Lot
3878 
Confederacy, Charleston, S.C. - "Immortal 600", prisoner of war cover with "Port Royal, S.C. (Hilton Head)" double circle postmark franked with US 1861, 3¢ rose (perf defects) tied by target cancel with small pencil censor's manuscript "Exd" (Examined) marking at top left, included is original enclosure datelined "On Board Steamship Crescent, Off Hilton Head, August 28th, 1864", a fascinating letter detailing conditions on board the ship, part back flap missing and edge tears across the cover top, Very Fine and rare, ex-Antrim. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Prisoner of War letter from Lt. John W. Hooberry written in the hold of the Steamer Crescent on August 21, 1864 shortly before disembarking to be put under fire of their own guns. Hooberry was an officer having been transferred there from Ft. Delaware for the express purpose of being imprisoned at Federally occupied South Carolina positions "for retaliation" during the winter of 1864-65. The purpose of this move was to place these men into a cramped stockade in front of Union artillery positions, to literally use these prisoners as human shields from the bombarding Confederate artillery of Charleston Harbor. Hooberry was from Tennessee and captured at Petersburg in June 1864; he was incarcerated at Morris Island. Prisoner of War covers from the "Immortal 600" are some of the most sought after.
Realized: $2,900