Terms of SaleBid IncrementsGradingLinksContact

Sale 55: United States Postal History

Table of Contents

Prisoner of War Covers - Southern Prisons

Lot 2521    

Confederacy, Camp Florence, Florence, S.C., cover endorsed "From Prisoner of War" at left to National, Iowa, manuscript "Examined" examiner's marking just ties C.S.A. 1863, 10¢ blue, and bearing U.S. 1861, 3¢ rose tied by "Port Royal Nov 10 '64" cds, the original letter from C.C. Goodale of Co. C 3rd Iowa Infantry 10th Det. 2nd Mess. datelined "Prisoners Camp Florence S.C. Oct 3d 64" to soldier's mother begins "I was taken prisoner 33d of July, am in very good health…", cover was probably taken from Florence by C.S.A. military courier to Hilton Head S.C. to be exchange by flag of truce via Port Royal; accompanied by response letter from soldier's mother datelined "National, Nov 25th 1864" and addressed to him at Florence, the cover has no postal markings and contained $5 and mentions box of provisions was sent; lot also includes a civil war journal by Private Charles C. Goodall of his military time May 5th to Dec. 25th, 1864 when he was exchanged, it was typed 25 yrs afterwards, Very Fine.
Scott No. C.S.A. #11, U.S. #65    Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

A RARE FLORENCE S.C. PRISONER OF WAR CORRESPONDENCE.

The Florence Stockade was built and became operational in September 1864, and was in use during the final fall and winter of the war. During its time of operation, anywhere from 15,000 to 18,000 captives were held there. The need for additional prisons became imperative after General Sherman captured Atlanta on September 1, 1864. Andersonville prison in south Georgia was thought to be in the path of Sherman and the Confederate prison authorities determined to relocate the approximately 30,000 Union prisoners then at Andersonville. Because Florence had three railroads, and was thought to be secure, it was chosen as a site for a newly constructed prison. To keep the Union soldiers in order during relocation, they were told that they were to be paroled. Many of those who were unable to walk or not stable enough to travel were left behind in Andersonville. Of the total number of prisoners that passed through the Florence Stockade, 2,802 Union soldiers died there and most were buried in unmarked trenches in what would become the Florence National Cemetery after the war.

Realized: $1,800

Email Sale 55 - Lot 2521 to a friend

Required fields are marked *

A link back to Sale 55 - Lot 2521, along with its description, will be appended to your message.