Description:

PRISONERS AT LIBBY PRISON HOLD A CHRISTMAS SHOW
An excessively rare printed broadside, a playbill for an 1863 Christmas stage show undertaken by imprisoned Union officers at Richmond's notorious Libby Prison! The playbill measures 6" x 15 3/4", advertises the Dec. 24, 1863 performance of "The Libby Prison Minstrels!". All of the performers are officers, and listed by rank and last name only. The show included a series of songs including "Who will care for Mother Now" and "Do they think of me at Home", a skit entitled "Rival Lovers" as well as a "Masquerade Ball" and "The Whole to Conclude with a Grand Walk-Around". With a cheeky notice at bottom: "ADMISSION FREE -- Children in Arms Not Admitted". Heavy folds, some which appear weak, moderate toning and soiling, else good condition. Obviously, this performance was not for viewing by the citizens of Richmond, who detested the Yankee invaders, but rather for fellow inmates. We find it incredible that despite the incredible hardships faced by the prisoners at Libby - indiscriminate shootings, starvation, beatings, and so on - they retained enough morale to put on a Christmas revue! Neatly matted and framed.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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