Written to POW at Richmond, VA - Writes of possible parole & exchange

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023

This remarkable Civil War (POW) 2pp. letter, with original cover, was written by Edward J. Kenney (1809-1874), a Philadelphia clothier, and the father of Lieut. George W. Kenney (1841-1862) of Co. H, 1st California Regiment (71st Pennsylvania Infantry) to whom the letter was addressed, in care of Gen. Winder at Richmond, Virginia, where he was being held as a prisoner of war. Lt. Kenney was taken prisoner by the Rebel army while being treated at the White Oak Swamp Hospital on the 30th June 1862. Datelined, Philadelphia, January 20, 1862 to his son. In full, "We have no word from you since your letter of December 28th. Two men called at the house on January 15th. One slept with you. My reason for sending you this letter is for fear you may not get the letter and the money I sent you. I will repeat what was in the letter. Send word to Maury & Co. and ask him to get you a parole for thirty days so you can get a Lieut. to be exchanged for you or name one of our prisoners and I think I can get it done at Washington. I sent you 25 dollars in gold in the last letter. If you want the rest I will send it as I can get a draft from the President of our Bank, Mr. Rogers, if Maury will accept it. I sent two large boxes of goods and 20 dollars for your men. Send the word if you received them. I think you will soon be exchanged so you must be content putting your trust in God who hath said all things work together for good to them that love God. I know he hears the prayer of Father and your dear Mother who loves you so well. Try and save some poor soul from the death that never dies. May God bless you."

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