| POW215 |
Stampless cover South-to-North Through-the-Lines POW
cover which originated at the Castle Thunder prison in Richmond, Va,
transferred through Old Point Comfort, Va. Union double ring Old Point Comfort, Va, postmark dated 19 DEC (1863). The cover was rated "DUE 3" for the Union postage which was incorrect. Since the cover was sent unpaid, the proper rating should have been "DUE 6." No CSA postage and no examiner's mark. "Prisoners Letter Flag of Truce"
at left. This would be the inside envelope with the outer envelope
perhaps containing
the CSA postage and the examiner's mark discarded at the transfer
point. However, no examiner's marks are recorded from Castle Thunder.
Or
the cover may have been carried by a courier from Richmond to Old Point
Comfort or even by an exchanged prisoner. Addressed to Hon James
Dixson, U.S. Senator from Conn, Washington D.C. Address lined through
and cover forwarded to Col Townsend, Asst Adgt General, Washington D. C. Senator Dixson used his Free Frank
at the upper right to forward the cover. Galen Harrison recorded only
eleven covers from Castle Thunder. Very Fine. Ex-Harrison Exhibit.
The
following research is from Galen Harrison -- The cover is illustrated
on Page 86 of Harrison's POW book. The cover was sent by John Watson of
Hartford, Conn, a civilian prisoner at Castle Thunder. He was captured
when the ship (mail boat) he was on ran aground in North Carolina. He
was writing to his Connecticut senator asking for help. No further
information. |
$1,500.00
SOLD |
JLKCSA@aol.com
-- Confederate Order
Form --