.References: Kaufmann, Trish, "Confederate Mail Runner and Spy, Lottie Moon Clark", The Confederate Philatelist, 4th Qtr 2016, pp. 4-19. | 2 | $500 |
4569 | Confederacy, Elmira Prison, Elmira, N.Y. Blue inner money letter addressed to "J.S. Conneill, Prisoner of War, 37th N.C. Infty., Elmira N.Y.", franked with uncancelled 1861 3¢ Rose (65), various docketing include "Exd W.F." (censor marking),"Via Flag of Truce", "$10 U.S. currency", "119" (money letter number), "Postage enclosed", additional magenta "Ex", Very Fine, a fascinating cover. Scott No. 65; Estimate $300 - 400. The cover's journey ended with manuscript pencil endorsement "39th Ward", indicating the prisoner was hospitalized but manuscript "Dead" ultimately added as the prisoner was deceased. J.S. Conneill died on Feb. 2, 1865 prior to receiving this letter. | $300 | |
4570 | Confederacy, Fort Delaware, Delaware City, Del. Buff cover to Richmond, Va. franked with U.S. 1861 3¢ rose (light perf tip toning) tied by "Delaware City, Del. Dec. 12" target duplex, additionally tied by "Richmond, Va. Jan. 13" cds with matching straightline "Due 10" handstamp, manuscript endorsement at top "For flag of Truce, Prisoners letter" and at bottom left "Care of Commanding Officer at Fortress Monroe", Very Fine, an nice prisoner of war cover showing the combined North-South Postal usage. Scott No. 65; Estimate $300 - 400. Most of the Confederates captured at Gettysburg were imprisoned here. By August 1863, there were more than 11,000 prisoners on the island and by war's end, it had held almost 33,000 men. | $300 | |
4571 | Confederacy, Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Geo, "The Immortal Six Hundred". Manuscript notation "H.C. Dickinson, Pris. of War, Capt. 20th Va. Cal." manuscript endorsement on buff cover to Roanoke Co., endorsed manuscript "By Flag of Truce via Savannah" at top left, magenta manuscript censor "Ex", postmarked "Charleston, S.C. Jan. 7, 1865" cds with large numeral "10" (due) handstamp, slightly reduced at top with part of flap missing, Very Fine, only 24 known, Pictured in Harrison's book, "Prisoners Mail From The American Civil War" on page 121. Estimate; $500 - 750. Capt. Dickinson was one of the "Immortal 600" (see "The Immortal Six Hundred written by J. Ogden Murray"). Six hundred CSA officers were transferred from Fort Delaware to Morris Island in retaliation for the Union officers under fire in Charleston, a short time later 220 were sent to Morris Island and the rest stayed at Fort Pulaski. | $500 | |
4572 | Confederacy, Johnson's Island Prison, Sandusky, Ohio. Manuscript examiner's marking on fresh cover bearing 1861, 3¢ rose (65) tied by "Sandusky O. May 6, 1864" cds and target duplex to Castanea Grove, N.C., endorsed "Via Fortress Monroe & Per Flag of Truce", partial Richmond Va. cds at top and matching "Due 10" handstamp, Very Fine and choice. Estimate; $400 - 600. | $400 | |
4573 | Confederacy, Johnson's Island Prison, Sandusky, Ohio. Neat cover to Richmond, Va. franked with U.S. 1861 3¢ rose tied by "Sandusky, O, Oct. 21, '64" target duplex, "Prisoner's Letter, Examined GSB Johnsons Island" bold oval handstamp with manuscript notation "via Flag of Truce, Fortress Monroe", additional manuscript at left "Richard Laurence, Lt. 24th Miss. Vol., Prisoner of War", adhesive additional tied by "Richmond, Va. Jan. 20" cds with scarce "Due 2" handstamp paying the drop rate in Richmond, Very Fine and rare. Scott No. 65; Estimate $500 - 750. POWELL REPORTS ONLY 5-6 EXAMPLES EXIST OF THE "DUE 2" MARKING ON PRISONER OF WAR COVERS. In late 1861, American authorities designated Johnson's Island as the chosen location for a prisoner of war camp meant to incarcerate as many as 2,500 captured Confederate officers. The island was selected for its convenient accessibility by ship, allowing for the transportation of supplies needed for the construction and operation of the prison, as well as to support its inmate population.The prison, occupying a 16.5-acre (6.7 ha) area, commenced operations in April 1862. It was enclosed by a 15-foot-high wooden stockade, within which stood twelve two-story barracks for housing the prisoners and a hospital.Over 15,000 men passed through Johnson's Island until it was closed in September 1865. About 200 prisoners died due to the harsh Ohio winters, food and fuel shortages, and disease. | $500 | |
4574 | Confederacy, Johnson's Island Prison, Sandusky, Ohio. "Prisoner's Letter, Examined, G.S.B. Johnson's Island censor's oval handastamp on cover to Prisoner's cousin in Philadelphia, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65) cancelled by target cancel (not tied) with matching "Sandusky, O. Mar. 28, '65" double circle postmark, letter from Lt. W. Winston Fontain, 46th Btn., Va. Cavalary, datelined "U.S. Miltary Prison" requesting clothing, additional letter from same prisoner to Lt. Col. E. Scovill, Supt. of Prison requesting clothing and approved up the chain of command, cover with unobtrusive ink stain, Very Fine. Scott No. 65; Estimate $100 - 150. | $100 | |
4575 | Confederacy, Old Capital Prison, Washington, D.C. Fresh locally addressed prisoner cover bearing 1861, 3¢ rose (65) canceled by "Washington, D.C., Jan 8" cds, with perfect strike of "Passed, Military Prison, W.P. Wood Supt." circular examiner's handstamp, Extremely Fine. Estimate; $300 - 400. Old Capitol Prison was the building that served as a temporary Capitol after Washington, D.C. had been burned during the War of 1812. W. P. Wood was the Superintendent and was also a special agent of the government. Much intelligence information was gathered by him from the prisoners for the Union. | 2 | $300 |
4576 | Confederacy, "Parole Camp, Annapolis, Md", Unused (Magnus Type Letter Sheet). 1864 unused patriotic letter sheet in black "WE. Sachse & Co. Lith. Balt, Md" imprint, some edge irregularities and minor tears, Fine, still attractive. Estimate; $75 - 100. | $75 | |
4577 | Confederacy, Point Lookout, Point Lookout, Md. Buff cover to Parks Store, N.C., franked with United States 1861 3¢ rose tied by "Point Lookout, Md. Sep. 13, '64" duplex target cancel, examiner's octagonal handstamp and "Richmond Va., Sep. 27" cds alongside, additional partial "Due 10" handstamp straightline, manuscript soldier's name and unit (11th N.C. Regt.) at left, Very Fine. Scott No. 65; Estimate $200 - 300. Point Lookout was the largest Union prison, being established Aug. 1, 1863. The prison consisted of two enclosures of flat sand, one about thirty acres and the other about ten acres, each surrounded by a fifteen feet high fence. | $200 | |
4578 | Confederacy, Prisoner of War Covers. Balance of five covers and a few fronts; with cover from Boston, Mass. addressed to "Prisoner, Fort Warren", East Setauket, N.Y. to prisoner at Johnson Island, O., cover to Emilie, Pa. from Old Point Comfort, Va. endorsed "From a Pris of War, Richmond, Va.", and cover from Delaware City, Del with oval Fort Delaware examiner's marking; condition varied, generally F.-V.F. or better. Estimate; $300 - 400. | $300 |