Lot
2078 
Confederacy, Elmira Prison, cover franked with 10¢ blue (four margins) tied by red Petersburg, Va. cds and sent to Harrington, N.C., the cover was reused and addressed on the reverse to "l M Dougald, Prisoner's Camp, Elmira, NY, Ward No. 43, Care of Maj. Colt", postmarked Harrington, N.C., Jan 3 (1865), docketed on obverse side, "Answered Sept 28, '64", some overall soiling, Very Fine, This cover most likely was sent under separate cover from there to Richmond, Va. by Flag of Truce via Old Point Comfort, VA. Both CSA & US postage was paid by the NC postmaster, John Harrington, who neglected to note the payment on the cover.; signed Dietz. Estimate $500 - 750.
Major Henry V. Colt of the 1041h NY Volunteers served as the direct camp commander under Col. Seth Eastman and Col. Benjamin Tracy. His brother was the famous Samuel Colt, inventor of the revolving breech pistol. Elmira Prison camp operated by the United States government during the War between the States was in use from 6 July 1864, until 11 July 1865, and was dubbed "Hellmira" by its inmates. During those 12 months, 2,970 of the 12,100 prisoners would die from a combination of malnutrition, continued exposure to harsh winter weather, and disease from the poor sanitary conditions on Foster's Pond combined with a lack of medical care.
Realized: $260