Lot
3108 
Confederacy, Camp Sorghum, Columbia, S.C., two incoming covers to prisoners in Charleston, both were later transferred to Camp Sorghum, Columbia, S.C. due to the outbreak of Yellow Fever in Charleston, first is 3¢ entire to "Capt. Saml. H. Pilsbury 5th Maine Vols Prisoner of War Charleston S.C.", endorsed at upper left "Care Genl Foster Port Royal S.C.", postmarked light "Lewiston, Me Oct 20 1864" double circle postmark, 2nd cover is franked with U.S. 1861, 3¢ rose (65) tied by grid on cover to (barely legible) "Capt. D.W. Mullin 101st Pa Inf. Prisoner of War, Charleston, S.C.", additional "Via Hilton Head" at lower right, postmarked "Poland, O. Nov 1" cds, both covers with Confederate manuscript censor, "Exd HHR" (Capt. Hugh Hamilton Rogers, Provost Marshal's Office in Charleston), some light wear, F.-V.F.Estimate $400 - 600.
Unlike many Southern prisons, Camp Sorghum was not enclosed by a stockade. The move was so abrupt that there was no time to prepare the camp properly. Lacking a fence and guarded by a force of young boys and older men, security was insufficient, allowing hundreds of prisoners to escape.
On October 7th, approximately 1,200 prisoners were marched two miles along Augusta Road, across the Saluda River, to their new camp. The outbreak of yellow fever in Charleston achieved what Union General Foster had attempted but failed to do by placing 600 hostages on Morris Island: it led to the removal of Federal prisoners from the city.
Realized: $725