Lot 529
Two Confederate Prisoner of War Letters. Two letters written from Fort Delaware by G. Berkeley Grerne, Co. K, 18th Mississippi Volunteers, Division II. Written in January and February of 1865, presumably both to Mrs. Waddie Duckett. On lined paper, one small and one large quarto. Mailing folds with scattered edge separation on both letters, minor foxing and toning. Good to very good condition.
Illustrating the life of a prisoner of war, both letters resonate with gentility and gratitude for communication. "…I have heard too much of exchange news in the papers during the last 18 mo's to found any bright hopes of freedom upon them & only when I am on board a transport & sailing up James river will I ever be convinced…Since you so kindly offer to supply wants …send a little money as I can't receive any thing else…" and "…I thank you for your kindness in forwarding…$5.00…it means I have been enabled to liquidate several little prison debts…I should like to have a good hairbrush and on of these knit smoking capes." Fort Delaware was the most brutal of the Union prisons and likened on a few occasions to the hellhole Andersonville.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
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| Realized $113 |
