Lot
3103 
Confederacy, Camp Lewis, City Point, Va., prisoner of war cover from Camp Lewis to Albion, N.Y., manuscript endorsement "By Flag of Truce from City-Point Va." across top, franked with 1861, 3¢ rose (65, couple trivial perf flaws)) tied by target cancel with "Old Point Comfort, Va. Nov 4" double circle postmark alongside, manuscript "Approved J.M. Higgins" (CSA censor), Very Fine and choice.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A LOVELY AND RARE PRISONER OF WAR PRISON COVER WITH ONLY FOUR PIECES RECORDED.
City Point, situated on the James River, quickly took over from Aiken's Landing as an important exchange site. Officially named Camp Lewis, the prison comprised three large barracks, each enclosed by a tall wooden fence. Security was tight, with guards on constant patrol and sentries positioned to oversee the entire area. Inmates referred to Camp Lewis as the "Bull Pen." The sanitary conditions were inadequate, and prisoners claimed that spending a month there was worse than six months at Libby Prison. While it mainly served as a temporary stop for those awaiting parole or exchange, some provost marshal prisoners were held there for extended periods.
Realized: $1,450