EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBCivil War POW Manuscript Archive, Including Northern and Southern Letters
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveJun 22, 2018
Cowan’s American History: Premier Auction, scheduled for June 22, 2018 is comprised of early photographs, documents, manuscripts, broadsides, flags, and more dating from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Late Indian Wars, World War I and II and beyond. Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (502)
- Lot Description
Lot of 4, includes: Baskin, W. Stewart. ALS as a Confederate prison guard at Florence, SC, 2pp, 7.75 x 9.75 in., "Prison Camp Near Florence." December 19, 1864. In this letter to his (possible) daughter, First Sergeant, W. Stewart Baskin of the 1st Regiment, SC State Troops informs her of his current conditions, stating, "...the duty is not very arduous." Interestingly, even though it is known that prisoners at Florence prison camp suffered from a scarcity of food and clothing, Baskin mentions that there is "plenty to eat yet and good appetites to eat with so much so I have gained a few pounds..." Baskin does, however, mention a need for clean socks, although he says he can "get along tolerable well for some time..." He also makes note that General Winder is expected to order Baskin and others to the coast as an artillery unit, but those orders have not been sent out yet.
Wall, William S. ALS as a POW at Rock Island, IL, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., "Rock Island, Barrack 53." March 30, 1864. CSA Corporal William S. Wall, Company E, 2nd KY Cavalry, writes to his mother, Mrs. C Wall in Cynthiana, KY, of the struggles of imprisonment, including homesickness, curiosity, and a desperate longing to see his family. He laments, "I have hardly ever felt my imprisonment to chafe me, as it does now, when I know I could enjoy myself, so much, if I was there and could see them. Never mind - this thing can't last always - they cannot keep me, forever - that's one consolation." His letter continues with many questions about old friends and family members, changes to towns he remembers, and a fire about which he is "anxious to know." Letter is accompanied by cover affixed with 3-cent Washington stamp and stamped with Rock Island, April 1, 1864 postmark at upper right corner. Another ink stamp at the lower left corner reads "Prisoner's Letter" at center.
ALS to Reverend (Captain) Littleberry W. Allen from his wife, Mrs. Ann M. Allen while he was a prisoner at Johnson's Island, 2pp, 8 x 10.5 in., "Applewood, Va." December 31, 1863. In the letter, Mrs. Allen expresses her gratitude for the prison authorities' mindfulness of the prisoners and their families, referencing the successful delivery of letters between her and her husband. She goes on to inform the Reverend Allen of the many goings on back at home, including farm business. She writes of the various sums she has received from selling hay, discusses reluctance to sell their horses, and reports, "I have fattened and killed old Bes, & sold one quarter to Dr. Hipp(a) for 80 dol." Mrs. Allen goes on to inform her husband of news that two companies have been captured near Charles City, though she is unsure whose companies they are. She closes the letter by announcing, "It is now New years day 1862." Letter includes additional correspondence written over top fifth of original text, referencing Confederate prisoners, the death of a captain's mother, and a Congressional currency bill. Letter is accompanied by cover with 3-cent Washington stamp affixed at upper right corner, Old Point Comfort, January 20 postmark, and inscription reading, "Flag of Truce Boat" at upper left corner.
Hussey, Reverend John (1831-1888). ALS as delegate of the US Christian Commission, 2pp, 5 x 8 in., Washington, DC. November 13, 1863. Addressed to Frederick Starr, Esq. of Rochester, NY. Body of letter reads, "Dear Sir / I met your son George in ‘Libby’ prison Richmond Va. this day week. He is well & desired me to write to you & say so & say also that he wants $10.00 — let me suggest however that you send him a box of ‘things from home’ — such as a change of shirts and drawers, a towel, soap, sponge, socks, a pair of small scissors, tooth brush, a few needles, thread, buttons, but especially things to eat: sugar, coffee, tea, condensed milk, ham, dried beef, jellies, canned fruit, a plate, cup, knife & fork, spoon. I judge from experience & not from any word from him — the money may be rolled in tin foil and placed in a roll of butter — either gold or green-backs — I could not recollect his individual request, except about the money, which I took down. Direct: — "George Starr [indecipherable] / ‘Libby Prison Richmond Va. / Via Fortress Monroe, care of Major Jn E. Mulford, Flag of truce officer,’ — / By Express, paid to Fortress Monroe and he will get it." Reverend Hussey's letter concerns Captain George H. Starr of the 104th NY volunteers, who was captured and listed as a prisoner of war on July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg. Reverend Hussey himself was actually captured by General Bragg at the Battle of Chickamauga and imprisoned in Libby Prison and Castle Thunder. His professional service included pastoring the Presbyterians churches at Lockland and Sharon, OH, serving on the US Christian Commission, joining the fish commission and geological surveys of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and teaching at Hanover College and Purdue University in Indiana.
Baskin letter worn throughout, with some separation at creases and some fading to text. Mrs. Allen letter with creasing and wear (including at least one small tear) at edges. Accompanying cover with wear and discoloration.Condition
Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219. - Shipping Info
-
Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful Bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial. - If there is no shipping amount on listed your invoice, you will need to make arrangements to pick up or ship your purchase through an alternative shipping company. Our shipping department can be contacted at 513.871.1670 (ext. 219) or email shipping@cowans.com. - Shipping charges include insurance for your order while in transit. If you have private insurance we will adjust your charge to include only packing and shipping. - Please allow 14 – 21 days after payment to package and ship your purchase as carefully as possible.
-
- Buyer's Premium
