Lot
4473 
Confederacy, Camp Ford Prison, Tyler Tex., prisoner of war folded letter with "Camp Ford Military Prison, Tyler, Texas, Jan. 16, 1865" dateline, addressed to Marietta Oh. and bearing U.S. 1861, 3¢ rose tied by target duplexed with "New Orleans La. Mar 17 '65" cds, manuscript "Flag of Truce" on address panel and matching endorsement on back "Exm & forwarded, Ig. Szymanski, Asst Agt. of Exchange, C.S.A." in four lines; minor stamp faults; Fine. Scott No. 65 Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A VERY RARE SOUTHERN PRISON COVER, THIS BEING ONE OF ONLY 5 COVERS RECORDED.
The letter is from Andrew W. McCormick who enlisted as a Captain in Company G of the 77th OH Infantry on October 21, 1861. He was wounded and taken prisoner on April 8, 1862 at Falling Timber TN. He was later exchanged and taken prisoner again at Mark's Mills, Ark. on April 25, 1864. He was later promoted to Lt. Col. by Brevet on March 13, 1865.
He writes about conditions at Camp Ford including, "We are well treated here - fare much better than I did while in George in 1862. We have build comfortable winter quarters, and as the rations are as good as the Southern soldiers get and the U.S. government sent us some blankets and clothing we fare pretty well. But it is very hard to be happy away from the loved ones at home…The health of our regiment is better now. We have lost 34 since here by deaths…".
Realized: $2,800