Description:

REBEL PRISONERS BREAK OUT OF POINT LOOKOUT, AND THEIR GUARD ADVOCATES ARMING BLACK SOLDIERS
A great pair of war-date Union solder's letters, total 6pp., 8vo. and 4to., written by Orderly Sgt. Solon G. Blaisdell [WIA Cold Harbor, Va., 6/03/64], Co. F, 12th New Hampshire Vols., Point Lookout Prison, Md., Sep. 14 & 17, 1863 In small part: "…I have seen as hard marching and hard fighting…we have nearly eighteen hundred Reb prisoners here to guard and we find it's pretty hard work to keep them all. Some eight or ten have got away from us. Night before last it was very rough weather...five of the 'Grey Backs' escaped by swimming the creek. I was on guard…but the squad of men that I had charge of were not guarding the point where they crossed...They fired at them but could not stop them. The Cavalry are after them now. [Gen.] Marston will soon have it so they will have to stay put. He is going to build a high fence…they are a pretty smart lot of boys but they are traitors to the Government…we have but few troops to guard them now but are expecting the 5th N. H…with a full Regt…Gen. Marston is pretty strict with us…most of the 2nd N. H. are regular devils…it is a pleasant place here, the Potomac on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other…there is a creek that runs from the river to the bay which makes it an island…which makes it a fine place to keep prisoners…we are to have ten thousand here to guard…Most all of our Officers were killed or wounded at Chancellorsville or Gettysburg….I am death[?] on slavery and for emancipating of the slaves but I think it should be a gradual process…about Copperheadism. I don't think Wells does just right to call you as such if you are opposed to some of Lincoln's orders…I am for arming the Negroes and letting them fight out their own freedom if it must be done…I will send George a piece of the colors that have been through Chancellorsville and Gettysburg…[Sept. 17th, 1863]…I intended Greeley on writing you a history of the marches & battles I have been through…I will send along what I have…the 5th which is now at Concord is going to the front. If so…the 12th will get a furlough at present and I would much rather stay here without a furlough…I am acting as Orderly Sergt. now…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. Very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas), DHL or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. PLease contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

February 19, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000