Lot
3157 
Confederacy, Richland Jail, Columbia S.C., prisoner of war cover to from prisoner of war Col. Stephen M. Weld, 56th Mass. (Colored) Vols. to "Lieut. Lipp, Act. Adj. 56 Mass. Vol., 1st Brig. 1st. Div. 9th A.C. Army Potomac, Va.", postmarked "Old Point Comfort, Va. Sep. 8" double circle, bold manuscript Confederate censor "Exd R.D. Senn, Capt Post Guard." marking at top and then again at left, cover with additional manuscript endorsements "Prisoner of War" (at top left) and "Care of Col. Ould, Richmond, Va.", no indication of any rate markings, included is original enclosure datelined "Richland Jail, Columbia, S.C., Aug. 18th, '64", letter with interesting wartime content, Very Fine and choice, Illustrated on page 57, "Prisoners' Mail From The American Civil War" by Galen Harrison.Estimate $500 - 750.
Richland Jail served as the main county jail for Richland County, located near downtown Columbia. This three-story brick building was the first prison established in the city. Unfortunately, it, like much of Columbia, was destroyed by fire when Sherman's army entered in February 1865. The jail had been in use for prisoners as early as January 1, 1862, under the command of Captain Shiver. Initially, inmates were treated fairly well, sometimes attending lodge meetings or dining at fine restaurants. However, this changed when Captain Rufus D. Senn took charge of the Columbia prisons, adopting a much more businesslike approach. By the time Sherman arrived in Columbia on February 17, 1865, the jail was still operational, as indicated by Sherman's official report referencing "the officers who had long been imprisoned there and rescued by us." .
Current Opening Bid: $250