Description:

Civil War
Richmond, VA, November 12, 1861
Union P.O.W. ALS Describing His Capture at First Bull Run, Likely Held at Libby Prison
ALS

An autograph letter signed from a Union P.O.W. captured and held imprisoned in Richmond. 4pp, measuring 7.5" x 9.75", Richmond, dated November 12, 1861. From Union soldier, Albert L. Graves, to his mother and siblings. He writes as a prisoner of war and describes the circumstances of his capture during the First Battle of Bull Run. Although it is not stated in the text, his status as a prisoner of war held in Richmond at this early date indicates he was likely held at the infamous Libby Prison. With flattened mail folds and some small separations repaired with tape. Light toning. A few spots of staining scattered throughout. Very good overall.

In part:

"... In your last letter you asked me to give what particulars I knew in regards to corporal Rice. While we were engaged in the action he was shot through one leg just above the ankle by a round musket ball which broke one of the bones and lodged in the other ankle. He turned around and started to go over the hill out of the range of the balls which were then hissing through the air as thick as hail. Streeter saw him staggering along making but very poor progress and went to his assistance. By this time he had got too weak to walk and I happened to look around and saw his situation and immediately started to help Streeter. We picked him up and carried him a mile and a half to Sudleys Church which was used for a hospital where we were joined by Fife and Wheeler. Fife picked the ball out of his leg with my Bowie knife. I went and got several blankets and made him a good bed and then we went out to follow the retreating army which had passed us on the way but had only got into the yard when several 'sesesh' cavalry rode up and ordered us to throw down our arms and surrender to Jeff Davis. It was impossible to do anything else so we gave ourselves up. I have since heard that Rice is in Richmond and not getting along very well although he was in no danger…"

Albert L. Graves was a Vermont native who enlisted in the Union Army as a Private in May 1861. He was mustered into "C" Co. Vermont 2nd Infantry and served with them until he was captured at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Records show that he was imprisoned in Richmond for just under 6 months before he was paroled in early January 1862. It appears that Graves may have rejoined his unit for a time but ultimately deserted in late September 1862.

Corporal Charles B. Rice was also a Vermont native and was paroled from Richmond on January 16, 1862. He would later be discharged due to medical reasons on November 29, 1862.

Sudley Methodist Church was used as a hospital in July 1861, during the First Battle of Bull Run, and in August 1862, during the Second Battle of Bull Run. The sanctuary was cleared and the pulpit converted into a surgery table due to a lack of prepared space. A local reporter, William Croffut, recorded that it was a "sickening spectacle…the pulpit had the appearance of a drug store…" The church floors were so overcrowded with wounded "…that it was difficult to get across by stepping carefully". When the building overflowed with wounded, the patients spilled into the neighboring John Thornberry House and wheelwright shop. The church building ultimately had to be razed because of structural damage received during the two battles at Bull Run.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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