Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
Rare war-date Libby Prison narrative written by captured officer Lt. William C. Harris of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers who was captured during the battle of Ball's Bluff, Va., on October 21, 1861, entitled: "PRISON-LIFE in the TOBACCO WAREHOUSE at RICHMOND. By a Ball's Bluff Prisoner, Lieut. Wm. C. Harris, of Col. Baker's California Regiment," 175pp. 8vo., published, ca. March 1862, by George W. Childs, Philadelphia, 1862, in paper wraps. Opposite the title page is a finely engraved bookplate labeled: "Our last day in the Richmond Tobacco Warehouse." This plate shows jubilant black slaves, some wearing kepis, dancing in the streets in front of the warehouse while Union POWs throw clothing out of the building's windows. As a pioneer of sorts, Harris published for the first time an account of what is was like to be held prisoner at what was up to that time the most infamous prison in the South. Starting first with his experiences during the battle of Ball's Bluff up until the time of his release at Fortress Monroe on Feb. 22, 1862. Chapters include: "A Day in The Officer's Prison…A Day in The Privates' Prison…Prison-Incidents…Sunday in Prison…Our Jailers…Our Visitors." But, perhaps, the last chapter is the most as to why Harris published this work so quickly after his release. That chapter is called: "The Richmond Prison Association." Made up of officers who were confined at the warehouse. It was their mission to bring an awareness of the suffering endured inside Richmond's prison system. After this small, but important chapter, Harris adds a roster for the organization's ranks whose names important Civil War notables such as: Generals Michael Corcoran & Orlando B. Willcox. Col. Paul Revere of the 20th Mass. who would be killed at Gettysburg. Famous Bull Run POW New York Congressman Alfred Ely. A certain C. Huson of Rochester, New York who was captured at Bull Run only to die at the home of famed Union spy Elizabeth Van Lewis and, even, two boys, ages thirteen and fourteen, who were captured "on the Potomac River while boating for amusement." This book would be a great addition to any historian's research library. Detached front cover, wear and some soiling with some dog eared pages, overall VG.
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