Description:

LT. H. J. CLIFTON, MEMBER OF THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED, WRITES HOME FROM FORT DELAWARE
Rare A.L.S. of First Lt. Henry J. Clifton, Co. K., 21st S.C. Infantry, 1p., 12mo., Officers Barracks Division 37, Fort Delaware, De., Apr. 4, 1865 to his wife. In part: "...I must first ask you to excuse my seeming audacity. If I might so be considered I presume that you are not aware of the exact condition of a prisoner without one cent of money; but have a very correct idea. I have been a prisoner for ten months, two here last summer, the autumn and winter on the southern coast, until two weeks ago I returned here and have never been so fortunate as to receive any money or other assistance except a few under clothing, since my capture. And as a few dollars would be of incalculable service to me I respectfully ask if you will be so kind as to assist me a little. By doing you will confer a favor that will every be indelibly cherished by your friends & obs. servt. H.J. Clifton 1st. Lt., Co. K., 21st. S.C. Infy". On June 17, 1865, Clifton took the Oath of Allegiance and was released. With Clifton's biographical background as one of the Immortal Six Hundred. Fine. On August 20, 1864, a chosen group of six hundred Confederate officers left Fort Delaware as prisoners of war, bound for the Union base at Hilton Head, S.C. They were landed on Morris Island, at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, and remained in an open pen, under the shelling of friendly artillery fire. Three died on the starvation rations issued in retaliation for the conditions of Union prisoners at Andersonville and Salisbury, N.C. On Oct. 21, after 45 days under fire, the weakened survivors were removed to Fort Pulaski, Ga. Here they were crowded into the cold damp casements of the fort. On Nov. 19, 197 of the men were sent back to Hilton Head to relieve the overcrowding. A "retaliation ration" of ten ounces of moldy cornmeal and soured onion pickles was the only food given for forty two days. Thirteen men died at Fort Pulaski and five at Hilton Head. The remaining members of the Immortal Six-Hundred were returned to Fort Delaware on Mar. 12, 1865, where an additional 25 died. They became famous throughout the South for their adherence to principle, refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance under such adverse circumstances. Clifton was promoted to 1st Lt. on May 11, 1864, and captured at Petersburg on June 18, 1864. He was sent to Fort Delaware, and then to Charleston on Aug. 20, 1864. He was then sent back to Fort Delaware on March 12, 1865.

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December 9, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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