2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
A rare war-date Union officer's, 1p. 8vo., POW letter written in pencil by Lt. William H. Broughton, Co. D, 16th Maine Vols., "Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., Aug. 21, 1864" to his parents giving them a brief letter to informing them of his whereabouts, reading, in part: "…we have at last arrived at the above named place. Last night we were somewhat surprised to have an addition to our number in the persons of Capt. Lord and Lieut. Fitch. I know you must be very uneasy as I am probably reported missing on action…I wish you would write to Cuz Sarah and tell her…direct to Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., and enclose another envelope to Maj. Mulford, Commissioner of Exchange, Fortress Munroe, Va., also include a ten cent postage stamp. My health is good, spirits ditto…". At the top of the letter, Boughton instructs his parents to: "Leave the letter unsealed" when writing to him in the future. Ten days after his sixteenth birthday, Broughton enlisted in 1862 as a private in the 16th Maine. He became one of the army's youngest officers by being promoted to lieutenant by the end of the year. After the battle of Gettysburg, he commanded a company due to the heavy losses his regiment sustained during the battle. He served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war and was captured at the battle of Weldon Railroad, Va. on Aug. 13, 1864, and was paroled after being held a short time at Libby prison. He was discharged on June 5, 1865. Irregular left margin, else very good.
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